שמואל א, פרק כ״ו, פסוק ח׳

The deep sleep that falls over Saul’s camp presents a golden opportunity. To Abishai, this is not a mere coincidence but a clear sign from God. He urges David to seize the moment and eliminate his pursuer with a swift, powerful, and silent strike. Abishai argues that God has actively intervened, purposefully delivering Saul directly into David's hands [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. In his view, God cast this heavy slumber upon the entire camp with the specific goal of allowing David to act [מלבי״ם].

To ensure the assassination is successful, Abishai asks for permission to strike Saul with a spear. The primary approach among commentators is that he intends to deliver a single, massive blow that is so forceful the weapon would pierce completely through Saul's body and drive deep into the earth beneath him.

Abishai promises that a second strike will not be necessary [מצודת ציון]. Behind this guarantee lies a careful tactical calculation meant to ease David's concerns. If the initial blow were not immediately fatal, Saul might wake up, cry out in pain, and alert the sleeping army, forcing David and Abishai to flee without success [אלשיך]. Therefore, Abishai assures David that one precise, deadly strike will kill Saul instantly, ensuring the act is carried out in absolute silence without anyone in the camp hearing a thing [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].