1 Samuel 24:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Saul {H7586} took {H3947} three {H7969} thousand {H505} chosen {H977} men {H376} out of all Israel {H3478}, and went {H3212} to seek {H1245} David {H1732} and his men {H582} upon {H6440} the rocks {H6697} of the wild goats {H3277}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul took three thousand men chosen from all Isra'el and went searching for David and his men on the cliffs where the mountain goats are.

Berean Standard Bible

So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 24:2 vividly portrays the relentless and disproportionate pursuit of David by King Saul, who, consumed by jealousy and paranoia, mobilizes an elite force of three thousand chosen men from across Israel. This formidable military expedition is directed toward the rugged and desolate "rocks of the wild goats" in the wilderness of Engedi, a known refuge for fugitives, setting the stage for a dramatic and pivotal encounter between the reigning monarch and God's anointed future king. The verse underscores the extreme peril David faced and highlights Saul's spiritual decline as he misuses his royal authority for a personal vendetta against a man whom God had favored.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's narrow escape from the fortified city of Keilah, where Saul had attempted to trap him by besieging the city. Having received divine guidance that the people of Keilah would betray him, David and his men fled into the wilderness, moving from stronghold to stronghold to evade Saul's relentless pursuit, as seen in passages like [1 Samuel 23:14](/1_samuel/23-14 "1 Samuel 23:14 - David in the Wilderness of Ziph"). The narrative consistently emphasizes Saul's obsessive focus on capturing David, even to the detriment of his kingly duties, highlighting the deep spiritual and psychological deterioration of the king. Chapter 24 then opens with Saul being informed of David's presence in the wilderness of Engedi, prompting this immediate and massive mobilization, which directly sets up the dramatic confrontation in the cave where David has the opportunity to harm Saul.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, kings possessed the authority to levy troops for military campaigns. The mobilization of "three thousand chosen men out of all Israel" signifies a substantial and elite force, representing a significant portion of the standing army or a special conscription for a high-priority mission. This was not a typical military engagement against a foreign enemy but a personal vendetta, illustrating the absolute power of the monarch and the gravity of Saul's obsession. The "rocks of the wild goats" (Hebrew: *tsûwr* and *yâʻêl*) refers to the rugged, mountainous terrain of the wilderness of Engedi, on the western shore of the Dead Sea. This region is characterized by deep wadis, steep cliffs, numerous caves, and a sparse but distinct ecosystem, including the Nubian ibex (wild goats). Such an environment provided natural fortifications and hiding places for fugitives like David, making it exceptionally challenging for a large army to navigate and effectively search.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel. Firstly, it amplifies the theme of **Saul's Obsession and Spiritual Decline**, showcasing how his unchecked jealousy and paranoia, evident since [1 Samuel 18:8-9](/1_samuel/18-8 "1 Samuel 18:8-9 - Saul's Jealousy of David"), have consumed him, leading him to misuse his royal power for a personal vendetta rather than for the good of the nation. Secondly, it highlights **David's Peril and God's Providence**, portraying David as a vulnerable fugitive constantly on the run, yet implicitly under God's protection. Despite the overwhelming odds, God consistently preserves His anointed one, as He did when David was first anointed in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing"). Thirdly, the "wilderness" setting reinforces the theme of **The Wilderness as a Testing Ground**, where David's faith, patience, leadership, and character are rigorously refined under extreme pressure, preparing him for his future role as king of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chosen (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to try" or "to select." In this context, it denotes that the three thousand men were not merely conscripts but were specifically hand-picked, tried, and selected for their skill and readiness. This emphasizes the deliberate and high-priority nature of Saul's mission, indicating a force of elite soldiers chosen for their effectiveness in a difficult pursuit.
* **seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** A primitive root meaning "to search out (by any method)," "to strive after," or "to make inquisition." This word reveals the intensity and singular focus of Saul's pursuit. He is not merely looking for David; he is actively and relentlessly searching him out, implying a determined and exhaustive effort to capture him, underscoring his deep-seated obsession.
* **wild goats (Hebrew, _yâʻêl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to climb," this term refers to an ibex, a species of wild goat known for its agility and ability to navigate steep, rocky, and seemingly impassable cliffs. The mention of "wild goats" specifically grounds the narrative in the physical reality of the Engedi wilderness, a region characterized by such animals, and subtly hints at the elusive nature of David, who, like the ibex, was difficult to corner in such an environment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel":** This clause reveals the king's decisive and formidable action. The number "three thousand" is significant, indicating a massive military contingent. The phrase "chosen men out of all Israel" signifies that these were not just any soldiers, but the best, hand-picked for this specific mission, demonstrating the extreme lengths to which Saul was willing to go to apprehend David. It highlights the vast disparity in resources between the reigning monarch and the fugitive.
* **"and went to seek David and his men":** This part specifies the objective of Saul's mobilization. Saul's sole focus is on "seek[ing] David and his men," highlighting his personal obsession and the fact that this was a targeted manhunt rather than a broader military campaign. The verb "seek" (Hebrew: _bâqash_) implies a thorough and determined effort to track down his perceived rival.
* **"upon the rocks of the wild goats":** This final phrase pinpoints the rugged, desolate, and challenging wilderness of Engedi as the specific location of the pursuit. This region, characterized by its "rocks" (Hebrew: _tsûwr_, meaning cliff or sharp rock) and the presence of "wild goats" (Hebrew: _yâʻêl_, ibex), was a natural stronghold and hiding place for David and his followers, setting the stage for the dramatic and tense encounter that follows.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Foreshadowing** is evident as the mobilization of such a large, elite force against David hints at a climactic and dangerous confrontation, building suspense for the reader regarding the inevitable encounter. The specific mention of the "rocks of the wild goats" serves as potent **Symbolism**, representing not only the physical refuge David sought but also the harsh, testing environment that refined his character and faith. This wilderness period is a crucible for David, preparing him for kingship through trials and reliance on God. Furthermore, there is a stark **Contrast** between Saul's overwhelming military power and David's vulnerable, fugitive status, highlighting the spiritual and moral disparity between the two men. Saul, the powerful king, is driven by irrational fear and personal vendetta, while David, the hunted, relies on God's providence in the desolate wilderness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 24:2 serves as a stark illustration of human depravity and the destructive power of unchecked sin, particularly jealousy and paranoia, when contrasted with God's unwavering providence. Saul's relentless pursuit of David, despite God's clear anointing of David and Saul's own rejection, demonstrates a king consumed by his own insecurity and rebellion against divine will. The theological message underscores that true authority and power do not reside in military might or human position, but in obedience and submission to God's plan. Even in extreme peril, God's anointed one is protected and guided, often through seemingly insurmountable circumstances, demonstrating that God works through humble means and in unexpected places. This narrative foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's chosen king over the forces of darkness and human opposition, revealing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

* [Psalm 57:1](/psalm/57-1 "Psalm 57:1 - David's Prayer for Mercy in the Cave")
* [Psalm 142:1-2](/psalm/142-1 "Psalm 142:1-2 - David's Prayer in the Cave")
* [Proverbs 28:1](/proverbs/28-1 "Proverbs 28:1 - The Wicked Flee When No One Pursues")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound insights into the human condition and the nature of divine providence. Saul's irrational and disproportionate response to David's success serves as a powerful warning against allowing jealousy, fear, and insecurity to fester into destructive obsessions. When we allow our personal vendettas or anxieties to consume us, we risk misusing our resources, authority, and energy in ways that are counterproductive and morally compromising, ultimately leading to our own downfall. Conversely, David's experience in the rugged wilderness, constantly pursued by a superior force, reminds us that even in the most dire and seemingly hopeless circumstances, God provides refuge and protection. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that our ultimate security comes not from our own strength or hiding places, but from His unfailing presence and provision. This narrative encourages us to respond to adversity with patience, faith, and integrity, even when facing overwhelming opposition, mirroring David's character in the subsequent verses of this chapter.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's obsessive pursuit of David illustrate the destructive nature of unchecked jealousy and fear in our own lives?**
* **In what "wilderness" or challenging circumstances do you currently find yourself, and how can David's reliance on God in peril encourage your trust in divine providence?**
* **Considering Saul's misuse of power, how can those in positions of authority ensure they use their influence for righteous purposes rather than personal vendettas?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul take so many men to pursue just one man?**

Answer: Saul's decision to mobilize "three thousand chosen men" against David underscores the depth of his paranoia and the irrationality of his obsession. David was not just one man; he was a highly popular figure, a successful military commander, and God's anointed future king, whom Saul perceived as a direct threat to his throne. The large, elite force reflects Saul's desperate determination to eliminate this perceived rival, signifying that this was not merely a manhunt but a full-scale military operation against a perceived internal enemy. It also highlights the extent of Saul's spiritual and psychological decline, as he prioritized a personal vendetta over the welfare of his kingdom, neglecting his true responsibilities.

**What is significant about the "rocks of the wild goats"?**

Answer: The "rocks of the wild goats" (Hebrew: *tsûwr* and *yâʻêl*) refers to the rugged, cliff-filled terrain of the wilderness of Engedi. This region is known for its steep wadis, numerous caves, and the presence of Nubian ibex (wild goats), which are incredibly agile on such difficult terrain. This detail is significant for several reasons: it grounds the narrative in a specific, geographically accurate location; it emphasizes the challenging and almost inaccessible nature of David's hiding places, which made his capture incredibly difficult despite Saul's overwhelming force; and it subtly symbolizes David's elusive nature, like the wild goats that inhabit these crags. It also sets the stage for the dramatic encounter in a cave, a common feature of this landscape, as seen in [1 Samuel 24:3](/1_samuel/24-3 "1 Samuel 24:3 - Saul Enters the Cave").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The relentless pursuit of David by King Saul, culminating in this dramatic confrontation in the wilderness, powerfully foreshadows the persecution of Christ. David, God's anointed king, is unjustly hunted by the reigning authority, forced to flee and live as a fugitive in desolate places, much like Jesus, the true King of Israel, was pursued by Herod (cf. [Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13-15 - The Flight to Egypt")) and later by the religious and political powers of His day (cf. [John 11:53-54](/john/11-53 "John 11:53-54 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). Just as David found refuge in the "rocks of the wild goats," Jesus often retreated to desolate places or the mountains for prayer and solitude, finding refuge from the crowds and His enemies (cf. [Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place")). Ultimately, David's act of sparing Saul's life in the cave (cf. [1 Samuel 24:4-7](/1_samuel/24-4 "1 Samuel 24:4-7 - David Spares Saul's Life")) serves as a profound type of Christ's greater mercy and redemptive work. Jesus, though having all power to destroy His enemies, chose to lay down His life, offering forgiveness and salvation even to those who persecuted Him (cf. [Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Persecutors")). Thus, David's flight and subsequent act of grace in the wilderness point to the ultimate Lamb of God, who endured persecution and offered Himself as a sacrifice, not for His own sin, but for the sins of the world (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

1 Samuel 26:2

Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.

Psalms 37:32

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

1 Samuel 13:2

Saul chose him three thousand [men] of Israel; [whereof] two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.

Psalms 104:18

The high hills [are] a refuge for the wild goats; [and] the rocks for the conies.

Psalms 38:12

¶ They also that seek after my life lay snares [for me]: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

Psalms 141:6

When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.