King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 23:27 Mean?

1 Samuel 23:27 in the King James Version says “But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land. invaded: ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Samuel 23:27 · KJV

Context

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

28

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

29

And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.

Read 1 Samuel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.

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). The Philistine invasion required immediate response; Saul could not continue his personal vendetta while national borders were breached. This providential timing—invasion at the exact moment of encirclement—demonstrates God's sovereign orchestration of geopolitical events to protect His servant. What seemed coincidence was coordination from heaven.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Philistine incursions were ongoing threats during Saul's reign. The timing of this invasion, precisely when Saul had David surrounded, suggests divine intervention through military circumstances Saul could not ignore without dereliction of duty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you seen God use external circumstances to deliver you from danger?
  2. What does this providential timing teach about God's sovereign control over nations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּמַלְאָ֣ךְ1 of 12

“a messenger”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

בָּ֔א2 of 12

“But there came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל3 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁא֖וּל4 of 12

“unto Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לֵאמֹ֑ר5 of 12

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מַֽהֲרָ֣ה6 of 12

“Haste”

H4116

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

וְלֵ֔כָה7 of 12
H1980

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

כִּֽי8 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

פָשְׁט֥וּ9 of 12

“have invaded”

H6584

to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)

פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים10 of 12

“for the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

עַל11 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאָֽרֶץ׃12 of 12

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 23:27 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 23:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 19:9Revelation 12:16Deuteronomy 32:36Psalms 116:31 Chronicles 14:13Genesis 22:14

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