1 Samuel 26:11
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David's refusal isn't just about Saul's status; it's a profound acknowledgment that God's anointing makes him untouchable, even when Saul is acting like a madman. He makes a distinction between God's chosen king and the person Saul is currently being, showing his deep reverence for God's sovereign appointment.
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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
David has found King Saul asleep in his camp, a prime opportunity to end his pursuit. However, David refrains from harming Saul, recognizing him as God's chosen king, even though Saul is relentlessly trying to kill David. Immediately after this, David will retreat to a safe distance and taunt Saul's guards, further highlighting his restraint and Saul's recklessness.
David had Saul cornered, literally with his life in his hands. Why did he refuse to strike, even when provoked?
David recognized a profound truth: Saul, though deeply flawed and acting as an enemy, was still God's chosen king. To harm Saul would be to defy the very authority God had placed over him.
The Anointing Oil
In ancient Israel, kings were anointed with oil as a symbol of God's direct appointment and empowerment. This wasn't just a political act; it was a spiritual one. The king, in a sense, represented God's rule on earth.
David's refusal wasn't about weakness, but about understanding the divine order. He knew that God's timing and methods for dealing with ungodly leadership were His own.
David didn't just say 'no' to violence; he also chose a specific, strategic action. What can we learn from his response?
David's command to take Saul's spear and water jar shows a clever and non-lethal way to prove his point. He could have killed Saul, but instead, he chose to demonstrate his power and restraint.
Proving His Point
By taking these items, David proved he was in Saul's camp, had access to him, and could have easily ended his life. This wasn't a power play but a way to expose Saul's misguided pursuit and hopefully lead him to repentance.
David acted decisively, not passively. He seized the opportunity not for revenge, but for vindication and potentially reconciliation.
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Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
Yahweh; the self-existent, covenant-keeping God of Israel who reveals Himself to His people. He is the supreme ruler and object of worship, often associated with His holiness and faithfulness.
mashiyach · Hebrew Noun
One set apart for a divine purpose through the act of anointing with oil, symbolizing the bestowal of God's Spirit and authority. In the Old Testament, it specifically refers to the kings of Israel, making them sacred representatives of God's sovereignty.
This moment highlights David's profound respect for God's anointed king, even when that king was his bitter enemy. It shows David's character and his refusal to usurp God's timing for the kingdom.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel, the prophet, anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, marking a significant shift from a period of judges to monarchy.
c. 1025 BC
David Anointed King
God rejects Saul as king due to his disobedience. Samuel is sent to anoint David, Jesse's youngest son, as the future king while Saul still reigns.
c. 1020-1010 BC
David's Rise and Saul's Jealousy
David gains popularity through victories like slaying Goliath, leading to intense jealousy from King Saul, who begins relentlessly pursuing David.
c. 1014 BC
David Spares Saul's Life in Cave
While hiding from Saul in the wilderness of Engedi, David finds Saul alone and vulnerable but spares his life, cutting off a piece of Saul's robe.
c. 1014 BC— this verse
David Spares Saul's Life in Wilderness Camp
David and his men infiltrate Saul's heavily guarded camp at night, finding Saul asleep. David takes Saul's spear and water jar but again spares his life.
c. 1010 BC
Battle of Mount Gilboa
Saul and his sons, including Jonathan, are killed in battle against the Philistines. This tragic event paves the way for David's eventual enthronement.
This passage shows David's first opportunity to kill Saul and his similar refusal, highlighting his consistent respect for God's anointed king, even when that king was actively hunting him.
2 Samuel 1:14When the man who claimed to have killed Saul brought David the news, David's immediate and strong reaction was to have that man executed for daring to lay a hand on the LORD's anointed.
Romans 13:1-7The New Testament echoes this principle, teaching believers to submit to governing authorities because they are established by God, reinforcing the idea of respecting God's appointed leaders.
1 Samuel 15:23Saul himself had previously experienced the devastating consequences of disobeying the LORD, showing the seriousness of rejecting God's will and the divine protection associated with it.
David's refusal isn't just about Saul's status; it's a profound acknowledgment that God's anointing makes him untouchable, even when Saul is acting like a madman. He makes a distinction between God's chosen king and the person Saul is currently being, showing his deep reverence for God's sovereign appointment.
David has found King Saul asleep in his camp, a prime opportunity to end his pursuit. However, David refrains from harming Saul, recognizing him as God's chosen king, even though Saul is relentlessly trying to kill David. Immediately after this, David will retreat to a safe distance and taunt Saul's guards, further highlighting his restraint and Saul's recklessness.
David has found King Saul asleep in his camp, a prime opportunity to end his pursuit. However, David refrains from harming Saul, recognizing him as God's chosen king, even though Saul is relentlessly trying to kill David. Immediately after this, David will retreat to a safe distance and taunt Saul's guards, further highlighting his restraint and Saul's recklessness.
"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.”" — David's refusal isn't just about Saul's status; it's a profound acknowledgment that God's anointing makes him untouchable, even when Saul is acting like a madman. He makes a distinction between God's…
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Last reviewed October 2026
