16 This thing isn't good that you have done. As Yahweh lives, you are worthy to die, because you have not kept watch over your lord, Yahweh's anointed. Now see where the king's spear is, and the jar of water that was at his head.
For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, you shall not be established, nor your kingdom. Therefore now send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.
Yahweh forbid that I should put forth my hand against Yahweh's anointed: but now please take the spear that is at his head, and the jar of water, and let us go.
David said to Abishai, Don't destroy him; for who can put forth his hand against Yahweh's anointed, and be guiltless?
David's anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As Yahweh lives, the man who has done this is worthy to die!
Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you. According to the greatness of your power, preserve those who are sentenced to death;
To hear the groans of the prisoner; To free those who are condemned to death;
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 1 Samuel 26
Commentary on 1 Samuel 26 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 26
David's troubles from Saul here begin again; and the clouds return after the rain, when one would have hoped the storm had blown over, and the sky had cleared upon that side; but after Saul had owned his fault in persecuting David, and acknowledged David's title to the crown, yet here he revives the persecution, so perfectly lost was he to all sense of honour and virtue.
1Sa 26:1-5
Here,
1Sa 26:6-12
Here is,
1Sa 26:13-20
David having got safely from Saul's camp himself, and having brought with him proofs sufficient that he had been there, posts himself conveniently, so that they might hear him and yet not reach him (v. 13), and then begins to reason with them upon what had passed.
1Sa 26:21-25
Here is,
Lastly, A palliative cure being thus made of the wound, they parted friends. Saul returned to Gibeah re infectâ-without accomplishing his design, and ashamed of the expedition he had made; but David could not take his word so far as to return with him. Those that have once been false are not easily trusted another time. Therefore David went on his way. And, after this parting, it does not appear that ever Saul and David saw one another again.