13 And David passeth over to the other side, and standeth on the top of the hill afar off—great 'is' the place between them; 14 and David calleth unto the people, and unto Abner son of Ner, saying, 'Dost thou not answer, Abner?' and Abner answereth and saith, 'Who 'art' thou 'who' hast called unto the king?' 15 And David saith unto Abner, 'Art not thou a man? and who 'is' like thee in Israel? but why hast thou not watched over thy lord the king? for one of the people had come in to destroy the king, thy lord. 16 Not good is this thing which thou hast done; Jehovah liveth, but ye 'are' sons of death, in that ye have not watched over your lord, over the anointed of Jehovah; and now, see where the king's spear 'is', and the cruse of water which 'is' at his bolster.' 17 And Saul discerneth the voice of David, and saith, 'Is this thy voice, my son David?' and David saith, 'My voice, my lord, O king!' 18 and he saith, 'Why 'is' this—my lord is pursuing after his servant? for what have I done, and what 'is' in my hand evil? 19 And, now, let, I pray thee, my lord the king hear the words of his servant: if Jehovah hath moved thee against me, let Him accept a present; and if the sons of men—cursed 'are' they before Jehovah, for they have cast me out to-day from being admitted into the inheritance of Jehovah, saying, Go, serve other gods. 20 'And now, let not my blood fall to the earth over-against the face of Jehovah, for the king of Israel hath come out to seek one flea, as 'one' pursueth the partridge in mountains.'

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:13-20

Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:13-20

(Read 1 Samuel 26:13-20)

David reasoned seriously and affectionately with Saul. Those who forbid our attendance on God's ordinances, do what they can to estrange us from God, and to make us heathens. We are to reckon that which exposes us to sin the greatest injury that can be done us. If the Lord stirred thee up against me, either in displeasure to me, taking this way to punish me for my sins against him, or in displeasure to thee, if it be the effect of that evil spirit from the Lord which troubles thee; let Him accept an offering from us both. Let us join in seeking peace, and to be reconciled with God by sacrifice.