1 Samuel 26:13-16

David’s rebuke of Abner 26:13-16

David crossed a ravine to put some distance between himself and Saul. David addressed Abner because he was responsible for leaving the Lord’s anointed unprotected. The person who came to destroy Saul was Abishai (1 Samuel 26:15; cf. 1 Samuel 26:8). David, rather than Saul’s bodyguard Abner, was responsible for sparing his life. Abner deserved to die for his failure in duty, but David spared his life too. David more faithfully defended Saul’s life than even Saul’s most trusted servant.