1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 26:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And, like a protector and defender rather than an adversary, his bodyguard charged the soldiers with betraying their sovereign. What can rival such a spirit? What can rival such humility? This can be deduced from the previous discussion; however, we can be even more assured if we consider the current events. When we recognize our own wrongdoing, we will gain a clearer understanding of the holiness of the saints. Therefore, I urge you to emulate their fervor for righteousness.

Jealousy chased after David, just as envy pursued the Son of David. David found himself ensnared in the depths of a cave, while the Son of David descended into the depths of the realm of the dead. It appeared that David was condemned and cast aside, yet death itself was vanquished and brought low. David lamented, "Look at the king's spear," while the Son of David declared: "Death! Where is your sting? Hell! Where is your victory?" (1 Cor. 15:55). Saul hurled a spear at David, and although it did not strike him, the wall bore witness to the attempted attack (See 1 Sam. 18:10-11), while one of the soldiers pierced the side of the Son of David with a spear (See Jn. 19:34). Despite the injury, His strength remained unshaken; His body felt the impact. David was not overcome, and neither was the Son of David.