Day 69 – 1 Samuel 26:1-7
Scripture Review
1 Samuel 26:1-7
"And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?" (1 Samuel 26:1)
The Ziphites come again to Saul with information about David's location. This is not the first time they have done this. They know where David is, and instead of protecting him, they report him. The words, "Doth not David hide himself" show that David is still being treated like a hunted man, even though he has done no wrong. The hill of Hachilah, "which is before Jeshimon," gives the exact place. This betrayal is deliberate and personal.
"Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph." (1 Samuel 26:2)
Saul does not ignore this report. He "arose, and went down." means he acts quickly. He takes "three thousand chosen men of Israel with him." These are not random men. These are selected men, men among the strongest force. It is unbelievable that Saul uses such a large company "to seek David." Saul is still fixed on chasing David instead of repenting.
"And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness." (1 Samuel 26:3)
Saul sets up camp in the very place that had been reported to him. "Saul pitched" means he established his position there. Then the verse says, "But David abode in the wilderness." David remains where he is. The verse also says David "saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness." He is aware. He understands the danger.
"David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed." (1 Samuel 26:4)
David does not move on rumor alone. He "sent out spies." That shows wisdom and caution. Then he "understood that Saul was come in very deed." That means he confirmed the matter for certain. David is a man of faith, but he is not reckless. He trusts the LORD, and acts wisely.
"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 Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him." (1 Samuel 26:5)
"David beheld the place where Saul lay." He carefully observes the camp. He also sees "Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host." Abner is not just another man in the camp. He is the captain. Then we are told Saul "lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him." Saul is in the center, surrounded by protection. This looks like a place no enemy could enter. Yet David is standing there, looking at it.
"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." (1 Samuel 26:6)
David speaks to Ahimelech and to Abishai and says, "Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp?" David is not asking others to do what he will not do himself. He says, "with me." Then Abishai answers, "I will go down with thee." Abishai is willing and he is loyal.
"So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him." (1 Samuel 26:7)
The two men enter the camp "by night." That alone is bold. Then comes the word "behold." It draws attention to what they see. Saul is there, "sleeping within the trench." His spear is "stuck in the ground at his bolster." His weapon is right beside him, but he is helpless. "Abner and the people lay round about him," yet none of them stop David and Abishai from coming in. David is once again placed in a position where he could take Saul's life if he wanted to.