King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 26:5 Mean?

1 Samuel 26:5 in the King James Version says “And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the ... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. trench: or, midst of his carriages

1 Samuel 26:5 · KJV


Context

3

And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.

4

David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed.

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. trench: or, midst of his carriages

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.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What situations has God called you to observe closely before acting?
  2. How does understanding your adversary's position change your approach to conflict?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 28 words
וַיָּ֣קָם1 of 28

arose

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

דָּוִ֗ד2 of 28

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיָּבֹא֮3 of 28

and came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶֽל4 of 28
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּקוֹם֙5 of 28

the place

H4725

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)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 28
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

חֹנִ֥ים7 of 28

had pitched

H2583

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

שָׁ֣ם8 of 28
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְשָׁאוּל֙9 of 28

and Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיַּ֣רְא10 of 28

beheld

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

דָּוִ֗ד11 of 28

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת12 of 28
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמָּקוֹם֙13 of 28

the place

H4725

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)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר14 of 28
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שֹׁכֵ֣ב15 of 28

lay

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

שָׁ֣ם16 of 28
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְשָׁאוּל֙17 of 28

and Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְאַבְנֵ֥ר18 of 28

and Abner

H74

abner, an israelite

בֶּן19 of 28

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נֵ֖ר20 of 28

of Ner

H5369

ner, an israelite

שַׂר21 of 28

the captain

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

צְבָא֑וֹ22 of 28

of his host

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

וְשָׁאוּל֙23 of 28

and Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

שֹׁכֵ֣ב24 of 28

lay

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

בַּמַּעְגָּ֔ל25 of 28

in the trench

H4570

a track (literally or figuratively); also a rampart (as circular)

וְהָעָ֖ם26 of 28

and the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

חֹנִ֥ים27 of 28

had pitched

H2583

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

סְבִֽיבֹתָֽו׃28 of 28

round about

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 26:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 26:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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