And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.

1 SAMUEL 26:5KJV
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1 Samuel 26:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 26:5 mean?

1 Samuel 26:5 describes how David went to the place where King Saul and his army were camped for the night. David observed Saul lying in the middle of the camp, with Abner, the commander of Saul’s army, and the soldiers positioned all around him for protection.

In this scene, David is carefully scouting Saul’s camp during a time when Saul is pursuing him. The verse highlights the military arrangement: Saul is at the center, guarded by Abner (his chief officer) and surrounded by his troops. This detail sets up the tension and danger of what David is about to do next in the story.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 26:5

  • "Trench" (מַעְגָּל, maʿgal): This word is often understood as a circular enclosure or camp, not a literal trench. The verse pictures Saul lying in the middle of a protected circle of soldiers, emphasizing how well-guarded he was.
  • "Captain" (שַׂר, sar): This word means a leader or chief, here referring to Abner as the top military officer. Naming Abner highlights his responsibility for Saul’s safety.
  • "Pitched" (חָנָה, chanah): This verb means to set up camp. The repetition of this word for both Saul and his people stresses the organized, defensive arrangement of the camp.

Why 1 Samuel 26:5 matters

  • The verse shows the seriousness of the situation by describing Saul’s strong protection, making David’s next actions more daring and risky.
  • Mentioning Abner by name points to his importance and later role in the story, and also shows that Saul was not left vulnerable.
  • The careful description of the camp’s layout helps the reader understand the challenge David faced and the significance of what happens in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“Ner” Hebrew H5369 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:50 And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.
  • 2 Samuel 3:23 When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.
  • 1 Kings 2:32 And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.

“trench” Hebrew H4570 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.
  • Psalms 140:5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.
  • Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

“Abner” Hebrew H74 · used in 53 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:50 And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.
  • 2 Samuel 2:24 Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
  • 2 Samuel 3:22 And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.

“pitched” Hebrew H2583 · used in 135 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Numbers 33:10 And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red sea.
  • Judges 6:4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.