1 Samuel 26:1-15
Ziphites <02130> [Ziphites.]
David <01732> [Doth not.]
Saul arose <06965 07586> [Saul arose.]
three thousand <0505 07969> [three thousand.]
Hakilah <02444> [Hachilah.]
Abner <074> [Abner.]
entrenchment <04570> [trench. or, midst of his carriages.]
The word {maÂgal} never signifies a ditch or rampart, but a chariot or waggon way. Nor does it seem to denote a ring of carriages, as Buxtorf and others interpret the word; for it is not probable that Saul would encumber his army with baggage in so rapid a pursuit, nor that so mountainous a country was practicable for waggons. It appears simply to mean here, the circular encampment (from {agal,} "round") which these troops formed, in the midst of which, as being the place of honour, Saul reposed. An Arab camp, D'Arvieux informs us, is always circular, when the disposition of the ground will permit, the prince being in the middle, and the troops at a respectful distance around him. Add to which, their lances are fixed near them in the ground all the day long, ready for action.
Hittite <02850> [Hittite.]
Abishai .................. Abishai <052> [to Abishai.]
Zeruiah <06870> [Zeruiah.]
down .............. down <03381> [Who will go.]
asleep <03463> [sleeping.]
God <0430> [God.]
delivered <05462> [delivered. Heb. shut up.]
necessary <08138> [the second time.]
extend <07971> [who can stretch.]
Lord lives ... Lord <02416 03068> [the Lord liveth.]
day <03117> [his day.]
down <03381> [he shall descend.]
extending <07971> [that I should.]
David <01732> [So David.]
deep sleep <08639> [a deep sleep.]
top <07218> [the top.]
David, by retiring to a place of safety before he called to Abner, seems to have manifested more distrust of Saul than he had done on a former occasion. Yet he desired that Saul and all Israel should be informed of his conduct at this time. Abner and his soldiers, by neglecting to guard Saul when he slept, had exposed his life, and merited to be treated as his enemies, though he confided in them as friends; for, although their sound sleep was undoubtedly supernatural, yet there might be a neglect of placing sentinels, arising from contempt of David's small company. Saul also deemed David his enemy, though he had before spared and protected his life.
came <0935> [there came.]
