1 Samuel 26:11 Meaning and Explanation
“The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’s anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →David refuses utterly to harm the anointed king, asking only that they take the spear and water jug and depart.
What Does 1 Samuel 26:11 Mean?
With the solemn words The LORD forbid, David closes the door on violence entirely. Instead of Saul's life, he will take only the spear standing by the king's head and the jug of water beside him, proofs that he had been near enough to kill and chose not to.
David's restraint is active, not passive; he takes tokens that will testify to his innocence rather than spilling blood that would stain it. He answers a deadly threat with a witness of mercy. So the faithful overcome evil not by matching it, but by leaving behind undeniable evidence of grace where vengeance was within their grasp.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 26:11
What does 1 Samuel 26:11 mean?
David refuses utterly to harm the anointed king, asking only that they take the spear and water jug and depart.