13 And David passeth over to the other side, and standeth on the top of the hill afar off—great 'is' the place between them; 14 and David calleth unto the people, and unto Abner son of Ner, saying, 'Dost thou not answer, Abner?' and Abner answereth and saith, 'Who 'art' thou 'who' hast called unto the king?' 15 And David saith unto Abner, 'Art not thou a man? and who 'is' like thee in Israel? but why hast thou not watched over thy lord the king? for one of the people had come in to destroy the king, thy lord. 16 Not good is this thing which thou hast done; Jehovah liveth, but ye 'are' sons of death, in that ye have not watched over your lord, over the anointed of Jehovah; and now, see where the king's spear 'is', and the cruse of water which 'is' at his bolster.' 17 And Saul discerneth the voice of David, and saith, 'Is this thy voice, my son David?' and David saith, 'My voice, my lord, O king!' 18 and he saith, 'Why 'is' this—my lord is pursuing after his servant? for what have I done, and what 'is' in my hand evil? 19 And, now, let, I pray thee, my lord the king hear the words of his servant: if Jehovah hath moved thee against me, let Him accept a present; and if the sons of men—cursed 'are' they before Jehovah, for they have cast me out to-day from being admitted into the inheritance of Jehovah, saying, Go, serve other gods. 20 'And now, let not my blood fall to the earth over-against the face of Jehovah, for the king of Israel hath come out to seek one flea, as 'one' pursueth the partridge in mountains.'

21 And Saul saith, 'I have sinned; turn back, my son David, for I do evil to thee no more, because that my soul hath been precious in thine eyes this day; lo, I have acted foolishly, and do err very greatly.' 22 And David answereth and saith, 'Lo, the king's spear; and let one of the young men pass over, and receive it; 23 and Jehovah doth turn back to each his righteousness and his faithfulness, in that Jehovah hath given thee to-day into 'my' hand, and I have not been willing to put forth my hand against the anointed of Jehovah, 24 and lo, as thy soul hath been great this day in mine eyes, so is my soul great in the eyes of Jehovah, and He doth deliver me out of all distress.' 25 And Saul saith unto David, 'Blessed 'art' thou, my son David, also working thou dost work, and also prevailing thou dost prevail.' And David goeth on his way, and Saul hath turned back to his place.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:13-25

Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:13-20

(Read 1 Samuel 26:13-20)

David reasoned seriously and affectionately with Saul. Those who forbid our attendance on God's ordinances, do what they can to estrange us from God, and to make us heathens. We are to reckon that which exposes us to sin the greatest injury that can be done us. If the Lord stirred thee up against me, either in displeasure to me, taking this way to punish me for my sins against him, or in displeasure to thee, if it be the effect of that evil spirit from the Lord which troubles thee; let Him accept an offering from us both. Let us join in seeking peace, and to be reconciled with God by sacrifice.

Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:21-25

(Read 1 Samuel 26:21-25)

Saul repeated his good words and good wishes. But he showed no evidence of true repentance towards God. David and Saul parted to meet no more. No reconciliation among men is firm, which is not founded in an cemented by peace with God through Jesus Christ. In sinning against God, men play the fool, and err exceedingly. Many obtain a passing view of these truths, who hate and close their eyes against the light. Fair professions do not entitle those to confidence who have long sinned against the light, yet the confessions of obstinate sinners may satisfy us that we are in the right way, and encourage us to persevere, expecting our recompence from the Lord alone.