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1 Samuel 23:27

1 Samuel 23:27 in Multiple Translations

Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!”

¶ But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.

But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have made a raid upon the land.

But a man came to Saul saying, Be quick and come; for the Philistines have made an attack on the land.

a messenger arrived to tell Saul, “Come at once! The Philistines have invaded the country!”

But there came a messenger to Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come: for the Philistims haue inuaded the land.

And a messenger hath come in unto Saul, saying, 'Haste, and come, for the Philistines have pushed against the land.'

But a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have made a raid on the land!”

But there came a messenger to Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.

And a messenger came to Saul, saying: Make haste to come, for the Philistines have poured in themselves upon the land.

But then a messenger came to Saul and said to him, “Come quickly! The Philistia army is attacking the people in our land!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:27

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 23:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/מַלְאָ֣ךְ בָּ֔א אֶל שָׁא֖וּל לֵ/אמֹ֑ר מַהֲרָ֣/ה וְ/לֵ֔כָ/ה כִּֽי פָשְׁט֥וּ פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים עַל הָ/אָֽרֶץ
וּ/מַלְאָ֣ךְ mălʼâk H4397 messenger Conj | N-ms
בָּ֔א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
שָׁא֖וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מַהֲרָ֣/ה mâhar H4116 to hasten V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff
וְ/לֵ֔כָ/ה yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
פָשְׁט֥וּ pâshaṭ H6584 to strip V-Qal-Perf-3cp
פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Ngmpa
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:27

וּ/מַלְאָ֣ךְ mălʼâk H4397 "messenger" Conj | N-ms
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
בָּ֔א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
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.
שָׁא֖וּל 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.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מַהֲרָ֣/ה mâhar H4116 "to hasten" V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff
This word means to hurry or do something quickly, like when someone is in a rush. It can also mean to buy something by paying a price. The Bible uses it in Genesis.
Definition: 1)(Qal) to hasten 1a) (Niphal) to be hurried, be anxious 1a) hasty, precipitate, impetuous 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to hasten, make haste 1b2) hasten (used as adverb with another verb) 1b3) to hasten, prepare quickly, do quickly, bring quickly
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: be carried headlong, fearful, (cause to make, in, make) haste(-n, -ily), (be) hasty, (fetch, make ready) [idiom] quickly, rash, [idiom] shortly, (be so) [idiom] soon, make speed, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] straightway, [idiom] suddenly, swift. See also: Genesis 18:6; 1 Samuel 28:24; Psalms 16:4.
וְ/לֵ֔כָ/ה yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
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.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
פָשְׁט֥וּ pâshaṭ H6584 "to strip" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to strip or remove something, like taking off clothes or plundering a place. It is used in Exodus 22:26 to describe taking a pledge from someone. The word implies a sense of removal or deprivation.
Definition: 1) to strip, invade, strip off, make a dash, raid, spread out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strip off, put off 1a2) to put off (one's shelter), make a dash 1b) (Piel) to strip 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to strip of 1c2) to strip off 1c3) to flay 1d) (Hithpael) to strip oneself of
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fall upon, flay, invade, make an invasion, pull off, put off, make a road, run upon, rush, set, spoil, spread selves (abroad), strip (off, self). See also: Genesis 37:23; 1 Chronicles 14:9; Isaiah 32:11.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:27

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Kings 19:9 Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “Look, he has set out to fight against you.” So Sennacherib again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
2 Psalms 116:3 The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow.
3 Deuteronomy 32:36 For the LORD will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants when He sees that their strength is gone and no one remains, slave or free.
4 1 Chronicles 14:13 Once again the Philistines raided the valley.
5 Genesis 22:14 And Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. So to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”
6 Revelation 12:16 But the earth helped the woman and opened its mouth to swallow up the river that had poured from the dragon’s mouth.

1 Samuel 23:27 Summary

[This verse shows how God protected David from Saul by using the Philistines as a distraction, which is a great example of how God can use unexpected events to help us, as also seen in Genesis 50:20. It reminds us that God is always in control, even when things seem chaotic or scary. We can trust that God will take care of us, just like He took care of David, as promised in Matthew 6:25-34. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can find peace and comfort in the midst of challenging circumstances.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God allow the Philistines to raid the land at this specific time?

God's timing is always perfect, and in this case, the raid served as a distraction to save David from Saul's pursuit, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:27, illustrating God's sovereign control over all events, as stated in Romans 8:28.

Was Saul's decision to break off his pursuit of David a sign of his repentance?

Saul's actions were driven by his desire to protect his kingdom, not by a repentant heart, as evident in 1 Samuel 23:28, and this is further clarified in 1 Samuel 24:1-22 where David spares Saul's life, showing that Saul's heart had not truly changed.

How did this event impact David's trust in God?

This event likely strengthened David's trust in God, as he saw how God intervened on his behalf, as expressed in Psalms 54:1-7, where David pours out his heart to God in the midst of this situation, demonstrating his reliance on God's deliverance.

What can we learn from the way God protected David in this situation?

We can learn that God is our protector and deliverer, as stated in Psalm 23:4, and that He will stop at nothing to care for those who trust in Him, as seen in this verse and others like Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises to prosper those who love Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced God's protection in your own life, and how can you trust Him more fully in times of uncertainty?
  2. What are some ways that God might be calling you to trust Him, even when the circumstances seem uncertain or frightening, like David's situation in 1 Samuel 23:25-27?
  3. In what ways can you apply the lesson of God's sovereignty, as seen in this verse, to your own life and struggles, remembering that God is always in control, as stated in Isaiah 46:10?
  4. How can you use this story to encourage someone who is facing persecution or hardship, pointing them to the hope and protection that God offers, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:27

But there came a messenger unto Saul,.... From his court, by order of his council there; though the Jews (t) say it was an angel from heaven; but be it which it will, it was certainly the providence

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:27

But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:27

God stirring them up by his all-disposing providence to do it at this time for David’ s rescue. Compare .

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:27

1 Samuel 23:27 But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.Ver. 27. But there came a messenger, &c.] Here was Deus ex machina, God appearing as out of an engine: where human help failed, divine came in. God sent from heaven and saved his poor servant "from the reproach of him that would have swallowed him up, Selah." So he took off Sennacherib; and Julian, by the Parthian war; and Charles V from persecuting the Protestants, by the Turks breaking into Hungary; those dogs licked Lazarus’ s sores. So one Justice Gilford, in Queen Mary’ s days, going up the stairs to Mrs Roberts’ s chamber, to compel her, willed she, nilled she, to go to Mass, was suddenly taken with his old disease the gout, and so tormented that he swore he would never trouble her anymore. Act, and Mon., 1880.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:27

(27) The Philistines have invaded the land.—This, as Lange well observes, was “God’s plan to save David.” The Philistines had probably availed themselves of the opportunity which Saul’s withdrawal of his forces southward to surround the armed band of David had given them, and were invading in force the more northern provinces.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:27

Verse 27. There came a messenger] See the providence of God exerted for the salvation of David's life! David and his men are almost surrounded by Saul and his army, and on the point of being taken, when a messenger arrives and informs Saul that the Philistines had invaded the land! But behold the workings of Providence! God had already prepared the invasion of the land by the Philistines, and kept Saul ignorant how much David was in his power; but as his advanced guards and scouts must have discovered him in a very short time, the messenger arrives just at the point of time to prevent it. Here David was delivered by God, and in such a manner too as rendered the Divine interposition visible.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:27

27. there came a messenger, &c.] Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. Cp. 2 Kings 19:7; 2 Kings 19:9.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:27

27. There came a messenger — This was a signal working of Providence to deliver the son of Jesse from most imminent peril.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:27

SermonDescription
Basilea Schlink The Power of the Name of Jesus by Basilea Schlink In this sermon, Basilio Shlink emphasizes the power of the name of Jesus in freeing us from the chains of sin. He encourages listeners to call upon the name of Jesus in prayer, as
Paul Bramsen Singing the Praises of God by Paul Bramsen Paul Bramsen emphasizes the significance of singing in worship, tracing its roots back to biblical times when God's people praised Him through song. The Bible showcases believers i
Harry Ironside They Repented Not by Harry Ironside Harry Ironside emphasizes that while God's creation and goodness should lead humanity to repentance, many remain unresponsive, drifting further into sin despite experiencing His bl
Jonathan Edwards That Comforts and Joys Seem to Follow Awakenings and Convictions of Conscience, in a Certain Order, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards preaches about the process of salvation, emphasizing that before God delivers individuals from sin, they must first have a deep sense of the evil they are being sa
James Bourne Letter 56 by James Bourne James Bourne encourages M. A. H. to find comfort in God during times of affliction, sharing the testimony of Mrs. O. who found peace and assurance in the Lord's presence as she fac
A.W. Tozer (Steps Towards Spiritual Perfection) - My Soul by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God. He highlights the tendency of people to rely on others for spiritual nourishment,
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 22:11-14 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the testing of Abraham by God. He emphasizes that anyone called, saved, or used by God will also face tests to strengthen their faith and mak

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