What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 26:18? And he continued, David is still calling out to Saul from the opposite hillside (1 Samuel 26:13–17). • His words “continued” because this is the climax of a long night’s restraint in which David refused to harm the king (1 Samuel 26:8–11). • The phrase underscores David’s persistence in appealing to Saul’s conscience, much like his earlier plea in the cave (1 Samuel 24:8–12). • By speaking openly, David once again entrusts his life to the LORD, showing confidence in divine protection (Psalm 27:1–3). Why is my lord pursuing his servant? • “My lord” shows David’s respectful submission to Saul’s God-given office (Romans 13:1). • “Pursuing” exposes the irrational hunt: Saul is using an army to chase one loyal subject (1 Samuel 26:20). • David’s wording echoes prior occasions when he asked the same thing (1 Samuel 24:14, Psalm 7:1–2). • The question highlights the moral absurdity of Saul’s campaign; no divine mandate exists for killing David (1 Samuel 24:9). What have I done? • David invites fair scrutiny, confident no legitimate charge can be produced (1 Samuel 20:1; 24:11). • His clear conscience springs from obeying God’s commands not to touch the LORD’s anointed (1 Samuel 26:9, 11; Acts 24:16). • This innocence matches the pattern of the righteous suffering without cause (Psalm 35:19; 59:3–4). What evil is in my hand? • “In my hand” points to actions; David’s hand held Saul’s spear, proof he would not use it against him (1 Samuel 26:12, 16). • Scripture often equates the hand with personal responsibility (Job 17:9; Isaiah 33:15). David’s hands are clean. • His restraint underlines the principle of overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:17–21; 1 Peter 3:16). • By showing the very weapon that could have killed Saul, David removes any doubt about his motives (1 Samuel 24:11–12). summary 1 Samuel 26:18 records David’s respectful yet firm appeal to Saul. He exposes the king’s baseless hostility, affirms his own innocence, and presents tangible evidence that no evil lies in his hand. The verse teaches that the righteous can confront injustice with humility, clear conscience, and trust that the LORD will vindicate truth. |
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