1 Samuel Chapter 26 · Verse 11
The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
Original Language Analysis
חָלִ֤ילָה
forbid
H2486
חָלִ֤ילָה
forbid
Strong's:
H2486
Word #:
1 of 19
literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!
יְהוָ֑ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִשְּׁלֹ֥חַ
that I should stretch forth
H7971
מִשְּׁלֹ֥חַ
that I should stretch forth
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
4 of 19
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יָדִ֖י
mine hand
H3027
יָדִ֖י
mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 19
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
בִּמְשִׁ֣יחַ
anointed
H4899
בִּמְשִׁ֣יחַ
anointed
Strong's:
H4899
Word #:
6 of 19
anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah
יְהוָ֑ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְ֠עַתָּה
H6258
קַח
but I pray thee take
H3947
קַח
but I pray thee take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
9 of 19
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
נָ֨א
H4994
נָ֨א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
10 of 19
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַחֲנִ֜ית
thou now the spear
H2595
הַחֲנִ֜ית
thou now the spear
Strong's:
H2595
Word #:
12 of 19
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֛ו
that is at his bolster
H4763
מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֛ו
that is at his bolster
Strong's:
H4763
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, a headpiece, i.e., (plural for adverbial) at (or as) the head-rest (or pillow)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּ֖יִם
of water
H4325
הַמַּ֖יִם
of water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
17 of 19
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Cross References
1 Samuel 24:6And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.1 Samuel 24:12The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
Historical Context
The spear of a king was more than a weapon; it served as a scepter and symbol of royal power. Saul is frequently depicted with his spear throughout 1 Samuel. The water cruse (a clay water jar) was essential in the arid wilderness and would have been kept near the king for his personal use.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you demonstrate power through restraint rather than through force?
- What symbolic actions might communicate your intentions more effectively than direct confrontation?
Analysis & Commentary
David's command to take Saul's spear and water cruse rather than his life demonstrates both restraint and strategic thinking. The spear represented royal authority and military power; the water cruse symbolized sustenance and life itself. Taking these items without harming Saul would prove David's proximity and power while demonstrating his mercy. The phrase 'the LORD forbid' (Hebrew: 'chalilah li') expresses horror at the very thought of harming God's anointed, revealing David's internalized conviction.