1 Samuel 26:12
So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.
Original Language Analysis
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּ֙יִם֙
of water
H4325
הַמַּ֙יִם֙
of water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
7 of 25
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
שָׁא֔וּל
from Saul's
H7586
שָׁא֔וּל
from Saul's
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
9 of 25
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
וַיֵּֽלְכ֖וּ
H1980
וַיֵּֽלְכ֖וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
10 of 25
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
רֹאֶה֩
and no man saw
H7200
רֹאֶה֩
and no man saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
13 of 25
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְאֵ֨ין
H369
יוֹדֵ֜עַ
it nor knew
H3045
יוֹדֵ֜עַ
it nor knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
15 of 25
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
18 of 25
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֻלָּם֙
H3605
כֻלָּם֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
19 of 25
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
21 of 25
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תַּרְדֵּמַ֣ת
because a deep sleep
H8639
תַּרְדֵּמַ֣ת
because a deep sleep
Strong's:
H8639
Word #:
22 of 25
a lethargy or (by implication) trance
יְהוָ֔ה
from the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
from the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
23 of 25
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Genesis 2:21And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;Genesis 15:12And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.Isaiah 29:10For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.
Historical Context
The Hebrew 'tardemah' describes a divinely induced unconsciousness that appears at crucial moments in Israel's history. This supernatural sleep prevented any possibility of David being detected, demonstrating that God Himself orchestrated both the opportunity and the protection.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you experienced God's supernatural protection in dangerous circumstances?
- What does this account teach about the relationship between human action and divine sovereignty?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The narrative reveals divine intervention through the 'deep sleep from the LORD' (Hebrew: 'tardemah') that fell upon Saul's camp. This same word describes Adam's sleep during Eve's creation and Abram's during the covenant vision. God's sovereign control ensures David's protection through supernatural means while preserving David's moral integrity. The phrase 'no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked' emphasizes the completeness of divine protection that allowed David to accomplish his mission without bloodshed.