שמואל א, פרק כ״ו, פסוק י״א

In a moment of profound restraint, a hunted man stands over his sleeping pursuer and chooses mercy over violence. Rather than seizing the perfect opportunity to strike down his enemy, he opts to take personal belongings as undeniable proof that he spared a life.

David firmly refuses to harm Saul, emphasizing that God strictly forbids raising a hand against His anointed. Even though David has also been anointed as king, this shared status does not grant him permission to act. He remains under an absolute divine prohibition against harming the current leader [מצודת דוד].

Instead of violence, David commands that Saul's spear be taken. This specific action removes any legal justification for killing Saul in self-defense. While a person is generally permitted to stop a pursuer with lethal force if it is the only way to survive, David recognizes an alternative path. Because he can secure the weapon and use it as proof of his loyalty to end the chase without bloodshed, taking a life is completely forbidden [מלבי״ם].

The spear is found stuck in the earth right next to Saul's head. Along with the weapon, David orders the removal of a water jug, understood to be a small flask or pitcher. With these two items in hand, they quietly leave the camp [ביאור שטיינזלץ].