King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 26:2 Mean?

1 Samuel 26:2 in the King James Version says “Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek D... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.

1 Samuel 26:2 · KJV


Context

1

And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?

2

Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.

3

And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.

4

David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Saul's mobilization of three thousand elite soldiers to pursue one man reveals the tragic obsession that consumed Israel's first king. The Hebrew term 'bachur' (chosen men) indicates these were Israel's finest warriors, diverted from defending the nation against Philistine threats to hunt David. This misallocation of resources illustrates how jealousy and fear can cause leaders to neglect their primary responsibilities while pursuing personal vendettas. Saul's descent continues as he prioritizes eliminating a perceived rival over shepherding God's people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Three thousand men represented a significant military force in ancient Israel, likely comprising multiple battalions with their commanders. This force would have been capable of engaging major military threats, yet Saul deployed them for a personal manhunt in the Judean wilderness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What responsibilities have you neglected while pursuing lesser concerns driven by fear or jealousy?
  2. How can obsessive focus on perceived threats blind us to our actual calling?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיָּ֣קָם1 of 17

arose

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

שָׁא֗וּל2 of 17

Then Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיֵּ֙רֶד֙3 of 17

and went 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

אֶל4 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּמִדְבַּר5 of 17

in the wilderness

H4057

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

זִֽיף׃6 of 17

of Ziph

H2128

ziph, the name of a place in palestine; also of an israelite

וְאִתּ֛וֹ7 of 17
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

שְׁלֹֽשֶׁת8 of 17

having three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

אֲלָפִ֥ים9 of 17

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אִ֖ישׁ10 of 17

men

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)

בְּחוּרֵ֣י11 of 17

chosen

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל12 of 17

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְבַקֵּ֥שׁ13 of 17

with him to seek

H1245

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

אֶת14 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דָּוִ֖ד15 of 17

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּמִדְבַּר16 of 17

in the wilderness

H4057

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

זִֽיף׃17 of 17

of Ziph

H2128

ziph, the name of a place in palestine; also of an israelite


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 26:2 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 26:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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