² Saul took 3,000 of Israel's best soldiers and went to look for David there in Ziph Desert.

⁷ That same night, David and Abishai crept into the camp. Saul was sleeping, and his spear was stuck in the ground not far from his head. Abner and the soldiers were sound asleep all around him.

⁸ Abishai whispered, “This time God has let you get your hands on your enemy! I'll pin him to the ground with one thrust of his own spear.”

⁹ “Don't kill him!” David whispered back. “The Lord will punish anyone who kills his chosen king.

¹² David took the spear and the water jar, then left the camp. None of Saul's soldiers knew what had happened or even woke up—the Lord had made all of them fall sound asleep. ¹³ David and Abishai crossed the valley and went to the top of the next hill, where they were at a safe distance.

²² “Your Majesty, here's your spear! Let one of your soldiers come and get it. ²³ The Lord put you in my power today, but you are his chosen king and I wouldn't harm you. The Lord rewards people who are faithful and live right.