1 Samuel 26:7
So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָעָ֔ם
and the people
H5971
וְהָעָ֔ם
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לַיְלָה֒
by night
H3915
לַיְלָה֒
by night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
שָׁא֗וּל
and behold Saul
H7586
שָׁא֗וּל
and behold Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
8 of 19
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
שֹֽׁכְבִ֖ים
lay
H7901
שֹֽׁכְבִ֖ים
lay
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
9 of 19
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
בַּמַּעְגָּ֔ל
within the trench
H4570
בַּמַּעְגָּ֔ל
within the trench
Strong's:
H4570
Word #:
11 of 19
a track (literally or figuratively); also a rampart (as circular)
וַֽחֲנִית֥וֹ
and his spear
H2595
וַֽחֲנִית֥וֹ
and his spear
Strong's:
H2595
Word #:
12 of 19
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֑ו
at his bolster
H4763
מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֑ו
at his bolster
Strong's:
H4763
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, a headpiece, i.e., (plural for adverbial) at (or as) the head-rest (or pillow)
וְהָעָ֔ם
and the people
H5971
וְהָעָ֔ם
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
17 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
Ancient warfare frequently employed night raids and surprise attacks. The ability of David and Abishai to penetrate the camp undetected suggests either remarkable skill or divine intervention, which the narrative will soon confirm. The spear was the weapon of kings and nobles in this period.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you witnessed situations where human security measures proved insufficient?
- How does recognizing God's control over circumstances affect your view of both danger and safety?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The nighttime infiltration of Saul's camp reveals the complete vulnerability of Israel's army before God's sovereign protection of David. The detail of Saul's spear 'stuck in the ground at his bolster' (Hebrew: 'me'ushto,' at his head) emphasizes both his defenselessness and the accessibility of the weapon that could end his life. Abner and the army sleeping 'round about him' should have provided protection but instead demonstrate human security systems fail when God ordains otherwise.