26:1 Ziphites came to Saul The Ziphites had given away David’s position once before; see 23:19.

26:2 seek David This is the 16th time Saul tries to kill David (see 16:21 and note).

26:3 the hill of Hakilah See 23:19.

David was staying in the wilderness During Saul’s ongoing pursuit of him, David and his men took refuge in the wilderness regions of Judah. See 23:29; 24:1.

26:5 Abner the son of Ner For Abner, see 10:14; 14:15.

Saul was lying in the encampment This location provided Saul with the most protection while he slept.

26:7 spear thrust into the ground Compare 18:10 and note.

26:8 God has handed over your enemy into your hand See 24:4.

let me pin him to the ground with the spear one time David could kill Saul with the same weapon that Saul repeatedly used to try to kill him.

26:9 has stretched out his hand against Yahweh’s anointed one See 24:6 and note.

26:10 he will go down in the battle David insists that God will be the orchestrator of Saul’s death. This statement foreshadows 31:1–6.

26:12 a deep sleep of Yahweh God allows David to succeed, further testimony that He is with him (see 16:13).

26:13 went to the other side David stands in the opposite direction of his forces so that, if Saul attacks, David’s men will not be initially overrun; they could pursue from behind.

stood on the top of the hill at a distance Compare 24:8.

distance was great between them Gives David time to retreat if necessary.

26:15 your lord the king See 24:8 and note.

26:16 surely you people deserve to die Abner deserves death because he has failed to protect the king.

26:17 my son David See 24:16 and note.

26:20 a single flea David echoes the same sentiment of 24:14.

26:21 Then Saul said Saul responds to David’s appeals in vv. 17–20.