King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 26:7 Mean?

1 Samuel 26:7 in the King James Version says “So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 26:7 · KJV

Context

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.

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. delivered: Heb. shut up

9

And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?

Read 1 Samuel 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you witnessed situations where human security measures proved insufficient?
  2. How does recognizing God's control over circumstances affect your view of both danger and safety?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיָּבֹא֩1 of 19

“came”

H935

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

דָוִ֨ד2 of 19

“So David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַֽאֲבִישַׁ֥י׀3 of 19

“and Abishai”

H52

abishai, an israelite

אֶל4 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְהָעָ֔ם5 of 19

“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

לַיְלָה֒6 of 19

“by night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וְהִנֵּ֣ה7 of 19
H2009

lo!

שָׁא֗וּל8 of 19

“and behold Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

שֹֽׁכְבִ֖ים9 of 19

“lay”

H7901

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

יָשֵׁן֙10 of 19

“sleeping”

H3463

sleepy

בַּמַּעְגָּ֔ל11 of 19

“within the trench”

H4570

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

וַֽחֲנִית֥וֹ12 of 19

“and his spear”

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

מְעוּכָֽה13 of 19

“stuck”

H4600

to press, i.e., to pierce, emasculate, handle

בָאָ֖רֶץ14 of 19

“in the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֑ו15 of 19

“at his bolster”

H4763

properly, a headpiece, i.e., (plural for adverbial) at (or as) the head-rest (or pillow)

וְאַבְנֵ֣ר16 of 19

“but Abner”

H74

abner, an israelite

וְהָעָ֔ם17 of 19

“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

שֹֽׁכְבִ֖ים18 of 19

“lay”

H7901

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

סְבִֽיבֹתָֽו׃19 of 19

“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 26:7 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 26:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3

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