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1 Samuel 26:12

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 26:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul`s head; and they gat them away: and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from Jehovah was fallen upon them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul`s head; and they gat them away: and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from Jehovah was fallen upon them.
1 Samuel 26:12 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 26

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not; for who can put forth his hand against Jehovah`s anointed, and be guiltless?
10And David said, As Jehovah liveth, Jehovah will smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall go down into battle and perish.
11Jehovah forbid that I should put forth my hand against Jehovah`s anointed: but now take, I pray thee, the spear that is at his head, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
12So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul`s head; and they gat them away: and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from Jehovah was fallen upon them.
13Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of the mountain afar off; a great space being between them;
14and David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who art thou that criest to the king?
15And David said to Abner, Art not thou a [valiant] man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept watch over thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord.
← 1 Samuel 26:111 Samuel 26:13 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“So David took the spear, and the cruse of water, from Saul’s bolster, etc.] Abishai either refusing to take them, since he might not take away his life; or it may be rather David thought better of it, and took them himself, lest Abishai should be tempted, when so near to Saul, and his spear in his hand, and should thrust him with it; though David may be said to take them by the hands of Abishai: and they gat them away; with the above things along with them: and no man saw [it], nor knew [it]; saw them in the camp, or knew what they did: neither awaked; at their talking together, at the motion of their feet, and taking away the spear and cruse: for they [were] all asleep; which was very…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“So David: Sa1 26:7, Sa1 24:4 a deep sleep: Gen 2:21, Gen 15:12; Est 6:1; Isa 29:10 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 26:13”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Samuel 26 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification