1 Samuel 23:14

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} abode {H3427} in the wilderness {H4057} in strong holds {H4679}, and remained {H3427} in a mountain {H2022} in the wilderness {H4057} of Ziph {H2128}. And Saul {H7586} sought {H1245} him every day {H3117}, but God {H430} delivered {H5414} him not into his hand {H3027}.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - David Anointed King"), 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](/1_samuel/23-1-5 "1 Samuel 23:1-5 - David Delivers Keilah")), only to learn that the inhabitants would betray him to Saul ([1 Samuel 23:6-13](/1_samuel/23-6-13 "1 Samuel 23:6-13 - Keilah's Treachery")). 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](/1_samuel/23-14 "1 Samuel 23:14 - God Protects David") 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](/1_samuel/16-12-13 "1 Samuel 16:12-13 - David Anointed")) 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
* **Strong holds (Hebrew, _mᵉtsad'_):** This term (H4679) refers to a fastness, a covert of ambush, or a natural fortress. In David's context, it signifies the rugged, natural defenses of the Judean wilderness—caves, cliffs, and difficult terrain—that provided temporary refuge from Saul's forces. It speaks to David's reliance on the physical landscape for survival, yet ultimately points to God as his true stronghold.
* **Sought (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This verb (H1245) is a primitive root meaning to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after; ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). The phrase "sought him every day" emphasizes the relentless, obsessive, and unceasing nature of Saul's pursuit. It highlights the king's singular focus on eliminating David, demonstrating his deep-seated paranoia and hatred.
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root (H5414) means to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.). When used with a negative, as "delivered him not into his hand," it literally means "God did not give him into his hand." This is a crucial theological statement. It is not that David merely escaped by his own cunning or strength, but that God Himself was the active agent, directly intervening to prevent David's capture. This underscores divine sovereignty and protection as the ultimate reason for David's safety.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds":** This clause establishes David's fugitive status and his chosen method of survival. He is not in a settled city or a fortified military camp, but in the harsh, desolate wilderness, relying on natural, often temporary, hiding places. This paints a picture of vulnerability and constant movement, highlighting the precariousness of his existence.
* **"and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph.":** This further specifies David's location, pinpointing the "wilderness of Ziph" and a "mountain" within it as a particular refuge. The repetition of "wilderness" reinforces the challenging and isolated nature of his existence, emphasizing the desolation and the extreme conditions he endured while constantly on the run.
* **"And Saul sought him every day":** This phrase vividly portrays the intensity and persistence of Saul's pursuit. It was not a sporadic effort but a continuous, daily hunt, reflecting Saul's consuming obsession and the relentless pressure David was under. This highlights the human adversary's determination and the overwhelming odds David faced.
* **"but God delivered him not into his hand.":** This is the climactic and most significant clause of the verse. It shifts the focus from human action (Saul's seeking) to divine intervention. Despite Saul's persistence and David's vulnerability, God actively withheld David from Saul's grasp. This is the theological lynchpin, asserting God's sovereign protection as the ultimate reason for David's survival, overriding all human efforts and circumstances.

#### 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.

* [Psalm 18:1-3](/psalm/18-1-3 "Psalm 18:1-3 - The Lord is my rock and my fortress")
* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalm/37-23-24 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God is for us, who can be against us?")

### 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
* **In what "wilderness" areas of your life do you currently feel exposed or pursued?**
* **How does the truth that "God delivered him not into his hand" encourage you when facing persistent opposition?**
* **What specific promises of God can you cling to when circumstances seem dire and beyond your control?**
* **How might acknowledging God's active protection change your perspective on current challenges or fears?**

### 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](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience") and [1 Samuel 16](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - David Anointed King")), 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](/matthew/2-13-18 "Matthew 2:13-18 - Flight to Egypt")). 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](/john/7-30 "John 7:30 - Jesus's Hour Had Not Yet Come")). Jesus, too, retreated to wilderness places and mountains for refuge and prayer ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus's Temptation in the Wilderness"); [Mark 6:46](/mark/6-46 "Mark 6:46 - Jesus Prays on the Mountain")), 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](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). 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](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus, the Son of David")). 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](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Dominion of Darkness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 54:3

For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.

Psalms 54:4

¶ Behold, God [is] mine helper: the Lord [is] with them that uphold my soul.

Psalms 32:7

¶ Thou [art] my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Joshua 15:24

Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,

Joshua 15:55

Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah,

2 Timothy 3:11

Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of [them] all the Lord delivered me.

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?