1 Samuel 23:24
1 Samuel 23:24 in Multiple Translations
So they set out and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the Wilderness of Maon in the Arabah south of Jeshimon,
And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon.
And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah on the south of the desert.
And they went back and came to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the waste land of Maon, in the dry land south of the waste land.
So the people of Ziph set off, returning to Ziph ahead of Saul. David and his men were in the Desert of Maon in the Arabah Valley in the southern wastelands.
Then they arose and went to Ziph before Saul, but Dauid and his men were in the wildernesse of Maon, in the playne on the right hande of Ieshimon.
And they rise and go to Ziph before Saul, and David and his men [are] in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain, at the south of the desolate place.
They arose, and went to Ziph before Saul; but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah on the south of the desert.
And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon.
And they arose and went to Ziph before Saul: and David and his men were in the desert of Maon, in the plain at the right hand of Jesimon.
So those people went back to Ziph before Saul went there. At that time David and his men were in Maon Desert, south of Jeshimon.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:24
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 23:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּק֛וּמוּ
וַ/יֵּלְכ֥וּ
זִ֖יפָ/ה
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
שָׁא֑וּל
וְ/דָוִ֨ד
וַ/אֲנָשָׁ֜י/ו
בְּ/מִדְבַּ֤ר
מָעוֹן֙
בָּ/עֲרָבָ֔ה
אֶ֖ל
יְמִ֥ין
הַ/יְשִׁימֽוֹן
וַ/יָּק֛וּמוּ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יֵּלְכ֥וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
זִ֖יפָ/ה
Zîyph
H2128
Ziph
N-proper | Suff
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
שָׁא֑וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וְ/דָוִ֨ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Conj | N-proper
וַ/אֲנָשָׁ֜י/ו
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-mp | Suff
בְּ/מִדְבַּ֤ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
מָעוֹן֙
Mâʻôwn
H4584
Maon
N-proper
בָּ/עֲרָבָ֔ה
ʻărâbâh
H6160
plain
Prep | N-fs
אֶ֖ל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְמִ֥ין
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
N-fs
הַ/יְשִׁימֽוֹן
yᵉshîymôwn
H3452
wilderness
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:24
וַ/יָּק֛וּמוּ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
וַ/יֵּלְכ֥וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
זִ֖יפָ/ה
Zîyph
H2128
"Ziph"
N-proper | Suff
Ziph was a Judahite, son of Jehallelel, and brother of Ziphah and others. His name means battlement and he is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:16. There was also a city in Judah named Ziph.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.16; son of: Jehallelel (H3094); brother of: Ziphah (H2129), Tiria (H8493) and Asarel (H0840) § Ziph = "battlement" 1) a son of Jehaleleel, a descendant of Judah, and brother of Ziphah 2) a city in southern Judah, between Ithnan and Telem 3) a city of Judah, southeast of Hebron, between Carmel and Juttah in the highland district
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Ziph. See also: Joshua 15:24; 1 Samuel 23:24; 2 Chronicles 11:8.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
שָׁא֑וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וְ/דָוִ֨ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Conj | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
וַ/אֲנָשָׁ֜י/ו
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בְּ/מִדְבַּ֤ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
מָעוֹן֙
Mâʻôwn
H4584
"Maon"
N-proper
Maon was a man from the tribe of Judah and also the name of a city in Palestine, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:45, where he lived during the Divided Monarchy.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.2.45; son of: Shammai (H8060H) § Maon or Maonites = "habitation" 1) a man of Judah 2) the inhabitants of the city of Maon 3) a city of Judah located 8 miles south of Hebron
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Maon, Maonites. Compare H1010 (בֵּית בַּעַל מְעוֹן), H4586 (מְעוּנִי)lemma מְעוּנָי third vowel, corrected to מְעוּנִי. See also: Joshua 15:55; 1 Samuel 23:25; 1 Chronicles 2:45.
בָּ/עֲרָבָ֔ה
ʻărâbâh
H6160
"plain"
Prep | N-fs
The Arabah is a desert plain near the Jordan River, stretching to the Red Sea, and is often translated as wilderness or desert in the Bible. It is mentioned in books like Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: § desert plain, steppe, desert, wilderness
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Arabah, champaign, desert, evening, heaven, plain, wilderness. See also H1026 (בֵּית הָעֲרָבָה). See also: Numbers 22:1; 1 Samuel 23:24; Psalms 68:5.
אֶ֖ל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְמִ֥ין
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
N-fs
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
הַ/יְשִׁימֽוֹן
yᵉshîymôwn
H3452
"wilderness"
Art | N-ms
Jeshimon, or wilderness, refers to a desolate or empty place, often a desert. It is a place of solitude and emptiness, as described in the Bible.
Definition: waste, wilderness, desert, desolate place
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: desert, Jeshimon, solitary, wilderness. See also: Numbers 21:20; 1 Samuel 26:3; Psalms 68:8.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 23:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:24
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:24
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:24
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 23:24
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:24
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:24
Context — Saul Pursues David
22Please go and prepare further. Investigate and watch carefully where he goes and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning.
23Observe and find out all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with certainty, and I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will search him out among all the clans of Judah.”
24So they set out and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the Wilderness of Maon in the Arabah south of Jeshimon,
25and Saul and his men went to seek him. When David was told about it, he went down to the rock and stayed in the Wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard of this, he pursued David there. 26Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 25:2 | Now there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. He was a very wealthy man with a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. |
| 2 | Joshua 15:55 | Maon, Carmel, Ziph, Juttah, |
1 Samuel 23:24 Summary
[This verse tells us that Saul's men went to Ziph to look for David, while David and his men were hiding in the Wilderness of Maon. David was trying to escape from Saul, who was jealous of him and wanted to hurt him, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:8-11. Even though David was in a difficult situation, he trusted in God's protection and provision, as encouraged in Psalm 23:4. We can learn from David's example to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when we face challenges and difficulties, and to remember that He is always with us, as promised in Matthew 28:20.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul's men go to Ziph ahead of him in 1 Samuel 23:24?
Saul's men went to Ziph ahead of him to gather information about David's whereabouts, as Saul had instructed them to investigate and watch carefully where David went, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:22-23. This was part of Saul's plan to capture David.
Where was David hiding when Saul's men went to Ziph?
According to 1 Samuel 23:24, David and his men were in the Wilderness of Maon in the Arabah south of Jeshimon. This was likely a remote and secluded area where David could hide from Saul.
How does this event relate to the larger story of David's life?
This event is part of the ongoing narrative of David's escape from Saul, which is rooted in Saul's jealousy and fear of David, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:8-11. David's experiences during this time ultimately prepared him for his future role as king of Israel, as promised in 1 Samuel 16:13.
What can we learn from David's actions in this verse?
David's actions in 1 Samuel 23:24 demonstrate his trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of danger and uncertainty, as seen in Psalm 23:4. We can learn from David's example to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when we face challenges and difficulties, as encouraged in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- How do you respond when you feel like you are being pursued by difficulties or challenges, and what can you learn from David's example in this verse?
- In what ways can you apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in David's life, to your own circumstances?
- How does the knowledge of God's presence and guidance, as promised in Psalm 32:8, impact your decisions and actions when faced with uncertainty or danger?
- What are some ways you can cultivate a deeper trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, as seen in David's life, in your own walk with Him?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:24
And they arose, and went to Ziph, before Saul,.... Not before his person, as if he went with them, and they before him leading the way; but they went thither before he went, to prepare things more
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:24
Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king's hand. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:24
Before Saul, to prepare things for Saul, who marched after them. In the wilderness of Maon, whither he went from the wilderness of Ziph, upon suspicion or information that Saul was coming thither.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:24
1 Samuel 23:24 And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men [were] in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon.Ver. 24. And went to Ziph before Saul.] As his guides and forerunners, fearing him as the heathens did their Vejoves, lest he should serve them as he had lately done the city of Nob.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:24
(24) In the wilderness of Maon.—Still further to the south. The name of this district is still preserved in the village or small town of Main, which is built on a prominent conical hill. In the plain.—This accurate description was, no doubt, inserted by the compiler of these books, owing to the intense interest which the wanderings of this favourite hero and king excited among his countrymen. We can well imagine how gladly the dwellers in Judea, especially in later days—after the glorious reign of David had changed the tribes struggling with the surrounding petty nations for very existence into a great and renowned nation—would trace out the itinerary of the great king as he fled for his life before Saul. Is it too much to assume that each of these spots, which to us is little more than a hard, dry name, for a long period were the resort of reverent and curious pilgrims, anxious to gaze on localities made sacred by the weary wanderings and the hair-breadth escapes of the glorious king of Israel? The plain.—Literally, the Arabah, the desert track which extends along the Jordan Valley from the Dead Sea to the Lake of Gennesareth; it is now called El-Ghor. The term is also applied to the desolate valley which lies between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Akaba. Stanley, in his Sinai and Palestine, has given a picturesque description of these weird districts.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:24
24. in the wilderness of Maon] The district round the conical hill about seven miles south of Hebron still known as Tell Maîn. It is mentioned in Joshua 15:55 among the cities of Judah in the mountains. It was the home of Nabal (ch. 1 Samuel 25:2). in the plain on the south of Jeshimon] In the steppe on the south of the Waste. The Arâbah or “steppe” is here the name of the district south of “the Waste,” where the plateau falls away towards the plains of Beersheba. The term Arâbah generally denotes either the depressed valley of the Jordan, or the valley between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Akaba, but neither of these can be intended here.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 23:24
The plain - The Arabah, the desert tract which extends along the valley of the Jordan from the Dead Sea to the Lake of Gennesareth, now called El-Ghor.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:24
24. Wilderness of Maon — This lay about four miles southeast of Ziph, and is still marked by the modern Main. Compare Joshua 15:55.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) How Not to Respond to an Insult by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man named Naval from the book of 1 Samuel. Naval was a wealthy man, but lacked character and was harsh and evil in his actions |