1 Samuel 24:1

ยถ 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.

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}.

When Sha'ul returned from pursuing the P'lishtim, he was told that David was in the desert at 'Ein-Gedi.

After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, โ€œDavid is in the wilderness of En-gedi.โ€

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.

Commentary

1 Samuel 24:1 opens a pivotal chapter in the ongoing conflict between King Saul and David, the anointed future king of Israel. This verse sets the stage for one of the most dramatic confrontations, highlighting Saul's relentless pursuit and David's precarious position.

Context

This verse immediately follows a period where Saul had momentarily diverted his attention from hunting David to defend Israel against the Philistines. The phrase "when Saul was returned from following the Philistines" indicates a brief respite for David, but one that quickly ends as Saul's obsessive jealousy resurfaces. Saul's pursuit of David had been relentless since David's popularity and God's favor grew, leading to Saul's deep-seated envy and paranoia (1 Samuel 18:8-9).

The mention of the "wilderness of Engedi" is crucial. This region, located on the western shore of the Dead Sea, is characterized by rugged, mountainous terrain, deep ravines, and numerous caves, making it an ideal hiding place for fugitives like David and his men. Despite its desolate appearance, Engedi also boasts natural springs and oases, providing essential water and vegetation, which allowed for survival in such a harsh environment.

Key Themes

  • Relentless Pursuit: The verse underscores Saul's unwavering determination to capture David, even after facing external threats. His personal vendetta takes precedence over national security.
  • Divine Providence and Protection: Though David is constantly on the run, God's hand is evident in his preservation. The very wilderness that makes his life difficult also provides him with refuge and strategic advantage.
  • The Wilderness as Refuge: The "wilderness of Engedi" symbolizes a place of both hardship and safety, a common motif in biblical narratives where God often meets His people in desolate places.
  • Escalating Conflict: This verse foreshadows the intense encounter in the cave, where David will have the opportunity to harm Saul but chooses not to, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed (1 Samuel 24:6).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wilderness," midbar (ืžึดื“ึฐื‘ึธึผืจ), often denotes not merely an empty desert but an uncultivated, sparsely populated area that can serve as pasture or refuge. The specific location, "Engedi" (ืขึตื™ืŸ ื’ึถึผื“ึดื™), means "spring of the kid" or "fountain of the goat," pointing to the vital water sources that enabled life and hiding in this otherwise harsh terrain.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that even when we feel pursued or unjustly targeted, God can provide unexpected havens and opportunities for deliverance. David's story here teaches resilience and trust in divine timing. It also highlights the destructive nature of unchecked jealousy and how it can consume a person, diverting their focus from important responsibilities to personal vendettas, much like Saul's obsession with David overshadowed his duties as king of Israel. In our own lives, external pressures might temporarily subside, but internal struggles or relational conflicts can quickly resurface, requiring wisdom and a reliance on God's guidance.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 23:28 (4 votes)

    Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth.

  • 1 Samuel 23:29 (4 votes)

    And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.

  • Ezekiel 22:9 (3 votes)

    In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in thee they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they commit lewdness.

  • Proverbs 25:5 (3 votes)

    Take away the wicked [from] before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

  • Hosea 7:3 (3 votes)

    They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies.

  • 1 Samuel 23:19 (3 votes)

    ยถ Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which [is] on the south of Jeshimon?

  • Proverbs 29:12 (3 votes)

    ยถ If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked.