1 Samuel 26:21-25·~1 min

Saul Acknowledges His Sin

Saul confesses his sin and says he will not harm David again. David offers the spear back, entrusts repayment and rescue to the LORD, and Saul blesses him and says he will prevail.

T²¹hen Saul replied, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. I will never harm you again, because today you considered my life precious. I have played the fool and have committed a grave error!” ²²“Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of the young men come over and get it. ²³May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. ²⁴As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and rescue me from all trouble.” ²⁵Saul said to him, “May you be blessed, David my son. You will accomplish great things and will surely prevail.”

Section summarySaul admits his sin, calls David back, and says he has acted like a fool. David returns the spear through a messenger, commends righteousness and faithfulness to the LORD, and parts under Saul’s final blessing that David will surely prevail.

Role in the chapterThis closing section gives Saul another confession, but the chapter ends not in reunion but in separation. David entrusts his life and future to the LORD rather than to Saul’s changed tone.