1 Samuel 26:1 - Meaning and Application

Here, first, Saul learns where David is and acts against him. The Ziphites came to Saul and told him David’s location, in the same place where they had betrayed him before (1 Samuel 23:19). Perhaps Saul had hinted to them in secret that he still meant to pursue David and would welcome their help. If not, they were eager to please Saul and bitter toward David, and they pushed Saul, who did not need much urging, to act against him (1 Samuel 26:1).

For all we know, Saul might have stayed in the better frame of mind he showed in (1 Samuel 24:17) and not caused David this new trouble, if the Ziphites had not stirred him up. This reminds us to pray to God, because there is already so much corruption in our own hearts. If temptation’s sparks come near enough, they can catch fire and lead us into great sin.

Saul quickly seized on the report and went down with 3,000 men to the place where David was hiding (1 Samuel 26:2). How quickly an unconverted heart loses the good feelings conviction has stirred up, and returns to its old sin like a dog to its vomit.

Second, David learns where Saul is and acts to protect himself. He did not go out to fight Saul. He only wanted to stay safe, not bring Saul to ruin. So he remained in the wilderness (1 Samuel 26:3), which took real self-control. By quietly withdrawing, he showed more true courage than he would have shown by a reckless fight.

He had spies who told him Saul had truly come down, so he would not believe Saul had sunk this low until he had clear proof of it (1 Samuel 26:4). He also looked for himself and saw how Saul had set up camp (1 Samuel 26:5). He came close enough to the place where Saul and his men had pitched their tents to examine their defenses without being seen, likely in the evening twilight.