1 Samuel 26 13

1 Samuel 26:13 kjv

Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them:

1 Samuel 26:13 nkjv

Now David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of a hill afar off, a great distance being between them.

1 Samuel 26:13 niv

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.

1 Samuel 26:13 esv

Then David went over to the other side and stood far off on the top of the hill, with a great space between them.

1 Samuel 26:13 nlt

David climbed the hill opposite the camp until he was at a safe distance.

1 Samuel 26 verses

1 Samuel 26 13 Meaning

This verse describes David's actions immediately after he had taken King Saul's spear and water jug, signifying his act of sparing Saul's life. He deliberately positioned himself at a significant distance from Saul and his sleeping camp, on an elevated mountain, creating a substantial physical separation. This move ensured his safety while setting the stage for his subsequent call to Abner and Saul, clearly demonstrating that he chose not to harm God's anointed, despite having the perfect opportunity.

1 Samuel 26 13 Context

This verse is situated in the broader narrative of King Saul's relentless pursuit of David, whom he viewed as a threat to his throne. Chapter 26 marks the second time David had the opportunity to kill Saul but chose not to, demonstrating his deep reverence for God's anointed and his trust that God, not his own hand, would deliver justice. David, accompanied by Abishai, infiltrates Saul's camp under the cover of darkness and finds Saul, Abner, and all the soldiers in a deep, divinely-induced sleep. David takes Saul's spear and water jug as proof of his presence and restraint. Verse 13 immediately follows this, describing David's deliberate separation, establishing a safe distance from which he could confront Abner and Saul verbally, appealing to them and asserting his innocence, without risking direct physical conflict. Historically, David's actions stand in stark contrast to the typical Ancient Near Eastern political norm of eliminating rivals, especially by those vying for a throne. David's choice underscored his faith and integrity, setting him apart as a king "after God's own heart."

1 Samuel 26 13 Word analysis

• Then: Signifies a chronological progression and direct consequence of the previous action (taking the spear and water jug).
• David: The future king, who consistently displays honor and trust in God's timing, setting himself apart from Saul's desperate actions.
• went over: Hebrew: ʿabar (עָבַר), meaning "to pass over, cross over, traverse." It indicates a purposeful and decisive movement, crossing a boundary or a space.
• to the other side: Hebrew: el-haqqeṣe (אֶל-הַקֶּצֶה), meaning "to the extremity, the end, the limit." It emphasizes the act of establishing a significant and definitive separation, not just a casual shift.
• and stood: Hebrew: wayyaʿămod (וַיַּעֲמֹד), "and he stood." This implies a deliberate halt and firm positioning, establishing a new vantage point rather than continued flight.
• on top of a mountain: Hebrew: roʾš hehār (רֹאשׁ הָהָר), "head of the mountain." This elevation provided a strategic advantage—visibility, security, and a position for clear communication. Mountains often represent places of refuge or divine encounter in biblical narratives.
• a good distance away: Hebrew: mimmeraḥoq rab (מִמֶּרְחֹק רָב), "from a great distance." It signifies a substantial, calculated separation, reinforcing David's intent to avoid physical confrontation while allowing verbal engagement.
• with a large area between them: Hebrew: ki yōter hahōlak (כִּי יוֹתֵר הַהֹלֶךְ) - lit. "because of the excessive going" or a long stretch. The Masoretic text here actually uses hamesach (הַמֶּסַּח) which means a large gap, space, or interval. This is a critical detail, highlighting not just a distant separation, but a deliberate void or chasm. It physically demonstrates the emotional and spiritual distance between David and Saul. This "gap" also serves a narrative purpose, allowing for their verbal exchange without immediate threat.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "Then David went over to the other side and stood": This phrase describes David's intentional and calculated repositioning. It's an active and strategic move, not a fearful flight. He establishes himself securely before confronting them.
  • "on top of a mountain a good distance away, with a large area between them": This entire phrase underscores David's masterful blend of daring action (infiltrating the camp) with prudent wisdom (creating substantial, safe distance). The "mountain" suggests security and vantage, while the "good distance" and "large area" highlight David's commitment to avoid personal harm to Saul, ensuring his proof could be delivered without an accidental confrontation. This physical separation is symbolic of David's moral and spiritual distinction from Saul.

1 Samuel 26 13 Bonus section

The deep sleep that fell upon Saul and his men in the previous verses (1 Sam 26:12) is frequently interpreted as a divinely orchestrated intervention, enabling David's incredible feat of taking the spear and jug. This underlines God's providential care for David and His purpose for him as the next king. Thus, David's ability to "go over" and position himself as described in verse 13 was not merely due to his cunning or bravery, but significantly empowered by divine favor. The double account of David sparing Saul (chapters 24 and 26) reinforces David's character and strengthens the biblical theme of God choosing and protecting His chosen servants, even against powerful human opposition. The consistent display of David's righteousness serves as a foil to Saul's persistent ungodly actions, gradually demonstrating why the kingdom was being transferred to David.

1 Samuel 26 13 Commentary

1 Samuel 26:13 succinctly describes David's calculated movement after his daring act of sparing King Saul's life. His repositioning himself on a mountain, creating a substantial distance, served multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it ensured his physical safety before he called out to Abner and Saul; it was a strategically sound move to prevent immediate pursuit or attack. Secondly, and more profoundly, the significant "area between them" visually and symbolically represented the moral chasm between David's character and Saul's. While Saul was consumed by paranoid pursuit and vengeful hatred, David demonstrated patience, honor, and reliance on divine justice. He refused to lay a hand on "the Lord's anointed," even when presented with the clearest opportunity. This action stands as a testament to David's unwavering faith in God's timing and his adherence to principles of respecting divine appointment, despite personal suffering. His act of distancing himself physically yet then confronting verbally illustrates a trust in the power of truth and a disinterest in achieving power through illicit means. It speaks volumes about patiently waiting on the Lord for vindication rather than taking matters into one's own hands, showcasing how evil can be overcome with good.

• Example for Practical Usage: When faced with an opportunity to gain advantage by harming or slandering an opponent, this verse teaches the importance of principled restraint, trusting God's ultimate justice rather than personal retaliation.
• Example for Practical Usage: In situations of conflict, creating healthy "distance" – emotional, relational, or even physical space – can allow for clearer communication and a more righteous response, preventing impulsive, destructive actions.