Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on top of the hill some distance away; there was a wide space between them. New Living Translation David climbed the hill opposite the camp until he was at a safe distance. English Standard Version Then David went over to the other side and stood far off on the top of the hill, with a great space between them. Berean Standard Bible Then David crossed to the other side and stood atop the mountain at a distance; there was a wide gulf between them. Berean Literal Bible And David went over to the other side and stood on the top of the hill afar off, a great distance between them. King James Bible Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them: New King James Version Now David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of a hill afar off, a great distance being between them. New American Standard Bible Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on top of the mountain at a distance with a large area between them. NASB 1995 Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on top of the mountain at a distance with a large area between them. NASB 1977 Then David crossed over to the other side, and stood on top of the mountain at a distance with a large area between them. Legacy Standard Bible Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on top of the mountain at a distance with a large area between them. Amplified Bible Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on the top of the mountain at a distance, with a large area between them. Berean Annotated Bible Then David (beloved) crossed to the other side and stood atop the mountain at a distance; there was a wide gulf between them. Christian Standard Bible David crossed to the other side and stood on top of the mountain at a distance; there was a considerable space between them. Holman Christian Standard Bible David crossed to the other side and stood on top of the mountain at a distance; there was a considerable space between them. American Standard Version Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of the mountain afar off; a great space being between them; Contemporary English Version David and Abishai crossed the valley and went to the top of the next hill, where they were at a safe distance. English Revised Version Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of the mountain afar off; a great space being between them: GOD'S WORD® Translation David went over to the other side and stood on top of the hill some distance away. (There was a wide space between them.) Good News Translation Then David crossed over to the other side of the valley to the top of the hill, a safe distance away, International Standard Version Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on top of the hill some distance away with a large distance between them. NET Bible Then David crossed to the other side and stood on the top of the hill some distance away; there was a considerable distance between them. New Heart English Bible Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on the top of the hill some distance away; there was a great distance between them. Webster's Bible Translation Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of a hill afar off; a great space being between them: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen David crossed to the other side and stood atop the mountain at a distance; there was a wide gulf between them. World English Bible Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of the mountain far away, a great space being between them; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David passes over to the other side, and stands on the top of the hill far off—great [is] the place between them; Berean Literal Bible And David went over to the other side and stood on the top of the hill afar off, a great distance between them. Young's Literal Translation And David passeth over to the other side, and standeth on the top of the hill afar off -- great is the place between them; Smith's Literal Translation And David will pass over to the other side, and he will stand upon the head of the mountain from afar, and much place between them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when David was gone over to the other side. and stood on the top of the hill afar off, and a good space was between them, Catholic Public Domain Version And when David had crossed over to the opposite side, and had stood upon the top of the hill far away, so that there was a great interval between them, New American Bible Crossing over to an opposite slope, David stood on a distant hilltop. With a great distance between them New Revised Standard Version Then David went over to the other side, and stood on top of a hill far away, with a great distance between them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen David went over to the other side from Saul, and stood on the top of a hill afar off, a great space being between them; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David passed by from the presence of Shaul and stood on the top of the mountain from a great distance OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of the mountain afar off; a great space being between them. Brenton Septuagint Translation So David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of a hill afar off, and there was a good distance between them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Reproves Abner13Then David crossed to the other side and stood atop the mountain at a distance; there was a wide gulf between them. 14And David shouted to the troops and to Abner son of Ner, “Will you not answer me, Abner?” “Who calls to the king?” Abner replied.… Cross References Then David crossed to the other side 2 Samuel 15:23 Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness. 2 Samuel 17:22 So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan. Joshua 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan. and stood atop the mountain 2 Samuel 15:32 When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. Deuteronomy 34:1 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho. And the LORD showed him the whole land—from Gilead as far as Dan, 1 Samuel 23:26 Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. at a distance; 2 Kings 2:7 Then a company of fifty of the sons of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing Elijah and Elisha as the two of them stood by the Jordan. Mark 15:40 And there were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. Luke 23:49 But all those who knew Jesus, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching these things. there was a wide gulf between them. 1 Samuel 17:3 The Philistines stood on one hill and the Israelites stood on another, with the valley between them. Luke 16:26 And besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that even those who wish cannot cross from here to you, nor can anyone cross from there to us.’ 1 Samuel 14:4 Now there were cliffs on both sides of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost. One was named Bozez and the other Seneh. 1 Samuel 24:8 After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed facedown in reverence 2 Samuel 16:13 So David and his men proceeded along the road as Shimei went along the ridge of the hill opposite him. As Shimei went, he yelled curses, threw stones, and flung dust at David. 1 Kings 18:36-40 At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. / Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.” / Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench. … 2 Kings 2:15 When the sons of the prophets who were watching him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him. Treasury of Scripture Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them: the top 1 Samuel 24:8 David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. Judges 9:7 And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you. Jump to Previous Afar Area Crossed David Distance Hill Large Mountain Passeth Side Space Standeth Stood TopJump to Next Afar Area Crossed David Distance Hill Large Mountain Passeth Side Space Standeth Stood Top1 Samuel 26 1. Saul, by the discovery of the Ziphites, comes to Hachilah against David4. David coming into the trench keeps Abishai from killing Saul, 11. but takes his spear and jug 13. David reproves Abner 17. and exhorts Saul 21. Saul acknowledges his sin Then David crossed to the other side David's strategic movement to the other side highlights his tactical acumen and desire to avoid unnecessary conflict. This action reflects his wisdom in dealing with Saul, as he seeks to maintain peace while ensuring his own safety. The crossing signifies a transition, both physically and spiritually, as David continues to trust in God's protection and guidance. and stood atop the mountain at a distance there was a wide gulf between them Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by God, who is currently fleeing from King Saul. David is known for his faithfulness to God and his respect for God's anointed king, Saul, despite Saul's pursuit to kill him. 2. Saul The first king of Israel, who has fallen out of favor with God due to his disobedience. Saul is pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 3. The Mountain Represents a place of safety and strategic advantage for David. It symbolizes separation and protection from Saul's forces. 4. The Wide Space This physical distance between David and Saul's camp signifies the moral and spiritual distance David maintains from Saul's unjust actions. 5. The Camp of Saul Represents the threat and opposition David faces. It is a place of hostility, yet David chooses not to harm Saul, demonstrating his integrity and trust in God's timing. Teaching Points Trust in God's TimingDavid's restraint in not harming Saul, despite having the opportunity, teaches us to trust in God's timing and justice rather than taking matters into our own hands. Maintaining Integrity David's decision to keep a wide space between himself and Saul's camp symbolizes maintaining moral integrity and not compromising one's values even under pressure. Respect for Authority David's respect for Saul as God's anointed king, despite Saul's failings, reminds us of the importance of respecting authority while trusting God to deal with their shortcomings. Strategic Retreat Sometimes, creating distance from a harmful situation or person is necessary for safety and clarity. David's retreat to the mountain is a strategic move that can be applied to our lives when facing conflict. Faith Over Fear David's actions demonstrate a faith that overcomes fear. By standing on the mountain, he shows confidence in God's protection and plan, encouraging us to stand firm in faith amidst trials. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 26:13?2. How does David's action in 1 Samuel 26:13 demonstrate respect for God's anointed? 3. What can we learn about leadership from David's decision in 1 Samuel 26:13? 4. How does 1 Samuel 26:13 connect with Jesus' teaching on loving enemies? 5. How can we apply David's example of restraint in our daily conflicts? 6. What does David's distance in 1 Samuel 26:13 teach about wisdom and safety? 7. Why did David choose to stand on a hill far away in 1 Samuel 26:13? 8. What does David's distance from Saul symbolize in 1 Samuel 26:13? 9. How does 1 Samuel 26:13 reflect David's respect for God's anointed? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 26? 11. How could David and Abishai enter Saul's camp and take his spear and water jug unnoticed by 3,000 soldiers? (1 Samuel 26:7-12) 12. Who was high priest when David went into the House of GOD and ate the consecrated bread? Abiathar (Mark 2:26) Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar (I Samuel 1:1; 22:20) 13. Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David? 14. Who was high priest when David ate the showbread? (Mark 2:26 vs. 1 Samuel 21:1) What Does 1 Samuel 26:13 Mean Then David crossed to the other sideDavid has just slipped out of Saul’s camp with Saul’s spear and water jug (1 Samuel 26:11–12). By literally crossing to the opposite ridge, he puts solid ground between himself and the king who seeks his life. • Prudence: “The prudent see danger and take cover” (Proverbs 22:3). • Faith, not fear: David acts wisely yet never loses confidence in God’s promise (1 Samuel 23:14). • Continuing mercy: Even after sparing Saul a second time (compare 1 Samuel 24:10–12), David avoids returning evil for evil (Romans 12:17). and stood atop the mountain Standing on higher ground lets David be seen and heard without inviting immediate combat. • Vantage for witness: Like Moses viewing the land from Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34:1) or Jesus teaching from a mountainside (Matthew 5:1), elevation turns the moment into a public testimony. • Symbol of moral high ground: David’s position mirrors his righteousness in refusing to harm “the LORD’s anointed” (1 Samuel 26:9). • Clear communication: He is close enough to call out to Abner and Saul (1 Samuel 26:14), yet safe enough to finish what God wants said. at a distance The Spirit-led restraint of David shines through this little phrase. • Boundary of safety: Jesus also “withdrew again to the hill” when men sought to seize Him (John 6:15). Caution never contradicts faith. • Boundary of respect: Keeping space honors Saul’s office, even as Saul abuses it (1 Peter 2:17). • Boundary of temptation: Distance removes the immediate urge for revenge, helping David obey the command “Do not take vengeance” (Leviticus 19:18). there was a wide gulf between them The valley is more than geography; it pictures the spiritual rift between a king clinging to pride and a shepherd clinging to God. • Physical chasm, moral contrast: Saul hunts; David forgives (Luke 6:27). • A safe setting for confrontation: David can address Saul’s sin without either party striking the other—similar to Nathan confronting David later, but here from across a ravine (2 Samuel 12:1). • Foreshadow of final separation: A “great chasm” fixed between righteousness and unrighteousness appears again in Luke 16:26. summary 1 Samuel 26:13 paints a vivid scene of David moving to safe ground, establishing moral and physical distance while still offering Saul a path to repentance. The verse underscores wise caution, respect for God-ordained authority, and a heart that trusts God to vindicate without resorting to violence. (13) David went over to the other side.--That is to say, after taking the royal spear and cruse of water from beside the sleeping king, David with Abishai left the camp of Saul, then, crossing the deep ravine, re-ascended the opposite hill or mountain--there was then a deep gorge between him and the camp--and uttered his shrill cry, which awoke the sleeping sentinel, who seems at once to have roused Abner. Keil calls attention here to the special notice in the text that the mountain whence David spoke was afar off, not, as we should say, "as the crow flies," but afar, because a deep steep ravine lay between the camp of Saul and the hill on which David and Abishai stood. "On the previous occasion when, in the cave of En-gedi, the son of Jesse cut off the skirt of the royal garment, David fearlessly cried to Saul when the king was still evidently quite close to the cave. Now, however, he seems to have reckoned far less upon any change in the state of Saul's mind than he had done before . . . in fact, he rather feared lest Saul should endeavour to get him into his power as soon as he woke from his sleep."Verses 13-16. - The top of a hill. Hebrew, "the top of the hill," the particular mountain from which David had reconnoitred Saul's camp (ver. 5). A great space being between them. At En-gedi Saul was alone, and had placed himself in David's power; he therefore had followed him closely. Here Saul had his army round him, and David had entered his camp by stealth. It is not, therefore, till he had placed an ample interval between them that he calls to Abner, and asks in derision, Art thou not a man? The irony is enfeebled by the insertion of the word valiant (comp. 1 Samuel 4:9). No special valour was needed;any one worthy of the name of man ought to have guarded his master better. Who is like to thee - Hebrew, "who is as thou" - in Israel? Among all Saul's subjects there was no one so powerful and highly placed as the commander-in-chief, and he ought to have shown himself worthy of his pre-eminence. Justly, therefore, for neglecting his duty and exposing the king to danger, he and his people were worthy to die. Hebrew, "sons of death" (see on 1 Samuel 20:31). Finally David bids him search for the king's spear and water bottle, that he may understand how completely Saul had been in his power. It has been suggested that Abner was probably a personal enemy of David, with whom he could never have held the high position which he occupied with his near relative Saul. Possibly instead of dissuading Saul from persecuting David, he stirred up his ill feelings. Still absolutely there is nothing in this banter which was not justified by Abner's official position.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then Davidדָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse crossed וַיַּעֲבֹ֤ר (way·ya·‘ă·ḇōr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on to the other side הָעֵ֔בֶר (hā·‘ê·ḇer) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5676: A region across, on the opposite side and stood וַיַּעֲמֹ֥ד (way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations atop רֹאשׁ־ (rōš-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7218: The head the mountain הָהָ֖ר (hā·hār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country at a distance— מֵֽרָחֹ֑ק (mê·rā·ḥōq) Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7350: Remote, of place, time, precious there was a wide רַ֥ב (raḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7227: Much, many, great gulf הַמָּק֖וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition between them. בֵּינֵיהֶֽם׃ (bê·nê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 996: An interval, space between Links 1 Samuel 26:13 NIV1 Samuel 26:13 NLT 1 Samuel 26:13 ESV 1 Samuel 26:13 NASB 1 Samuel 26:13 KJV 1 Samuel 26:13 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 26:13 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 26:13 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 26:13 French Bible 1 Samuel 26:13 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 26:13 Then David went over to the other (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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