David Calls Out Abner

And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, Answerest thou not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, Who art thou that criest to the king? —1 Samuel 26:14

David, upon reaching a safe distance from Saul’s camp, stood on the top of a hill and shouted a rebuke at Abner for his dereliction of duty in protecting his king.

“Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord. 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 26:15, 16).

How this taunt must have infuriated Abner! The one he was seeking to kill had stood just feet from him, and he had been asleep at his post.

Now he was being ridiculed before his men.

Saul’s life had been placed in the hands of David again, and again David had refused to take that life. Why did David not avail himself of the opportunity to rid himself of his tormentor? David had been promised the kingdom, and these chances to speed along that accomplishment must have seemed heaven-sent. Why, then, did he or his men not slay Saul? David understood the Mosaic Law prohibiting him from harming God’s anointed—the king of Israel (Exodus 22:28). Additionally, David had the respect of his men.

When he gave an order, it was obeyed, even if every fiber of their bodies wanted to disobey him, his men respected his wishes.

David had physical evidence to prove he had penetrated the camp.

Looking about, Saul suddenly realized his spear and water jar were missing.

It would have been interesting to eavesdrop on the whispered discussion between Saul and his general at that moment. What excuse could Abner raise to explain his inattention? Sleeping on guard duty was a crime punishable by death.

It was an unforgivable lapse, bringing the entire host into danger.

Being embarrassed in front of his men was equally horrific.

Abishai, as he stood beside his uncle David on that hill, must have loved every minute of this exchange. “Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die” (Proverbs 15:10).