1 Samuel 26:8
Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 20
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הַיּ֛וֹם
this day
H3117
הַיּ֛וֹם
this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
7 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ
into thine hand
H3027
בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ
into thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 20
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
וְעַתָּה֩
H6258
אַכֶּ֨נּוּ
now therefore let me smite
H5221
אַכֶּ֨נּוּ
now therefore let me smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
12 of 20
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
נָ֜א
H4994
נָ֜א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
13 of 20
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
בַּֽחֲנִ֤ית
him I pray thee with the spear
H2595
בַּֽחֲנִ֤ית
him I pray thee with the spear
Strong's:
H2595
Word #:
14 of 20
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
וּבָאָ֙רֶץ֙
even to the earth
H776
וּבָאָ֙רֶץ֙
even to the earth
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
15 of 20
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
פַּ֣עַם
at once
H6471
פַּ֣עַם
at once
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
16 of 20
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
אַחַ֔ת
H259
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
18 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
1 Samuel 24:4And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.1 Samuel 26:23The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.
Historical Context
The theological concept of viewing military success as divine favor was common throughout the ancient Near East. Warriors routinely attributed battlefield victories to their gods' intervention. Abishai's interpretation reflects this cultural assumption that opportunity indicates divine sanction.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between providential opportunities and temptations that appear as opportunities?
- When have well-meaning advisors urged you toward actions that violated your convictions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Abishai's interpretation that 'God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand' presents David with the same temptation he faced in the cave at En-gedi. The Hebrew 'siggar' (delivered up, shut in) suggests a divinely orchestrated opportunity. Abishai's confidence that one thrust would suffice ('I will not smite him the second time') reveals both his warrior's skill and his failure to understand the theological principle David had internalized: opportunity does not equal divine permission.