1 Samuel 23:26

1 Samuel 23:26 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Saul 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.

King James Version KJV

And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

American Standard Version ASV

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Saul and his men went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men went on the other: and David's purpose was to get away as quickly as possible, for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men were making a circle round David and his men in order to take them.

Free Bible Version FBV

Saul was traveling along one side of the mountain, while David and his men were on the other side, rushing to get away. But just as Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men, about to capture them,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Saul and his men went on the one side of the mountaine, and Dauid and his men on the other side of the mountaine: and Dauid made haste to get from the presence of Saul: for Saul and his men compassed Dauid and his men round about, to take them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Saul goeth on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain, and David is hastened to go from the face of Saul, and Saul and his men are compassing David and his men, to catch them.

World English Bible WEB

Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain; and David hurried to get away for fear of Saul, for Saul and his men surrounded David and his men to take them.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Saul went on this side of the mountain: and David and his men were on the other side of the mountain: and David despaired of being able to escape from the face of Saul: and Saul and his men encompassed David and his men round about to take them.

Translation for Translators T4T

Saul and his soldiers were walking along one side of the hill/peak, and David and his men were on the other side. David and his men were hurrying to escape from Saul’s soldiers, because Saul and his soldiers were coming much closer.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:26

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 23:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ שָׁא֜וּל מִ/צַּ֤ד הָ/הָר֙ מִ/זֶּ֔ה וְ/דָוִ֧ד וַ/אֲנָשָׁ֛י/ו מִ/צַּ֥ד הָ/הָ֖ר מִ/זֶּ֑ה וַ/יְהִ֨י דָוִ֜ד נֶחְפָּ֤ז לָ/לֶ֨כֶת֙ מִ/פְּנֵ֣י שָׁא֔וּל וְ/שָׁא֣וּל וַ/אֲנָשָׁ֗י/ו עֹֽטְרִ֛ים אֶל דָּוִ֥ד וְ/אֶל אֲנָשָׁ֖י/ו לְ/תָפְשָֽׂ/ם

וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שָׁא֜וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

מִ/צַּ֤ד tsad H6654 side Prep | N-ms

הָ/הָר֙ har H2022 mountain Art | N-ms

מִ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 this Prep | Pron

וְ/דָוִ֧ד Dâvid H1732 David Conj | N-proper

וַ/אֲנָשָׁ֛י/ו ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-mp | Suff

מִ/צַּ֥ד tsad H6654 side Prep | N-ms

הָ/הָ֖ר har H2022 mountain Art | N-ms

מִ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 this Prep | Pron

וַ/יְהִ֨י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָוִ֜ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

נֶחְפָּ֤ז châphaz H2648 to hurry V-Niphal

לָ/לֶ֨כֶת֙ yâlak H3212 to walk Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מִ/פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

שָׁא֔וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

וְ/שָׁא֣וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul Conj | N-proper

וַ/אֲנָשָׁ֗י/ו ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-mp | Suff

עֹֽטְרִ֛ים ʻâṭar H5849 to surround V-Qal

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

דָּוִ֥ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep

אֲנָשָׁ֖י/ו ʼîysh H376 man N-mp | Suff

לְ/תָפְשָֽׂ/ם tâphas H8610 to capture Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:26

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.

שָׁא֜וּל 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.

מִ/צַּ֤ד tsad H6654 "side" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to the side of something, like the side of a building or a person's side. It can also mean an enemy or adversary, like someone who opposes you. It is used in the Bible to describe locations or relationships.

Definition: side Aramaic equivalent: tsad (צַד "side" H6655)

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: (be-) side. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 6:8; Psalms 91:7.

הָ/הָר֙ har H2022 "mountain" Art | N-ms

A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.

Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount

Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.

מִ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 "this" Prep | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

וְ/דָוִ֧ד 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/אֲנָשָׁ֛י/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.

מִ/צַּ֥ד tsad H6654 "side" Prep | N-ms

Definition: side Aramaic equivalent: tsad (צַד "side" H6655)

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: (be-) side. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 6:8; Psalms 91:7.

הָ/הָ֖ר har H2022 "mountain" Art | N-ms

A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.

Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount

Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.

מִ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 "this" Prep | Pron

וַ/יְהִ֨י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

דָוִ֜ד 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.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

נֶחְפָּ֤ז châphaz H2648 "to hurry" V-Niphal

This Hebrew word means to hurry or flee in fear, like when someone is startled or alarmed. It appears in the Bible when describing people rushing away in panic. The KJV translates it as 'haste' or 'tremble'.

Definition: 1) to hurry, flee, hasten, fear, be terrified 1a) (Qal) to be in a hurry, be alarmed 1b) (Niphal) to be in a hurry

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste (away), tremble. See also: Deuteronomy 20:3; Job 40:23; Psalms 31:23.

לָ/לֶ֨כֶת֙ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

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.

מִ/פְּנֵ֣י 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.

שָׁא֔וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.

וְ/שָׁא֣וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" Conj | N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.

וַ/אֲנָשָׁ֗י/ו ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | N-mp | Suff

עֹֽטְרִ֛ים ʻâṭar H5849 "to surround" V-Qal

In the Bible, this word means to give someone a crown, which is a symbol of honor and power. It's used in 2 Samuel 12:30 to describe King David taking a crown from a defeated king.

Definition: 1) to surround 1a) (Qal) to surround

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: compass, crown. See also: 1 Samuel 23:26; Psalms 65:12; Psalms 5:13.

אֶל 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.

דָּוִ֥ד 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.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | Prep

אֲנָשָׁ֖י/ו ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp | Suff

לְ/תָפְשָֽׂ/ם tâphas H8610 "to capture" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.

Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:26

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Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 23:26 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:26
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:26
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:26
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:26
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:26
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:26
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:26
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:26
Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:26

Context — Saul Pursues David

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!” 28So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 17:9	from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.
2	2 Corinthians 1:8	We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.
3	Psalms 140:1–9	Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence, who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long. They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble. The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help. O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle. Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. Selah May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.
4	2 Samuel 17:21–22	After the men had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed up out of the well and went to inform King David, saying, “Get up and cross over the river at once, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you.” So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan.
5	Revelation 20:9	And they marched across the broad expanse of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them.
6	Psalms 22:16	For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.
7	Psalms 17:11	They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast us to the ground,
8	2 Samuel 15:14	And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”
9	2 Chronicles 20:12	Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
10	Psalms 22:12	Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.

1 Samuel 23:26 Summary

In 1 Samuel 23:26, David and his men were trying to escape from Saul, who was pursuing them. David was hurrying to get away, but Saul was closing in on them. This shows that even in difficult situations, we can trust God to protect us, just like David did. As it says in Psalm 34:17, 'The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles,' which is a promise that we can hold onto in times of danger, similar to the promise in Jeremiah 29:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was David hurrying to get away from Saul in 1 Samuel 23:26?

David was hurrying to get away from Saul because Saul was trying to capture him, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:25, and David was aware of the danger that Saul posed to his life, similar to the situation in 1 Kings 19:2 where Elijah was also being pursued.

What does it mean that David and his men were on one side of the mountain and Saul on the other in 1 Samuel 23:26?

This indicates that David and his men were trying to escape from Saul, who was pursuing them, and they were using the terrain to try to evade capture, similar to how Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to escape the crowds, as seen in Luke 5:16.

How did Saul's pursuit of David relate to his overall character in the Bible?

Saul's pursuit of David in 1 Samuel 23:26 shows his jealousy and lack of trust in God, which is a recurring theme in his story, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23 where his disobedience is compared to witchcraft.

What can we learn from David's actions in 1 Samuel 23:26 about trusting God in difficult situations?

David's actions in 1 Samuel 23:26 show that even in the midst of great danger, he was trying to trust God and escape from his enemies, which is similar to the lesson in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are told to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

Reflection Questions

How do you respond when you feel like you are being pursued by your enemies, and what can you learn from David's example in 1 Samuel 23:26?
In what ways are you trying to escape from the pressures and dangers of this world, and are you trusting God to deliver you?
What are some 'mountains' in your life that you are trying to navigate, and how can you trust God to guide you through them, as seen in Psalm 23:4?
How can you apply the lesson of 1 Samuel 23:26 to your own life, and trust God to protect you from harm, as promised in Psalm 121:7-8?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:26

And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain,.... Saul with his army came to the very mountain where David and his men were, the one was on one side

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:26

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:26

Dividing themselves into several parties, each marching a several way after him.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:26

1 Samuel 23:26 And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.Ver. 26. And David made haste.] After that he had first said in his haste, "All men" - prophets and all - "are liars." Peter Martyr thinks David made that psalm, as also. about this time. Now it was that he was almost forsaken of his hopes; but God was seen in the mount.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:26

(26) The mountain.—Conder, in his Tent Life in Palestine, identifies this spot with high probability. Indeed, his whole book is most instructive and trustworthy, and to the reader interested in these scenes in the life of David, as well as in those other many events which have taken place in the Storied Land, his book will form an admirable guide.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:26

Verse 26. Saul went on this side of the mountain] Evidently not knowing that David and his men were on the other side.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:26

26. compassed … round about] i.e. encompassed, surrounded. Cp. Psalms 5:12.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:26

26. Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David… on that side — From his rocky height David watched the approach of his enemy, and by his knowledge of the wilderness and his strategic skill he

Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:26

	Sermon	Description
	Living That Grieves the Spirit by A.W. Tozer	James urges believers to experience deep sorrow and wretchedness over their sins, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and inner penitence rather than external ascetic pract
	Helpers in Prayer by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and the need for believers to seek God's help and intervention in their lives. He highlights the example of the apos
	A Word for Those Who Feel Like Quitting by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the struggles and challenges that believers face after experiencing a powerful transformation in their lives through Christ. He acknowledges
	Dont Let Discouragement Take Your Strength by Carter Conlon	This sermon is a powerful message about overcoming discouragement by trusting in God's faithfulness and purpose, even in the darkest moments. It emphasizes the importance of waitin
	Why Should We Pray? by Jerry Bridges	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about coming home from a trip and the importance of prayer. He mentions having two notebooks, one for speaking and one for pr
	Oil Beaten for the Light by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher begins by praising and glorifying God, asking for His presence and power to be manifested in the city. The preacher emphasizes the importance of liftin
	(Depressed Disciples) False Teaching by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the world and how it reflects the perilous times mentioned in the Bible. He emphasizes the storms and challenges that pe