New International Reader's Version

1 Samuel 26:11-16 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

11. May the Lord keep me from laying a hand on his anointed king. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head. Then let's leave."

12. So David took the spear and water jug that were near Saul's head. Then he and Abishai left. No one saw them. No one knew about what they had done. In fact, no one even woke up. Everyone was sleeping. That's because the Lord had put them into a deep sleep.

13. David went across to the other side of the valley. He stood on top of a hill far away from Saul's camp. There was a wide space between them.

14. He called out to the army and to Abner, the son of Ner. He said, "Abner! Aren't you going to answer me?" Abner replied, "Who is calling out to the king?"

15. David said, "You are a great soldier, aren't you? There isn't anyone else like you in Israel. So why didn't you guard the king? He's your master, isn't he? Someone came into the camp to destroy him.

16. You didn't guard him. And that isn't good. You can be sure that the Lord lives. And you can be just as sure that you and your men are worthy of death. That's because you didn't guard your master. He's the Lord's anointed king. Look around you. Where are the king's spear and water jug that were near his head?"