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.

Then Saul {H7586} arose {H6965}, and went down {H3381} to the wilderness {H4057} of Ziph {H2128}, having three {H7969} thousand {H505} chosen {H977} men {H376} of Israel {H3478} with him, to seek {H1245} David {H1732} in the wilderness {H4057} of Ziph {H2128}.

Then Sha'ul set out and went down to the Zif Desert with three thousand men chosen from Isra'el, to search for David in the Zif Desert.

So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there.

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.

Commentary

Context

1 Samuel 26:2 sets the scene for another dramatic encounter between King Saul and David. This verse immediately follows David's compassionate act of sparing Saul's life in a cave at Engedi (1 Samuel 24), an event that briefly touched Saul's heart. However, Saul's deep-seated jealousy and paranoia quickly resurfaced. The mention of the "wilderness of Ziph" indicates a familiar hunting ground for Saul, as he had previously pursued David there (1 Samuel 23:19). This verse highlights Saul's relentless and irrational obsession with capturing and killing David, whom he perceived as a threat to his throne, despite David's continued loyalty and respect for God's anointed king.

Key Themes

  • Persistent Persecution: Saul's actions demonstrate an unwavering and destructive resolve to hunt down David. His jealousy and fear had consumed him, leading him to dedicate significant resources—"three thousand chosen men of Israel"—to a personal vendetta rather than the nation's defense.
  • Divine Protection: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the immense force gathered by Saul underscores the miraculous nature of David's continued survival. This narrative arc consistently reveals God's hand protecting His chosen servant from overwhelming odds, emphasizing that the Lord is David's rock and fortress.
  • The Cost of Unchecked Jealousy: Saul's character serves as a stark warning about the destructive power of envy and insecurity. His inability to trust God's plan for the succession led him down a path of spiritual decline and moral decay.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "three thousand chosen men of Israel" emphasizes the formidable nature of Saul's pursuit. The Hebrew word for "chosen" (bachur) implies select, elite warriors, highlighting the seriousness and scale of Saul's military effort against one man. The "wilderness of Ziph" (midbar Ziph) refers to a desolate, rugged region in the Judean wilderness, offering many caves and hiding places, yet also a place where one could be easily cornered if discovered.

Related Scriptures

  • Compare Saul's renewed pursuit here with his previous attempts in the same region, as detailed in 1 Samuel 23:19-29.
  • This verse sets the stage for David's second opportunity to spare Saul's life, a testament to David's character and his respect for God's anointing, which is fully recounted in 1 Samuel 26:9-12.
  • For insight into the spiritual state of Saul, consider his rejection by God due to disobedience, as described in 1 Samuel 15:23.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us that even after moments of reconciliation or apparent peace, deeply rooted sinful patterns like jealousy and bitterness can resurface with destructive force. It encourages believers to:

  1. Recognize and Address Sinful Patterns: Just as Saul's jealousy kept returning, we must vigilantly identify and repent of persistent sins in our own lives, seeking God's transforming grace.
  2. Trust in God's Sovereignty: David faced overwhelming human opposition, yet he continually relied on God for protection and deliverance. This narrative encourages us to trust that God is always at work, even when circumstances seem dire, and that He will ultimately fulfill His purposes.
  3. Respond with Grace: David's consistent refusal to retaliate against Saul, even when he had the opportunity, models a powerful response to injustice and persecution. It teaches us to leave vengeance to the Lord.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 24:2 (5 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Samuel 24:17 (2 votes)

    And he said to David, Thou [art] more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.

  • 1 Samuel 23:23 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Samuel 23:25 (2 votes)

    Saul also and his men went to seek [him]. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard [that], he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.

  • Psalms 140:4 (2 votes)

    Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

  • Psalms 140:9 (2 votes)

    [As for] the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

  • Psalms 38:12 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.