Theme
The Lord will be our true judge. Therefore, fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity.
Introduction
In chapters 23–24 we saw Saul’s pursuit of David diverted:
- Firstly, by the Philistine attack which drew Saul away from pursuing David
- Secondly, by David sparing King Saul’s life when Saul rested in the cave where David and his men were hiding
At the end of the chapter, Saul returned home, but David went back to his life of obscurity in the wilderness.
(Chapter 25 deals primarily with the death of Samuel and David’s dealings with Nabal.)
In chapter 26, we will see the Ziphites stir up King Saul to come and pursue David once again, and God presents David with another test in the form of an opportunity to kill Saul.
Saul Resumes the Hunt
(1 Samuel 26:1–12)
The Hunt Resumed by Saul (Verses 1–4)
The Betrayal by the Ziphites
David was betrayed twice by the Ziphites.
1 Samuel 23:19–20
“Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah…”
Despite their earlier betrayal, David returned to their region.
It may be that David hoped that if he remained out of sight, Saul would forget about him.
Problems ignored do not usually go away. There comes a time when issues must be dealt with, and it is better to deal with them sooner rather than later.
Especially in personal conflicts—the longer the issue remains, the deeper the hurt becomes, and the harder it is to resolve.
Saul Was Easily Influenced
The Ziphites again informed Saul of David’s location.
They had aligned themselves with Saul and hoped to gain favour by helping him.
Saul immediately took 3,000 chosen men and pursued David once again.
The Shallow Repentance of Saul
Saul’s earlier conviction did not last.
In 1 Samuel 24:17, Saul admitted David was more righteous, but by chapter 26, he had returned to his old ways.
Saul experienced conviction, but not true repentance.
Application for the Christian
Christians must guard against shallow convictions.
When the Holy Spirit applies the Word of God:
- It should produce lasting change
- Not temporary emotional responses
Many experience conviction but return to old habits once the feeling fades.
Shallow convictions do not produce spiritual maturity.
The Hunt Investigated by David (Verses 5–12)
David Confirmed Saul’s Presence
David saw Saul’s camp from a distance.
Saul was positioned on the hill, while David was in the valley.
David sent spies to confirm whether Saul himself was present.
When it was confirmed, David went to observe the camp at night.
God Sent a Deep Sleep
1 Samuel 26:12
“A deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.”
The camp was arranged with Saul at the centre and Abner beside him, surrounded by soldiers.
This formation offered maximum protection.
David Entered the Camp
David and Abishai entered the camp.
David took Saul’s spear and water jug as proof of his innocence.
Once again, David came close enough to kill Saul—but chose not to.
Abishai Offered to Kill Saul
Abishai offered to strike Saul with one blow.
- It would be quick
- It would be quiet
- David would not be directly responsible
This appeared to be a perfect opportunity.
David Refused
David chose to trust God instead.
He recognised Saul as “the LORD’s anointed.”
This teaches respect for God-ordained authority—even when that authority fails.
A Key Principle
Not every open door is God’s will.
An opportunity that contradicts God’s Word is never from God.
Every decision must be tested by Scripture.
Saul Rebuked by David
(1 Samuel 26:13–25)
David Rebuked Abner’s Failure (Verses 13–16)
David no longer addressed Saul as “my father.”
Previously, David had been Saul’s son-in-law through marriage to Michal.
However, Saul had given Michal to another man.
David now addressed Abner instead.
Why David Addressed Abner
- Abner was responsible for Saul’s safety
- Abner had failed in his duty
- It avoided publicly shaming Saul
This was both wise and respectful.
David Rebuked Saul’s Sin (Verses 17–25)
David Defended His Character
David addressed Saul as:
“My lord, the king”
He no longer appealed to family ties.
David reasoned with Saul:
- If he had sinned against God, let him offer sacrifice
- If others had influenced Saul, let their guilt remain on them
Saul’s Conviction
Saul once again admitted:
“I have sinned… I have played the fool.”
Yet, as before, this conviction did not lead to lasting change.
David Appeals to God
David placed himself under God’s judgment:
- He trusted God to reward righteousness
- He trusted God to preserve his life
David’s aim was to be approved by God.
Romans 12:1
“Present your bodies a living sacrifice…”
Saul’s Final Acknowledgment
Saul recognised that David would become king.
Though he opposed it, he could not deny it.
Spiritual Insight
This mirrors the Christian’s battle with the devil.
The devil opposes believers, yet his defeat is certain through Christ.
When the devil reminds you of your past sins: Remind him of his future judgment.
Conclusion
Our convictions must go deeper than emotion. If conviction does not lead to change, it is shallow.
An apparent open door does not mean it is God’s will. Many wrong decisions are made by following circumstances instead of Scripture.