Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Samuel 26

This was the last time Saul and David were together. The Ziphites informed Saul again about David's hiding place (see 1 Samuel 23:19–20). David spared Saul's life again, just like he did in the cave at En-gedi (see 1 Samuel 24).

• The men from Ziph had earlier offered to capture David and give him to Saul (1 Samuel 23:19–20).

• Hakilah opposite Jeshimon: The same place they had told Saul about before (1 Samuel 23:19). David likely stayed nearby because the hilly area had many caves, which were good for hiding.

Saul went after David again, even though he had earlier admitted that he was wrong (1 Samuel 24:17–21). By this time, Saul was no longer able to think clearly or speak truthfully.

Abner the son of Ner: See study note on 1 Samuel 20:2.

• This is the only reference to Ahimelech the Hittite.

• Zeruiah was David’s sister (1 Chronicles 2:16), making Abishai David’s nephew. Zeruiah's sons (Abishai, Joab, and Asahel) were three of David’s most loyal followers (for example, 2 Samuel 2:18). But they sometimes caused him trouble (see 2 Samuel 3:39; 16:10; 19:22).

God has delivered your enemy into your hand: Compare 1 Samuel 24:4.

the LORD’s anointed: See study note on 1 Samuel 24:6.

David was confident that God would judge between him and Saul just as he had done between him and Nabal (see 1 Samuel 25:38). Saul died in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:6).

Abner: See study note on 1 Samuel 20:25.

deserve to die: Death was the punishment for failing to do one's duty.

Is that your voice, David my son?: See 1 Samuel 24:16.

• If the LORD has stirred you up against me: David was confused by Saul’s actions and worried he might have sinned without knowing.

• if men have done it: This might refer to Doeg (1 Samuel 22:9–10).

• serve other gods: This idea is similar to Psalm 137:4. People exiled from the holy land could not worship the Lord through sacrifices at the main sanctuary.

a flea: Compare 1 Samuel 24:14.

• I have sinned: Saul had realized his mistakes before (1 Samuel 24:16–19). David had no reason to trust him again (see 1 Samuel 27:1).

• I have played the fool: The Hebrew word used here (sakal) means “to act foolishly” or “to play the fool” (see also 1 Samuel 13:13). This word is different from the word for “fool” (nabal) used in 1 Samuel 25. Even though the words are different, they have similar meanings. This helps show that Saul and Nabal are parallel figures. Both act foolishly and oppose God’s purposes.

David did not harm Saul (1 Samuel 24:6; 26:9) because Saul was the Lord's anointed one (see study note on 1 Samuel 24:6).

As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life: David could not rely on Saul to do the same, so he trusted God with his fate.

Saul returned home, and this may have been David’s last personal encounter with him.