1 Samuel 26:17
Then Saul recognized David's voice and asked, "Is that your voice, David my son?" "It is my voice, my lord and king," David said.
Then Saul recognized David’s voice
Saul's recognition of David's voice indicates a familiarity and past relationship between the two. David had been a musician and armor-bearer for Saul (1 Samuel 16:21-23), and their interactions were numerous. This recognition also highlights the tension in their relationship, as Saul had been pursuing David to kill him (1 Samuel 24:2). The ability to recognize someone's voice in the dark suggests a close connection, emphasizing the personal nature of Saul's betrayal.

and asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?”
Saul's use of "my son" is significant, reflecting the complex relationship between Saul and David. David was married to Saul's daughter Michal (1 Samuel 18:27), making him Saul's son-in-law. The term "my son" could indicate a moment of vulnerability or an attempt to appeal to David's sense of loyalty and family. This phrase also contrasts with Saul's previous hostility, showing a momentary lapse in his pursuit of David.

“It is my voice, my lord and king,” David said.
David's response is respectful, acknowledging Saul's authority as "my lord and king." Despite being anointed as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13), David consistently shows respect for Saul's position as the current king, demonstrating his patience and faith in God's timing. This respect for authority is a recurring theme in David's life and is echoed in the New Testament teaching of respecting governing authorities (Romans 13:1). David's response also foreshadows Christ's submission to authority, even when unjustly treated (1 Peter 2:23).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's reign was marked by disobedience to God, leading to his eventual rejection as king.

2. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel while Saul was still reigning. Known for his faithfulness to God, David is a central figure in the Old Testament.

3. The Wilderness of Ziph
A desert area where David was hiding from Saul. This location is significant as it represents a place of testing and reliance on God for David.

4. The Camp of Saul
The setting of this event, where Saul and his men were encamped while pursuing David. It highlights the ongoing conflict between Saul and David.

5. Abishai
David's nephew and a loyal warrior. He accompanied David into Saul's camp and urged David to kill Saul, which David refused.
Teaching Points
Respect for Authority
David's response to Saul, despite being pursued unjustly, shows respect for God-ordained authority. Christians are called to respect and pray for leaders, even when they disagree with them.

Trust in God's Timing
David's refusal to harm Saul demonstrates his trust in God's timing for his ascension to the throne. Believers are encouraged to wait on God's timing in their own lives.

Responding with Grace
David's respectful response to Saul, calling him "my lord the king," exemplifies grace under pressure. Christians are called to respond with grace and love, even towards those who wrong them.

The Power of Voice Recognition
Saul's recognition of David's voice signifies the deep relationship and history between them. It reminds us of the importance of being recognized by God through our relationship with Him.

The Test of Integrity
David's actions in sparing Saul's life are a testament to his integrity. Believers are encouraged to maintain integrity, even when opportunities arise to act otherwise.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's response to Saul in 1 Samuel 26:17 reflect his character and relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we apply David's respect for authority in our own lives, especially when we disagree with those in power?

3. How does David's trust in God's timing challenge us in situations where we are tempted to take matters into our own hands?

4. What can we learn from David's example about responding with grace to those who have wronged us?

5. How does the recognition of David's voice by Saul speak to the importance of our relationship with God and being known by Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 24
Another instance where David spares Saul's life, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed king.

Psalm 57
A psalm attributed to David during his time hiding from Saul, expressing trust in God's protection.

Romans 12:19
Paul’s teaching on leaving vengeance to God, reflecting David’s attitude towards Saul.
The Reproach of the EnemyF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Samuel 26:1-25
David's Last Meeting with SaulB. Dale 1 Samuel 26:13-25
People
Abishai, Abner, Ahimelech, David, Joab, Ner, Saul, Zeruiah, Ziphites
Places
Gibeah, Hachilah, Jeshimon, Ziph
Topics
Conscious, David, David's, Discerneth, O, Recognized, Replied, Saul, Voice, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 26:17

     5196   voice

1 Samuel 26:1-25

     5088   David, character

1 Samuel 26:5-24

     5545   spear

1 Samuel 26:7-25

     5086   David, rise of

Library
Love and Remorse
'And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Xer, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him. 6. Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee. 7. So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Samuel 26:17 NIV
1 Samuel 26:17 NLT
1 Samuel 26:17 ESV
1 Samuel 26:17 NASB
1 Samuel 26:17 KJV

1 Samuel 26:17 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Samuel 26:16
Top of Page
Top of Page