Why did David command Abishai to take Saul’s spear and jar of water?
1 Samuel 26:11 (ESV)
11The LORD forbid that I should put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us go.”
The spear and jar of water would serve as evidence that Saul’s life really was in David’s hands.1 By removing the spear, David removed the symbol of Saul’s power.2 It was possible that the jug served as a symbol of life (water in the desert).3
11 The LORD forbid that I should put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us go.”