1 Samuel 26:9 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD’s anointed, and be guiltless?

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

But David said to Abishai, 'Don't kill him! Who can harm the Lord's chosen king and be innocent of wrongdoing?'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

David is refusing to harm King Saul because he believes God chose Saul as king, and it would be wrong to attack someone God has appointed.

📚 Historical Context

In the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel, David was on the run from King Saul, who was driven by jealousy and fear that David might take his throne. During one of Saul's pursuits, David and his companion Abishai sneaked into Saul's camp while he was sleeping and had the opportunity to kill him, but David chose restraint. This moment highlights David's respect for God's anointing on Saul as the reigning king, despite the personal danger David faced.

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2 Samuel 19:21

But Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, spoke up and said, 'Shouldn't Shimei be executed for what he did? After all, he cursed the LORD's chosen king!'

2 Samuel 16:9

Then Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, said to the king, 'Why should this worthless man curse my lord the king? Please let me go over there and cut off his head.'

2 Samuel 3:8

Then Abner became furious at Ishbosheth's words and said, 'Am I just a worthless dog that you can treat this way? I've been loyal to Judah and shown kindness to your father Saul's family, his relatives, and his friends. I haven't handed you over to David, yet today you're accusing me of doing wrong with this woman?'

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