Here is the king’s spear,David's act of returning the spear signifies his respect for Saul's position as the anointed king of Israel, despite Saul's pursuit to kill him. The spear, a symbol of Saul's authority and military power, was taken by David to demonstrate his ability to harm Saul but choosing not to. This act reflects David's integrity and his trust in God's justice. The spear also represents the futility of Saul's attempts to harm David, as God protects David. This moment echoes the earlier event in
1 Samuel 24, where David spares Saul's life in the cave.
David answered.
David's response is significant as it shows his willingness to communicate directly and honestly with Saul. Despite being wronged, David maintains a respectful tone, emphasizing his desire for reconciliation and peace. This interaction highlights David's character as a man after God's own heart, who seeks to resolve conflict without violence. It also serves as a model for handling disputes with humility and grace.
Let one of the young men come over and get it.
David's invitation for one of Saul's men to retrieve the spear demonstrates his commitment to peace and his refusal to take advantage of the situation. By allowing Saul's servant to collect the spear, David avoids any further confrontation and shows his respect for Saul's authority. This act of returning the spear without conditions underscores David's trust in God's timing and justice. It also prefigures Christ's teaching on loving one's enemies and turning the other cheek, as seen inMatthew 5:39-44.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by God, who is currently being pursued by King Saul. In this chapter, David demonstrates his integrity and respect for God's anointed by sparing Saul's life.
2.
SaulThe first king of Israel, who is seeking to kill David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. Saul is camped in the Desert of Ziph with his army.
3.
AbishaiDavid's nephew and one of his loyal warriors, who accompanies David into Saul's camp and urges David to kill Saul.
4.
The Desert of ZiphA wilderness area in Judah where Saul is encamped with his army, and where David and Abishai infiltrate the camp.
5.
The SpearA symbol of Saul's authority and power, which David takes as evidence of his ability to harm Saul but chooses not to.
Teaching Points
Respect for God's AnointedDavid's refusal to harm Saul, despite having the opportunity, teaches us the importance of respecting those whom God has placed in authority, even when they are flawed.
Trust in God's JusticeDavid's actions demonstrate a deep trust in God's justice and timing. We are reminded to leave vengeance to God and trust Him to right wrongs in His perfect timing.
Integrity in AdversityDavid's integrity shines through as he chooses righteousness over revenge. We are called to maintain our integrity, even when faced with difficult situations.
Symbolism of the SpearThe spear represents power and authority. David's return of the spear signifies his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over kingship and authority.
PeacemakingDavid's actions align with the biblical call to be peacemakers, showing mercy and seeking reconciliation rather than conflict.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 26:22?
2.How does David's action in 1 Samuel 26:22 demonstrate trust in God's justice?
3.What can we learn about integrity from David's response in 1 Samuel 26:22?
4.How does David's behavior connect to Jesus' teachings on loving enemies?
5.How can we apply David's example of restraint in our daily conflicts?
6.What does 1 Samuel 26:22 teach about respecting God's anointed leaders today?
7.What does 1 Samuel 26:22 reveal about David's character and leadership qualities?
8.How does 1 Samuel 26:22 demonstrate the theme of divine providence?
9.What historical context is essential to understanding 1 Samuel 26:22?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 26?
11.How could David and Abishai enter Saul's camp and take his spear and water jug unnoticed by 3,000 soldiers? (1 Samuel 26:7-12)
12.Who was high priest when David went into the House of GOD and ate the consecrated bread? Abiathar (Mark 2:26) Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar (I Samuel 1:1; 22:20)
13.Why did Abner, responsible for guarding Saul, face no immediate consequences for failing to protect the king? (1 Samuel 26:15-16)
14.Why does God forbid David from building the temple in 1 Chronicles 22:8 but never give that explicit reason in the parallel accounts (e.g., 2 Samuel 7)?What Does 1 Samuel 26:22 Mean
Here is the king’s spear- David holds the very symbol of Saul’s royal authority (1 Samuel 26:12).
- By declaring, “Here is the king’s spear,” he publicly shows he has spared Saul’s life and intends no rebellion, echoing his earlier refusal to harm “the LORD’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6; 26:9).
- Returning the spear rather than keeping it highlights David’s integrity and his confidence that God, not force, will establish his future throne (1 Samuel 26:23;Psalm 75:6-7).
- Like the corner of Saul’s robe taken in the cave (1 Samuel 24:4-11), the spear is tangible proof of mercy—anticipating Jesus’ teaching to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44).
David answered- David answers from a safe distance (1 Samuel 26:13), showing respect yet exercising caution after Saul’s repeated attempts on his life (1 Samuel 18:11; 19:10).
- His measured response models the gentle answer that “turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).
- He trusts the Lord to judge between them (1 Samuel 26:10-11), reflecting the principle “Do not repay anyone evil for evil…leave room for God’s wrath” (Romans 12:17-19).
- David’s words reveal a heart shaped by faith; instead of triumphalism, he displays humility and honors Saul’s position, paralleling New-Testament calls to submit to governing authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17).
Let one of the young men come over and get it- David invites Saul to send a servant, keeping physical separation while still returning what belongs to the king (1 Samuel 26:22 b).
- This protects David’s men from retaliation and allows Saul to save face—an act of practical wisdom and peacemaking (James 3:17-18).
- The gesture underscores that David seeks reconciliation, not revenge; he places responsibility for the next move on Saul, similar to the way Joseph tested his brothers’ hearts before full restoration (Genesis 44:1-34).
- By entrusting the spear to a “young man,” David demonstrates confidence that God’s purposes will stand without personal confrontation (Psalm 37:5-7).
summary1 Samuel 26:22 portrays David, already anointed yet not enthroned, returning Saul’s spear to prove his innocence, uphold the sanctity of God-given authority, and pursue peace without compromising prudence. The verse teaches that true strength is expressed through mercy, that godly leadership waits for God’s timing, and that believers honor even flawed authorities while trusting the Lord to vindicate righteousness.
Verses 22-24. -
Behold the king's spear. Rather, "Behold the spear, O king." The other is an unnecessary correction of the Kri. Having restored to Saul this ensign of his authority, David prays that
Jehovah may
render to every man his righteousness,
i.e. may requite David for his upright conduct towards Saul, and by implication punish Saul himself for his unjust conduct. And also
his faithfulness, his fidelity, and steady allegiance. This refers exclusively to David, who gives as proof of his faithfulness to his king that he had spared his life when it was delivered into his power. In return for which act God, he affirms, will protect his life. Ver. 24 would be better translated, "And behold, as thy life was great (in value) in my sight this day, so shall my life be great (in value) in the sight of Jehovah, and he shall deliver me out of every strait," every narrowness and difficulty into which Saul's persecution might drive him.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
“Hereהִנֵּ֖ה(hin·nêh)Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!is the king’sהַמֶּ֑לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingspear,”חֲנִ֣ית(ḥă·nîṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2595:A lanceDavidדָּוִד֙(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesseanswered.וַיַּ֤עַן(way·ya·‘an)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030:To answer, respond“Let one ofאֶחָ֥ד(’e·ḥāḏ)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firstthe young menמֵֽהַנְּעָרִ֖ים(mê·han·nə·‘ā·rîm)Preposition-m, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5288:A boy, lad, youth, retainercome overוְיַעֲבֹ֛ר(wə·ya·‘ă·ḇōr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass onand get it.וְיִקָּחֶֽהָ׃(wə·yiq·qā·ḥe·hā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3947:To take
Links
1 Samuel 26:22 NIV1 Samuel 26:22 NLT1 Samuel 26:22 ESV1 Samuel 26:22 NASB1 Samuel 26:22 KJV
1 Samuel 26:22 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 26:22 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 26:22 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 26:22 French Bible1 Samuel 26:22 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 26:22 David answered Behold the spear O king! (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) 
