Chapter 26

Now the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is David not hiding in the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?” (1 Samuel 26:1)

The people of the city of Ziph had betrayed David’s whereabouts to Saul before (1 Samuel 23:19-23). Now they try to gain King Saul’s favour again by assisting him in locating David once more.

So David took the spear and the jug of water by Saul's head, and they got away; and no man saw it or knew it or awoke. For they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them. (1 Samuel 26:12)

Scripture is very clear that the only reason David could go to the camp of Saul and return undetected was because the Lord caused a deep sleep to come upon the people of Saul. Had the Lord not done this, David would have failed in this mission.

Also, another reason the Lord did this was because He probably wanted to test the heart of David; whether he would strike Saul when the conditions were conducive to do so.

Then said Saul, I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have played the fool and have erred exceedingly. (1 Samuel 26:21)

This is the same thing that Saul said the last time