9 But David said to Abishai, "Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?

Other Translations of 1 Samuel 26:9

King James Version

9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless?

English Standard Version

9 But David said to Abishai, "Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?"

The Message

9 But David said to Abishai, "Don't you dare hurt him! Who could lay a hand on God's anointed and even think of getting away with it?"

New King James Version

9 And David said to Abishai, "Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless?"

New Living Translation

9 "No!" David said. "Don't kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord 's anointed one?

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:9

Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:1-12

(Read 1 Samuel 26:1-12)

How soon do unholy hearts lose the good impressions convictions have made upon them! How helpless were Saul and all his men! All as though disarmed and chained, yet nothing is done to them; they are only asleep. How easily can God weaken the strongest, befool the wisest, and baffle the most watchful! David still resolved to wait till God thought fit to avenge him on Saul. He will by no means force his way to the promised crown by any wrong methods. The temptation was very strong; but if he yielded, he would sin against God, therefore he resisted the temptation, and trusted God with the event.