1 Samuel 23:25
1 Samuel 23:25 in Multiple Translations
and 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.
Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.
And Saul and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down to the rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.
And Saul and his men went in search of him. And David had word of it, so he came down to the rock in the waste land of Maon. And Saul, hearing of this, went after David into the waste land of Maon.
Saul and his men started hunting for him. When David found out, he went down to the rock, and stayed in the Desert of Maon. When Saul heard this, he chased after David in the Desert of Maon.
Saul also and his men went to seeke him, and they told Dauid: wherefore he came downe vnto a rocke, and abode in the wildernesse of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he folowed after Dauid in the wildernes of Maon.
And Saul and his men go to seek, and they declare to David, and he goeth down the rock, and abideth in the wilderness of Maon; and Saul heareth, and pursueth after David [to] the wilderness of Maon.
Saul and his men went to seek him. When David was told, he went down to the rock, and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. When Saul heard that, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon.
Saul also and his men went to seek him . And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that , he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.
Then Saul and his men went to seek him: and it was told David, and forthwith he went down to the rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon: and when Saul had heard of it he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.
Saul and his soldiers went to search for David, but David heard about that. So he and his men went further south to a rocky hill/peak in the Maon Desert. When Saul heard about that, he and his men followed David and his men to the Maon Desert.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:25
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 23:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ
שָׁא֣וּל
וַ/אֲנָשָׁי/ו֮
לְ/בַקֵּשׁ֒
וַ/יַּגִּ֣דוּ
לְ/דָוִ֔ד
וַ/יֵּ֣רֶד
הַ/סֶּ֔לַע
וַ/יֵּ֖שֶׁב
בְּ/מִדְבַּ֣ר
מָע֑וֹן
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֣ע
שָׁא֔וּל
וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֥ף
אַחֲרֵֽי
דָוִ֖ד
מִדְבַּ֥ר
מָעֽוֹן
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֣וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וַ/אֲנָשָׁי/ו֮
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-mp | Suff
לְ/בַקֵּשׁ֒
bâqash
H1245
to seek
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
וַ/יַּגִּ֣דוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
לְ/דָוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יֵּ֣רֶד
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/סֶּ֔לַע
çelaʻ
H5553
crag
Art | N-ms
וַ/יֵּ֖שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/מִדְבַּ֣ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
מָע֑וֹן
Mâʻôwn
H4584
Maon
N-proper
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֥ף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַחֲרֵֽי
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
מִדְבַּ֥ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
N-ms
מָעֽוֹן
Mâʻôwn
H4584
Maon
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:25
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
שָׁא֣וּל
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.
וַ/אֲנָשָׁי/ו֮
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.
לְ/בַקֵּשׁ֒
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
וַ/יַּגִּ֣דוּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לְ/דָוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | 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/יֵּ֣רֶד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
הַ/סֶּ֔לַע
çelaʻ
H5553
"crag"
Art | N-ms
This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.
Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.
וַ/יֵּ֖שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בְּ/מִדְבַּ֣ר
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.
מָע֑וֹן
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.
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
שָׁא֔וּל
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.
וַ/יִּרְדֹּ֥ף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אַחֲרֵֽי
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
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.
מִדְבַּ֥ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
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.
מָעֽוֹן
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 23:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:25
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:25
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:25
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:25
Context — Saul Pursues David
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. 27Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 15:8 | And he struck them ruthlessly with a great slaughter, and then went down and stayed in the cave at the rock of Etam. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 23:28 | So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth. |
1 Samuel 23:25 Summary
[In 1 Samuel 23:25, we see that David was being pursued by Saul, and he went down to a rock in the Wilderness of Maon to hide. This shows that even when we are in danger, we can trust God to protect us, just like He did for David. As it says in Psalm 91:4, God can be our refuge and shelter, and we can trust in His goodness and love, as mentioned in Psalm 23:4. By putting our trust in God, we can find peace and safety, even in the midst of trouble.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David go down to the rock in the Wilderness of Maon?
David went down to the rock to hide and escape from Saul, who was pursuing him, as we see in 1 Samuel 23:25, and this action is similar to what David did in 1 Samuel 22:1, where he hid in the cave of Adullam.
Was Saul's pursuit of David justified?
No, Saul's pursuit of David was not justified, as we see in 1 Samuel 23:25, because David had not committed any crime, and Saul was acting out of jealousy and a desire for power, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 18:8.
How did David know that Saul was pursuing him?
David was told about Saul's pursuit, as we see in 1 Samuel 23:25, indicating that David had a network of informants or spies who kept him informed about Saul's actions, similar to the way Jonathan warned David in 1 Samuel 20:2-4.
What can we learn from David's actions in this verse?
We can learn from David's actions that sometimes it is necessary to flee from danger, as David did in 1 Samuel 23:25, and that God can use these situations to protect and preserve us, as we see in Psalm 27:5 and Proverbs 22:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply David's example of trusting God in the midst of danger to my own life?
- How can I discern when it is time to stand and fight, and when it is time to flee, as David did in this verse?
- What are some 'rocks' or places of refuge that I can turn to when I am feeling pursued or overwhelmed, and how can I use these to draw closer to God?
- In what ways can I be like David's informants, warning and protecting others from harm, and how can I be a source of encouragement and support to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:25
And Saul also and his men went to seek [him],.... Whether the Ziphites returned to him with better intelligence, or sent him word where David was, is not said, however Saul with his army came out in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:25
Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:25
Into a rock, i. e. into a cave which was in the rock; or which might, be called a rock, not for the height, but the strength of its situation; where at first he might think to hide himself, but upon further intelligence or consideration he removed from thence upon Saul’ s approach. Or, he came down from the rock, i. e. either, first, From the mountain mentioned in the next verse, whence he came down, that so he might get out of Saul’ s sight and reach. Or, secondly, From the hill of Hachilah, where David hid himself, which is said to be on the south of Jeshimon, , as this place where he now was is also described, , only that speaks of the plain, and this of the rock or hill adjoining to it, or in the midst of it. Or, he came down to Selah, as the Syriac and Arabic translate it; a place so called from the many rocks or stones which were in it, or near it.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:25
1 Samuel 23:25 Saul also and his men went to seek [him]. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard [that], he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.Ver. 25. He pursued after David.] Hunting him up and down as a partridge in the mountains this made him so tender, as we see he was.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:25
Verse 25. The wilderness of Maon.] Maon was a mountainous district in the most southern parts of Judah. Calmet supposes it to be the city of Menois, which Eusebius places in the vicinity of Gaza; and the Maenaemi Castrum, which the Theodosian code places near to Beersheba.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:25
25. into a rock] To the rock, or, cliff, which was afterwards called “the rock of divisions” (1 Samuel 23:28). The Sept. reads “which is in the wilderness of Maon” in place of “and abode in the wilderness of Maon,” perhaps rightly.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:25
25. He came down into a rock — Literally, he went down the rock. The margin gives the meaning, he went down from the rock.