King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 26:3 Mean?

1 Samuel 26:3 in the King James Version says “And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and h...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 26:3 · 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.

5

And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him. trench: or, midst of his carriages

Read 1 Samuel 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The geographical details establish the stage for another dramatic confrontation between Saul and David. The phrase 'David abode in the wilderness' (Hebrew: 'yashab bamidbar') suggests a settled, watchful waiting rather than panicked flight. David's awareness that Saul pursued him demonstrates his vigilance without paranoia, maintaining a posture of wise caution while trusting God's protection. The wilderness becomes both a place of danger and a training ground for faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The hill of Hachilah overlooked the road leading through the wilderness of Ziph toward the Dead Sea. This strategic location allowed both surveillance and escape routes. The term 'Jeshimon' (wasteland) refers to the barren wilderness stretching toward the Dead Sea rift valley.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain spiritual vigilance without giving way to fear and anxiety?
  2. In what ways has God used wilderness seasons to develop your faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּ֨חַן1 of 19

“pitched”

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

שָׁא֛וּל2 of 19

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

בְּגִבְעַ֣ת3 of 19

“in the hill”

H1389

a hillock

הַֽחֲכִילָ֗ה4 of 19

“of Hachilah”

H2444

chakilah, a hill in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֛ר5 of 19
H834

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

עַל6 of 19
H5921

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

פְּנֵ֥י7 of 19

“which is before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַיְשִׁימֹ֖ן8 of 19

“Jeshimon”

H3452

a desolation

עַל9 of 19
H5921

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

הַדָּ֑רֶךְ10 of 19

“by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וְדָוִד֙11 of 19

“But David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

יֹשֵׁ֣ב12 of 19

“abode”

H3427

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

הַמִּדְבָּֽרָה׃13 of 19

“him into the wilderness”

H4057

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

וַיַּ֕רְא14 of 19

“and he saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּ֣י15 of 19
H3588

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

בָ֥א16 of 19

“came”

H935

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

שָׁא֛וּל17 of 19

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אַֽחֲרָ֖יו18 of 19

“after”

H310

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

הַמִּדְבָּֽרָה׃19 of 19

“him into the wilderness”

H4057

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

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 26:3 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 26:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 26:11 Samuel 23:19

Places in This Verse

HachilahSettlement · Modern: Zahrat al Kula · 31.47°N, 35.22°E3 verses across 1 book
JeshimonRegion · Modern: Zahrat al Kula · 31.47°N, 35.22°E6 verses across 2 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 26 →

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