1 samuel 26:14 - and David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, “Don’t you answer, Abner?” Then Abner answered, “Who are you who cries to the king?”
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What does "1 samuel 26:14" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 26:14 is part of the story where David, during his time fleeing from King Saul, has snuck into Saul's camp at night. He finds Saul and Abner, Saul's commander, asleep. David has refrained from killing Saul, considering him the Lord's anointed. Instead, he takes Saul's spear and water jug as proof he was close enough to do so.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"and David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, “Don’t you answer, Abner?”": David is calling out from a safe distance (likely a nearby hilltop), trying to rouse the camp. He specifically calls out to Abner, knowing that Abner is the one in charge of protecting Saul. The phrase "Don't you answer, Abner?" is a rhetorical challenge, essentially taunting Abner for his negligence and failure to protect his king. David is emphasizing Abner's lack of vigilance and implying he wasn't doing his job.
"Then Abner answered, “Who are you who cries to the king?”": Abner, finally awakened and realizing something is amiss, responds defensively. His question "Who are you who cries to the king?" is an attempt to regain control of the situation. He doesn't immediately recognize David (either genuinely or feigning ignorance), and he's trying to assert his authority by demanding to know who is daring to address the king in this manner. This is also a way for Abner to stall and assess the situation, trying to figure out the extent of the threat and how David managed to get so close to Saul undetected.
In summary, the verse reveals:
David's boldness: He's willing to confront Saul and Abner publicly, despite being an outlaw.
Abner's embarrassment and defensiveness: He's caught off guard and tries to deflect blame by questioning David's right to speak.
The implication of Abner's failure: David's taunt highlights Abner's failure to protect Saul, which would have been a serious breach of his duty.
The exchange sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where David uses this opportunity to further rebuke Saul and question his relentless pursuit of him, emphasizing David's respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed, even though Saul continues to try to kill him. It also emphasizes David's moral high ground.
1 samuel 26:14 - and David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, “Don’t you answer, Abner?” Then Abner answered, “Who are you who cries to the king?”
What does "1 samuel 26:14" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 26:14 is part of the story where David, during his time fleeing from King Saul, has snuck into Saul's camp at night. He finds Saul and Abner, Saul's commander, asleep. David has refrained from killing Saul, considering him the Lord's anointed. Instead, he takes Saul's spear and water jug as proof he was close enough to do so.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"and David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, “Don’t you answer, Abner?”": David is calling out from a safe distance (likely a nearby hilltop), trying to rouse the camp. He specifically calls out to Abner, knowing that Abner is the one in charge of protecting Saul. The phrase "Don't you answer, Abner?" is a rhetorical challenge, essentially taunting Abner for his negligence and failure to protect his king. David is emphasizing Abner's lack of vigilance and implying he wasn't doing his job.
"Then Abner answered, “Who are you who cries to the king?”": Abner, finally awakened and realizing something is amiss, responds defensively. His question "Who are you who cries to the king?" is an attempt to regain control of the situation. He doesn't immediately recognize David (either genuinely or feigning ignorance), and he's trying to assert his authority by demanding to know who is daring to address the king in this manner. This is also a way for Abner to stall and assess the situation, trying to figure out the extent of the threat and how David managed to get so close to Saul undetected.
In summary, the verse reveals:
David's boldness: He's willing to confront Saul and Abner publicly, despite being an outlaw.
Abner's embarrassment and defensiveness: He's caught off guard and tries to deflect blame by questioning David's right to speak.
The implication of Abner's failure: David's taunt highlights Abner's failure to protect Saul, which would have been a serious breach of his duty.
The exchange sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where David uses this opportunity to further rebuke Saul and question his relentless pursuit of him, emphasizing David's respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed, even though Saul continues to try to kill him. It also emphasizes David's moral high ground.