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1 Samuel 24:6,12
And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing heis the anointed of the LORD…

2 Samuel 1:14,16
And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed? …

Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head,
The spear and water jug symbolize Saul's vulnerability and David's ability to take his life, yet choosing not to. The spear, a weapon of war, represents Saul's power and authority, while the water jug signifies life and sustenance, especially in the arid wilderness of Ziph where this event occurs. By taking these items, David demonstrates his power over Saul without resorting to violence, proving his loyalty and righteousness. This act serves as a tangible proof of David's integrity when he later confronts Saul (1 Samuel 26:22). The geographical setting in the wilderness of Ziph, a desolate area, highlights the harsh conditions David endured while fleeing from Saul.

and let us go.”
David's decision to leave peacefully underscores his trust in God's justice and timing. This action aligns with biblical principles of leaving vengeance to God (Romans 12:19) and living peaceably with others. David's restraint and wisdom in handling the situation reflect his character as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). This moment also prefigures the teachings of Jesus, who advocated for turning the other cheek and loving one's enemies (Matthew 5:39, 44). David's leadership and reliance on God set a precedent for future kings of Israel and provide a model of godly conduct for believers.

David’s first words set the moral tone. He appeals to the Lord as the final authority, not to his own feelings or Abishai’s urging.

• In1 Samuel 24:6, he voiced the same conviction, showing this is a settled principle, not a momentary restraint.

•Romans 12:19 reminds us, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord,” echoing David’s refusal to usurp divine prerogative.

David recognizes that to act contrary to God’s revealed will would place him outside God’s protection and blessing.

“Extend my hand” pictures deliberate, personal violence.

• David refuses to take justice into his own hands, mirroring Christ’s example in1 Peter 2:23, who “when He was reviled, did not retaliate.”

• He reinforces personal restraint in1 Samuel 24:12: “May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD avenge you on you, but my hand will never be against you”.

The phrase underscores accountability—David’s own hand, not someone else’s, would bear guilt if he struck Saul.

Saul is still God’s chosen king, anointed by Samuel in1 Samuel 10:1.

•Psalm 105:15 commands, “Do not touch My anointed ones,” applying broadly to those God sets apart.

•Romans 13:1 affirms that “there is no authority except from God,” so even a flawed ruler requires respectful restraint.

David’s respect is not for Saul’s behavior but for God’s appointment. He separates Saul’s sins from the sacred office Saul holds.

David offers a non-violent alternative that still communicates powerfully.

• The spear, a symbol of Saul’s authority and repeated aggression (1 Samuel 18:10-11), now lies harmless in David’s hands, proving God has given David the upper hand without bloodshed.

• This act modelsProverbs 25:21-22—overcoming evil with good—showing Saul that mercy, not murder, characterizes the next king.

Reasons for taking the spear:

– Evidence of David’s presence and restraint

– A silent rebuke to Saul’s hostility

– A tangible sign that God, not David, controls the throne

The water jug, everyday yet essential, underscores vulnerability.

• Removing it hints at God’s ability to withhold life’s necessities, while sparing Saul shows mercy.

•Psalm 23:5 pictures God providing “in the presence of my enemies,” just as David spares Saul while standing over him.

Combined with the spear, the jug confirms David’s integrity: he could have ended Saul’s life, yet he simply removes symbols of both authority (spear) and sustenance (water).

David concludes with immediate withdrawal.

• He will not linger in triumph; he entrusts the outcome to God, echoingEcclesiastes 3:1—there is “a time to kill and a time to heal,” and this is the time to depart.

• In1 Samuel 26:23 he states, “The LORD will repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness,” underscoring confidence in God’s timing for vindication.

•James 4:7 calls believers to submit to God; David’s exit demonstrates that submission—leaving before hostility reignites.

1 Samuel 26:11 reveals a heart determined to honor God above personal advantage. David:

• Acknowledges God’s exclusive right to judge.

• Accepts personal restraint as an act of faith.

• Honors the divine office even when the officeholder fails.

• Chooses symbolic mercy over lethal force.

• Leaves the scene, trusting God to vindicate and exalt in His perfect time.

The verse calls us to the same posture: fearless obedience, reverent restraint, and unwavering confidence that the Lord will settle every score.

And the cruse of water.--"A very ancient usage explains why the cruse of water is here brought into such special prominence. According to this custom, some high dignitary always had in keeping a costly ewer for the king's necessary ablutions, and it was specially his duty to take it with him, and present it to the king during campaigns or other journeys, so that its disappearance would involve almost as great a disgrace to the king as the loss of his sceptre" (Ewald, in reference toPsalm 60:8, states his belief that this custom existed in the time of David).--Ewald,History of Israel,"David," ii. 3 (Note). The same scholar also writes that "there are many other instances of similar stories, in which the future conqueror and founder of a new dynasty is represented as having received at first some symbol of royalty from his predecessors by accident, as it were, or in sport. Thus Alexander at first takes the royal divining cup from Dara as if in sport: a story which in the Shahnameh no longer appears in its original light; and in nothing was the belief in omens so strong as in the high affairs of state."--"David," ii. 3 (Note).

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