Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 26:5. It’s a really important moment in the story of David and Saul. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: David is approaching Saul’s camp. He’s traveling to meet Saul, who was already camped there. He sees Saul lying down. Saul is resting – he’s vulnerable. He notices Abner, Saul's captain of the guard. Abner is a powerful and important man in Saul’s army. What’s Happening - It’s a Little Bit Complicated: David was planning to trick Saul into leaving his camp. He wanted to take over Saul’s position and become king! He saw Saul lying down, and he realized that Saul was vulnerable – he was exposed in a trench. The Key Point: David is planning something. He's observing Saul and thinking about how to get him into a situation where he would be easily manipulated. In short, it’s a moment of observation and planning, with a clear intention of manipulating Saul. It sets the stage for the events that follow in 1 Samuel 26. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this passage is significant? Discuss the context of this scene within the larger story? Give you a little more detail about Saul's situation?