The Spear and the Water Jug

Saul began pursuing David again. Although he had once acknowledged David’s kindness, he still sought to capture him. David heard of his arrival and sent men to learn where he was. He needed information to protect himself and his companions.

At night, the king’s camp rested on a hill. Saul slept among his men. Near his head stood his spear, planted in the ground, and a jug of water. Soldiers lay around him in the camp.

David observed the place and asked who would go with him. Abishai offered to come. Together they approached quietly. No one woke as they moved among the men who were supposed to watch over and protect the king.

The Bible says God had caused them to sleep deeply. David and Abishai reached Saul. Once again, the man pursuing David lay helpless before him. They could make a choice that would change many lives.

Abishai thought they should use the opportunity to kill the king. He was ready to do it himself. He had seen how much David suffered while fleeing and thought ending his enemy’s life was the solution before them.

David refused. Saul had been anointed as king, and David would not kill him to gain the kingdom. He would not let Abishai do it either. An opportunity did not make every possible action a good choice.

David told him to take the spear and water jug. Those objects would prove that they had been close. Abishai must leave the king alive. Together they left the camp without waking the soldiers sleeping all around.

Then they crossed to another hill, leaving plenty of distance between themselves and the camp. Only then did David call out. His voice reached Abner, the commander, and drew the attention of those who were with Saul.

David asked why they had failed to protect the king. He showed the spear and pointed out that the water jug was missing too. No one had watched closely enough. The man they pursued had chosen not to harm the king.

Saul recognized David’s voice. David asked why Saul kept chasing him when he had not wanted to hurt him. They spoke from far apart. David did not need to return to the camp to prove his sincerity.

Saul admitted that he had acted wrongly and asked David to return. David offered to send back the spear through one of the king’s men. He left his cause with God, who knew what both men had done.

When they finished speaking, David continued on his way, and Saul went on his. Danger did not require revenge. An unused spear and a missing water jug had shown a choice: David could protect his life without destroying someone else’s.