On the surface, 1 Samuel 26 is very similar to 1 Samuel 24. In both scenes David is in the wilderness feeling from Saul. He is given the opportunity to kill Saul and encouraged to think that this was the LORD’s will. However, because he knew Saul to be the LORD anointed, he did not fall to the temptation. Instead, he took a piece of evidence to demonstrate that Saul was in his power and he was praised by Saul in response.1 Despite all these similarities, there are also a number of differences. The location is different (Ziph as opposed to En Gedi). The initiative of David (he sends spies and seeks a confrontation rather than running away). The presence of Abner, the taking of a jar and spear, speech from a distance etc. The similarities between 1 Samuel 26 and 1 Samuel 24 serve to illustrate the nature of the relationship between Saul and David, whilst the differences show that there were two distinct occasions when David acted similarly towards Saul.2
In 1 Samuel 24, David was called to show restraint when given an opportunity to harm/kill Saul. Now, in 1 Samuel 26, he demonstrates his confidence in God’s protection and places himself in a position where he confronts Saul and holds him accountable for his actions.3 He takes the initiative, demonstrating his loyalty before Saul and all his men, calling on Saul to recognise him as the next king.4 In his blameless actions, the narrator demonstrates Saul’s guilt and David’s innocence beyond all doubt.5
1 Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the east of Jeshimon?”