1 Samuel 26:16 Meaning and Explanation
“This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD’s anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →David declares the guards deserve death for their negligence and points them to the missing spear and water jug as proof.
What Does 1 Samuel 26:16 Mean?
David pronounces the army's failure grave, swearing that their neglect of the Lord's anointed deserved death. Then he directs them to look for the king's spear and water jug, gone from beside Saul's head, evidence that someone had stood within striking distance.
The very tokens of his mercy become his testimony. David, who refused to kill, now holds proof that he could have and did not. His restraint is no secret weakness but an open declaration: he honored the king when he had every chance to harm him. So mercy, freely chosen, speaks louder than any boast and leaves a witness no accusation can overturn.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 26:16
What does 1 Samuel 26:16 mean?
David declares the guards deserve death for their negligence and points them to the missing spear and water jug as proof.