1 Samuel 26 4

1 Samuel 26:4 kjv

David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed.

1 Samuel 26:4 nkjv

David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul had indeed come.

1 Samuel 26:4 niv

he sent out scouts and learned that Saul had definitely arrived.

1 Samuel 26:4 esv

David sent out spies and learned that Saul had indeed come.

1 Samuel 26:4 nlt

he sent out spies to verify the report of Saul's arrival.

1 Samuel 26 verses

1 Samuel 26 4 Meaning

David, being in the wilderness, deployed reconnaissance agents to gather intelligence, and through their report, he received definite confirmation that King Saul had indeed arrived and was actively pursuing him. This verse highlights David's prudent and strategic approach in verifying critical information regarding the immediate threat posed by Saul.

1 Samuel 26 4 Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of King Saul's unrelenting and obsessive pursuit of David, whom he viewed as a threat to his throne. Despite David having twice spared Saul's life (first in 1 Samuel 24 at En Gedi, and now implicitly setting the stage for 1 Samuel 26), Saul continued his hunt. Specifically, 1 Samuel 26 describes Saul again pursuing David in the Wilderness of Ziph, a region where David had previously been betrayed to Saul by the Ziphites (1 Sam 23). David, having moved locations for safety, still faced this imminent danger. This verse showcases David's reliance on practical intelligence-gathering even as he trusts in divine protection, highlighting his prudence and strategic military mindset.

1 Samuel 26 4 Word analysis

• And David: Signifies continuity with prior events, indicating David's persistent need to respond to Saul's relentless pursuit. It underscores David's active role, not merely as a passive fugitive but as one who engages with his challenging circumstances.
• sent out: (Hebrew: shālach - שָׁלַח). Implies dispatching with purpose. In a military context, it refers to sending agents on a mission. This verb often carries the nuance of empowerment for the dispatched one to represent the sender.
• spies: (Hebrew: meraggelim - מְרַגְּלִים). These are scouts or intelligence gatherers, specifically for reconnaissance purposes. The term often suggests looking closely or carefully investigating. This was a standard military practice for kings and generals, seen throughout biblical history (e.g., Moses sending spies to Canaan, Joshua sending spies to Jericho), demonstrating David's strategic foresight and understanding of military operations.
• and understood: (Hebrew: wayyēda' - וַיֵּדַע). Literally "and he knew" or "and he perceived". This indicates obtaining certain, verified information, not just hearing a rumor. It implies a definitive and reliable conclusion based on the reports from the spies. This is crucial because it highlights David's need for accurate, firsthand intelligence rather than assumptions.
• that Saul was come: Confirms the primary subject of the pursuit. Saul's movement signified the active and immediate threat David faced. The act of "coming" (Hebrew: bābō' - בָּא) points to his arrival and proximity.
• in very deed: (Hebrew: 'al yādā'iym - עַל־יָדָ֑יִם, literally "upon hands"). This is an idiomatic expression in Hebrew denoting certainty, genuineness, or physical presence, akin to "in person" or "indeed." It emphasizes that Saul had not just sent others, or that it was mere talk, but that he himself, with his own capabilities and authority, was there and actively involved. It removes any doubt about the immediate and serious nature of the threat. The idiom stresses that the report was verified and undeniably true.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And David sent out spies": This phrase immediately establishes David's proactive and strategic mindset. Despite being hunted, he isn't merely reacting but actively seeking information about his pursuer. It underscores his leadership qualities, even while fugitive. This demonstrates his reliance on practical wisdom alongside his faith, a principle consistent with divine wisdom in practical affairs.
• "and understood that Saul was come in very deed": This confirms the effectiveness and accuracy of David's intelligence gathering. The outcome of the espionage was a concrete, undeniable fact: Saul was genuinely present. The phrase highlights the immediate and tangible nature of the danger, removing any ambiguity and providing David with clear data upon which to base his subsequent actions. It signifies a shift from speculation to certainty concerning the enemy's presence.

1 Samuel 26 4 Bonus section

The deployment of spies by David foreshadows military strategies later used by kings in Israel. David's action here reflects the principle that while ultimate reliance is on God, human prudence and diligent information gathering are essential and not contradictory to faith. This account serves as an example for believers to use discernment and wisely gather facts in challenging situations rather than acting impulsively or based on unverified rumors. It contrasts with Saul, who often acted based on suspicion or incomplete information (e.g., his initial response to false reports about David in 1 Samuel 24). This episode further illustrates David's spiritual maturity; he combined strategic thought with trust in God's providence.

1 Samuel 26 4 Commentary

1 Samuel 26:4 concisely reveals David's calculated pragmatism amidst mortal peril. Despite God's promise of the kingship and divine protection, David did not passively await fate. Instead, he employed practical wisdom by dispatching spies to confirm the enemy's movements. This act was not a lack of faith but a demonstration of faith coupled with responsible stewardship of his life and those with him. David's meticulousness in gathering precise intelligence ("understood that Saul was come in very deed") distinguished him from Saul's impulsive and often misguided actions. It shows that even a person of profound faith must exercise prudence, strategic planning, and vigilance in discerning and responding to real threats. This verse sets the stage for David's remarkable display of integrity and restraint, providing further proof of his fitness for kingship, marked by wisdom, not recklessness.