King James Version
1 Samuel 23
29 verses with commentary
David Saves Keilah
Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.</strong><br><br>David receives intelligence about Philistine aggression while himself a fugitive from Saul. The Hebrew 'shosei' (robbing/plundering) describes the theft of harvested grain—an economic assault on Judean farmers. Keilah, a fortified town in the Shephelah, lay vulnerab...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **Then they told David. . . .**—For this and like duties the prophet Gad (1Samuel 22:5) had summoned David to return with his armed band to Judah. There was a great work ready to his hand in his own country at that juncture. Saul was becoming more and more neglectful of his higher duty—that of protecting his people; as time went on and his malady increased, his whole thoughts were concentrated...
Read full commentary →Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.</strong><br><br>David's inquiry demonstrates dependence on divine guidance. The Hebrew 'sha'al' (enquired/asked) indicates formal consultation, likely through Abiathar's ephod. David's question is specific and practical: should ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **David enquired of the Lord.**—The enquiry was not made of the priest wearing the ephod, by means of the Urim and Thummim, for, according to 1Samuel 23:6, Abiathar, the high priest who succeeded the murdered Ahimelech, only joined David at Keilah, the citizens of which place were then asking for his aid against their foes. But Gad the prophet was with David, and the enquiry was made, no doubt...
Read full commentary →And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?</strong><br><br>David's men express understandable fear. The Hebrew 'yere'im' (afraid/fearing) describes their already anxious state as fugitives in Judah. Their reasoning follows logically: if they fear Saul's pursuit in their own territory, how...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Here in Judah.**—This does not imply that Keilah was out of the territory of Judah, but simply that the district in the neighbourhood round Keilah was at that time under Philistine domination. The open country in times of Philistine supremacy first fell under their control; their strong places, like Keilah, would resist for a much longer period.
Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.</strong><br><br>David's second inquiry demonstrates patient leadership responding to his men's fears. The Hebrew 'vayosef od' (yet again) shows persistent seeking rather than presumption. Rather than dismissing their concerns or rigidl...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **David enquired . . . yet again.**—This second enquiry, made for the sake of inspiring his little army with confidence before embarking on the seemingly desperate attempt, was, as in the previous case mentioned in 1Samuel 23:2, no doubt through the prophet Gad. Abiathar had not yet arrived with the ephod.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**45. the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not--**When Saul became aware of Jonathan's transgression in regard to the honey, albeit it was done in ignorance and involved no guilt, he was, like Jephthah [Jud 11:31, 35], about to put his son to death, in conformity with his vow [1Sa 14:44]. But the more enlightened conscience of the army prevented the tarnishing the glory of the day by the bloo...
Read full commentary →So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.</strong><br><br>The battle report confirms God's promise fulfilled. The Hebrew 'makah gedolah' (great slaughter) indicates decisive victory. David's capture of Philistine cattle provided both spoils and practic...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.</strong><br><br>This verse explains how David gained access to divine consultation. The Hebrew notation that Abiathar 'came down with an ephod in his hand' emphasizes the priestly instrument's arrival. The ephod contained the Urim and Thummim—the authorized means of...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **With an ephod in his hand.**—The difficulty-here with the version and commentators is that they failed to understand that enquiry of the Lord could be made in any other mode than through the Urim. (See Note above on 1Samuel 23:2.) Saul in happier days, we know, enquired and received replies *“through prophets,” *for before he had recourse to forbidden arts we read how, in contrast evidently ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**47-48. So Saul ... fought against all his enemies on every side--**This signal triumph over the Philistines was followed, not only by their expulsion from the land of Israel, but by successful incursions against various hostile neighbors, whom he harassed though he did not subdue them.
And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars.</strong><br><br>Saul's interpretation of events reveals his spiritual blindness. The Hebrew 'nikkar' (delivered/sold) suggests God had abandoned David to Saul—a complete misreading of providence. Saul sees divine favo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **God hath delivered him into mine hand.**—There was little chance, Saul knew, of his being able to capture or slay his foe when he was roaming at large through the desert and forests which lay to the south of Palestine, and which stretched far southward beyond the reach of any armed force that he could collect; but there was a hope of being able to compass his enemy’s destruction, either thro...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**47-48. So Saul ... fought against all his enemies on every side--**This signal triumph over the Philistines was followed, not only by their expulsion from the land of Israel, but by successful incursions against various hostile neighbors, whom he harassed though he did not subdue them.
And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.</strong><br><br>Saul mobilizes Israel's military against David rather than against the Philistines David just defeated. The Hebrew 'lehatstsur' (to besiege) indicates intent for a prolonged operation against the walled town. The bitter irony deepens: David protected Keilah from Philistines; ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **And Saul called all the people together.**—Such a summons to war on the part of the sovereign has been always a royal right. The plea, of course, alleged for this “summons” was the necessity of an immediate national effort against the hereditary enemies of the people.
And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.</strong><br><br>David's intelligence network informed him of Saul's plans. The Hebrew 'macharish' (secretly devising) suggests covert planning that David nonetheless discovered. His immediate response—requesting the ephod—demonstrates reliance on divine guidance rat...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Secretly practised mischief.**—The idea of secrecy suggested in the English translation does not appear in the Hebrew; the accurate rendering would be, “was forging, or devising.” It is likely enough that Jonathan contrived to keep his friend informed of these Court plots against him.
**Bring hither the ephod.**—It is quite clear that a different method of enquiry was used by David on this o...
Read full commentary →Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.</strong><br><br>David's prayer employs formal covenant language. The address 'LORD God of Israel' (Yahweh Elohei Yisrael) invokes the covenant relationship. David's self-designation as 'thy servant' maintains humility before God. His concern extends ...
Read full commentary →Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down.</strong><br><br>David asks two distinct questions and receives the first answer. The Hebrew construction 'hayasgiruni' (will they deliver me up) addresses local loyalty; 'hayered' (will he come down...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard?**—There is a curious inversion of David’s questions here. In their logical sequence, of course the second, respecting Saul’s coming down, should have been put first, for the men of Keilah could not have delivered him into Saul’s hands if Saul had not come down. Dean Payne Smith suggests that ...
Read full commentary →Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up. deliver: Heb. shut up
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up.</strong><br><br>God's second answer reveals the painful truth: the town David saved would betray him. The Hebrew 'yasgiru' (they will deliver up) confirms that gratitude would not overcome fear of Saul. This divine knowledge of contingent futures—what would hap...
Read full commentary →Then David and his men, which were about six hundred , arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.</strong><br><br>David's immediate response to divine warning demonstrates faithful obedience. His band had grown to 'about six hundred'—increased from the four hundred of 22:2. The ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Which were about six hundred.**—This is the only note we have in this part of the narrative of the rapid increase of the number of “men-at-arms” who joined David.
**Whithersoever they could.**—That is, the armed camp of David was pitched without any fixed plan or aim. Probably the force was marched in the direction of *any *Philistine raid, and it carried on thus on behalf of Israel a perpe...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 15
1Sa 15:1-6. Saul Sent to Destroy Amalek.
**1. Samuel also said unto Saul, The Lord sent me to anoint thee ...: now therefore hearken thou unto ... the Lord--**Several years had been passed in successful military operations against troublesome neighbors. During these Saul had been left to act in a great measure at his own discretion as an independent prince. Now a second test is prop...
Read full commentary →Saul Pursues David
And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.</strong><br><br>The contrast between Saul's constant pursuit and God's constant protection frames David's wilderness years. The Hebrew 'metsadot' (strongholds) describes natural fortifications—caves and rocky positi...
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(14) **The wilderness of Ziph.**—This wilderness probably lies between Hebron and En-gedi. Some of these “stations” in the wanderings of the future king are only doubtfully identified. Cowper’s musical—though perhaps, according to our recent canons of taste, old-fashioned—lines well describe the Psalmist-king’s weary wanderings during this portion of his chequered career:—
“See Judah’s promised ki...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-3. Amalek--**the powerful tribe which inhabited the country immediately to the eastward of the northern Cushites. Their territory extended over the whole of the eastern portion of the desert of Sinai to Rephidim--the earliest opponent (De 25:18; Ex 17:8-16)--the hereditary and restless enemy of Israel (Nu 14:45; Jud 3:13; 6:3), and who had not repented (1Sa 14:48) of their bitter and sleepless...
Read full commentary →And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.</strong><br><br>David's awareness of danger remained acute. The Hebrew 'vayar' (saw/perceived) indicates clear understanding of his situation—Saul sought 'his life' (naphsho), not merely his capture. The specific location 'in a wood' (Hebrew 'bachoresh') describes forested area within ...
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(15) **In a wood.**—Some have understood this as a proper name, Horesh. There is no trace of the wood now. The land lost its ornament of trees centuries ago, through the desolating hand of man.—*Van der Velde.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-3. Amalek--**the powerful tribe which inhabited the country immediately to the eastward of the northern Cushites. Their territory extended over the whole of the eastern portion of the desert of Sinai to Rephidim--the earliest opponent (De 25:18; Ex 17:8-16)--the hereditary and restless enemy of Israel (Nu 14:45; Jud 3:13; 6:3), and who had not repented (1Sa 14:48) of their bitter and sleepless...
Read full commentary →And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.</strong><br><br>Jonathan's visit represents remarkable covenant faithfulness. The Hebrew 'vayechazzeq et-yado belohim' (strengthened his hand in God) describes spiritual encouragement rooted in divine promises. Jonathan risked everything—discovery would confirm his father's conspiracy accusati...
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(16) **And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David.**—Some have wished to show that the account of the last interview between the friends really belongs to the secret meeting between David and Jonathan recounted in 1 Samuel 20, and that it has got transposed; but such a view is quite untenable, for the narrative here is circumstantial, and even mentions the scene of the interview—“the wood,” ...
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**4. Saul gathered the people together--**The alacrity with which he entered on the necessary preparations for the expedition gave a fair, but delusive promise of faithfulness in its execution.
**Telaim--**or Telem, among the uttermost cities of the tribe of Judah towards the coast of Edom (Jos 15:21, 24).
And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.</strong><br><br>Jonathan's words blend comfort with prophetic certainty. The command 'fear not' (al-tira) echoes divine assurances throughout Scripture. His declaration about Saul's hand 'not finding' Da...
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(17) **And I shall be next unto thee.**—To us—who read a few pages on in the record of these times how this same generous, loving friend found a grave on Mount Gilboa instead of a home with David, whom he admired with so ungrudging an admiration—these words of Jonathan possess a pathetic interest of their own. That brave, romantic career was nearly run when he met David for the last time in the wo...
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**5. Saul came to a city of Amalek--**probably their capital.
**laid wait in the valley--**following the strategic policy of Joshua at Ai (Jos 8:4).
And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.</strong><br><br>This covenant renewal deepens their bond at a critical moment. The Hebrew 'vayikhretu sheinehem berit' (they two cut a covenant) employs the traditional covenant-making language. The phrase 'before the LORD' (liphnei Yahweh) invokes divine witness and guarantee. After ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. Kenites--**(See on Jud 1:16). In consequence, probably, of the unsettled state of Judah, they seem to have returned to their old desert tracts. Though now intermingled with the Amalekites, they were not implicated in the offenses of that wicked race; but for the sake of their ancestors, between whom and those of Israel there had been a league of amity, a timely warning was afforded them to re...
Read full commentary →The Ziphites Betray David
Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? on: Heb. on the right hand Jeshimon: or, the wilderness
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon?</strong><br><br>The Ziphites' betrayal contrasts sharply with Jonathan's loyalty. These men of Judah—David's own tribe—informed against him to Saul. Their detailed report reveals knowledge of David's precise locati...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19*) ***The Ziphites.**—The words of these Ziphites, and the king’s grateful reply, show that they were very warm adherents of Saul, entirely devoted to his fortunes, and well aware of his passionate desire to be rid of David.
**On the south of Jeshimon.**—Jeshimon is not the name of a place, but it signifies a “desert” or “solitude” (see Isaiah 43:19). It is used here for the “dreary desert whic...
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**7-9. Saul smote the Amalekites--**His own view of the proper and expedient course to follow was his rule, not the command of God.
Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king's hand.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king's hand.</strong><br><br>The Ziphites offer eager collaboration. The Hebrew 'le'avvat naphshekha' (the desire of your soul) panders to Saul's obsession—they recognized and enabled his destructive pursuit. Their phrase 'our part shall be to deliver him' as...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-9. Saul smote the Amalekites--**His own view of the proper and expedient course to follow was his rule, not the command of God.
And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.</strong><br><br>Saul's response reveals profound spiritual confusion. The Hebrew 'beruchim attem la-Yahweh' (blessed be you of the LORD) invokes divine blessing on those helping him pursue God's anointed. His claim that they showed 'compassion' (Hebrew 'chamaltem') for him casts himself as victim rather than persecutor...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-9. Saul smote the Amalekites--**His own view of the proper and expedient course to follow was his rule, not the command of God.
Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly. haunt: Heb. foot shall be
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly.</strong><br><br>Saul's instructions reveal both his obsession and his grudging respect for David's abilities. The Hebrew 'arum ya'arim' (dealing very subtilly/craftily) acknowledges David's tactical skill. The multiple imperatives—'go,' '...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-11. Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, It repenteth me that I have set up Saul--**Repentance is attributed in Scripture to Him when bad men give Him cause to alter His course and method of procedure, and to treat them as if He did "repent" of kindness shown. To the heart of a man like Samuel, who was above all envious considerations, and really attached to the king, so painfu...
Read full commentary →See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.</strong><br><br>Saul's comprehensive plan reveals the extent of his determination. The Hebrew 'hammacharavo'im' (lurking pla...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Throughout all the thousands of Judah.**—The “thousands” (Heb., *alaphim*)*, *as we learn from Numbers 1:16; Numbers 10:4, were the greater tribal divisions. Judah was especially mentioned by Saul as being “the tribe of David,” and where he found probably the larger number of his adherents. It was too, from its importance, the typical tribe, certainly in the southern part of Canaan.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-11. Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, It repenteth me that I have set up Saul--**Repentance is attributed in Scripture to Him when bad men give Him cause to alter His course and method of procedure, and to treat them as if He did "repent" of kindness shown. To the heart of a man like Samuel, who was above all envious considerations, and really attached to the king, so painfu...
Read full commentary →And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon.</strong><br><br>The geographical notice creates narrative tension. The Ziphites depart on their reconnaissance mission while David has already moved—he is no longer in Ziph but in Maon's wilderness. The Hebrew 'Arabah' (plain) describes the rift valley ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **In the wilderness of Maon.**—Still further to the south. The name of this district is still preserved in the village or small town of Main, which is built on a prominent conical hill.
**In the plain.**—This accurate description was, no doubt, inserted by the compiler of these books, owing to the intense interest which the wanderings of this favourite hero and king excited among his countrym...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. Saul came to Carmel--**in the south of Judah (Jos 15:55; 1Sa 25:2).
**he set him up a place--**that is, a pillar (2Sa 18:18); literally, a hand, indicating that whatever was the form of the monument, it was surmounted, according to the ancient fashion, by the figure of a hand, the symbol of power and energy. The erection of this vainglorious trophy was an additional act of disobedience. Hi...
Read full commentary →Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. into: or, from the rock
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.</strong><br><br>The pursuit intensifies as both parties maneuver. David's intelligence network ('they told David') continued functioning, providing warning of Saul's movements. His r...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-23. Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord--**Saul was either blinded by a partial and delusive self-love, or he was, in his declaration to Samuel, acting the part of a bold and artful hypocrite. He professed to have fulfilled the divine command, and that the blame of any defects in the execution lay with the people. Samuel saw the real s...
Read full commentary →And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.</strong><br><br>The tension reaches its climax. The Hebrew description of opposing sides of the mountain creates vivid imagery—hunter and prey separated only by terrain. ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **The mountain.**—Conder, in his *Tent Life in Palestine, *identifies this spot with high probability. Indeed, his whole book is most instructive and trustworthy, and to the reader interested in these scenes in the life of David, as well as in those other many events which have taken place in the Storied Land, his book will form an admirable guide.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-23. Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord--**Saul was either blinded by a partial and delusive self-love, or he was, in his declaration to Samuel, acting the part of a bold and artful hypocrite. He professed to have fulfilled the divine command, and that the blame of any defects in the execution lay with the people. Samuel saw the real s...
Read full commentary →But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land. invaded: Heb. spread themselves upon, etc
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.</strong><br><br>Divine providence intervenes through military necessity. The Hebrew 'malak' (messenger) arrives with urgent news—the very enemies Saul ignored while pursuing David now demand attention. The imperative 'haste' (maher) mirrors David's recent urgent flight (v. 26). Th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **The Philistines have invaded the land.**—This, as *Lange *well observes, was “God’s plan to save David.” The Philistines had probably availed themselves of the opportunity which Saul’s withdrawal of his forces southward to surround the armed band of David had given them, and were invading in force the more northern provinces.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-23. Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord--**Saul was either blinded by a partial and delusive self-love, or he was, in his declaration to Samuel, acting the part of a bold and artful hypocrite. He professed to have fulfilled the divine command, and that the blame of any defects in the execution lay with the people. Samuel saw the real s...
Read full commentary →Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth. Selahammahlekoth: that is, The rock of divisions
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth.</strong><br><br>Saul's forced withdrawal provides David's escape. The Hebrew place name 'Sela-hammachelekoth' means 'rock of divisions/escapes' (or 'rock of parting/slipping away'), commemorating this dramatic deliverance. The naming of locations after sig...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **Sela-hammahlekoth.**—Literally, as in the margin of our Bibles, *the rock *(or, still better, *the cliff*)* of divisions. *Other scholars, with greater reason, prefer the derivation from a Hebrew word signifying *to be smooth—*the cliff of smoothness: that is, of slipping away or escaping. Ewald rather fancifully interprets the term as the “Cliff of Destiny or of Fate.”
Ellicott's Comment...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-23. Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord--**Saul was either blinded by a partial and delusive self-love, or he was, in his declaration to Samuel, acting the part of a bold and artful hypocrite. He professed to have fulfilled the divine command, and that the blame of any defects in the execution lay with the people. Samuel saw the real s...
Read full commentary →And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at En-gedi.</strong><br><br>David relocates to En-gedi, an oasis near the Dead Sea. The Hebrew 'metsadot' (strongholds) again describes natural fortifications—the area's caves and cliffs provided excellent defensive positions. En-gedi ('spring of the goat/kid') offered precious water in the wilderness, enabling extended habitation. T...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-23. Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord--**Saul was either blinded by a partial and delusive self-love, or he was, in his declaration to Samuel, acting the part of a bold and artful hypocrite. He professed to have fulfilled the divine command, and that the blame of any defects in the execution lay with the people. Samuel saw the real s...
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