1 Samuel 26:5
And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֣קָם
arose
H6965
וַיָּ֣קָם
arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 28
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
הַמָּקוֹם֙
the place
H4725
הַמָּקוֹם֙
the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
5 of 28
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 28
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חֹנִ֥ים
had pitched
H2583
חֹנִ֥ים
had pitched
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
7 of 28
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
שָׁ֣ם
H8033
וְשָׁאוּל֙
and Saul
H7586
וְשָׁאוּל֙
and Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
9 of 28
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
וַיַּ֣רְא
beheld
H7200
וַיַּ֣רְא
beheld
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
10 of 28
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמָּקוֹם֙
the place
H4725
הַמָּקוֹם֙
the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
13 of 28
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 28
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שֹׁכֵ֣ב
lay
H7901
שֹׁכֵ֣ב
lay
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
15 of 28
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
שָׁ֣ם
H8033
וְשָׁאוּל֙
and Saul
H7586
וְשָׁאוּל֙
and Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
17 of 28
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
19 of 28
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
צְבָא֑וֹ
of his host
H6635
צְבָא֑וֹ
of his host
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
22 of 28
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וְשָׁאוּל֙
and Saul
H7586
וְשָׁאוּל֙
and Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
23 of 28
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
שֹׁכֵ֣ב
lay
H7901
שֹׁכֵ֣ב
lay
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
24 of 28
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
בַּמַּעְגָּ֔ל
in the trench
H4570
בַּמַּעְגָּ֔ל
in the trench
Strong's:
H4570
Word #:
25 of 28
a track (literally or figuratively); also a rampart (as circular)
וְהָעָ֖ם
and the people
H5971
וְהָעָ֖ם
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
26 of 28
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
1 Samuel 17:55And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.1 Samuel 17:20And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern military camps typically arranged wagons or barriers in a circular formation for protection. The king would occupy the center, with his most trusted warriors nearest him. Saul's spear planted at his head was both a symbol of royal authority and ready weapon.
Questions for Reflection
- What situations has God called you to observe closely before acting?
- How does understanding your adversary's position change your approach to conflict?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
David's bold reconnaissance mission into Saul's camp demonstrates extraordinary courage born of faith. The detailed observation of Saul sleeping within 'the trench' (Hebrew: 'hamma'gal,' the wagon circle or defensive perimeter) with his spear planted at his head establishes the vulnerability of Israel's king. Abner, Saul's cousin and commander, sleeping beside him highlights the complete lack of awareness that would soon expose the army's negligence. The scene foreshadows David's restraint and Saul's helplessness before God's sovereign purposes.