1 Samuel 26:12

So David took the spear and water jug by Saul's head, and they departed. No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up; they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

Study Bible

So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head
This phrase highlights David's strategic and bold action. The spear, a symbol of Saul's military power and authority, and the water jug, a symbol of life and sustenance, were taken by David. In the Hebrew context, the spear (חנית, "ḥănîṯ") represents not just a weapon but a king's power. The act of taking these items signifies David's ability to claim authority and life, yet he chooses not to harm Saul, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed. This reflects David's integrity and faithfulness to God's will, emphasizing the biblical principle of respecting God's chosen leaders.

and they departed
The departure of David and his men signifies a peaceful resolution to a potentially violent encounter. The Hebrew verb for "departed" (ילך, "yālaḵ") often implies a purposeful journey or mission. David's departure without harming Saul underscores his reliance on God's timing and justice rather than taking matters into his own hands. This act of leaving peacefully is a testament to David's trust in God's sovereignty and his commitment to righteousness.

No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up
This phrase emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event. The fact that no one saw or knew about David's actions, nor did anyone wake up, suggests divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "saw" (ראה, "rā’āh") and "knew" (ידע, "yāḏaʿ") indicate a complete lack of awareness among Saul's men. This lack of awareness is not due to human cunning but to God's providence, highlighting the theme of divine protection and guidance in David's life.

They all remained asleep
The sleep of Saul's men is described with the Hebrew word (ישן, "yāšēn"), which implies a deep, undisturbed rest. This sleep is not ordinary but is orchestrated by God, as indicated in the following phrase. The deep sleep serves as a protective measure for David, allowing him to demonstrate his loyalty to Saul without interference. It also symbolizes the spiritual blindness of Saul's camp, unable to perceive God's hand at work.

because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them
The phrase "deep sleep from the LORD" (תרדמה, "tarḏēmāh") is significant in biblical literature, often associated with divine intervention (as seen in Genesis 2:21 with Adam). This sleep is a supernatural occurrence, orchestrated by God to fulfill His purposes. It underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and control over human affairs. The fact that this sleep "had fallen" (נפל, "nāphal") on them indicates a sudden and overwhelming divine action, ensuring David's safety and the continuation of God's plan for Israel. This highlights the belief in God's active role in guiding and protecting His chosen ones, reinforcing the message of trust and obedience to God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by God, who is being pursued by King Saul. David demonstrates restraint and respect for God's anointed king, Saul, despite being unjustly hunted.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is in pursuit of David due to jealousy and fear of losing his throne. Saul is unaware of David's presence due to a divinely induced sleep.

3. Abishai
David's nephew and a warrior, who accompanies David into Saul's camp. He suggests killing Saul, but David restrains him, emphasizing respect for God's anointed.

4. Ziph Desert
The location where Saul is encamped with his men while pursuing David. It is a wilderness area that serves as a backdrop for this encounter.

5. Deep Sleep from the LORD
A supernatural sleep that God places on Saul and his men, allowing David to enter and leave the camp undetected. This highlights God's sovereignty and protection over David.

Teaching Points

Respect for God's Anointed
David's refusal to harm Saul, despite having the opportunity, teaches us to respect those whom God has placed in authority, even when they are flawed.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
The deep sleep from the LORD illustrates God's control over circumstances. We can trust that God is actively working in our lives, even when we cannot see it.

Restraint and Self-Control
David's restraint in not killing Saul, despite Abishai's encouragement, is a powerful example of self-control and reliance on God's justice rather than taking matters into our own hands.

God's Protection
The passage reminds us of God's protection over His people. Just as He protected David, He watches over us and can intervene in miraculous ways.

Faith in God's Timing
David's actions show his faith in God's timing for his ascension to the throne. We are encouraged to wait patiently for God's timing in our own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's respect for Saul as God's anointed challenge us in how we view and treat those in authority over us?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty and protection in our own lives, similar to how He protected David?

3. How can we practice restraint and self-control in situations where we are tempted to take matters into our own hands?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate trust in God's timing, especially when we are waiting for a promise to be fulfilled?

5. How does the concept of leaving vengeance to God, as seen in David's actions, apply to conflicts or injustices we face today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 24
Another instance where David spares Saul's life, demonstrating his consistent respect for God's anointed and his trust in God's timing for his own kingship.

Genesis 2:21
The deep sleep God placed on Adam during the creation of Eve, showing God's control over human consciousness and His ability to intervene in human affairs.

Romans 12:19
The principle of leaving vengeance to God, which David exemplifies by not taking Saul's life, trusting that God will deal justly with Saul.