1 Samuel 26:5

Then David set out and went to the place where Saul had camped. He saw the place where Saul and Abner son of Ner, the general of his army, had lain down. Saul was lying inside the inner circle of the camp, with the troops camped around him.

Study Bible

Then David set out and went to the place where Saul had camped.
David's decision to approach Saul's camp demonstrates his courage and strategic thinking. This event occurs during a period when Saul is pursuing David, who is anointed but not yet king. The location is the Wilderness of Ziph, a region known for its rugged terrain, providing natural hiding places. David's actions reflect his reliance on God's guidance, as he seeks to confront Saul without resorting to violence. This moment foreshadows David's future role as a wise and discerning leader.

He saw the place where Saul and Abner son of Ner, the general of his army, had lain down.
Abner, Saul's cousin and commander, is a significant figure in Israel's military hierarchy. His presence underscores the seriousness of Saul's pursuit of David. The mention of Abner highlights the organized and formidable nature of Saul's forces. This scene sets the stage for David's later interactions with Abner, emphasizing themes of loyalty and leadership. The relationship between David and Abner is complex, as Abner eventually supports David's rival, Ish-bosheth, before ultimately aligning with David.

Saul was lying inside the inner circle of the camp, with the troops camped around him.
Saul's position in the center of the camp indicates his status as king and the protection afforded to him by his men. This arrangement reflects ancient military practices, where leaders were safeguarded by their soldiers. The inner circle symbolizes Saul's authority and the loyalty of his troops, despite his declining mental state and erratic behavior. This scene contrasts with David's reliance on God's protection rather than human defenses. It also prefigures the vulnerability of earthly kingship compared to the divine kingship that David will embody.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by God, who is currently fleeing from King Saul. David is known for his faithfulness to God and his refusal to harm Saul, despite being pursued by him.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, who has fallen out of favor with God due to his disobedience. Saul is actively seeking to kill David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne.

3. Abner son of Ner
The commander of Saul's army and a loyal supporter of Saul. He is responsible for the protection of the king.

4. The Camp
The location where Saul and his army are encamped. It is significant as the setting for the events where David demonstrates his integrity and respect for God's anointed king.

5. The Wilderness of Ziph
The broader region where these events take place, known for its rugged terrain and as a place of refuge for David during his flight from Saul.

Teaching Points

Respect for Authority
David's actions remind us of the importance of respecting those in authority, even when they are unjust, trusting that God will deal with them in His time.

Trust in God's Timing
David's refusal to harm Saul shows his deep trust in God's timing and plan for his life. We are encouraged to wait on God's timing rather than taking matters into our own hands.

Integrity in Adversity
David's integrity shines through as he chooses righteousness over revenge. This challenges us to maintain our integrity, even when wronged.

God's Sovereignty
The passage highlights God's sovereignty in the affairs of men. David's faith in God's control over his destiny is a model for us to trust in God's overarching plan.

The Role of Conscience
David's actions are guided by a conscience sensitive to God's will. We are encouraged to cultivate a conscience that aligns with God's Word and Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's respect for Saul as God's anointed challenge our own attitudes towards authority figures in our lives?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate trust in God's timing when faced with difficult situations or decisions?

3. How can we maintain our integrity when we are wronged or mistreated by others?

4. What does this passage teach us about God's sovereignty and how should that influence our daily lives?

5. How can we develop a conscience that is sensitive to God's will, as demonstrated by David in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 24
This chapter recounts a similar event where David spares Saul's life in the cave at En Gedi, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed and his trust in God's timing for his own kingship.

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

Romans 12:19
This New Testament verse echoes the principle of leaving vengeance to God, a principle David exemplifies in his dealings with Saul.