1 Samuel 23:23

See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.

See {H7200} therefore, and take knowledge {H3045} of all the lurking places {H4224} where he hideth {H2244} himself, and come ye again {H7725} to me with the certainty {H3559}, and I will go {H1980} with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be {H3426} in the land {H776}, that I will search {H2664} him out throughout all the thousands {H505} of Judah {H3063}.

So look closely, find out where all his hiding-places are, and come back when you're sure. Then I will go with you, and if he is there in that territory, I'll search till I find him among all the thousands of Y'hudah."

Observe and find out all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with certainty, and I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will search him out among all the clans of Judah.โ€

See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking-places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me of a certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah.

Commentary

Context

This verse captures the intense and desperate pursuit of David by King Saul. Having been told by the Ziphites of David's hiding place in the wilderness of Ziph (1 Samuel 23:19), Saul issues these detailed instructions to ensure David's capture. Saul's jealousy and paranoia, fueled by God's rejection of him and the anointing of David as the next king, had consumed him, leading him to relentlessly hunt David, who was God's chosen successor.

Key Themes

  • Saul's Obsession and Ruthlessness: Saul's words reveal his single-minded determination to eliminate David, whom he viewed as a rival and a threat to his throne. His declaration, "I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah," highlights his extreme resolve and the vast resources he was willing to commit. This obsession stemmed from his deep-seated envy and fear, a stark contrast to David's character later seen when he spared Saul's life multiple times.
  • David's Vulnerability and God's Providence: Despite Saul's fervent pursuit and the Ziphites' betrayal, David was continually protected by God. This episode, like many others during David's flight, underscores the precariousness of his situation, yet simultaneously demonstrates God's sovereign hand in preserving His anointed one.
  • The Nature of Betrayal: The Ziphites' willingness to hand over David, a fellow Israelite and future king, for Saul's favor, serves as a grim example of human treachery and self-interest.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "thousands of Judah" (Hebrew: สผalphei Yehudah) refers not just to geographical extent but potentially to the clans or military divisions within Judah. Saul's intent was to scour every corner and every segment of society within the tribal territory, leaving no stone unturned in his relentless hunt for David. The word "certainty" (Hebrew: สผemet) emphasizes the demand for accurate, verified intelligence, reflecting Saul's meticulous and desperate planning.

Practical Application

This narrative reminds us that even when facing overwhelming opposition, betrayal, and relentless pursuit, God remains faithful to His promises. David's experience is a powerful testament to God being our refuge and strength in times of trouble. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of envy and paranoia, as seen in Saul, which can lead individuals to great lengths of wickedness. For those feeling hunted or betrayed, the story of David's escape and ultimate triumph offers hope that divine providence can turn seemingly impossible situations around.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 14:10 (2 votes)

    And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.

  • Mark 14:11 (2 votes)

    And when they heard [it], they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

  • Mark 14:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ After two days was [the feast of] the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put [him] to death.

  • Micah 5:2 (2 votes)

    But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.

  • 1 Kings 18:10 (2 votes)

    [As] the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, [He is] not [there]; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.

  • Numbers 10:36 (2 votes)

    And when it rested, he said, Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel.

  • Proverbs 1:16 (2 votes)

    For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.