1 Samuel 26

5 in the trench. “The place of the wagons” (R.V.).

6. Abishai. Abishai, Joab, and Asahel were sons of Zeruiah, David’s sister.

7 his spear, etc. The “spear stuck in the ground” still marks the resting-place of an Arab chief. The spears are spiked at the lower end. “His bolster,” literally “his head” (R.V.).

10 the Lord shall smite him. In other words, It is for God, not for me, to inflict the deserved punishment: see Rom. xii. 19.

14. David cried to the people. From ver. 17 it appears that Saul recognised David’s voice, though in the faint light he could not distinguish the person.

19 let Him accept an offering. That is, let Him accept an offering from us both; let us join in seeking His forgiveness by sacrifice.

saying. That is, “by their actions—by driving me abroad.” Some suppose that one, perhaps the chief, of the treacherous enemies to whom David alluded was Cush the Benjamite, mentioned in the title to Psa. vii.; and that this psalm expresses the feelings which animated David upon this occasion.

20 a flea. The Sept. reads, “my life.”

25 shall still prevail. This interview shows that Saul was not without better feelings, though they had become powerless through the course of sin which he had pursued. He and David never met again; but he seems not to have given up his persecution of his son-in-law.