Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and there was Saul, lying asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying around him. New Living Translation So David and Abishai went right into Saul’s camp and found him asleep, with his spear stuck in the ground beside his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying asleep around him. English Standard Version So David and Abishai went to the army by night. And there lay Saul sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head, and Abner and the army lay around him. Berean Standard Bible That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. Berean Literal Bible And David and Abishai came to the people by night, and there Saul lay sleeping within the camp, and his spear was pressed into the ground by his head. And Abner and the people lay all around him. King James Bible 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. New King James Version So David and Abishai came to the people by night; and there Saul lay sleeping within the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the people lay all around him. New American Standard Bible So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and behold, Saul lay sleeping inside the circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people were lying around him. NASB 1995 So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and behold, Saul lay sleeping inside the circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people were lying around him. NASB 1977 So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and behold, Saul lay sleeping inside the circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people were lying around him. Legacy Standard Bible So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and behold, Saul lay sleeping inside the circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people were lying around him. Amplified Bible So David and Abishai went to the army during the night, and there was Saul lying asleep inside the circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground by his head; and Abner and the people were lying around him. Berean Annotated Bible That night David (beloved) and Abishai (my father is a gift) came to the troops, and Saul (desired) was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner (my father is a lamp) and the troops were lying around him. Christian Standard Bible That night, David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. Abner and the troops were lying around him. Holman Christian Standard Bible That night, David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. Abner and the troops were lying around him. American Standard Version So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the place of the wagons, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people lay round about him. Contemporary English Version That same night, David and Abishai crept into the camp. Saul was sleeping, and his spear was stuck in the ground not far from his head. Abner and the soldiers were sound asleep all around him. English Revised Version So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the place of the wagons, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head: and Abner and the people lay round about him. GOD'S WORD® Translation So David and Abishai went among [Saul's] troops that night. Saul was lying asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying around him. Good News Translation So that night David and Abishai entered Saul's camp and found Saul sleeping in the center of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the troops were sleeping around him. International Standard Version David and Abishai went to the army at night, and Saul was lying there asleep in the encampment. His spear was stuck in the ground at his head, and Abner and the army were lying all around him. NET Bible So David and Abishai approached the army at night and found Saul lying asleep in the entrenchment with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. Abner and the army were lying all around him. New Heart English Bible So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, look, Saul lay sleeping within the place of the wagons, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people lay around him. Webster's Bible Translation 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 about him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThat night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. World English Bible So David and Abishai came to the people by night; and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the place of the wagons, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people lay around him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David comes—and Abishai—by night to the people, and behold, Saul is lying sleeping in the path, and his spear is pressed into the earth by his pillow, and Abner and the people are lying around him. Berean Literal Bible And David and Abishai came to the people by night, and there Saul lay sleeping within the camp, and his spear was pressed into the ground by his head. And Abner and the people lay all around him. Young's Literal Translation And David cometh -- and Abishai -- unto the people by night, and lo, Saul is lying sleeping in the path, and his spear struck into the earth at his pillow, and abner and the people are lying round about him. Smith's Literal Translation And David will come, and Abishai, to the people by night; and behold, Saul lay sleeping in the track, and his spear pressed into the earth at his head: and Abner and the people sleeping round about him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo David and Abisai came to the people by night, and found Saul lying and sleeping in the tent, and his spear fixed in the ground at his head: and Abner and the people sleeping round about him. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, David and Abishai went to the people by night, and they found Saul lying down and sleeping in the tent, with his spear fixed in the ground at his head. And Abner and the people were sleeping all around him. New American Bible So David and Abishai reached Saul’s soldiers by night, and there was Saul lying asleep within the camp, his spear thrust into the ground at his head and Abner and his troops sleeping around him. New Revised Standard Version So David and Abishai went to the army by night; there Saul lay sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the army lay around him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo David and Abishai came to the people by night; and, behold, Saul lay asleep in the path, with his spear lying on the ground by his bedside; and Abner and the people lay round about him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David and Abishi came to the people in the night, and behold, Shaul slept in the road, and his scepter spear was lying on the ground beside him, and Abnir and people were sleeping around him OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So David and Abishai came to the people by night; and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the barricade, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people lay round about him. Brenton Septuagint Translation So David and Abessa go in among the people by night: and behold, Saul was fast asleep in the chariot, and his spear was stuck in the ground near his head, and Abenner and his people slept round about him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Again Spares Saul…6And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai. 7That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. 8Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!”… Cross References That night David and Abishai came to the troops, Judges 7:19-22 Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the changing of the guard. They blew their horns and broke the jars that were in their hands. / The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” / Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. … 2 Kings 7:5-7 So they arose at twilight and went to the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the outskirts of the camp, there was not a man to be found. / For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives. John 18:3 So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, Numbers 2:17 In the middle of the camps, the Tent of Meeting is to travel with the camp of the Levites. They are to set out in the order they encamped, each in his own place under his standard. Judges 4:21 But as he lay sleeping from exhaustion, Heber’s wife Jael took a tent peg, grabbed a hammer, and went silently to Sisera. She drove the peg through his temple and into the ground, and he died. 1 Samuel 19:24 Then Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. 1 Samuel 22:6 Soon Saul learned that David and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, with his spear in hand and all his servants standing around him. 1 Samuel 19:9-10 But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp, / Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. 1 Samuel 18:10-11 The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, / and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. 2 Kings 11:11-12 And the guards stood with weapons in hand surrounding the king by the altar and the temple, from the south side to the north side of the temple. / Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!” 2 Kings 11:5-8 and commanded them, “This is what you are to do: A third of you who come on duty on the Sabbath shall guard the royal palace, / a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple— / the two divisions that would go off duty on the Sabbath are to guard the house of the LORD for the king. … 1 Samuel 22:17 Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. 1 Samuel 24:3-4 Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave. / So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 1 Samuel 23:19-20 Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? / Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.” 1 Samuel 13:11-12 “What have you done?” Samuel asked. And Saul replied, “When I saw that the troops were deserting me, and that you did not come at the appointed time and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash, / I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will descend upon me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47 But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” Treasury of Scripture 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. sleeping 1 Thessalonians 5:2,3 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night… Jump to Previous Abishai Abi'shai Abner Asleep Barricade Bolster Camp Carts Circle David Earth Head Inside Lay Night Planted Ring Round Saul Sleeping Spear Stuck Trench Wagons WithinJump to Next Abishai Abi'shai Abner Asleep Barricade Bolster Camp Carts Circle David Earth Head Inside Lay Night Planted Ring Round Saul Sleeping Spear Stuck Trench Wagons Within1 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 That night David and Abishai came to the troops David and Abishai's approach to Saul's camp occurs under the cover of darkness, a time often associated with vulnerability and divine intervention in biblical narratives. David, anointed by Samuel as the future king, is accompanied by Abishai, his nephew and a loyal warrior. This moment highlights David's strategic acumen and his reliance on God's guidance rather than human strength. The presence of Abishai underscores the theme of loyalty and the importance of wise counsel, reminiscent of Jonathan's earlier support for David. and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground by his head And Abner and the troops were lying around him Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by God, who is being pursued by Saul. David is known for his faithfulness to God and his refusal to harm Saul, the Lord's anointed. 2. Abishai David's nephew and a loyal warrior. He accompanies David into Saul's camp and suggests killing Saul, but David restrains him. 3. Saul The current king of Israel, who is seeking to kill David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 4. Abner The commander of Saul's army, responsible for the king's safety, yet found sleeping during this critical moment. 5. The Camp The setting is Saul's encampment, where he and his men are vulnerable, illustrating the theme of divine protection and human vulnerability. Teaching Points Respect for God's AnointedDavid's refusal to harm Saul, despite having the opportunity, teaches us the importance of respecting those whom God has placed in authority, even when they are flawed. Trust in God's Timing David's actions demonstrate a deep trust in God's timing and plan. We are reminded to wait on the Lord and not take matters into our own hands. The Power of Restraint Abishai's willingness to act and David's restraint highlight the power of self-control and the importance of seeking God's will before acting. Divine Protection The vulnerability of Saul's camp, despite being surrounded by his troops, illustrates God's sovereign protection over David. We can trust that God watches over us even when we are surrounded by challenges. Leadership and Integrity David's leadership is marked by integrity and faithfulness. As leaders, we are called to act with integrity, even when it is difficult or when others encourage us to do otherwise. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 26:7?2. How does 1 Samuel 26:7 demonstrate David's respect for God's anointed king? 3. What can we learn about temptation from David's actions in 1 Samuel 26:7? 4. How does David's restraint in 1 Samuel 26:7 connect to Matthew 5:44? 5. How can we apply David's example of mercy in our daily conflicts? 6. What does David's decision in 1 Samuel 26:7 teach about trusting God's timing? 7. Why did David choose not to kill Saul in 1 Samuel 26:7? 8. How does 1 Samuel 26:7 reflect on the theme of mercy and forgiveness? 9. What does 1 Samuel 26:7 teach about respecting God's anointed leaders? 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. How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David? 13. 1 Samuel 25:21–22 – Why would David, future king, threaten such violence over a refusal of hospitality, seemingly contradicting biblical ethics of mercy? 14. If Saul previously admitted David’s righteousness in 1 Samuel 24, why is he chasing David again in 1 Samuel 26? What Does 1 Samuel 26:7 Mean That night• The timing is no accident. Scripture repeatedly shows God arranging critical moments “after dark,” when human strength is low and His sovereignty is unmistakable (Judges 7:9). • Psalm 16:7 affirms, “I will bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my conscience instructs me”. The Lord is guiding David’s conscience right here. • 1 Samuel 26:12 clarifies that everyone slept because “the LORD had put them into a deep sleep”. This verse seals the point: the scene is divinely set for a faith-test, not a mere military exploit. David and Abishai came to the troops • David does not go alone; his faithful nephew Abishai answers, “I will go with you” (1 Samuel 26:6). Companionship under pressure echoes Ecclesiastes 4:9-10—“Two are better than one... if either of them falls, the one can lift up his companion”. • Abishai’s proven loyalty later shows up when he rescues David from a giant (2 Samuel 21:17). His presence here underscores the importance of godly allies when temptation looms. Saul was lying there asleep • The hunter is helpless. The sleep is deeper than fatigue; it is God-given (1 Samuel 26:12). • Genesis 2:21 notes the same phrase—“the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep”—highlighting divine control. • Saul’s posture underlines that no one, not even a king, can resist the Lord’s purposes (Psalm 4:8). In the inner circle of the camp • Strategically, Saul has the safest spot, ringed by soldiers (1 Samuel 26:5). Yet true security comes only from God, not from logistics (Psalm 20:7). • David will soon stand in that very center to prove that human fortifications fail when God removes vigilance. With his spear stuck in the ground by his head • The spear is Saul’s trademark weapon—he has already hurled it at David three times (1 Samuel 18:11; 19:10; 20:33). • Planted in the earth, it represents royal authority and intent to kill if disturbed. God is about to let David lift that symbol without resistance (1 Samuel 26:12), displaying who truly holds power. And Abner and the troops were lying around him • Abner, the seasoned commander (1 Samuel 14:50), fails his duty. David will call him out: “You and your men deserve to die, for you have not guarded your lord” (26:16). • Their slumber pictures Psalm 127:1—“Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchmen stay awake in vain”. Jesus echoed the lesson when He found His disciples sleeping (Matthew 26:40). summary 1 Samuel 26:7 paints a divinely choreographed moment: under cover of night, David and his loyal companion enter the heart of Saul’s fortified camp. The king’s symbolic spear, the elite guard, and the inner circle all fail because God has rendered them powerless. The verse sets the stage for David’s test—will he seize power by force or trust the Lord’s timing? His restraint will confirm that real security, authority, and victory belong to God alone. (7) Within the trench.--As above, in 1Samuel 26:5, "within the barrier of the wagons."His spear . . . at his bolster.--"Bolster," literally, the place where his head is, better rendered at his head; and so in 1Samuel 26:11-12; 1Samuel 26:16. The same Hebrew word occurs in the narration of Jacob's dream (Genesis 28:11); it is there rendered in our English Version, "his pillows." It was the tall spear which ever seems to have been in Saul's hand, or placed close to him. We read of it in battle in his hand, and in the council chamber and at the state banquet it was within his reach, and now it was evidently reared upright beside the sleeping king. "I noticed at all the encampments which we passed that the sheik's tent was distinguished from the rest by a tall spear stuck upright in the ground in front of it; and it is the custom when a party set out on an excursion for robbery or for war, that when they halt to rest the spot where the chief reclines or rests is thus designated"--Thomson, Land and the Book. Verses 7, 8. - The two accordingly go by night, or "at night," as soon as night came on, and find Saul asleep within the trench, i.e. inside the wagon rampart, as in ver. 5, and his spear, the sign of his royal authority, stuck in the ground; not at his bolster, but "at his head; and so in vers. 11, 12, 16. The word literally signifies "the place where the head is." Like David's men in 1 Samuel 24:4, Abishai sees in Saul's defenceless condition a proof that it was God's will that he should die, but there is a difference of language in the Hebrew which the A.V. does not represent. There the word rendered deliver is really give; here it is "hath locked up." At once. Hebrew, "once." Abishai would pierce him through with a single stroke so thoroughly that no second blow would be necessary. The purpose of this would be to prevent an outcry.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew That nightלַיְלָה֒ (lay·lāh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity David דָוִ֨ד (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse and Abishai וַאֲבִישַׁ֥י ׀ (wa·’ă·ḇî·šay) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 52: Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name came וַיָּבֹא֩ (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the troops, הָעָם֮ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock and Saul שָׁא֗וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites was lying שֹׁכֵ֤ב (šō·ḵêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7901: To lie down there וְהִנֵּ֣ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! asleep יָשֵׁן֙ (yā·šên) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 3463: Sleeping in the inner circle of the camp, בַּמַּעְגָּ֔ל (bam·ma‘·gāl) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4570: An entrenchment, track with his spear וַחֲנִית֥וֹ (wa·ḥă·nî·ṯōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2595: A lance stuck מְעוּכָֽה־ (mə·‘ū·ḵāh-) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular Strong's 4600: To press, to pierce, emasculate, handle in the ground בָאָ֖רֶץ (ḇā·’ā·reṣ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land by his head. מְרַאֲשֹׁתָ֑יו (mə·ra·’ă·šō·ṯāw) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4763: A place at the head, head place And Abner וְאַבְנֵ֣ר (wə·’aḇ·nêr) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name and the troops וְהָעָ֔ם (wə·hā·‘ām) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock were lying שֹׁכְבִ֖ים (šō·ḵə·ḇîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7901: To lie down around him. סְבִיבֹתָֽיו׃ (sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯāw) Adverb | third person masculine singular Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around Links 1 Samuel 26:7 NIV1 Samuel 26:7 NLT 1 Samuel 26:7 ESV 1 Samuel 26:7 NASB 1 Samuel 26:7 KJV 1 Samuel 26:7 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 26:7 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 26:7 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 26:7 French Bible 1 Samuel 26:7 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 26:7 So David and Abishai came to (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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