Bible Commentaries
1 Samuel 26

Verses 1-25

Once again we have the account of how David spared the life of Saul. There is no reason at all for the view that this is a repetition of the previous story. A quiet comparison of the two will show many points of difference between them.

After dramatically rebuking Abner for his lack of care of the king, David protested Saul's persecution of himself. Varying interpretations of the meaning of the words of David as recorded in the nineteenth verse have been given. The most natural solution is really the simplest, that in appealing to Saul why he was thus following David, he suggested that if the evil spirit should be a divine visitation Saul should seek to be free from it by making an offering to God.

David's weariness of his exile and persecution inadvertently manifested itself when he declared that if men had stirred up Saul against him they were endeavoring to drive him out from the inheritance of the Lord to serve other gods.

In answer to David's protest, Saul confessed his sin. and. in one sentence, unexpectedly, but nevertheless accurately, declared the whole truth concerning himself when he said, "I have played the fool."

Perhaps this is the briefest and, at the same time, the most accurate autobiography in existence. The statement, possibly quite unintentionally, but nevertheless definitely, had application not merely to his immediate action, but to all his history from the beginning.