Useful Bible Studies > 1 Samuel Commentary > chapter 26

David calls to Abner

1 Samuel 26:13-16

David had gone by night into Saul’s camp. He took away two objects to prove that he had entered Saul’s tent. Nobody had stopped him because they were all asleep.

On the next morning, David stood on the hill opposite Saul’s camp. He was some distance from the camp, but he could shout across to the people there.

Then David called to Abner. Abner was the most important official in Saul’s government and the commander of his army. Abner had spent the night in the same tent as Saul. It was his special responsibility to guard Saul. However when David and his companion Abishai entered the tent, Abner was sleeping.

Abner heard David’s shouts, although David was too far away for Abner to recognise him. As Saul’s chief official, Abner understood that David’s message was really for Saul.

Abner replied. Then David continued to speak to Abner, although his message was really to Saul. It was the duty of all Israel’s soldiers to defend the life of their king. That was their national duty, as citizens of Israel; but it was also a sacred duty because God had appointed Saul to rule Israel.

For Abner, it was also a personal duty, David explained. Abner had neglected that duty during the night, and the king had been in danger. Someone had entered the king’s tent, and he had wanted to kill the king (26:8). Abner knew nothing about it, because he was asleep. However, David had evidence. The evidence was the two objects that David had taken from Saul’s tent

Abner had not saved Saul’s life that night. David, whom Saul considered his enemy, had saved Saul. The king’s most important official had not acted in a loyal and responsible manner; but David was still loyal to Saul. David’s purpose was to prove that Saul should not be opposing him.

Next part: Saul’s change of attitude (1 Samuel 26:17)

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