TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.
Complete Jewish Bible
David stayed in the desert strongholds, remaining in the hills of the Zif Desert. Sha'ul kept trying to find him, but God did not hand him over to him
Berean Standard Bible
And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand.
American Standard Version
And David abode in the wilderness in the strongholds, and remained in the hill-country in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.
World English Bible Messianic
David stayed in the wilderness in the strongholds, and remained in the hill country in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God didn’t deliver him into his hand.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Dauid abode in the wildernesse in holdes, and remayned in a mountaine in the wildernes of Ziph. And Saul sought him euery day, but God deliuered him not into his hand.
Young's Literal Translation
And David abideth in the wilderness, in fortresses, and abideth in the hill-country, in the wilderness of Ziph; and Saul seeketh him all the days, and God hath not given him into his hand.
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Samuel 23 verses 14–18
14 ¶ And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.
15 And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
16 And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
17 And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.
18 And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
Here is, I. David absconding. He abode in a wilderness, in a mountain (Sa1 23:14), in a wood, Sa1 23:15. We must here, 1. Commend his eminent virtues, his humility, modesty, fidelity to his prince, and patient attendance on the providence of his God, that he did not draw up his forces against Saul, fight him in the field, or surprise him by some stratagem or other, and so avenge his own quarrel and that of the Lord's priests upon him, and put an end to his own troubles and the calamities of the country under Saul's tyrannical government. No, he makes no such attempt; he keeps God's way, waits God's time, and is content to secure himself in woods and wildernesses, though with some it might seem a reproach to that courage for which he had been famous. But, 2. We must also lament his hard fate, that an innocent man should be thus terrified and put in fear of his life, that a man of honour should be thus disgraced, a man of merit thus recompensed for his services, and a man that delighted in the service both of God and his country should be debarred from both and wrapped up in obscurity. What shall we say to this? Let it make us think the worse of this world, which often gives such bad treatment to its best men; let it reconcile even great and active men to privacy and restraint, if Providence make these their lot, for they were David's; and let it make us long for that kingdom where goodness shall for ever be in glory and holiness in honour, and the righteous shall shine as the sun, which cannot be put under a bushel.
II. Saul hunting him, as his implacable enemy. He sought him every day, so restless was his malice, Sa1 23:14. He sought no less than his life, so cruel was his malice, Sa1 23:15. As it had been from the beginning, so it was now, and will be, he that is born after the flesh persecuteth him that is born after the spirit, Gal 4:29.
III. God defending him, as his powerful protector. God delivered him not into Saul's hand, as Saul hoped (Sa1 23:7); and, unless God delivered him into his hand, he could not prevail against him, Joh 19:11.
IV. Jonathan comforting him as his faithful and constant friend. True friends will find out means to get together. David, it is likely, appointed time and place for this interview, and Jonathan observed the appointment, though he exposed himself thereby to his father's displeasure, and, had it been discovered, it might have cost him his life. True friendship will not shrink from danger, but can easily venture, will not shrink from condescension, but can easily stoop, and exchange a palace for a wood, to serve a friend. The very sight of Jonathan was reviving to David; but, besides this, he said that to him which was very encouraging. 1. As a pious friend, he directed him to God, the foundation of his confidence and the fountain of his comfort: He strengthened his hand in God. David, though a strong believer, needed the help of his friends for the perfecting of what was lacking in his faith; and herein Jonathan was helpful to him, by reminding him of the promise of God, the holy oil wherewith he was anointed, the presence of God with him hitherto, and the many experiences he had had of God's goodness to him. Thus he strengthened his hands for action, by encouraging his heart, not in the creature, but in God. Jonathan was not in a capacity of doing any thing to strengthen him, but he assured him God would. 2. As a self-denying friend, he took a pleasure in the prospect of David's advancement to that honour which was his own birthright, Sa1 23:17. "Thou shalt live to be king, and I shall think it preferment enough to be next thee, near thee, though under thee, and will never pretend to be a rival with thee." This resignation which Jonathan made to David of his title would be a great satisfaction to him, and make his way much the more clear. This, he tells him, Saul knew very well, Jonathan having sometimes heard him say as much, whence it appears what a wicked man Saul was, to persecute one whom God favoured, and what a foolish man he was, in thinking to prevent that which God had determined and which would certainly come to pass. How could he disannul what God had purposed? 3. As a constant friend, he renewed his league of friendship with him. They made a covenant now, this third time, before the Lord, calling him to witness to it, Sa1 23:18. True love takes delight in repeating its engagements, giving and receiving fresh assurances of the firmness of the friendship. Our covenant with God should be often renewed, and therein our communion with him kept up. David and Jonathan now parted, and never came together again, that we find, in this world; for Jonathan said what he wished, not what he had ground to expect, when he promised himself that he should be next to David in his kingdom.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–18. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
David, however, stayed in the desert, etc. Christ, having dismissed those who receive faith only in word, rather takes up residence in the hearts of those who, in the aridity of the present age, thirst for God, the living fountain, awaiting the moment they may come and appear before the face of the Lord. He gladly remains in those whose high hearts are removed from worldly temptations and blissfully secluded in solitude, finding joy in the deficient germ and flower of virtues. For Ziph means flower or germ.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
Yet Saul sought him every day, etc. From the beginning of time until the end, the wicked strive to remove Christ from the hearts of the pious, but He himself defends the pious so that they might never be overcome by the wicked, as He promised to remain with them all days even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28). And elsewhere it says: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you (Isaiah 43).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 23:14 vividly portrays the relentless persecution of David by King Saul, who daily sought to capture him in the desolate wilderness of Ziph. Despite David's precarious existence, constantly moving between natural strongholds, the verse culminates in a powerful declaration of divine sovereignty: God actively prevented David from falling into Saul's hands. This passage underscores God's unwavering protection over His anointed, ensuring His purposes for David's future kingship would not be thwarted by human malice.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within a larger narrative arc (1 Samuel 19-31) detailing King Saul's increasingly irrational and obsessive pursuit of David, whom he perceives as a threat to his throne. Following David's anointing by Samuel in 1 Samuel 16, Saul's jealousy intensifies, driving David into a life of a fugitive. Immediately preceding this verse, David has just delivered the city of Keilah from the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:1-5), only to learn that the inhabitants would betray him to Saul (1 Samuel 23:6-13). This betrayal forces David to abandon the city and return to the wilderness, highlighting his constant vulnerability and the pervasive threat he faced. The narrative consistently emphasizes David's reliance on God for guidance and protection through the ephod, contrasting sharply with Saul's descent into spiritual darkness and paranoia.
Historical & Cultural Context: The "wilderness of Ziph" refers to a specific, rugged, and desolate region in the Judean wilderness, east of Hebron and south of Jerusalem. This area, characterized by wadis, caves, and rocky terrain, provided natural "strong holds" or inaccessible hiding places for fugitives. Such wilderness areas were often sparsely populated, making them ideal for evasion but also harsh environments for survival. David, leading a band of loyal followers, would have relied on these natural defenses and the support (or occasional betrayal) of local communities. King Saul, as the reigning monarch, commanded a standing army and resources, making his "daily" pursuit a significant and sustained military operation. The cultural context also includes the concept of divine anointing, where a king's legitimacy was believed to be divinely ordained. Saul's relentless pursuit of David was not just a political struggle but a direct defiance of God's revealed will, as David had been chosen by God to succeed him.
Key Themes: The central theme in 1 Samuel 23:14 is Divine Protection and Providence. Despite Saul's overwhelming power and relentless efforts, God actively intervenes to safeguard David, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign control over human events. This highlights God's commitment to His chosen one, ensuring that His plan for David to become king (as foretold in 1 Samuel 16:12-13) will be fulfilled. Another significant theme is Perseverance in Adversity. David's life during this period is a testament to enduring hardship, constant danger, and uncertainty, yet he continues to seek God's guidance and trust in His deliverance. Finally, the verse underscores Saul's Obsession and Decline. Saul's "daily" pursuit of David reveals the depth of his irrational hatred and paranoia, consuming him to the neglect of his kingly duties and further illustrating his spiritual and moral decay, a stark contrast to David's growing reliance on God.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful Literary Devices. Contrast is prominent, juxtaposing David's vulnerable state as a fugitive "in the wilderness in strong holds" with Saul's relentless "daily" pursuit, and ultimately, with God's unwavering and decisive protection. This highlights the vast disparity in power between David and Saul, making God's intervention all the more striking. The Repetition of "wilderness" emphasizes the harsh and desolate environment that defined David's existence during this period of flight. The explicit mention of God's action ("but God delivered him not") serves as a form of Divine Intervention, making God a direct actor in the narrative and underscoring His active role in human history. This statement also functions as Foreshadowing, assuring the reader that David's destiny as king, as promised by God, will indeed come to pass, despite the immediate dangers.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 23:14 is a profound theological statement on divine providence and faithfulness. It teaches that even when human adversaries are relentless and circumstances seem overwhelmingly against God's chosen, His sovereign will prevails. David's survival is not attributed to his own cunning or strength, but explicitly to God's active intervention, demonstrating that God is the ultimate protector of His purposes and His people. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance, reminding believers that their safety and future are ultimately secured by God's unwavering hand, even in the face of severe trials and opposition.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful verse offers profound encouragement for believers navigating their own "wilderness" seasons, facing relentless opposition, or enduring periods of intense trial. David's experience reminds us that even when our adversaries seem overwhelming, resourceful, and persistent, God's protection is real, active, and ultimately decisive. Our safety and future are not dependent on our own strength, the weakness of our adversaries, or the favorable turn of circumstances, but solely on God's sovereign will and His faithfulness to His promises. In moments of fear or despair, we are called to remember that the same God who preserved David from Saul's hand is actively at work in our lives, preserving His purposes and preparing us for His calling. We can trust in His unfailing refuge and strength, knowing that His plans for us cannot be thwarted by human malice or the schemes of the enemy.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "strong holds" refer to in this context?
Answer: In 1 Samuel 23:14, "strong holds" (Hebrew: mᵉtsad') refers to natural fortresses or inaccessible places, typically found in mountainous or rugged wilderness terrain. These were not man-made castles but natural caves, cliffs, and difficult-to-reach elevations that provided temporary refuge and defense for David and his men against Saul's pursuing army. The Judean wilderness, where Ziph was located, is characterized by such natural formations, making it an ideal, albeit harsh, hiding place for fugitives.
Why was Saul seeking David "every day"?
Answer: Saul's relentless pursuit of David, described as "every day," underscores the depth of his paranoia, jealousy, and obsession. After God rejected Saul as king and chose David (as recounted in 1 Samuel 15 and 1 Samuel 16), Saul became consumed by a desire to eliminate David, whom he saw as a direct threat to his throne and legacy. This daily pursuit was not merely a political maneuver but a manifestation of his spiritual and psychological decline, highlighting his irrational hatred and his singular focus on destroying God's anointed.
What is the theological significance of "God delivered him not into his hand"?
Answer: This phrase is the theological climax of the verse, emphasizing divine sovereignty and protection. It explicitly states that David's survival was not due to his own cunning, the strength of his "strong holds," or any failure on Saul's part, but rather to God's direct intervention. The Hebrew verb implies that God actively withheld David from Saul's grasp. This signifies God's faithfulness to His promises (that David would be king), His control over human events, and His unwavering commitment to His chosen ones, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. It serves as a powerful declaration that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human malice or power.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 23:14, with its vivid portrayal of David's persecution and God's unwavering protection, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the life and ministry of Jesus, the ultimate Son of David and the true King. Like David, Jesus experienced relentless opposition and persecution from those in power who sought to kill Him, as seen in the attempts by the religious leaders and Herod (Matthew 2:13-18). Yet, just as God "delivered him not into his hand" in David's case, so too was Jesus protected until "His hour had not yet come" (John 7:30). Jesus, too, retreated to wilderness places and mountains for refuge and prayer (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 6:46), embodying a similar reliance on divine providence. Ultimately, while David was delivered from physical death to fulfill his earthly kingship, Jesus willingly submitted to death, not to be delivered from it, but to deliver humanity from sin and death itself (John 10:17-18). His resurrection is the ultimate "delivery," demonstrating God's supreme power over all adversaries, securing eternal life for all who believe, and establishing His eternal kingdom, fulfilling the promises made to David in a far grander, spiritual sense (Luke 1:32-33). Thus, David's deliverance foreshadows the greater deliverance found in Christ, who delivers us "from the dominion of darkness" into His marvelous light (Colossians 1:13).