1 Samuel 26:22

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

“Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of the young men come over and get it.

American Standard Version (1901)

And David answered and said, Behold the spear, O king! let then one of the young men come over and fetch it.

Bible in Basic English

Then David said, Here is the king's spear! let one of the young men come over and get it.

Free Bible Version

“I have the king's spear here,” said David. “Send one of your men over to collect it.

King James (Authorized) Version

And David answered and said, Behold the king’s spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.

Translation for Translators

David replied, “ will leave your spear here. Send one of your young men here to get it.

Unlocked Literal Bible

David answered and said, “See, your spear is here, king! Let one of the young men come over and get it and bring it to you.

Noah Webster Bible

And David answered and said, Behold the king's spear! and let one of the young men come over and take it.

World English Bible

David answered, “Behold the spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and get it.

Young's Literal Translation

And David answereth and saith, 'Lo, the king's spear; and let one of the young men pass over, and receive it;

Context

Saul Acknowledges His Sin

²¹Then Saul replied, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. I will never harm you again, because today you considered my life precious. I have played the fool and have committed a grave error!”²²“Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of the young men come over and get it.²³May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed.

Summary

In this verse, David expresses his unwavering trust in God's justice and sovereignty, acknowledging that only God has the right to judge and avenge. He refuses to take matters into his own hands, recognizing that it is God's prerogative to deal with his enemies. David's humility and faith in God's divine plan serve as a powerful example of reliance on the Lord's wisdom and timing, even in the face of personal vindication. This verse underscores the importance of leaving justice in God's hands and demonstrates David's commitment to honoring God above seeking revenge.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And David answered and said, behold the king's spear!.... And which perhaps was his sceptre, and which David therefore would not keep, lest it should be thought or said that he had deprived him of an ensign of his royalty, and be interpreted as a token of his design to seize his crown and throne: and let one of the young men come over and fetch it; for notwithstanding the acknowledgment Saul had made of his sin and folly, David did not choose to carry the spear to him; not caring to trust him, and put himself into his hands, lest the evil spirit should return and come upon him suddenly, and alter his disposition and carriage; nor would he send any of his men with it, whose lives were dear to him, lest they should be seized as traitors, but desires one of Saul's men might be sent for it.