1 Samuel 26:15 BDS

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 26:13-20

David having got safely from Saul's camp himself, and having brought with him proofs sufficient that he had been there, posts himself conveniently, so that they might hear him and yet not reach him (1 Sam. 26:13), and then begins to reason with them upon what had passed. I. He reasons ironically with Abner, and keenly banters him. David knew well that it was from the mighty power of God that Abner and the rest of the guards were cast into so deep a sleep, and that God's immediate hand was in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 26:15

And David said to Abner, art not thou a valiant man ?.... Or a man F21 איש "vir", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Tigurine version, Piscator. , a man of great fame for courage and valour, a man of great authority, who had the next post in the army under Saul, but had not behaved like a man, worthy of his character and office: and who is like to thee in Israel ? none that bare so great a name, or was in so high an office, who therefore should have been careful to have acted... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 26:15

Art not thou a valiant man ? - This is a strong irony. Ye are worthy to die; ye are sons of death - ye deserve death for this neglect of your king. And had not Saul been so deeply affected with David's generosity in preserving his life, he had doubtless put Abner and his chief officers to death; though they were not to blame, as their apparent neglect was the effect of a supernatural sleep. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 26:13-16

The top of a hill. Hebrew, "the top of the hill," the particular mountain from which David had reconnoitred Saul's camp ( 1 Samuel 26:5 ). A great space being between them. At En-gedi Saul was alone, and had placed himself in David's power; he therefore had followed him closely. Here Saul had his army round him, and David had entered his camp by stealth. It is not, therefore, till he had placed an ample interval between them that he calls to Abner , and asks in derision, Art thou not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 26:13-25

Afflictions and righteousness. The facts are— 1 . David seeks to arouse the attention of Saul by an appeal to Abner, blended with reproof of his negligence. 2 . Saul, on recognising David's voice, is answered by him in terms expressive of loyal homage. 3 . David appeals to Saul with respect to his conduct, pointing out its harshness and unreasonableness. 4 . Saul, valuing his own life just spared, admits the force of the plea, and promises to desist from persecution. 5 ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 26:15

This incidental testimony to Abner’s great eminence as a warrior is fully borne out by David’s dirge at Abner’s death 2 Samuel 3:31-34, 2 Samuel 3:38, as well as by his whole history. At the same time David’s bantering tone in regard to Abner, coupled with what he says in 1 Samuel 26:19, makes it proable that David attributed Saul’s persecution of him in some degree to Abner. Abner would be likely to dread a rival in the young conqueror of Judah (compare 2 Samuel 2:8). read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 26:15-17

1 Samuel 26:15-17. Wherefore hast thou not kept, &c. Observed better military discipline for the preservation of the king’s person? There came one of the people Into the king’s camp, and had a fair opportunity to destroy him. Because ye have not kept your master Guarded him better from any danger. It is probable they despised David’s small forces, and, therefore, were so negligent. It is my voice, my lord, O king He still acknowledges Saul’s authority, and the allegiance he owed... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 26:1-25

The move to Philistia (26:1-27:12)Although he had every intention of killing Nabal, David still refused to harm Saul; but Saul remained determined to harm David (26:1-5). When another opportunity arose to kill Saul, David refused to act. He was content to leave the matter with God, who would remove Saul when he saw fit (6-12).Once again David produced proof that he had no evil intentions towards Saul (13-17). But clearly David was becoming tired of this continual flight from the mad king. Not... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 26:15

man . Hebrew. 'ish, App-14 . not. Hebrew. 'el. (Hypothetical.) read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 26:15

1 Samuel 26:15. David said to Abner, Art not thou, &c.— It may be asked, how could David make Abner and Saul hear, as it appears from the 13th verse that there was a great distance between them? The answer is easy. To ascend from one high hill to another, requires time; and in this sense, however adjacent, the two hills are remote. Time and pains are required to go from one to the other; but not so to make oneself heard. read more