1 Samuel 23:20

KJV

Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part [shall be] to deliver him into the king's hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore, O king {H4428}, come down {H3381} according to all the desire {H185} of thy soul {H5315} to come down {H3381}; and our part shall be to deliver {H5462} him into the king's {H4428} hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So now, king, since you've wanted so much to come down, come down! Our part will be to turn him over to you."

Berean Standard Bible

Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.”

American Standard Version

Now therefore, O king, come down, according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him up into the king’s hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 23:20 captures a pivotal moment of profound treachery where the Ziphites, seeking favor with King Saul, eagerly offer to betray David's hiding place. This verse vividly illuminates Saul's consuming obsession to capture David and underscores the constant peril and vulnerability David faced as God's anointed fugitive, ultimately highlighting the depth of human malice contrasted with the unwavering reality of divine protection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a critical and perilous phase of David's flight from King Saul. It immediately follows David's courageous and successful defense of Keilah against the Philistines, a victory that ironically made his position there untenable once he learned of Saul's intent to besiege him within the city walls ([1 Samuel 23:1-13](/1_samuel/23-13 "1 Samuel 23:1-13 - David Delivers Keilah and Flees")). Having narrowly escaped Keilah by divine revelation, David and his approximately six hundred men sought refuge in the desolate and rugged wilderness of Ziph, a region characterized by its strongholds and caves. The Ziphites, inhabitants of this specific area, discovered David's presence. Rather than offering the traditional sanctuary or maintaining neutrality, they actively chose to curry favor with the increasingly paranoid and vengeful King Saul by revealing David's precise location. This verse, therefore, represents their direct and eager proposition to Saul, demonstrating their willingness to assist in David's capture and setting the stage for yet another dramatic divine intervention on David's behalf.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness of Ziph was a harsh, sparsely populated, and geographically challenging region situated within the tribal territory of Judah, south of Hebron. David, as a fellow Judahite and the divinely anointed future king, might have reasonably expected some degree of tribal loyalty or protection from his kinsmen. However, the Ziphites' actions profoundly reflect the volatile and often brutal political climate under King Saul's increasingly erratic rule. In this era, loyalty to the reigning monarch often superseded traditional tribal or familial ties, especially when faced with the king's notorious wrath and the potential for severe retribution. Their offer to "deliver him into the king's hand" was not merely an act of informing but implied active participation in David's apprehension and surrender, likely leading to his execution. This act also aligns with ancient Near Eastern practices where subjects demonstrated their fealty to their king by assisting in the capture of perceived rebels or enemies of the state, often in exchange for rewards or to avoid punishment themselves, underscoring the pragmatic and self-preserving nature of their betrayal.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Samuel 23:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes woven throughout the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the pervasive theme of **betrayal and treachery**, showcasing how David, despite being God's chosen and anointed, faced relentless disloyalty from various quarters, even from within his own tribe and among those who should have offered support. Secondly, it underscores **Saul's relentless and unrighteous pursuit** of David, a pursuit driven by deep-seated envy, paranoia, and a profound spiritual decline, a theme dramatically introduced early in Saul's reign following David's victory over Goliath ([1 Samuel 18:8](/1_samuel/18-8 "1 Samuel 18:8 - Saul's Jealousy of David")). Saul's "desire of thy soul" emphasizes the consuming, almost demonic, nature of his hatred and obsession. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, the verse reinforces the overarching theme of **God's unfailing protection and sovereignty** over His anointed. Despite the intense human malice and numerous attempts on his life, David consistently experiences miraculous divine deliverance, demonstrating unequivocally that God's sovereign plan for His chosen king would not be thwarted by any human scheme or act of betrayal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **desire (Hebrew, _ʼavvâh'_):** From H185, this word denotes a strong longing, craving, or appetite. While it can be neutral, it often carries a negative connotation, implying an intense, sometimes unholy, yearning or covetousness. In this context, it vividly portrays the depth of Saul's obsession with capturing David, suggesting a desire that has consumed his very being and driven him to irrational and wicked acts. It is not a casual wish but a consuming, all-encompassing passion that dictates his actions.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, this term refers to the whole person, the inner being, or the seat of emotions, will, and life. When combined with "desire," it emphasizes that Saul's longing for David's capture was not merely a political or strategic calculation, but a deeply personal, visceral, and all-encompassing drive that originated from the very core of his being. His entire person, his very essence, was bent on this destructive pursuit.
* **deliver (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** From H5462, meaning "to shut up," "to close," or "to surrender," this word signifies a decisive and complete act of handing over someone into the absolute power or custody of another. The Ziphites' use of this term indicates their confidence and commitment to ensuring David's capture and his irreversible surrender to Saul's authority, leaving no room for escape. It implies a total and unreserved act of betrayal, sealing David's fate in their eyes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down;":** This opening clause functions as a fawning, eager, and strategically calculated invitation from the Ziphites to King Saul. They appeal directly to Saul's well-known and consuming obsession, explicitly acknowledging and validating his intense longing to capture David. The repetition of "come down" emphasizes their readiness, the perceived ease of the task, and their eagerness to facilitate Saul's objective, while "all the desire of thy soul" highlights their astute understanding of Saul's deep-seated hatred and their willingness to cater to his most sinister desires. It reflects a cynical move to gain royal favor by playing directly to the king's personal vendetta.
* **"and our part [shall be] to deliver him into the king's hand.":** This second clause is the Ziphites' explicit promise of full cooperation, active participation, and guaranteed success in the venture. They assure Saul that their role will be decisive and effective in ensuring David's capture and surrender. The phrase "into the king's hand" signifies complete control and absolute authority, implying that David would be entirely at Saul's mercy, likely for immediate execution. This statement powerfully underscores the Ziphites' profound treachery, as they willingly volunteer to betray a fellow Judahite, who is also God's anointed, purely for their own perceived gain or safety, demonstrating a chilling moral compromise.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **literary devices** that enrich its meaning and impact. There is a striking **irony** in the Ziphites, inhabitants of Judah, betraying David, a future king from their own tribe, to Saul, the current, increasingly illegitimate king. This highlights the fractured loyalties, moral decay, and political instability pervading Israel during Saul's later reign. The phrase "according to all the desire of thy soul" functions as both **intensification** and **hyperbole**, powerfully emphasizing the extreme, consuming, and almost pathological nature of Saul's obsession with David. This vivid portrayal serves as a potent form of **characterization**, revealing the depth of Saul's spiritual decline, his unholy fixation, and his descent into irrational hatred. Furthermore, the Ziphites' eager and explicit offer to "deliver him into the king's hand" creates significant **dramatic tension** and serves as **foreshadowing**, setting up the subsequent narrative where David's life is once again placed in imminent danger, only to be miraculously preserved by divine intervention, thereby reinforcing the overarching theme of God's unwavering and sovereign protection over His chosen one.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 23:20 stands as a stark and enduring reminder of the pervasive nature of human sin, particularly the destructive power of unchecked envy, paranoia, and the willingness to betray for personal gain or out of fear. The Ziphites' actions demonstrate that even those who should be allies can become instruments of opposition against God's anointed. Theologically, this event profoundly underscores God's unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite the intensity of Saul's unholy desire and the Ziphites' eager complicity, God's plan for David's life and his eventual ascension to the throne remains utterly unthwarted. This incident is a powerful testament to the truth that no human scheme, however well-laid, malicious, or seemingly insurmountable, can ultimately frustrate the divine will. It serves as a compelling illustration of God's ability to protect His chosen ones even in the face of overwhelming odds and insidious betrayal, ensuring His purposes are brought to fruition.

* [1 Samuel 23:14](/1_samuel/23-14 "1 Samuel 23:14 - God's Protection of David in the Wilderness")
* [1 Samuel 26:1](/1_samuel/26-1 "1 Samuel 26:1 - Ziphites' Second Betrayal of David")
* [Psalm 54:1-7](/psalms/54-1-7 "Psalm 54:1-7 - David's Prayer for Deliverance from the Ziphites")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the Ziphites' betrayal of David in 1 Samuel 23:20 offers profound and timeless insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a sobering reminder that even when we are walking in God's will and are His chosen instruments, we are not immune to betrayal, persecution, or the malicious intentions of others. David's experience teaches us the critical importance of radical dependence on God, for it was not human loyalty or strategic brilliance but consistent divine intervention that preserved him time and again. This passage also functions as a powerful warning against the destructive nature of unchecked envy and paranoia, as vividly seen in Saul, and the moral compromise that can arise from seeking human favor or security over divine righteousness, exemplified by the Ziphites. In a world where loyalty can be fleeting, self-interest often reigns supreme, and moral lines are frequently blurred, this verse calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, to trust implicitly in God's sovereign protection above all else, and to steadfastly resist the temptation to betray our convictions or others for fleeting gains. It encourages us to find our ultimate security not in fragile human alliances, but in the steadfast, unwavering faithfulness of our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when you experience betrayal or disloyalty from unexpected sources?**
* **What "desires of the soul" might be driving your actions or decisions, and are they truly aligned with God's will and character?**
* **In what specific ways can you cultivate a deeper, more radical trust in God's protection and providence when faced with adversity or opposition?**
* **How can you discern true loyalty and godly motives from self-serving intentions in your personal and professional relationships?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Ziphites and why did they betray David?**

Answer: The Ziphites were inhabitants of Ziph, a town located in the wilderness region of Judah, near Hebron. Their betrayal of David, a fellow Judahite and God's anointed, was almost certainly motivated by a desire to gain favor with King Saul. In a monarchy, demonstrating loyalty to the reigning king by assisting in the capture of a perceived rebel (as Saul viewed David) could lead to significant rewards, political advancement, or, at the very least, prevent royal disfavor and potential punishment. They likely feared Saul's unpredictable wrath more than they respected David's anointing or their shared tribal kinship. Their actions vividly highlight the political expediency and moral compromise that often characterized life under an unstable and paranoid ruler like Saul, where self-preservation often trumped ethical considerations.

**How does this incident relate to David's character development?**

Answer: This incident, along with the numerous other close calls and betrayals David experienced during his fugitive years, played a crucial role in shaping and refining his character. It deepened his absolute reliance on God, teaching him to trust implicitly in divine protection rather than human alliances, his own strategic prowess, or the strength of his men. These prolonged periods of intense pressure and vulnerability forged in David an enduring resilience, profound patience, and a deep sense of dependence on God's guidance and timing, qualities often expressed in his Psalms. For instance, the superscription of [Psalm 54](/psalms/54 "Psalm 54 - David's Prayer for Deliverance from the Ziphites") explicitly links it to the Ziphites' betrayal, showcasing David's immediate and characteristic response of seeking God's deliverance and justice. This crucible of adversity refined David's faith and prepared him profoundly for the immense responsibilities of kingship.

**What happened immediately after this betrayal?**

Answer: After the Ziphites betrayed David, King Saul swiftly mobilized his forces and descended into the wilderness of Ziph to pursue him. David and his men were cornered in a precarious position, and it seemed inevitable that Saul would finally capture him. However, at the critical moment, a messenger arrived with urgent news that the Philistines were raiding the land, specifically attacking Israelite territory ([1 Samuel 23:27](/1_samuel/23-27 "1 Samuel 23:27 - Saul is Called Away to Fight the Philistines")). This sudden and pressing external threat forced Saul to immediately break off his pursuit of David and return to confront the Philistines, providing David with a miraculous and providential escape. This event is often cited as a prime example of God's direct and timely intervention to protect His anointed servant, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The relentless pursuit of David by Saul, culminating in the Ziphites' eager and opportunistic betrayal, powerfully foreshadows the experience of the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ. David, though God's chosen king, faced constant rejection, hostility, and attempts on his life from his own people and the ruling authorities, yet was supernaturally protected by God's providence. In Christ, we see the perfect and complete fulfillment of this pattern: He came to His own, and His own received Him not ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Rejected by His Own")), facing relentless opposition and plots against His life from the religious and political leaders of His day ([John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). Most strikingly, Jesus, like David, was ultimately betrayed by one of His own inner circle, Judas Iscariot, who "delivered" Him into the hands of His enemies for a paltry sum ([Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas's Betrayal of Jesus")). However, unlike David, who was miraculously delivered *from* his enemies by divine intervention, Jesus was intentionally delivered *to* His enemies according to the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Plan for Jesus' Crucifixion")). His "betrayal" and subsequent crucifixion were not a defeat but the very means by which God accomplished the salvation of the world, transforming the ultimate act of human treachery into the ultimate act of divine love and redemption, leading to His glorious resurrection and eternal reign as King of kings.

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

1 Samuel 23:12

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver [thee] up.

1 Kings 21:11

And the men of his city, [even] the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, [and] as it [was] written in the letters which she had sent unto them.

1 Kings 21:14

Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead.

2 Kings 10:5

And he that [was] over the house, and he that [was] over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up [of the children], sent to Jehu, saying, We [are] thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou [that which is] good in thine eyes.

2 Kings 10:7

And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him [them] to Jezreel.

Proverbs 11:23

¶ The desire of the righteous [is] only good: [but] the expectation of the wicked [is] wrath.

Deuteronomy 18:6

And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the LORD shall choose;