1 Samuel 26:6
Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֨עַן
Then answered
H6030
וַיַּ֨עַן
Then answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 25
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֲחִימֶ֣לֶךְ
to Ahimelech
H288
אֲחִימֶ֣לֶךְ
to Ahimelech
Strong's:
H288
Word #:
5 of 25
achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 25
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲחִ֤י
brother
H251
אֲחִ֤י
brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
11 of 25
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
מִֽי
H4310
מִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
14 of 25
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
אֵרֵ֥ד
I will go down
H3381
אֵרֵ֥ד
I will go down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
15 of 25
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
אִתִּ֛י
H854
אִתִּ֛י
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
16 of 25
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
שָׁא֖וּל
with me to Saul
H7586
שָׁא֖וּל
with me to Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
18 of 25
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה
to the camp
H4264
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה
to the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
20 of 25
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
Historical Context
The Hittites were descendants of the ancient Anatolian empire that collapsed around 1200 BCE. Some Hittite populations remained in Canaan and integrated into Israelite society. Abishai, son of Zeruiah (David's sister), would become one of David's most formidable warriors and a key military commander.
Questions for Reflection
- Who stands ready to accompany you into spiritually dangerous situations?
- How does the loyalty of others strengthen your ability to fulfill God's calling?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
David's question to Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai reveals his characteristic courage while seeking a willing companion for a dangerous mission. Abishai's immediate volunteering ('I will go down with thee') demonstrates the fierce loyalty David inspired in his followers. The mention of Ahimelech the Hittite among David's inner circle shows the multinational composition of his band and his ability to integrate foreigners into Israel's story, anticipating his later reign's inclusive character.