1 Samuel 26:14

And David shouted to the troops and to Abner son of Ner, "Will you not answer me, Abner?" "Who calls to the king?" Abner replied.

Study Bible

And David called out
The act of calling out signifies a bold and public declaration. In the Hebrew context, the word used here is "קָרָא" (qara), which means to call, proclaim, or read aloud. This action by David is significant as it demonstrates his courage and willingness to confront his adversaries openly. Historically, this reflects David's leadership qualities and his confidence in God's protection, even when surrounded by enemies.

to the troops
The Hebrew term for "troops" is "עָם" (am), which can refer to a people or a group of soldiers. David addressing the troops indicates his awareness of the collective responsibility and the importance of addressing the entire group rather than just individuals. This highlights the communal aspect of ancient Israelite society, where actions and decisions were often made with the community in mind.

and to Abner son of Ner
Abner, whose name means "father of light," was a prominent military leader and the commander of Saul's army. His lineage, being the son of Ner, places him within the royal circle, emphasizing his authority and influence. Historically, Abner's role is crucial as he represents the established order under King Saul, contrasting with David's emerging leadership.

Aren’t you going to answer me, Abner?
David's question is both a challenge and a call for accountability. The Hebrew root "עָנָה" (anah) means to answer or respond, suggesting a demand for recognition and engagement. This reflects the biblical theme of accountability, where leaders are expected to respond to challenges and uphold their duties.

Abner replied
The act of replying, "וַיַּעַן" (vaya'an), indicates a response to a direct challenge. Abner's reply signifies his recognition of the seriousness of the situation and his role as a defender of the king. This interaction underscores the tension between David and Saul's camp, highlighting the political and personal dynamics at play.

Who calls to the king?
This question underscores the authority and reverence associated with the king, "מֶלֶךְ" (melek) in Hebrew. Abner's response is defensive, seeking to identify the challenger and protect the king's dignity. It reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient Israelite society, where the king was seen as God's anointed and deserving of respect and protection.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by God, who is currently being pursued by King Saul. David is known for his faithfulness to God and his respect for God's anointed king, Saul, despite Saul's attempts to kill him.

2. Abner son of Ner
The commander of Saul's army and a loyal supporter of King Saul. Abner is responsible for the king's safety and is called out by David for failing in his duty.

3. Saul
The first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience. Saul is in pursuit of David, whom he sees as a threat to his throne.

4. The Wilderness of Ziph
The location where this event takes place. It is a desert area in Judah where David often hides from Saul.

5. The Troops
Refers to the soldiers of King Saul who are encamped with him. They are part of the pursuit to capture David.

Teaching Points

Respect for Authority
David's interaction with Abner and Saul shows his respect for God-ordained authority, even when that authority is unjust. Christians are called to respect and pray for their leaders.

Courage and Wisdom
David demonstrates courage by confronting Abner and wisdom by not attacking Saul. Believers should seek God's wisdom in dealing with difficult situations.

Accountability
David holds Abner accountable for his failure to protect Saul. In our lives, we should hold each other accountable in love and truth.

God's Sovereignty
Despite being pursued, David trusts in God's plan and timing. We are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty over our circumstances.

Peacemaking
David's actions reflect a heart of peace, seeking reconciliation rather than revenge. Christians are called to be peacemakers in their relationships.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's respect for Saul as God's anointed king challenge us in our attitudes towards authority figures in our lives?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate courage and wisdom in confronting wrongdoing, as David did with Abner?

3. How can we practice accountability within our Christian communities while maintaining a spirit of love and grace?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's sovereignty during a difficult situation. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

5. How can we actively pursue peace and reconciliation in our relationships, following David's example of peacemaking?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 24
This chapter describes a previous encounter between David and Saul, where David spares Saul's life, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed.

Psalm 57
A psalm attributed to David during his time hiding from Saul, expressing trust in God's protection and justice.

Matthew 5:44
Jesus' teaching on loving enemies, which parallels David's actions in sparing Saul and addressing Abner with respect.