King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 23:25 Mean?

1 Samuel 23:25 in the King James Version says “Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilder...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Samuel 23:25 · KJV

Context

23

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.

24

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.

25

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

26

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.

27

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

Read 1 Samuel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

The pursuit intensifies as both parties maneuver. David's intelligence network ('they told David') continued functioning, providing warning of Saul's movements. His response—descending 'into a rock' (Hebrew 'hasela')—describes moving into rocky terrain offering natural fortification. The Hebrew 'vayered' (came down) indicates defensive positioning. Saul's pursuit 'after David' (acharei David) mirrors Jonathan's earlier journey 'after David' (v. 16)—the same preposition describes opposite intentions. The wilderness of Maon became the arena for a deadly chase, with David's survival depending on terrain, intelligence, and divine protection.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The rocky terrain of the Maon wilderness contained numerous caves and crevices providing natural hiding places. David's ability to receive timely intelligence suggests a network of sympathizers who reported Saul's movements despite the king's power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you position yourself defensively during seasons of spiritual attack?
  2. What role does community support (like David's informants) play in navigating persecution?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ1 of 18
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

שָׁא֔וּל2 of 18

“And when Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַֽאֲנָשָׁיו֮3 of 18
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְבַקֵּשׁ֒4 of 18

“to seek”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ5 of 18

“him And they told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

דָוִ֖ד6 of 18

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֵּ֣רֶד7 of 18

“wherefore he came down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

הַסֶּ֔לַע8 of 18

“into a rock”

H5553

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב9 of 18

“and abode”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

מִדְבַּ֥ר10 of 18

“in the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

מָעֽוֹן׃11 of 18

“of Maon”

H4584

maon, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine

וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע12 of 18

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

שָׁא֔וּל13 of 18

“And when Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיִּרְדֹּ֥ף14 of 18

“that he pursued”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

אַחֲרֵֽי15 of 18

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

דָוִ֖ד16 of 18

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מִדְבַּ֥ר17 of 18

“in the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

מָעֽוֹן׃18 of 18

“of Maon”

H4584

maon, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 23:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 23:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 23:28Judges 15:8

Places in This Verse

Wilderness of MaonRegion · Modern: Tel Main · 31.41°N, 35.13°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in 1 Samuel 23 →

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