My kids introduced me to The Ranger’s Apprentice series of books by John Flanagan.  The Rangers of Araluen wore camouflage clothing and were trained to move quietly and quickly through whatever terrain they found themselves in.  They could “freeze” and hold a position for hours; they used the shadows to their advantage; they even trained their horses to move in “quiet” mode.  They also knew enough of human reactions to act naturally, like they belonged, when infiltrating enemy camps.  They were the perfect spies and information gatherers, and their skills with a longbow and knives made them fierce warriors.  The books are great fun, and the humble rangers make great heroes.

David and his mighty man Abishai act in a similar manner in 1 Samuel 26.6-12. They sneak into the camp of Saul and take the spear and water bottle from near the ruler’s head.  Abishai wants to kill the king, but David will not listen to any threats or actions against “the Lord’s anointed.”  Instead, they leave the camp and from a safe distance proclaim to Saul and his men what they have done. Saul realizes that his life has been spared, and he calls off this latest manhunt for David.

These two real-life Rangers were likely not as skilled as those in the book, but they had an even more decided advantage.  Verse 12 explains the reason behind their success:  “So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul’s head, and they went away.  No man saw it or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the lord had fallen upon them.”  It is good to have great skills; it is even better to have God on your side.