1 Samuel 26 11

1 Samuel 26:11 kjv

The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD's anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.

1 Samuel 26:11 nkjv

The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD's anointed. But please, take now the spear and the jug of water that are by his head, and let us go."

1 Samuel 26:11 niv

But the LORD forbid that I should lay a hand on the LORD's anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let's go."

1 Samuel 26:11 esv

The LORD forbid that I should put out my hand against the LORD's anointed. But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us go."

1 Samuel 26:11 nlt

The LORD forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed! But take his spear and that jug of water beside his head, and then let's get out of here!"

1 Samuel 26 verses

1 Samuel 26 11 Meaning

In 1 Samuel 26:11, David articulates his steadfast refusal to harm King Saul, emphasizing the sacrosanct nature of Saul's position as "the Lord's anointed." Despite having a clear opportunity to kill Saul, who relentlessly sought his life, David viewed any personal aggression against God’s divinely appointed king as an affront to God Himself. Instead of striking Saul, David chose a symbolic act of taking Saul's spear and water jar, demonstrating his close proximity and Saul's vulnerability, thereby proving his own innocence and restraint without taking justice into his own hands. This verse reveals David's deep reverence for God's sovereignty and His chosen instruments, and his unwavering trust in divine justice rather than personal vengeance.

1 Samuel 26 11 Context

1 Samuel chapter 26 is part of the extensive narrative of King Saul's pursuit of David, marked by David's consistent demonstration of loyalty and trust in God's sovereignty. This is the second significant instance (the first being in 1 Samuel 24 where David cut off a corner of Saul's robe) where David has the opportunity to kill Saul while he is vulnerable but refrains. In chapter 26, Saul, aided by the Ziphites, is encamped on the hill of Hachilah. David and Abishai covertly enter Saul's camp at night and find Saul and his general, Abner, asleep. Abishai offers to kill Saul with one blow, but David strictly forbids it, citing Saul's status as "the Lord's anointed." David's actions of taking Saul's spear and water jar served as undeniable proof that he had been in close proximity to Saul and had chosen not to harm him, presenting these items to Saul later as evidence of his mercy and fidelity. This episode underscores David's spiritual maturity and contrasts sharply with Saul's vengeful and distrustful behavior.

1 Samuel 26 11 Word analysis

• The Lord forbid: (Hebrew: חָלִילָה לִּי, chalilah li) – This phrase conveys a strong and solemn prohibition, often translated as "far be it from me" or "God forbid." It expresses abhorrence at the very thought of the action, signifying David's deep reverence for God and unwillingness to act against divine principles. It implies a moral and theological boundary that David refused to cross.
• that I should stretch out my hand: This is a common biblical idiom referring to an act of violence, injury, or execution. In this context, it specifically means to lay a violent or lethal hand upon someone. David is emphasizing that he would never personally assault or kill the king.
• against: (Hebrew: אֶל, el) – Indicates direct opposition or confrontation. David clearly identifies that harming Saul would be an act against something holy.
• the Lord's anointed: (Hebrew: מְשִׁיחַ יְהוָה, mashiach Yahweh) – This is the theological core of David's argument.
  • Mashiach: Literally "anointed one," from the verb mashach meaning "to smear" or "to anoint." In ancient Israel, anointing with oil consecrated individuals (priests, prophets, kings) for sacred service or a divine office. Saul was God's chosen and consecrated king, despite his disobedience.
  • Yahweh: The personal covenant name of God, indicating His direct involvement in Saul's selection and authority.This phrase underscores that Saul's authority derived directly from God, making any personal attack on him an offense against God Himself and His sovereign plan. David's profound understanding was that harming Saul would be interfering with God's ultimate justice and timing.
• But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water: David's counter-proposal and action.
  • take now: A command from David, asserting leadership and action different from violence.
  • spear: A king's primary weapon and a symbol of his authority, often planted near his head when he slept to signify royal presence and protection. Taking it was a direct penetration of his security, an act of supreme vulnerability, but David used it as proof, not a weapon.
  • jar of water: A necessity for life, indicating Saul's helplessness and total dependence on basic provisions. Like the spear, it served as concrete evidence of David's unchallenged proximity.
  • at his head: Signifies the closest possible proximity to the vulnerable individual, indicating an ease with which the act of violence could have been committed. It heightens the significance of David's restraint.
• and let us depart: (Hebrew: וְנֵלְכָה, v'nelkah) – This marks David's intention to withdraw from the confrontation and leave judgment to God. It signals his avoidance of any further opportunity for vengeance or conflict. It highlights David's disengagement from earthly justice and his trust in divine providence.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord's anointed.": This phrase encapsulates David's unwavering theological conviction and moral stance. It is a declaration of reverence for God's divine institution of kingship and the inviolability of God's chosen ruler, irrespective of that ruler's personal failings or hostility towards David. This goes beyond simple ethics; it demonstrates profound trust in God's sovereignty and His exclusive right to depose or judge His own chosen. David acknowledged the sacred boundary God had placed around His anointed.
• "But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us depart.": This contrasting command moves from a principle of non-action (not harming Saul) to a purposeful, symbolic action. Taking the items from Saul's side while he was vulnerable served multiple purposes: it provided undeniable proof to Saul and his men that David had been present and could have killed the king; it demonstrated David's mercy and spiritual integrity; and it established David's superiority in strategy and character without resorting to violence. The objects themselves signify authority and life, both of which David leaves to Saul while still illustrating his power and restraint. This action clearly communicated his commitment to leaving the ultimate outcome in God's hands.

1 Samuel 26 11 Bonus section

The phrase "the Lord's anointed" carries profound significance that extends throughout biblical theology. While used here for King Saul, it points forward to the ultimate "Anointed One," HaMashiach (the Messiah), Jesus Christ. David's reverence for Saul's earthly anointing foreshadows the even greater reverence due to Christ, who was anointed not with oil, but with the Holy Spirit for His kingly, priestly, and prophetic offices (Acts 10:38). David's action in 1 Samuel 26 serves as a divine object lesson in respecting God's divine appointments, recognizing that ultimate judgment and change rest solely with God. This principle applies not only to formal leadership but also challenges believers to resist usurping God's role in judging others, and instead to trust in His sovereignty and divine retribution. The example of David highlights that obedience to God's principles, even at great personal cost, aligns one's life with God's ultimate plan and reveals true faith.

1 Samuel 26 11 Commentary

1 Samuel 26:11 stands as a powerful testament to David's remarkable spiritual character, deep theological conviction, and unwavering trust in God's perfect timing and justice. In a context rife with personal danger and injustice, David chose not to exact vengeance on King Saul, even when a perfect opportunity presented itself. His declaration, "The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord's anointed," was not born of fear of man or military strategy, but from profound reverence for God's divine ordination of Saul as king. David understood that to touch Saul would be to meddle with God's own work and to challenge His sovereignty. This was a crucial test of David's faith, demonstrating that he would wait for God to elevate him rather than seize the throne through violent means.

David's specific act of taking Saul's spear and water jar, rather than his life, was brilliantly strategic and spiritually symbolic. The spear represented Saul's authority and ability to wage war, while the water jar symbolized his basic sustenance. By removing these, David showed he had completely penetrated Saul's guard, proving his clemency and contrasting his own integrity with Saul's persistent malice. This action was a non-violent yet irrefutable testament to his righteousness and the divine protection over him. The verse underscores David's principle of "waiting on the Lord" and respecting divinely established authority, even when that authority is deeply flawed. It also provides a vital foundation for understanding God's ultimate anointed One, Jesus the Messiah, whose life also exemplified complete submission to God's will and perfect timing.