King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 24:1 Mean?

1 Samuel 24:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi. following: Heb. after”

1 Samuel 24:1 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi. following: Heb. after

2

Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.

3

And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.

Read 1 Samuel 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.

David's refusal to harm Saul despite opportunity and justification demonstrates respect for God's authority structures even when those in authority act wickedly. His conviction that he cannot 'stretch forth my hand against the LORD's anointed' teaches the principle of leaving vengeance to God rather than taking matters into one's own hands. David's restraint shows mature faith that trusts God to vindicate and promote in His timing. This passage warns against using apparent opportunities to advance personal interests when doing so requires violating godly principles.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen our understanding of God's character, purposes, and ways of working in human history?
  2. What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
  3. How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙2 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שָׁ֣ב3 of 14

“was returned”

H7725

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

שָׁא֔וּל4 of 14

“And it came to pass when Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֖י5 of 14

“from following”

H310

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

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים6 of 14

“the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיַּגִּ֤דוּ7 of 14

“that it was 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

לוֹ֙8 of 14
H0
לֵאמֹ֔ר9 of 14

“him saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֣ה10 of 14
H2009

lo!

דָוִ֔ד11 of 14

“Behold David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּמִדְבַּ֖ר12 of 14

“is in the wilderness”

H4057

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

עֵ֥ין13 of 14
H0
גֶּֽדִי׃14 of 14

“of Engedi”

H5872

en-gedi, 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 24:1 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 24:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 23:28-29Proverbs 29:12Ezekiel 22:91 Samuel 23:19Hosea 7:3Proverbs 25:5

Places in This Verse

EngediRegion · Modern: Ein Gedi · 31.45°N, 35.38°E6 verses across 5 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 24 →

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