What Is a “Water Jug”? (1 Samuel 26:11–12)

by Ester yusufu | 2 January 2024 08:46 pm01

Let’s begin by reading Scripture:

“But the LORD forbid that I should lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.”
So David took the spear and water jug near Saul’s head, and they left. No one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up. They were all sleeping, because the LORD had put them into a deep sleep.
(1 Samuel 26:11–12)

What is a “water jug”?

Water jug or pitcher used to carry and store drinking water, often for personal or household use. In biblical times, such vessels were typically made of clay by potters. These clay jugs were common in daily life—used to fetch water from wells or store it at home.

In modern times, jugs are still used but are often made of glass or plastic. Though materials have changed, the purpose remains the same: to hold water, a basic yet essential resource for life.

Biblical Significance of the Water Jug

In 1 Samuel 26, David spared Saul’s life for the second time. Instead of harming the king, David took Saul’s spear and water jug. Why the water jug?

The spear symbolized Saul’s authority and power.
The water jug symbolized life and sustenance—a person could not survive long without water.

By taking both, David made a powerful point: he had the power to take Saul’s life (the spear), and even his basic needs (the water), but he chose mercy instead. This moment reflects David’s reverence for God’s anointed and his trust in God’s justice rather than taking vengeance into his own hands (cf. Romans 12:19).

Other Biblical References to Water Jugs

Several other verses mention similar vessels:

1 Kings 19:6 – “He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.”

This was when Elijah was fed by the angel of the Lord—a moment of divine provision and restoration.
Jeremiah 19:1– “This is what the LORD says: ‘Go and buy a clay jar from a potter…’”

This jar represented the people of Judah and would be shattered as a symbol of coming judgment.
Jeremiah 19:10 – “Then break the jar while those who go with you are watching.”

The breaking of the jar symbolized the irreversible judgment on Jerusalem.

In all these cases, the vessel carries deeper symbolic meaning: life, judgment, restoration, or God’s message.

Spiritual Reflection: Are You Ready?

The water jug reminds us of the fragility of life and our daily need for spiritual sustenance—just as we need physical water, we need the Living Water that only Christ gives (John 4:10, 14).

“…whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
(John 4:14)

As we consider the return of Jesus Christ, the Bible reminds us that we are living in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1–5), and the rapture of the Church can occur at any moment (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). The time to believe in Jesus is now.

Have You Believed in the Lord Jesus?

The question isn’t just historical or symbolic. It’s personal.

Have you received the Living Water?
Are you ready for Christ’s return?
Are you daily depending on God’s provision—just as Saul needed that water jug, and Elijah needed that jar of water?

Let us humble ourselves, turn to Christ in faith, and live with expectant hearts.

May the Lord help us to be ready. Amen.

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