On the surface, this chapter is very similar to 1 Samuel 24:1–22. In both chapters David is in the wilderness fleeing 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's anointed, he did not give in 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 between these two chapters: the location is different (Ziph as opposed to Engedi); 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 a 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, while the differences show that there were two distinct occasions when David acted similarly toward Saul.2
In 1 Samuel 24, David was called to show restraint when he was 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 recognize 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?”