1 Samuel 23:26

KJV

And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} went {H3212} on this side {H6654} of the mountain {H2022}, and David {H1732} and his men {H582} on that side {H6654} of the mountain {H2022}: and David {H1732} made haste {H2648} to get away {H3212} for fear {H6440} of Saul {H7586}; for Saul {H7586} and his men {H582} compassed {H5849} David {H1732} and his men {H582} round about {H5849} to take {H8610} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul went along one side of the mountain, while David and his men went along the other. David was hurrying to get away from Sha'ul, while Sha'ul and his men were trying to surround David and his men in order to capture them.

Berean Standard Bible

Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them.

American Standard Version

And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 23:26 captures a moment of extreme peril for David, as King Saul's relentless pursuit culminates in a near-total encirclement in the wilderness. The verse vividly portrays the physical proximity of the two parties, with Saul's forces strategically positioned to capture David and his men, forcing David into a desperate and urgent flight to escape the tightening net of his pursuer. This dramatic scene underscores David's vulnerability and the intensity of Saul's obsession, setting the stage for divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a prolonged period of intense persecution of David by King Saul, immediately following the Ziphites' betrayal of David's hiding place to Saul. The narrative in [1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David's Escape from Saul") details David's strategic movements, his inquiries of the Lord (e.g., [1 Samuel 23:2](/1_samuel/23-2 "1 Samuel 23:2 - David Inquires of the Lord")), and Saul's persistent tracking. Verse 26, specifically, marks the climax of this pursuit, depicting the physical closing in of Saul's forces after David had fled from Keilah and sought refuge in the Wilderness of Ziph, and subsequently the Wilderness of Maon. The geographical detail of "this side of the mountain" and "that side of the mountain" emphasizes the immediate, almost tangible, proximity of the two camps, creating immense narrative tension that is resolved only by the sudden divine diversion in [1 Samuel 23:27](/1_samuel/23-27 "1 Samuel 23:27 - God's Intervention to Save David").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The relentless pursuit of David by Saul reflects the political and social dynamics of early Israelite monarchy. Saul, the first anointed king, viewed David, God's chosen successor, as a direct threat to his throne, fueled by jealousy and a deteriorating mental state (cf. [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - Saul's Torment by an Evil Spirit")). The wilderness areas of Judah, such as Ziph and Maon, were rugged, sparsely populated regions ideal for hiding but also for ambushes, making them common battlegrounds or places of refuge for outlaws and fugitives. The concept of "compassing" or surrounding was a common military tactic to trap and eliminate an enemy, highlighting the existential threat David faced. Furthermore, the betrayal by the Ziphites (cf. [1 Samuel 23:19](/1_samuel/23-19 "1 Samuel 23:19 - The Ziphites Betray David")) underscores the precariousness of David's situation, where local loyalties could shift, placing him in constant danger.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Imminent Danger and Divine Deliverance**, showing David at his most vulnerable, seemingly cornered, only to be miraculously rescued by God's providential intervention. Secondly, it further illustrates **Saul's Obsessive and Irrational Pursuit**, demonstrating the extent of his paranoia and his single-minded determination to destroy David, even at the expense of his kingly duties. This contrasts sharply with David's reliance on God's protection. Thirdly, the verse underscores **Human Vulnerability and God's Sovereignty**. Despite David's anointing and the divine promise of the throne, he is portrayed as a human experiencing genuine fear and desperation, emphasizing that even God's chosen ones face dire circumstances, yet God remains ultimately in control, orchestrating events for His purposes, as seen in the broader narrative of [David's rise to power](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - David's Anointing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Compassed (Hebrew, _savav_):** The Hebrew verb סָבַב (_savav_) means "to turn around, surround, encircle, go about." In this context, it vividly describes the military maneuver of Saul's forces, indicating a complete encirclement of David and his men. This is not merely a pursuit but a tactical maneuver designed to cut off all escape routes, emphasizing the dire and seemingly inescapable predicament David faced. The word conveys a sense of being hemmed in, leaving no room for evasion.
* **Made haste (Hebrew, _chapaz_):** The Hebrew verb חָפַז (_chapaz_) carries the meaning of "to hurry, be alarmed, tremble, flee in haste." It denotes a strong sense of urgency, even panic or trembling, on David's part. This is not a leisurely retreat but a desperate, rapid movement driven by the immediate and overwhelming threat of capture. It highlights David's human reaction to extreme danger, underscoring his vulnerability despite his divine calling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain:"** This clause sets the immediate geographical scene, emphasizing the extreme proximity of Saul and David. They are separated only by a single mountain, indicating that they are within sight or hearing of each other. This physical closeness heightens the tension, illustrating how close David was to being apprehended. It also suggests a strategic positioning, with both parties aware of the other's presence.
* **"and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul;"** This part of the verse reveals David's immediate reaction and motivation. His "haste" (from _chapaz_) is a direct response to the imminent threat posed by Saul. It underscores his genuine fear and the desperate urgency of his situation. Despite his faith, David is portrayed as a human being facing overwhelming odds, relying on swift movement for survival.
* **"for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them."** This final clause provides the reason for David's haste and the full extent of the danger. The word "compassed" (from _savav_) confirms that Saul's forces had successfully encircled David's group, leaving them with no apparent escape route. The explicit purpose, "to take them," leaves no doubt about Saul's intention: capture and likely execution. This paints a picture of complete entrapment, making the subsequent divine intervention all the more miraculous.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its dramatic intensity. **Suspense** is paramount, as the reader is brought to the precipice of David's capture, creating a palpable sense of dread and anticipation. The precise geographical detail of "this side... and that side of the mountain" contributes to this by creating a vivid, almost cinematic, image of the two parties closing in on each other, enhancing the immediate **Proximity** and the feeling of a net tightening. There is also an element of **Irony**, as Saul, the anointed king, is relentlessly pursuing the one whom God has chosen to replace him, a futile endeavor against divine decree. Furthermore, the verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the miraculous divine intervention in the very next verse ([1 Samuel 23:27](/1_samuel/23-27 "1 Samuel 23:27 - God's Intervention")), where a Philistine raid diverts Saul, highlighting God's sovereign control over seemingly impossible circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 23:26 stands as a powerful testament to the reality of divine protection amidst overwhelming human vulnerability. It illustrates that even those divinely chosen and promised a glorious future are not exempt from moments of extreme fear and peril. David's desperate flight and near-capture underscore the truth that God's deliverance often comes at the eleventh hour, not necessarily by removing the threat entirely, but by orchestrating circumstances in ways humanly unforeseen. This verse highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His servants, even when their enemies seem to have the upper hand. It reminds believers that God's sovereignty is not a passive force but an active, intervening power that works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

* [Psalm 34:19](/psalm/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.")
* [Psalm 57:1-3](/psalm/57-1 "Psalm 57:1-3 - Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah")
* [2 Corinthians 4:8-9](/2_corinthians/4-8 "2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 23:26 offers profound insights for believers navigating their own seasons of intense pressure and perceived entrapment. Like David, we may find ourselves "compassed" by challenges—whether financial crises, relational conflicts, health struggles, or spiritual attacks—feeling cornered with no apparent escape. This verse validates the human experience of fear and desperation in such moments, reminding us that even great figures of faith experienced genuine vulnerability. Yet, it implicitly points to the God who is greater than our circumstances, who often allows us to reach the brink of despair so that His deliverance might be undeniably clear. It encourages us to persevere in faith, to "make haste" in seeking God's will and way out, and to trust that even when the net seems to be tightening, God remains sovereign, capable of orchestrating unexpected interventions. Our response in such times should be one of continued reliance on Him, knowing that He is our ultimate refuge and deliverer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mountains" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are currently separating you from a sense of peace or safety, much like David was separated from Saul?**
* **How do you respond when you feel "compassed" or cornered by life's challenges? Do you "make haste" in fear, or in faith?**
* **In what ways has God demonstrated His sovereignty and delivered you from seemingly impossible situations in the past? How can remembering these instances strengthen your faith now?**
* **How does David's human fear, despite his anointing, encourage you to be honest about your own fears while still trusting in God?**

### FAQ
**Why was Saul so obsessed with pursuing David, even to this extreme extent?**

Answer: Saul's relentless obsession with David stemmed from a complex mix of jealousy, paranoia, and a deep-seated insecurity about his kingship. After David's victory over Goliath, the women's song, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" ([1 Samuel 18:7](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - The Women's Song")), ignited Saul's envy. This was compounded by the fact that God's Spirit had departed from Saul and come upon David ([1 Samuel 16:13-14](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13-14 - David Anointed, Saul Tormented")). Saul perceived David as a direct threat to his throne and legacy, believing that David was conspiring against him, despite David's repeated demonstrations of loyalty. His pursuit was not rational but driven by a spiritual and psychological torment that consumed him, leading him to prioritize eliminating David over all other kingly duties, even defending Israel from its enemies like the Philistines.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic scene of David's near-capture in 1 Samuel 23:26 powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "hunted" figure: Jesus Christ. David, God's anointed king-in-waiting, was relentlessly pursued by a jealous, insecure earthly king, mirroring how Jesus, the true King of Israel and the Son of God, was hunted by the religious and political authorities of His day, who perceived Him as a threat to their power and traditions (cf. [John 11:47-50](/john/11-47 "John 11:47-50 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). Just as David was "compassed round about to take them," Jesus was ultimately surrounded by His enemies, betrayed, and led to the cross, seemingly trapped and defeated (cf. [Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Jesus' Arrest")). However, David's deliverance in the wilderness, orchestrated by God through an external diversion, points to the greater deliverance and ultimate victory of Christ. While David was saved from physical capture to reign as king, Jesus willingly submitted to capture and death, not to be saved from it, but to achieve a far greater salvation for humanity—conquering sin and death itself (cf. [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Thus, David's near-miss in the wilderness serves as a poignant type, pointing to the Lamb of God who, though "compassed" by the forces of evil, ultimately triumphed, bringing eternal deliverance to all who believe (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 17:9

From the wicked that oppress me, [from] my deadly enemies, [who] compass me about.

2 Samuel 17:21

And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.

2 Samuel 17:22

¶ Then David arose, and all the people that [were] with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.

Revelation 20:9

And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

2 Chronicles 20:12

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes [are] upon thee.

2 Corinthians 1:8

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

Psalms 118:11

They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.