1 Samuel 26:6 kjv
Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
1 Samuel 26:6 nkjv
Then David answered, and said to Ahimelech the Hittite and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, saying, "Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?" And Abishai said, "I will go down with you."
1 Samuel 26:6 niv
David then asked Ahimelek the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, "Who will go down into the camp with me to Saul?" "I'll go with you," said Abishai.
1 Samuel 26:6 esv
Then David said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Joab's brother Abishai the son of Zeruiah, "Who will go down with me into the camp to Saul?" And Abishai said, "I will go down with you."
1 Samuel 26:6 nlt
"Who will volunteer to go in there with me?" David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother. "I'll go with you," Abishai replied.
1 Samuel 26 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Sam 24:4-7 | Then David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul's robe... and afterward David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed...” | David's prior refusal to harm Saul. |
| 1 Sam 26:9-11 | But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?”... | David again prevents harm to Saul. |
| 2 Sam 1:14-16 | And David said to him, “How were you not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” Then David called one of the young men and said, “Come near, strike him down.” | David punishing Saul's alleged slayer. |
| 1 Chr 2:16 | And their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. The sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel, three. | Identifies Zeruiah as David's sister. |
| 2 Sam 23:18-19 | Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. And he wielded his spear against three hundred and killed them... he was one of the three. | Highlights Abishai's military might. |
| 2 Sam 16:9-10 | Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.”... | Abishai's quick, aggressive loyalty to David. |
| 2 Sam 19:21-22 | But Abishai the son of Zeruiah said, “Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?” But David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah...?" | Another instance of Abishai's impulsiveness. |
| Prov 15:22 | Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. | David's wise practice of consulting. |
| Judg 7:3 | Now therefore, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return and depart from Mount Gilead.’” And 22,000 of the people returned... | Leaders asking for volunteers for dangerous missions. |
| Psa 57:1-3 | Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. | David's reliance on God in peril. |
| Psa 3:6 | I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. | Confidence in God's protection. |
| Psa 91:3-4 | For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence... Under his wings you will find refuge... | Divine protection amidst danger. |
| Psa 121:7-8 | The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. | Assurance of God's guardianship. |
| Isa 41:10 | Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. | God empowering His servants. |
| Php 4:13 | I can do all things through him who strengthens me. | Strength through Christ. |
| Rom 12:1 | I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. | Abishai's willingness to "sacrifice" himself. |
| Phil 2:3-4 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. | Serving others (David, Abishai). |
| John 15:13 | Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. | Loyalty exemplified by Abishai. |
| Ruth 1:16-17 | But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you... Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried...” | Example of deep loyalty. |
| Heb 11:34 | who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. | Demonstrating courage of faith. |
1 Samuel 26 verses
1 Samuel 26 6 Meaning
This verse portrays David's courageous and deliberate decision to infiltrate Saul's camp. He calls upon two of his prominent men, Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai, to volunteer for the perilous task of accompanying him into the heavily guarded area where Saul slept. Abishai, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty and characteristic zeal, immediately offers to join David in this dangerous mission.
1 Samuel 26 6 Context
Chapter 26 of 1 Samuel describes the second instance of David's restraint toward Saul, occurring after Saul, stirred by the Ziphites, renews his relentless pursuit of David. David receives intel on Saul's encampment in the wilderness of Ziph and approaches it in the dead of night. This verse initiates the perilous infiltration into the very heart of the enemy's camp, emphasizing David's bold strategy rooted in his conviction not to harm "the Lord's anointed." The historical context places this event during the turbulent period of Saul's declining reign and David's rise, marked by political instability and David's constant flight from a jealous and spiritually-bereft king. This scenario starkly contrasts Saul's obsession with eliminating David and David's unwavering respect for God's divine appointments, despite personal suffering.
1 Samuel 26 6 Word analysis
- Then: Indicates a direct progression of events. David, having located Saul's camp, immediately considers his next strategic move, emphasizing decisiveness.
- David: The protagonist, designated by God to be the next king of Israel. His character here shows leadership, wisdom, courage, and faith, particularly in the dangerous act he proposes.
- said to: Implies David initiating a conversation and seeking counsel or volunteers for a crucial task. It underscores his collaborative leadership style.
- Ahimelech: (אֲחִימֶלֶךְ, ʾAḥîmelek), meaning "My Brother is King" or "Brother of the King." This is distinct from Ahimelech the priest slain by Doeg (1 Sam 22). He is one of David's close, perhaps mercenary, followers. His name suggests a non-Israelite, indicating the diverse group drawn to David.
- the Hittite: (הַחִתִּי, haḥittî). The Hittites were a major non-Israelite ethnic group often in conflict with Israel, though some integrated. Ahimelech being a Hittite and trusted by David shows David's inclusive leadership and possibly his pragmatism in accepting skilled warriors regardless of their origin, perhaps reflecting God's broader plan beyond Israelite ethnicity.
- and to: Connects Ahimelech and Abishai as the primary audience David addresses for this specific mission.
- Abishai: (אֲבִישַׁי, ʾĂbîšay), meaning "My Father is Jesse" or "Father of Gift." He is one of David's most loyal and fierce "mighty men," a nephew to David (son of his sister Zeruiah). He is known for his courageous yet often impetuous nature.
- the son of Zeruiah: (בֶּן צְרוּיָה, ben Ṣᵉrûyāh). Identifies Abishai through his mother, David's sister. This familial connection highlights his close bond and vested interest in David's well-being and success.
- “Who will go down: (מִי־יֵרֵד, mî yērēd) "Who will descend/go down." David is soliciting a volunteer, acknowledging the immense risk involved in entering a fortified camp, even a sleeping one. The phrase implies a descent, either literal (going into a valley/camp below) or metaphorical (into danger).
- with me: (עִמָּדִי, ʿimmādî). David expresses his intention to lead the perilous mission personally, not merely delegate. This shows his courage and dedication as a leader.
- into the camp: (אֶל־הַמַּחֲנֶה, ʾel-hammaḥăneh) "into the encampment." Refers to Saul's military quarters, usually well-guarded and dangerous to infiltrate, especially at night.
- to Saul?”: Specifies the target of the infiltration. The objective is to reach Saul himself.
- Abishai said,: An immediate and decisive response.
- “I will go down with you.”: (אֲנִי אֵרֵד עִמָּךְ, ʾănî ʾērēd ʿimmāk̠). Abishai's quick assent demonstrates his absolute loyalty, courage, and eagerness to serve David, even in a life-threatening situation. His words echo David's willingness to go.
- "Then David said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah": This grouping highlights David's selection of two men. One (Abishai) is a loyal, powerful relative; the other (Ahimelech) is a competent non-Israelite, demonstrating David's pragmatic yet divinely guided leadership in gathering capable individuals for his cause. This diverse team points to the broad appeal of David's leadership, which extended beyond the conventional.
- “Who will go down with me into the camp to Saul?”: This question is not a sign of fear, but of strategic inquiry and a call for true courage. David's direct involvement ("with me") emphasizes his leading from the front, setting an example for his followers and implicitly trusting God's protection. The objective ("to Saul") underscores the ultimate, daring target of the mission.
- “I will go down with you.”: Abishai's immediate and unequivocal response speaks volumes about his character. It signifies unflinching loyalty and a profound commitment to David, even to the point of risking life, embodying sacrificial companionship.
1 Samuel 26 6 Bonus section
This incident, like the previous one in 1 Samuel 24 where David spares Saul in the cave, is not merely a tale of two leaders. It's a profound demonstration of David's righteous character, contrasting sharply with Saul's increasing paranoia and spiritual decline. David consistently defers to God's sovereignty over the kingship, refusing to seize power through ungodly means, despite ample opportunity. This steadfast obedience positions him as a type of the ultimate "Lord's Anointed," Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled God's will. The episode also highlights the concept of divine protection; David's ability to move within Saul's heavily guarded camp without being detected points to God's hand in keeping him safe, even amidst extreme danger, reflecting divine providence safeguarding God's chosen.
1 Samuel 26 6 Commentary
1 Samuel 26:6 succinctly reveals crucial aspects of David's leadership and the unwavering loyalty he inspired. Faced with Saul's persistent pursuit, David, rather than resorting to prolonged evasion, takes a daring, proactive step by deciding to infiltrate Saul's camp. His query, "Who will go down with me...?" is a measured invitation for a volunteer to join a high-stakes, life-threatening endeavor, showcasing his reliance on trusted lieutenants while asserting his own direct participation. The mention of Ahimelech the Hittite signifies the diverse array of warriors and peoples drawn to David, reflecting his emerging kingdom's universal appeal and God's work through all nations. Abishai's swift and resolute affirmation, "I will go down with you," epitomizes the profound loyalty and fierce courage of David's closest men, though Abishai's impulsiveness will require David's restraint in the subsequent verses. The entire sequence underscores David's spiritual resolve not to harm the Lord's anointed, even when facing mortal danger from him, placing his trust in God's timing and justice.