TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.
KJV (with Strong's)
And it came to pass, when Saul H7586 was returned H7725 from following H310 the Philistines H6430, that it was told H5046 him, saying H559, Behold, David H1732 is in the wilderness H4057 of Engedi H5872.
Complete Jewish Bible
When Sha'ul returned from pursuing the P'lishtim, he was told that David was in the desert at 'Ein-Gedi.
Berean Standard Bible
After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.”
American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.
World English Bible Messianic
When Saul was returned from following the Philistines, it was told him, saying, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of En Gedi.”
Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass when Saul hath turned back from after the Philistines, that they declare to him, saying, `Lo, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.'
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Samuel 24 verses 1–8
1 ¶ And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.
2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.
3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.
4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.
5 And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.
6 And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
7 So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.
8 David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.
Here, I. Saul renews his pursuit of David, Sa1 24:1, Sa1 24:2. No sooner had he come home safely from chasing the Philistines, in which it should seem he had good success, than he enquired after David to do him a mischief, and resolved to have another thrust at him, as if he had been delivered to do all these abominations, Jer 7:10. By the frequent incursions of the Philistines, he might have seen how necessary it was to recall David from his banishment and restore him to his place in the army again; but so far is he from doing this that now more than ever he is exasperated against him, and, hearing that he is in the wilderness of En-gedi, he draws out 3000 choice men, and goes with them at his feet in pursuit of him upon the rocks of the wild goats, where, one would think, David should not have been envied a habitation nor Saul desirous of disturbing him; for what harm could he fear from one who was no better accommodated? But it is not enough for Saul that David is thus cooped up; he cannot be easy while he is alive.
II. Providence brings Saul alone into the same cave wherein David and his men had hidden themselves, Sa1 24:3. In those countries there were very large caves in the sides of the rocks or mountains, partly natural, but probably much enlarged by art for the sheltering of sheep from the heat of the sun; hence we read of places where the flocks did rest at noon (Sol 1:7), and this cave seems to be spoken of as one of the sheep-cotes. In the sides of this cave David and his men remained, perhaps not all his men, the whole 600, but only some few of his particular friends, the rest being disposed of in similar retirements. Saul, passing by, turned in himself alone, not in search of David (for, supposing him to be an aspiring ambitious man, he thought to find him rather climbing with the wild goats upon the rocks than retiring with the sheep into a cave), but thither he turned aside to cover his feet, that is, to sleep awhile, it being a cool and quiet place, and very refreshing in the heat of the day; probably he ordered his attendants to march before, reserving only a very few to wait for him at the mouth of the cave. Some by the covering of the feet understand the easing of nature, and think that this was Saul's errand into the cave: but the former interpretation is more probable.
III. David's servants stir him up to kill Saul now that he has so fair an opportunity to do it, Sa1 24:4. They reminded him that this was the day which he had long looked for, and of which God had spoken to him in general when he was anointed to the kingdom, which should put a period to his troubles and open the passage to his advancement. Saul now lay at his mercy, and it was easy to imagine how little mercy he would find with Saul and therefore what little reason he had to show mercy to him. "By all means" (say his servants) "give him the fatal blow now." See how apt we are to misunderstand, 1. The promises of God. God had assured David that he would deliver him from Saul, and his men interpret this as a warrant to destroy Saul. 2. The providences of God. Because it was now in his power to kill him, they concluded he might lawfully do it.
IV. David cut off the skirt of his robe, but soon repented that he had done this: His heart smote him for it (Sa1 24:5); though it did Saul no real hurt, and served David for a proof that it was in his power to have killed him (Sa1 24:11), yet, because it was an affront to Saul's royal dignity, he wished he had not done it. Note, It is a good thing to have a heart within us smiting us for sins that seem little; it is a sign that conscience is awake and tender, and will be the means of preventing greater sins.
V. He reasons strongly both with himself and with his servants against doing Saul any hurt. 1. He reasons with himself (Sa1 24:6): The Lord forbid that I should do this thing. Note, Sin is a thing which it becomes us to startle at, and to resist the temptations to, not only with resolution, but with a holy indignation. He considered Saul now, not as his enemy, and the only person that stood in the way of his preferment (for then he would be induced to hearken to the temptation), but as God's anointed (that is, the person whom God had appointed to reign as long as he lived, and who, as such, was under the particular protection of the divine law), and as his master, to whom he was obliged to be faithful. Let servants and subjects learn hence to be dutiful and loyal, whatever hardships are put upon them, Pe1 2:18. 2. He reasons with his servants: He suffered them not to rise against Saul, Sa1 24:7. He would not only not do this evil thing himself, but he would not suffer those about him to do it. Thus did he render good for evil to him from whom he had received evil for good, and was herein both a type of Christ, who saved his persecutors, and an example to all Christians not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good.
VI. He followed Saul out of the cave, and, though he would not take the opportunity to slay him, yet he wisely took the opportunity, if possible, to slay his enmity, by convincing him that he was not such a man as he took him for. 1. Even in showing his head now he testified that he had an honourable opinion of Saul. He had too much reason to believe that, let him say what he would, Saul would immediately be the death of him as soon as he saw him, and yet he bravely lays aside that jealousy, and thinks Saul so much a man of sense as to hear his reasoning when he had so much to say in his own vindication and such fresh and sensible proofs to give of his own integrity. 2. His behaviour was very respectful: He stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself, giving honour to whom honour was due, and teaching us to order ourselves lowly and reverently to all our superiors, even to those that have been most injurious to us.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
And when Saul had returned, etc. Saul, having stopped pursuing the Philistines, is suddenly recalled with a sinister mind to hunt down and kill David; he turns his weapons from the just conflict against the enemies to the unjust one in which he strikes a fellow citizen. Thus indeed, unbelieving Jews, while being equipped with the word of Holy Scripture, often dispute various errors of the nations against idols, miserably turn the missiles of unbelieving words against Christ and the Christian religion. And when they know that publicans and sinners have been cleansed through the washing of the saving water and admitted unto themselves, now separated from the enticements of the world, which is typified by David staying in the desert of Engaddi, they immediately set traps against the innocent in vain, seeking to swallow him alive, as hell does, as one whole, descending into the pit. Hence it is aptly added:
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 24:1 marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between King Saul and David, signaling Saul's immediate return to his relentless pursuit of the anointed future king of Israel. Following a brief, necessary diversion to confront the Philistines, Saul receives precise intelligence regarding David's hiding place in the rugged wilderness of Engedi, thereby setting the stage for a dramatic and morally complex encounter that will profoundly test David's character and underscore his unwavering reverence for God's chosen, albeit fallen, king.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and foreshadow coming events. Foreshadowing is prominent, as the precise mention of David's location in the wilderness of Engedi directly anticipates the intense and morally charged encounter that will unfold in the cave (compare with 1 Samuel 24:3-7). The rugged terrain and numerous caves of Engedi are not merely a backdrop but become integral to the plot, providing the very stage for David's remarkable act of mercy. There is also a subtle but potent Irony in Saul's actions; as king, his primary duty is to protect Israel from external threats like the Philistines, yet his personal vendetta against David takes immediate precedence, diverting his resources and attention from his true calling. This highlights his profound spiritual and moral decline. Furthermore, the "wilderness of Engedi" functions as powerful Symbolism. It is depicted as a place of both extreme hardship and unexpected provision, representing the trials David endures while simultaneously serving as a divinely provided refuge. This duality mirrors David's spiritual journey, where God's protection and sustenance are often most evident in the midst of desolation and adversity.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, by starkly contrasting Saul's relentless, ungodly pursuit with David's precarious, yet divinely protected, refuge, speaks to profound theological truths about divine election, the destructive nature of human jealousy, and God's sovereign preservation. It underscores that even when God's anointed faces intense persecution and appears to be at his weakest and most vulnerable, God remains utterly faithful to His promises, providing unexpected havens and orchestrating events for the fulfillment of His ultimate purposes. David's experience in the wilderness of Engedi is a powerful testament to God's ability to sustain His people in the most challenging and desolate environments, transforming places of apparent desolation into sites of divine encounter, testing, and preservation. This narrative also serves as a stark warning about the corrosive and destructive power of unchecked envy, paranoia, and insecurity, which can utterly consume an individual and lead them to act contrary to God's revealed will and their own God-given responsibilities.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of David in the wilderness of Engedi, relentlessly pursued by a jealous King Saul, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers navigating seasons of adversity. It reminds us that periods of intense pressure, unjust persecution, or feeling "on the run" are often integral to God's refining and shaping process in our lives. Like David, we may find ourselves in "wilderness" experiences – periods of isolation, hardship, vulnerability, or scarcity – where our resources seem limited and threats abound. Yet, it is precisely in these desolate and challenging places that God often reveals His presence most powerfully, providing unexpected springs of refreshment, strategic "caves" of refuge, and unforeseen pathways of escape. This verse challenges us to cultivate resilience, unwavering trust in God's sovereignty, and a deep conviction in His protective hand, even when circumstances appear bleak or when we are targeted by the jealousy, malice, or misunderstanding of others. Furthermore, it serves as a potent warning against allowing envy, insecurity, and bitterness to fester in our hearts, as these destructive emotions can consume an individual and lead them to behaviors that harm themselves and those around them, ultimately diverting them from their true callings and God's purposes, much as Saul's obsession with David tragically consumed his kingship.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Saul so obsessed with pursuing David, even after a Philistine threat?
Answer: Saul's intense obsession with pursuing David stemmed from a complex interplay of deep-seated jealousy, paranoia, and a profound sense of insecurity regarding his kingship. After David's triumphant victory over Goliath and his subsequent soaring popularity among the people, Saul became increasingly envious, fearing that David would usurp his throne (1 Samuel 18:8-9). This gnawing jealousy was further compounded by the devastating knowledge that God's favor had departed from him and was now unequivocally with David (1 Samuel 16:14). For Saul, eliminating David became an all-consuming personal vendetta that tragically overshadowed his fundamental responsibilities as king, even to the point of diverting his focus and resources from pressing national security threats like the Philistines. His immediate return from fighting the Philistines to hunting David underscores just how completely he was consumed by this irrational fear and hatred.
What is the significance of the "wilderness of Engedi" as David's hiding place?
Answer: The "wilderness of Engedi" was highly significant due to its unique and strategic geographical features. Located on the western shore of the Dead Sea, it was characterized by extremely rugged, mountainous terrain, deep ravines, and an extensive network of natural caves. This challenging landscape made it an ideal natural fortress and hiding place for fugitives like David and his men, providing strategic cover and natural defenses against Saul's larger forces. Despite its desolate and arid appearance, Engedi was also uniquely known for its natural springs and oases (as its name, "spring of the kid," suggests), which provided essential water and vegetation. The presence of these vital resources meant David and his company of 600 men could sustain themselves while remaining hidden in an otherwise harsh environment. Theologically, the wilderness often serves as a place of testing, refuge, and profound divine encounter in biblical narratives, and Engedi fits this pattern perfectly, becoming the dramatic stage for David's remarkable demonstration of mercy towards Saul.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The relentless pursuit of David by Saul in 1 Samuel 24:1, and David's subsequent righteous and merciful response, profoundly foreshadows the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Anointed One. David, the divinely chosen king, is unjustly pursued, rejected, and forced into the wilderness, a place of profound hardship and refuge. This experience powerfully mirrors Christ, the true Anointed King, who was "despised and rejected by men" (Isaiah 53:3) and relentlessly pursued by the religious and political authorities of His day, ultimately leading to His unjust crucifixion. Just as David found refuge and sustenance in the formidable wilderness of Engedi, Jesus Himself endured a period of intense testing in the wilderness, relying entirely on God's provision and perfectly resisting temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). More significantly, David's remarkable refusal to harm Saul, God's anointed, despite having the perfect opportunity, prefigures Christ's perfect example of suffering righteously and not retaliating against His persecutors (1 Peter 2:21-23). Jesus, though utterly innocent, allowed Himself to be unjustly condemned and crucified, not for His own sin, but to atone for ours, demonstrating ultimate mercy, perfect submission to His Father's will, and the path to true victory through self-sacrifice. David's experience in Engedi, therefore, serves as a compelling type of Christ's suffering, His unwavering reliance on God in adversity, and His ultimate triumph achieved through humility and sacrificial love, providing a divine model for how the true King responds to unjust persecution and fulfills God's redemptive plan.