1 Samuel 26:12

So David took the spear and water jug by Saul's head, and they departed. No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up; they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

Study Bible

So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head, and they departed.
David's actions here demonstrate his respect for Saul's life, despite Saul's pursuit to kill him. The spear and water jug symbolize Saul's vulnerability and David's ability to take his life, yet he chooses not to. This act of mercy reflects David's adherence to God's command not to harm the Lord's anointed (1 Samuel 24:6). The spear, a weapon of war, contrasts with the water jug, a symbol of life and sustenance, highlighting the choice between violence and mercy. This event occurs in the Wilderness of Ziph, a region known for its rugged terrain, which provided David with strategic advantage and concealment. David's decision to take these items rather than harm Saul foreshadows Christ's teaching on loving one's enemies (Matthew 5:44).

No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up;
This phrase emphasizes the miraculous nature of David's escape. The fact that no one saw or knew about David's actions underscores the divine intervention at play. In a military camp, guards would typically be alert, yet here, they are unaware, highlighting God's protection over David. This scenario parallels other biblical instances where God blinds or confuses enemies to protect His chosen ones, such as in 2 Kings 6:18 when Elisha prays for the Arameans to be struck with blindness.

they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.
The deep sleep is a divine act, reminiscent of the "deep sleep" God caused to fall on Adam in Genesis 2:21. This supernatural slumber signifies God's direct involvement in the events, ensuring David's safety and the fulfillment of His purposes. It also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over human affairs, as He can alter natural states to achieve His will. This divine intervention is a testament to God's faithfulness in protecting David, who is anointed to be king, and it prefigures the peace and security found in Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to David (2 Samuel 7:16).

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by God, who is being pursued by King Saul. David demonstrates restraint and respect for God's anointed king, Saul, despite being unjustly hunted.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is in pursuit of David due to jealousy and fear of losing his throne. Saul is unaware of David's presence due to a divinely induced sleep.

3. Abishai
David's nephew and a warrior, who accompanies David into Saul's camp. He suggests killing Saul, but David restrains him, emphasizing respect for God's anointed.

4. Ziph Desert
The location where Saul is encamped with his men while pursuing David. It is a wilderness area that serves as a backdrop for this encounter.

5. Deep Sleep from the LORD
A supernatural sleep that God places on Saul and his men, allowing David to enter and leave the camp undetected. This highlights God's sovereignty and protection over David.

Teaching Points

Respect for God's Anointed
David's refusal to harm Saul, despite having the opportunity, teaches us to respect those whom God has placed in authority, even when they are flawed.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
The deep sleep from the LORD illustrates God's control over circumstances. We can trust that God is actively working in our lives, even when we cannot see it.

Restraint and Self-Control
David's restraint in not killing Saul, despite Abishai's encouragement, is a powerful example of self-control and reliance on God's justice rather than taking matters into our own hands.

God's Protection
The passage reminds us of God's protection over His people. Just as He protected David, He watches over us and can intervene in miraculous ways.

Faith in God's Timing
David's actions show his faith in God's timing for his ascension to the throne. We are encouraged to wait patiently for God's timing in our own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's respect for Saul as God's anointed challenge us in how we view and treat those in authority over us?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty and protection in our own lives, similar to how He protected David?

3. How can we practice restraint and self-control in situations where we are tempted to take matters into our own hands?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate trust in God's timing, especially when we are waiting for a promise to be fulfilled?

5. How does the concept of leaving vengeance to God, as seen in David's actions, apply to conflicts or injustices we face today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 24
Another instance where David spares Saul's life, demonstrating his consistent respect for God's anointed and his trust in God's timing for his own kingship.

Genesis 2:21
The deep sleep God placed on Adam during the creation of Eve, showing God's control over human consciousness and His ability to intervene in human affairs.

Romans 12:19
The principle of leaving vengeance to God, which David exemplifies by not taking Saul's life, trusting that God will deal justly with Saul.