King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 23:28 Mean?

1 Samuel 23:28 in the King James Version says “Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Se...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Samuel 23:28 · KJV

Context

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
Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth.

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 significant events was common in Israel's history, creating geographical markers of divine faithfulness. Saul 'returned' (shub) from pursuing David—the same verb used for repentance—yet this was merely tactical retreat, not heart change. His grudging response to national duty over personal obsession preserved David while revealing Saul's disordered priorities. The rock of escapes became a memorial to God's deliverance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Naming places after significant events created lasting memorials in Israel's landscape. This rock remained known by this name, reminding later generations of David's narrow escape and God's providential timing through the Philistine invasion.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'rocks of escape' in your life serve as memorials to God's deliverance?
  2. How do you commemorate God's interventions to strengthen future faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיָּ֣שָׁב1 of 15

“returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

שָׁא֗וּל2 of 15

“Wherefore Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

מִרְדֹף֙3 of 15

“from pursuing”

H7291

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י4 of 15

“after”

H310

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

דָוִ֔ד5 of 15

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ6 of 15
H1980

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

לִקְרַ֣את7 of 15

“against”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים8 of 15

“the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

עַל9 of 15
H5921

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

כֵּ֗ן10 of 15
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

קָֽרְאוּ֙11 of 15

“therefore they called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לַמָּק֣וֹם12 of 15

“that place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַה֔וּא13 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

סֶ֖לַע14 of 15
H0
הַֽמַּחְלְקֽוֹת׃15 of 15

“Selahammahlekoth”

H5555

sela-ham-machlekoth, 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 23:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

Rock of EscapeNatural Area · Modern: Wadi Malaqi · 31.45°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in 1 Samuel 23 →

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