1 Samuel 23:22

KJV

Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, [and] who hath seen him there: for it is told me [that] he dealeth very subtilly.

KJV (with Strong's)

Go {H3212}, I pray you, prepare {H3559} yet, and know {H3045} and see {H7200} his place {H4725} where his haunt {H7272} is, and who hath seen {H7200} him there: for it is told {H559} me that he dealeth very {H6191} subtilly {H6191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Please go and make still more certain exactly where he is and who has seen him there, because I've been told that he's very tricky.

Berean Standard Bible

Please go and prepare further. Investigate and watch carefully where he goes and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning.

American Standard Version

Go, I pray you, make yet more sure, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there; for it is told me that he dealeth very subtly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 23:22 vividly portrays King Saul's intensifying paranoia and obsessive pursuit of David, revealing his meticulous and desperate instructions to his scouts to thoroughly investigate David's precise hiding places in the wilderness of Ziph. This verse underscores Saul's deep-seated fear and suspicion, as he is convinced David is employing highly cunning and deceptive tactics to evade capture and, in Saul's distorted view, to usurp his throne. It highlights the king's determination to thwart God's chosen successor, even as David consistently demonstrates his reliance on divine protection and prudent action rather than malicious craftiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a prolonged and intense narrative of Saul's relentless hunt for David, immediately following David's miraculous escape from Keilah, where Saul had planned to trap him. Chapters 21-23 detail David's life as a fugitive, constantly on the move, often relying on divine guidance and the unwavering loyalty of a small band of followers. Specifically, [1 Samuel 23:19-21](/1_samuel/23-19-21 "1 Samuel 23:19-21 - The Ziphites Betray David") describes the Ziphites betraying David's location to Saul, offering to deliver him into his hands. Saul's enthusiastic response in verse 22, with its exceptionally detailed directives, demonstrates his heightened resolve and his increasingly unhinged state. The subsequent verses, [1 Samuel 23:23-29](/1_samuel/23-23-29 "1 Samuel 23:23-29 - Saul's Pursuit and David's Escape") then detail Saul's near success and David's dramatic escape, further emphasizing the consistent divine protection over David. This passage serves as a critical juncture, illustrating the escalating stakes and the futility of Saul's efforts against God's chosen one.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During this tumultuous period, Israel was undergoing a critical transition from a loose tribal confederacy to a centralized monarchy. Saul, as the first king, was expected to provide stability and security, but his personal insecurities, spiritual decline, and disobedience to God led to his rejection and the anointing of David as his successor. The wilderness of Ziph, a rugged, arid, and desolate region in the Judean desert, was characterized by caves, wadis, and difficult terrain, providing natural hiding places for fugitives. Such an environment necessitated highly detailed reconnaissance for any successful pursuit. The concept of "subtlety" or "cunning" (Hebrew: `ʿāram`) in ancient Near Eastern cultures was often ambiguous; it could denote wisdom and prudence, or deceit and treachery, depending on the context and the observer's perspective. Saul's interpretation of David's evasiveness as malicious cunning reflects his own paranoia and distorted perception rather than an objective assessment of David's character or actions.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 23:22](/1_samuel/23-22 "1 Samuel 23:22 - Saul's Relentless Pursuit") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Saul's escalating paranoia and obsession**, showing how his fear of losing the throne has consumed him, leading him to pursue David with a single-minded, almost irrational intensity. This is a recurring motif throughout [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") from the moment God rejects Saul. Secondly, it highlights the profound **contrast between human schemes and divine sovereignty**; despite Saul's meticulous planning, extensive resources, and the perceived cunning of David, God consistently protects David, demonstrating that God's chosen one cannot be thwarted by human efforts. This theme is evident throughout David's miraculous escapes, such as his deliverance from Keilah in [1 Samuel 23:7-13](/1_samuel/23-7-13 "1 Samuel 23:7-13 - David Escapes Keilah"). Lastly, the verse touches upon the theme of **David's wisdom and reliance on God**, as his ability to evade capture, which Saul labels as "subtlety," is often a direct result of divine guidance and David's prudent actions, rather than malicious craftiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This primitive root means "to know," often implying to ascertain by seeing, to comprehend, or to gain knowledge through observation and experience. Saul's command to "know" David's place goes beyond mere information; it demands a thorough, experiential understanding of David's movements and habits. It signifies an obsessive desire for complete intelligence, reflecting Saul's desperate need to eliminate any uncertainty in his pursuit. This isn't a casual inquiry but a demand for comprehensive reconnaissance, highlighting the king's deep-seated anxiety.
* **Haunt (Hebrew, _regel'_):** (H7272) Derived from the word for "foot," `regel` literally refers to a foot or step. In this context, "where his haunt is" uses `regel` idiomatically to imply the place where one's feet frequently go, or where one habitually resides or hides. Saul's use of this term emphasizes his conviction that David has established specific, recurring hiding places. It suggests a methodical, almost animal-like tracking, where the pursuer seeks to find the "tracks" or "footprints" leading to the fugitive's lair. This word underscores the intensity of Saul's hunt, aiming to pinpoint David's most secure and secret locations.
* **Subtilly (Hebrew, _ʻâram'_):** (H6191) This primitive root properly means "to be (or make) bare," but is used in a derivative sense to be cunning, shrewd, or prudent. While it can carry a negative connotation of craftiness or deceit (as Saul intends it here), it can also denote positive wisdom or shrewdness, as seen in [Proverbs 1:4](/proverbs/1-4 "Proverbs 1:4 - Prudence to the Simple"). Saul's accusation that David "dealeth very subtilly" reveals his biased and fearful interpretation of David's actions. He perceives David's resourceful evasion not as divinely guided wisdom or necessary prudence for survival, but as malicious cunning aimed at undermining his authority. This word choice is a window into Saul's paranoid mindset, projecting his own suspicions onto David.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go, I pray you, prepare yet,"**: Saul's urgent and imperative command reveals his desperate eagerness to capture David. The phrase "prepare yet" suggests a renewed, more thorough, and meticulous effort than previous attempts, indicating his heightened determination and the precision he now demands from his scouts. This is not a casual request but a royal command born of desperation.
* **"and know and see his place where his haunt is,"**: This clause emphasizes the detailed, on-the-ground reconnaissance Saul requires. He doesn't want general information but precise locations. "Know and see" implies a thorough, direct investigation to pinpoint David's exact hiding spots and habitual movements, demonstrating Saul's obsessive need for control and certainty in his pursuit. He wants an undeniable, verifiable location.
* **"and who hath seen him there:"**: Saul is not only interested in David's current location but also in his past movements and associations. This suggests an attempt to gather intelligence on David's network of support or anyone who might be aiding him, reflecting Saul's deep suspicion that David has collaborators and his desire to cut off all avenues of escape, isolating his target.
* **"for it is told me [that] he dealeth very subtilly."**: This final clause provides the justification for Saul's intense instructions. His belief that David is acting with extreme cunning ("very subtilly") fuels his paranoia and necessitates this meticulous, almost obsessive, level of investigation. It underscores Saul's distorted perception of David, seeing his prudence and divinely guided evasiveness as malicious craftiness, thereby rationalizing his relentless and unjust persecution.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and characterization. **Characterization** is prominently displayed, as Saul's words vividly portray his deteriorating mental state, marked by profound paranoia, obsession, and a desperate need for control. His meticulous instructions ("know and see," "where his haunt is," "who hath seen him there") reveal a man consumed by a singular, destructive purpose. There is also a powerful **irony** at play: Saul, the king, with all the resources of the monarchy, is reduced to relying on the betrayal of the Ziphites and demanding detailed reconnaissance, while David, the fugitive, is consistently protected by divine intervention, often escaping by narrow margins. Saul's perception of David's "subtlety" is an ironic mischaracterization, as David's evasiveness is often a direct result of God's guidance and protection, not malicious craftiness. Furthermore, the verse serves as **foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the ultimate futility of Saul's relentless pursuit. Despite his meticulous plans and the perceived cunning of David, the narrative consistently demonstrates that God's plan for David's kingship will prevail, rendering Saul's efforts ultimately fruitless and highlighting the unstoppable nature of divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the futility of human schemes when they stand in opposition to God's sovereign will. Saul's meticulous, almost obsessive, pursuit of David is a stark example of a human king attempting to thwart the divine plan for succession. Despite his resources, his intelligence-gathering, and his belief that David is acting with "subtlety," the narrative consistently demonstrates that God protects David, often through miraculous interventions or timely diversions. This highlights a core biblical truth: God's purposes cannot be ultimately frustrated by human opposition, no matter how cunning, powerful, or meticulously planned. It underscores the profound contrast between the limited, often misguided, efforts of humanity and the infinite, unwavering sovereignty of God, whose counsel alone stands firm.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "No Wisdom, No Understanding, No Counsel Against the Lord")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Declaring the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 23:22 serves as a profound cautionary tale regarding the destructive nature of unchecked fear, paranoia, and a refusal to yield to God's will. Saul's descent into obsession, fueled by his perceived threat from David, demonstrates how corrosive these emotions can be, distorting one's perception of reality and leading to irrational and ultimately futile actions. For believers today, this verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we allowing fear, jealousy, or a desperate desire for control to dictate our actions, or are we trusting in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem threatening or beyond our understanding? David's story, in contrast, reminds us that even when pursued relentlessly and accused falsely, reliance on God's protection and wisdom is the ultimate safeguard. It encourages us to cultivate discernment, recognizing that what the world or our adversaries label as "cunning" or "subtlety" may, in God's eyes, be prudence, wisdom, or simply divine guidance in navigating difficult situations, always seeking to honor Him rather than manipulate circumstances for personal gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What fears or insecurities might be driving my own actions or perceptions of others, potentially leading to distorted views?**
* **How does Saul's obsessive pursuit of David illustrate the futility and ultimate self-destruction of fighting against God's purposes?**
* **In what ways might I be misinterpreting the actions of others through a lens of suspicion or paranoia, similar to Saul's misjudgment of David?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's protection and provision, especially when I feel threatened, pursued, or misunderstood, rather than resorting to human schemes?**

### FAQ
**Why was Saul so obsessed with David, even after David proved his loyalty multiple times?**

Answer: Saul's obsession stemmed primarily from a deep-seated insecurity and a profound spiritual decline that began after his disobedience to God. God had rejected him as king and secretly anointed David ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed King")). Saul was acutely aware that "the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him" ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit Departs from Saul")). His initial jealousy of David's popularity after the defeat of Goliath ([1 Samuel 18:7-9](/1_samuel/18-7-9 "1 Samuel 18:7-9 - Saul's Jealousy of David")) festered into paranoia, convincing him that David was actively seeking to usurp his throne. This was compounded by his own disobedience and the loss of God's favor, which made him increasingly irrational and consumed by a desire to eliminate the perceived threat, despite David's repeated demonstrations of loyalty and respect for Saul's anointed position ([1 Samuel 24:1-7](/1_samuel/24-1-7 "1 Samuel 24:1-7 - David Spares Saul's Life") and [1 Samuel 26:7-12](/1_samuel/26-7-12 "1 Samuel 26:7-12 - David Spares Saul a Second Time")). Saul's spiritual brokenness prevented him from seeing David's true character or God's sovereign hand.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 23:22 depicts Saul's relentless, paranoid pursuit of David, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate opposition faced by the True King, Jesus Christ. Just as Saul, driven by fear and a distorted perception, sought to eliminate David, humanity, in its fallen state, often opposes God's chosen one. The "subtlety" Saul attributes to David, though misconstrued as malicious cunning, points to the profound wisdom and divine strategy of Christ, who "dealt very subtilly" in the most profound sense, not through deception, but through humility, self-sacrifice, and strategic withdrawal to fulfill His Father's will ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus") and [John 7:1-10](/john/7-1-10 "John 7:1-10 - Jesus Avoids Judea")). The futile nature of Saul's pursuit of David ultimately finds its fulfillment in the inability of all human and demonic forces to thwart God's plan for His Son. The world, represented by the religious and political powers, sought to "know and see His place" to capture and destroy Him ([John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")), yet Christ, in His divine wisdom, always acted according to the Father's timing and purpose, ultimately laying down His life voluntarily and triumphing over death. Thus, Saul's desperate search for David, the anointed king, serves as a poignant backdrop to the world's failed attempts to overcome the Lamb of God, who, through His ultimate "subtlety" of divine wisdom and sacrificial love, secured eternal victory and an everlasting kingdom for His people ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb is Worthy") and [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

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

Job 5:13

He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.