This thing is not good that thou hast done: as the Lord liueth, ye are worthy to die, because yee haue not kept your master the Lords Anointed: and now see where the Kings speare is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster. 1 Samuel 26:16 (KJV)
This thing
is not good that thou hast done.
As
the LORD liveth, ye
are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD’S anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the cruse of water that
was at his bolster. 1 Samuel 26:16 (KJV)
In this passage we find an encounter between David and Saul. To understand the context, let us consider the preceding events. David was a young shepherd chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel, while King Saul, still on the throne, became jealous of David’s success and popularity.
In 1 Samuel 26 we read that Saul pursued David with a large army to capture and kill him. During this time David and his men were hiding in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul and his troops set up camp on a hill called Hachilah, while David and his men occupied a hill opposite Saul’s camp. Under the cover of darkness David and his servant Abishai entered Saul’s camp while everyone was sleeping.
They came across Saul’s spear stuck in the ground at his head and a jug of water near his pillow. Abishai suggested killing Saul then, seeing it as an opportunity given by God. David, however, had a different perspective. When he saw Saul asleep and vulnerable, he chose not to take matters into his own hands but to trust in God’s timing and justice.
In verse 16 David rebukes Abishai, saying, “This thing is not good that thou hast done.” He reminds Abishai that it is not right to harm the Lord’s anointed king, for Saul was still the Lord’s chosen ruler. David declares, “As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die because ye have not kept your master, the LORD’s anointed.” By pointing out the spear and the jug of water, David shows that he had the chance to strike but refrained, demonstrating loyalty, respect, and restraint.
The passage therefore highlights David’s unwavering faith and integrity. Even amid persecution, he remained steadfast in honoring the Lord’s anointed and submitting to God’s authority rather than seeking personal gain. As the LORD said unto David, “Thou shalt not go forth against them; for I am with thee, and shall deliver all these,” confirming that David’s trust in God’s plan was rightly placed.
