Saul's Pursuit, Ziphite Betrayal, and David's Escape
1 Samuel 23:7-29
1 S.23.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- כי: CONJ
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קעילה: NOUN,prop,f,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בידי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
- כי: CONJ
- נסגר: VERB,nifal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- בעיר: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דלתים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ובריח: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.23.5 (verbal): Same episode—David asks whether the men of Keilah will 'deliver' him into Saul's hand (uses the same verb/concern about being handed over).
- 1 Sam.23.10-12 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: David consults the ephod/priests and learns Saul will come against Keilah—this passage frames Saul's assumption that God has 'delivered' David and the sequence of pursuit and escape.
- 1 Sam.17.46 (verbal): David's declaration to Goliath that the LORD will 'deliver you into my hand' echoes the phrasing of someone being 'given/delivered into a hand'—shared theological language about divine deliverance into human hands.
- 1 Sam.26.8-11 (thematic): Later episode where David has Saul within reach (in the wilderness/cave) but refrains from killing him—parallels the motif of a pursuer believing the enemy is 'in his hand' and themes of opportunity, restraint, and divine sovereignty over the victim's fate.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah; and Saul said, "God has delivered him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a city with gates and bars."
- And it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah; and Saul said, "God has given him into my hand, for he has shut himself up by entering a city with gates and bars."
1 S.23.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לרדת: VERB,qal,inf
- קעילה: NOUN,prop,f,sg
- לצור: VERB,qal,inf
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- אנשיו: NOUN,m,pl,poss:3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 23:9-14 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: David learns Saul plans to come to Keilah to besiege him, inquires of Yahweh, and ultimately escapes—same incident expanded in the following verses.
- 1 Samuel 24:1-2 (structural): Saul again pursues David into the wilderness (Engedi) intending to capture him—repeats the narrative pattern of Saul mobilizing forces to seize or besiege David.
- 1 Samuel 26:1-2 (structural): Another instance where Saul musters men to seek David and besiege him; parallels the recurring motif of Saul gathering forces to attack David and David hiding in strongholds.
- 1 Samuel 19:11-12 (thematic): Saul's attempt to seize David by sending men to capture him at home and Michal’s aid in David’s escape—another episode of human agents mobilized against David in a settled place.
- Psalm 59:1-2 (thematic): A Davidic psalm lamenting enemies lying in wait and gathering to destroy him; thematically parallels the image of people assembling to attack David as in 1 Sam 23:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Saul mustered all the people to go to war; to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men.
- So Saul called all the people to war and went down to Keilah to take David and his men.
1 S.23.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מחריש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אביתר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגישה: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- האפוד: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 23:10-12 (structural): Immediate literary continuation of the same incident: David has Abiathar bring the ephod and inquires of the LORD about Saul’s intentions and Keilah’s safety.
- 1 Samuel 23:2 (thematic): Earlier in the Keilah episode David inquires of the LORD about whether to go to Keilah—same theme of seeking divine guidance about danger and action.
- 1 Samuel 30:7-8 (verbal): David again asks Abiathar to bring the ephod and uses it (Urim) to inquire of God whether to pursue raiders—nearly identical ritual formula and function.
- Exodus 28:30 (allusion): Prescribes the ephod and the putting of the Urim and Thummim in the breastplate for priestly consultation of God—background for 'bring hither the ephod.'
- 1 Samuel 22:20 (allusion): Reports Abiathar’s escape to David after the slaughter at Nob and his becoming David’s priest, explaining why Abiathar is with David to bring the ephod.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David knew that Saul was seeking to harm him; and David said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod here."
- And David perceived that Saul was seeking to come against him in secret; so David said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod."
1 S.23.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- כי: CONJ
- מבקש: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- אל: NEG
- קעילה: NOUN,prop,f,sg
- לשחת: VERB,qal,inf
- לעיר: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעבורי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.23.9 (verbal): Immediate context: David inquires of the LORD about Keilah and Saul’s intentions—same episode of asking God about Saul’s planned attack.
- 1 Sam.23.11-12 (structural): Direct continuation: God answers David, revealing that Saul will come down against Keilah—shows the divine response to David’s plea in v.10.
- 1 Sam.24.1-2 (thematic): Saul again seeks to capture David in the wilderness; parallels the recurring theme of Saul pursuing David and David’s dependence on God for rescue.
- Ps.54.1-7 (verbal): A prayer of David beginning “Save me, O God”/“Hear me, O God,” written when enemies sought his life—verbal and thematic echo of David’s petition because Saul seeks to destroy him.
- Ps.142:1-4 (thematic): A cave-prayer of David crying to the LORD about persecutors and seeking refuge—parallels the crisis mood and appeal to God when enemies pursue him (as at Keilah).
Alternative generated candidates
- David prayed, "O LORD, God of Israel, hear, hear your servant; for Saul seeks to come to Keilah to destroy the city on my account."
- Then David said, "O LORD, God of Israel, give ear; O LORD, behold and give ear to your servant; for Saul seeks to come to Keilah to destroy the city for my sake."
1 S.23.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- היסגרני: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,pl
- בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- קעילה: NOUN,prop,f,sg
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- הירד: PTCP,qal,act,m,sg,def
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגד: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- נא: PART
- לעבדך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ירד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam 23:12 (structural): Immediate continuation: David asks explicitly whether the men of Keilah will surrender him and his men into Saul’s hand—directly echoes the concern reported in 23:11.
- 1 Sam 21:10-15 (thematic): David fears capture by residents/hosts (here in Gath) and takes evasive measures; parallels the theme of vulnerability before local inhabitants who might hand him over to Saul.
- 1 Sam 26:1-5 (thematic): The Ziphites inform Saul of David’s whereabouts and provoke pursuit—another episode where local townspeople cooperate against David, paralleling Keilah’s threatened betrayal.
- Ps 41:9 (thematic): A lament about betrayal by a trusted companion (‘even my close friend… has lifted his heel against me’)—the broader motif of being betrayed by those one trusts, which underlies the fear of Keilah’s inhabitants handing David over.
Alternative generated candidates
- "Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into his hand? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, tell your servant." And the LORD said, "He will come down."
- Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, tell your servant." And the LORD said, "He will come down."
1 S.23.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היסגרו: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,pl
- בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- קעילה: NOUN,prop,f,sg
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- יסגירו: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 23:2 (structural): David again consults Yahweh about Saul's movements and receives a direct answer — parallels the same Q&A pattern here (David asks about the actions of others and God replies).
- 1 Samuel 21:10-15 (thematic): When David is in Gath he fears being delivered to Saul and feigns madness before Achish to avoid surrender — similar concern about being handed over by townspeople/authorities.
- Matthew 26:14-16 (verbal): Judas agrees to 'deliver' (Greek: paradidōmi) Jesus to the chief priests — the same verbal and thematic motif of betrayal/delivery into enemies' hands.
- Genesis 37:27-28 (thematic): Joseph's brothers decide to sell him to the Ishmaelites, thereby delivering him into others' hands — a parallel instance of a person being handed over by his own community.
Alternative generated candidates
- David said, "Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?" And the LORD said, "They will surrender you."
- And David said, "Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?" And the LORD said, "They will deliver you."
1 S.23.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואנשיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- כשש: NUM,card,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מקעלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויתהלכו: CONJ+VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,pl
- באשר: CONJ
- יתהלכו: VERB,hitp,imprf,3,m,pl
- ולשאול: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגד: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- נמלט: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מקעילה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויחדל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לצאת: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- 1Sam.22.2 (thematic): Formation of David’s band—men distressed or in debt join David and a specific number of followers is given, paralleling the social phenomenon and numeric detail (leaders gathering fugitives).
- 1Sam.23.14 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: describes David’s prolonged stay in strongholds in the wilderness after leaving Keilah and Saul’s ongoing concern—directly linked to v.13’s report of David’s departure and Saul’s cessation of pursuit.
- 1Sam.21:10-15 (thematic): Earlier episode of David fleeing Saul (to Gath) and seeking refuge by leaving towns and wandering—parallels the motif of David’s mobility, vulnerability, and evasion of Saul’s pursuit.
- 1Sam.24:1-2 (thematic): Another instance of Saul actively seeking David in the wilderness (En-gedi); parallels the recurring pattern of pursuit and of David living ‘in the wilds’ with his band, showing the ebb and flow of pursuit when David moves.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then David and his men—about six hundred—arose and departed from Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. When it was told Saul that David had escaped from Keilah, he ceased to go out.
- Then David and his men rose up and departed from Keilah, and went wherever they could go. And it was told Saul that David had escaped from Keilah, and he ceased to go out.
1 S.23.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במצדות: PREP
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בהר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זיף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבקשהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ולא: CONJ
- נתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 26:1-12 (thematic): The Ziphites again alert Saul and he pursues David; David has an opportunity to kill Saul but refrains — same cycle of pursuit in the wilderness and divine protection of David.
- 1 Samuel 24:1-7 (thematic): Saul searches for David in the wilderness of Engedi and enters the cave where David is hiding; narrative parallels the pursuit, David's refuge in a rocky place, and God's restraint on Saul.
- Psalm 54:1-7 (verbal): A psalm explicitly linked to the Ziphites' report to Saul; it echoes the episode’s language (Ziphites/Saul seeking David) and David’s plea for God’s help while pursued.
- Psalm 142:1-7 (allusion): A prayer ‘when he was in the cave’ reflecting David’s experience of hiding in strongholds/caves and appealing to God while hunted — thematically parallel to 1 Sam 23:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- David remained in the wilderness strongholds, and he stayed in the hill in the wilderness of Ziph; and Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand.
- So David remained in the strongholds in the wilderness, and stayed in the hill country in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but the LORD did not give him into his hand.
1 S.23.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבקש: PREP+VERB,qal,infc
- את: PRT,acc
- נפשו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זיף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחרשה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 23:14 (structural): Same narrative context — David remains in strongholds while Saul continues to seek his life (immediate continuation of the episode).
- 1 Samuel 24:1–2 (thematic): Saul again goes out to seek David and David hides with his men in the sides of a cave — parallel pattern of pursuit and hiding.
- 1 Samuel 26:1–2 (verbal): Saul musters men and goes into the wilderness of Ziph to seek David (explicit echo of Saul’s pursuit into the Ziphite wilderness).
- Psalm 54 (allusion): Psalm linked in its superscription to the Ziphites’ report to Saul; the psalm reflects David’s plea when his life was sought in Ziph.
- Psalm 57:1 (allusion): Superscription: a psalm of David when he fled from Saul and was in the cave — echoes the motif of David fleeing and hiding from Saul.
Alternative generated candidates
- David saw that Saul had gone out to seek his life; and David was in the wilderness of Ziph, in the strongholds.
- And David perceived that Saul had come out to seek his life; so David was in the wilderness of Ziph, in a cleft.
1 S.23.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויחזק: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ידו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- באלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:14-17 (thematic): Jonathan's covenant promises to protect and show loyalty to David — background for his later action of supporting and encouraging David.
- 1 Samuel 19:1-7 (thematic): Earlier episode in which Jonathan intercedes with Saul to spare David, demonstrating the same protective friendship that leads him to strengthen David in the woods.
- 1 Samuel 30:6 (verbal): Uses similar language of 'strengthening oneself in the LORD/God' (ויתחזק דָּוִד בַּיהוָה), paralleling Jonathan's act of strengthening David's hand in God.
- Deuteronomy 31:7-8 (structural): Moses publicly encourages and charges Joshua to be strong and courageous and reassures him of God's presence — a comparable commissioning/encouragement motif to Jonathan strengthening David's resolve in God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Jonathan son of Saul arose and went to David at the stronghold and strengthened his hand in God.
- Then Jonathan son of Saul rose and went to David at the cleft, and strengthened his hand in God.
1 S.23.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תירא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- תמצאך: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg,+OBJ:2,m,sg
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- תמלך: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואנכי: PRON,1,sg
- אהיה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- למשנה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וגם: CONJ
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כן: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 20:12-17 (verbal): Jonathan's earlier covenant with David uses the same language and promise — that David will be king and Jonathan will be next (and includes the oath of mutual loyalty).
- 1 Samuel 19:4-7 (thematic): Jonathan intercedes with Saul to spare David and Saul swears not to kill him — a prior episode stressing protection from Saul's hand, echoing the assurance in 23:17.
- 1 Samuel 24:20-22 (allusion): After David spares Saul, Saul acknowledges that David will be king and seeks a covenant; the passage reiterates the recognition of David’s future rule referred to in 23:17.
- 2 Samuel 9:1-13 (thematic): David's kindness to Mephibosheth (Jonathan’s son) fulfills and preserves the covenantal loyalty between David and Jonathan, demonstrating the long-term outcome of Jonathan’s pledge in 23:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to him, "Do not be afraid; for the hand of my father Saul shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be second to you; moreover my father Saul knows it."
- And he said to him, "Do not fear; for the hand of my father Saul shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be second to you; and even my father Saul knows it."
1 S.23.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכרתו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שניהם: PRON,3,m,pl
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחרשה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויהונתן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לביתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:3 (verbal): Earliest statement that Jonathan 'made a covenant with David' because of his love for him — same core verb and covenant motive as 1 Sam 23:18.
- 1 Samuel 20:14-17 (thematic): Jonathan vows to show kindness to David and his descendants and binds himself in a covenant relationship — develops the promise and protective intent behind the covenant in ch. 23.
- 1 Samuel 20:42 (structural): Narrative scene where Jonathan and David confirm their covenant (kissing and parting) — a parallel episode with similar covenant-making language and farewell dynamics.
- 1 Samuel 23:17 (allusion): The immediately preceding verse where Jonathan speaks God's assurance and reiterates his covenantal commitment to David — provides the theological and verbal context for v.18's covenant statement.
- 2 Samuel 1:26 (thematic): David's lament for Jonathan highlights the depth of their covenantal friendship ('your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women'), reflecting the personal and loyal bond established in 1 Sam 23:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- So they made a covenant before the LORD; and David stayed in the stronghold, and Jonathan went home.
- So they made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in the cleft, and Jonathan went to his house.
1 S.23.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- זפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגבעתה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הלוא: PART
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מסתתר: PART,qal,pres,3,m,sg
- עמנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- במצדות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בחרשה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בגבעת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- החכילה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מימין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הישימון: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Psalm 54:1 (quotation): The superscription of this psalm explicitly cites the Ziphites' report to Saul—'When the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Is not David hiding among us?”'—directly referencing the incident.
- 1 Samuel 26:1–5 (verbal): Later repetition of the same report: the Ziphites come to Saul at Gibeah saying David is hiding among them; the wording and situation closely parallel 1 Sam 23:19.
- 1 Samuel 23:14–15 (structural): Same narrative episode: these verses describe David hiding in strongholds and the wilderness (the context and locations match the hiding-places named in v.19).
- 1 Samuel 24:1–4 (thematic): Saul's pursuit of David into the wilderness of Engedi and David's concealment there continues the theme of Saul seeking David on reports of his whereabouts and David's refuge in rocky/wilderness strongholds.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, "Is not David hiding with us in the strongholds at Horesh, in the hill of Hakilah, which is on the right of the wilderness?"
- Now the Ziphites went up to Saul to Gibeah, saying, "Is not David hiding among us, in the strongholds at the cleft, in the hill of Hakilah, on the right of the wilderness?"
1 S.23.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- לכל: PREP
- אות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נפשך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לרדת: VERB,qal,inf
- רד: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- ולנו: CONJ+PREP,suff-1pl
- הסגירו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,mp
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 23:12-13 (quotation): Immediate narrative parallel: David asks God whether the men of Keilah will surrender him, and God answers that they will—this is the direct source/echo of the idea in 1 Sam 23:20.
- 1 Samuel 23:14 (structural): Contrasting structural parallel in the same episode: although the townspeople were feared to deliver David, the chapter later emphasizes that God did not deliver David into Saul’s hand.
- Psalms 56:1-2 (thematic): Thematic parallel: David’s prayer for deliverance from pursuers and his fear of being handed over to enemies echoes the threat of capture expressed in 1 Sam 23:20.
- Psalms 59:1-2 (thematic): Contextual/thematic parallel: a lament composed when Saul sent men to watch David’s house—David petitions God to rescue him from violent men seeking his life, mirroring the danger of being surrendered to the king.
Alternative generated candidates
- "Now then, O king, whatever is in your heart to desire, come down; and as for us, we will surrender him into the king's hand."
- "Now therefore, O king, come down according to all that your heart desires, and we will deliver him into the king's hand."
1 S.23.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברוכים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- חמלתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam 20:14-15 (thematic): Jonathan asks David to show him 'the kindness of the LORD' while Jonathan lives—same theme of covenantal/reciprocal kindness (חֶסֶד) between friends.
- 2 Sam 9:7 (verbal): David tells Mephibosheth, 'I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake'—uses the same verb/noun of showed kindness (חֶסֶד) as the motive for blessing or favor.
- 1 Sam 30:26-27 (verbal): David blesses those of Judah who aided him, saying they be blessed of the LORD for having been good to him—closely parallels the formula 'Blessed be ye of the LORD' for kindness shown.
- 1 Sam 25:32-33 (thematic): David blesses Abigail for intervening to save him and his men—an occasion of blessing in response to another's timely kindness and loyalty.
- Matt 5:7 (thematic): 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy'—New Testament beatitude linking blessing with mercy/kindness, reflecting the moral logic behind blessing those who show kindness.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul said, "Blessed be you to the LORD; for you have shown me kindness."
- And Saul said, "Blessed be you of the LORD; for you have shown me kindness."
1 S.23.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לכו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- נא: PART
- הכינו: VERB,hiph,imp,2,m,pl
- עוד: ADV
- ודעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,NA,pl
- וראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- מקומו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:3,m
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- רגלו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+SUFF,3,m
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- ראהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,obj:3,m
- שם: ADV
- כי: CONJ
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ערום: ADJ,m,sg
- יערם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 23:19 (structural): Same chapter locates David in the wilderness strongholds (Ziph); echoes concern with David’s precise 'place' and movements.
- 1 Samuel 23:26 (thematic): Reports Saul’s reaction when David is 'discovered' and his intent to seize him — continuation of the pursuit/search motif in 23.
- 1 Samuel 24:3 (verbal): Saul pursues David with three thousand men into the wilderness of Engedi — a parallel scene of searching for David’s whereabouts.
- 1 Samuel 26:3 (thematic): Another account of Saul seeking David with a large force in the hill country; repeats the recurring theme of hunting for David’s location.
Alternative generated candidates
- "Go now, prepare and find out and see the place where his foot is; who has seen him there? For they told me, 'He is crafty.'"
- "Go, prepare and know and see the place where his feet are, and who has seen him there; for they said to me, 'He is crafty.'"
1 S.23.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ודעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,NA,pl
- מכל: PREP
- המחבאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יתחבא: VERB,hitpael,imperf,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- ושבתם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אל: NEG
- נכון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- והלכתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- ישנו: VERB,qal,pres,3,m,pl
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- וחפשתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלפי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 23:21–22 (verbal): Immediate context: the Ziphites report David’s hiding‑places to Saul—language and action closely mirror v.23’s description of knowing where David hides and coming to Saul.
- 1 Samuel 23:25 (structural): Direct continuation: Saul responds by mustering three thousand chosen men and going to the wilderness of Ziph to search for David, showing the consequence of the intelligence about David’s hiding places.
- 1 Samuel 24:1–7 (thematic): Parallel episode: Saul searches for David in the wilderness (En‑gedi); David is found in a hiding‑place and spares Saul’s life—same motifs of pursuit, knowledge of hiding spots, and an encounter in the wilderness.
- 1 Samuel 26:1–5 (thematic): Another similar pursuit: Saul again seeks David with three thousand chosen men; David enters Saul’s camp and later spares him—repetition of search, knowledge of David’s whereabouts, and the tension between pursuer and pursued.
Alternative generated candidates
- "See and know from all the hiding-places where he hides himself there; and bring word to me at once, and I will come with you. If he is in the land, I will search for him among all the thousands of Judah."
- "Search and know from all the hiding places where he hides; and return to me at a time that is good, and I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will search for him among all the thousands of Judah."
1 S.23.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקומו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- זיפה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואנשיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בערבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- ימין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הישימון: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Ps.54:1 (heading) (quotation): The superscription of Psalm 54 explicitly refers to the same event: 'When the Ziphites went and said to Saul, "Is not David hiding among us?"' — a direct citation of the Ziphites' report to Saul.
- 1 Sam.26:1-5 (structural): A later episode in which the Ziphites again inform Saul about David's whereabouts and Saul pursues him in the wilderness of Ziph — a parallel episode repeating the same movement and accusation.
- 1 Sam.23:21-23 (verbal): The immediate narrative context: these verses narrate the Ziphites' approach to Saul, Saul's march toward Maon/ the wilderness, and David's reaction—essentially the same sequence of actions as v.24.
- 1 Sam.24:1-7 (thematic): Saul's pursuit of David in desolate terrain (the hill of Hakilah/Engedi) culminates in David sparing Saul — another instance of Saul seeking David in the wilderness, thematically connected to the Ziphite betrayal and pursuit.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the Ziphites rose and went to Saul. David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon in the Arabah, on the right side of the wilderness.
- So they arose and went. The Ziphites went before Saul, and David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah, on the right of the wilderness.
1 S.23.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואנשיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- לבקש: PREP+VERB,qal,infc
- ויגדו: VERB,piel,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וירד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הסלע: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירדף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- מעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 23:14 (verbal): Same pursuit language — Saul seeks David 'day by day' in the wilderness; echoes the theme and even similar verbs about Saul's pursuit and God's deliverance.
- 1 Samuel 24:1-4 (structural): A closely related episode: Saul again pursues David into the wilderness (to the hill-sheepfolds), where David is hidden in a cave — repeats the pattern of pursuit and concealment.
- 1 Samuel 26:1-5 (structural): Another parallel pursuit narrative: Saul mobilizes chosen men and goes into the wilderness after David (Ziph), culminating in a close encounter like other pursuit episodes.
- 1 Samuel 21:10-15 (thematic): Earlier flight of David from Saul (to Gath), showing the recurring theme of David's fugitive status and evasive tactics while Saul seeks his life.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul and his men went to seek him; and it was told David, and he went down from the cliff and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. When Saul heard it, he pursued David into the wilderness of Maon.
- Then Saul and his men went to seek him. And a report came to David, and he went down from the rock and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. And Saul heard and pursued David in the wilderness of Maon.
1 S.23.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצד: PREP
- ההר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואנשיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- מצד: PREP
- ההר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נחפז: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- מפני: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושאול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואנשיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- עטרים: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- אנשיו: NOUN,m,pl,poss:3,m,sg
- לתפשם: PREP+VERB,qal,inf,pronominal:3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Sam.24:3-4 (structural): Same pursuit episode: Saul and his men come into the area seeking David; David is nearby in a cave and is presented with the opportunity to seize/spare Saul.
- 1 Sam.26:1-5 (structural): Parallel account of Saul and his men surrounding David’s position in the wilderness; David and Abishai enter Saul’s camp and take his spear and cruse, again showing Saul’s pursuit and David’s restraint.
- 1 Sam.23:14 (thematic): Earlier summary of the ongoing pattern: David remains in strongholds while Saul seeks him continually—same motif of pursuit and David’s flight.
- Ps.57:1 (allusion): A psalm explicitly tied to David’s flight from Saul (’when he fled from Saul in the cave’); echoes the theme of seeking refuge from Saul’s pursuit.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul and his men swept around on one side of the mountain and David and his men on the other side; and David was greatly distressed, for Saul and his men were closing in upon David and his men to capture them.
- Saul and his men went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side. And David hastened to get away from Saul, for Saul and his men were encircling David and his men to take them.
1 S.23.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- מהרה: ADV
- ולכה: CONJ
- כי: CONJ
- פשטו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- על: PREP
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Judges 13:3 (verbal): An angel of the LORD appears and speaks concerning deliverance from the Philistines—parallel language and the motif of an angelic messenger linked to Philistine aggression.
- Exodus 23:20 (verbal): God promises to send an angel before Israel to guide and warn them—verbal/thematic parallel of God sending a messenger to direct human movement in the face of danger.
- 2 Kings 19:35 (thematic): An angel of the LORD acts decisively in a military crisis (striking the Assyrian camp), showing the motif of angelic intervention that alters the course of warfare, similar to the angelic message that redirects Saul.
- Psalm 34:7 (thematic): ’The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them’—the general theme of angelic protection/deliverance in moments of threat echoes the angelic warning in 1 Sam 23:27.
- 1 Samuel 30:2–6 (structural): A sudden report of a hostile raid (here by the Amalekites) disrupts leaders’ plans and compels immediate action; structurally similar as a sudden notice of an enemy incursion changes priorities and movements.
Alternative generated candidates
- And an messenger came to Saul, saying, "Make haste and come, for the Philistines have invaded the land."
- And a messenger came to Saul, saying, "Hurry and come, for the Philistines have invaded the land."
1 S.23.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מרדף: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לקראת: PREP
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- על: PREP
- כן: ADV
- קראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- למקום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- סלע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המחלקות: NOUN,f,pl,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam.23.25 (structural): Immediate narrative context: these verses describe Saul's encampment and pursuit of David and lead directly to Saul's withdrawal and the naming of the place (same episode, continuous storyline).
- 1 Sam.28:4 (thematic): Shows the larger military threat from the Philistines that repeatedly interrupts Saul's domestic actions (here prompting Saul to assemble and face the Philistines, paralleling his departure in 23:28).
- 1 Sam.29:1-11 (thematic): Another passage treating the complicated Israel–Philistine confrontation and David's ambiguous position vis-à-vis the Philistines; parallels the motive for Saul's movement and the shifting alignments before battle.
- Gen.28:19 (structural): Illustrates the biblical practice of naming a site after a significant event ('called the place ...'), paralleling the naming of the location as Sela ha-Maḥalakhot because of Saul's action.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Divisions.
- So Saul returned from pursuing David and went up to meet the Philistines. Therefore they called that place the Rock of Divisions.
And it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah; and Saul said, "God has delivered him into my hand, for he has shut himself up, he has entered a city with gates and bars." And Saul gathered all the people for war to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men. And David knew that Saul was seeking to come upon him in secret to harm him. So David said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod."
Then David said, "O LORD, God of Israel, hear, I pray; O LORD, behold and answer the voice of your servant, for Saul seeks to come to Keilah to destroy the city for my sake."
Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul? Will he come down, as your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, tell your servant." And the LORD said, "He will come down." And David said, "Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?" And the LORD said, "They will deliver you." So David and his men rose up, about six hundred men, and they departed from Keilah and went wherever they could go. And when Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he ceased to go out.
David remained in the wilderness in the strongholds, and he stayed in the hill-country in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but the LORD did not deliver him into his hand.
David perceived that Saul had come out to seek his life; and David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh.
Then Jonathan son of Saul rose and went to David at Horesh and encouraged him and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, "Do not fear; for the hand of my father Saul shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be second to you; and my father Saul knows it well." And the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.
Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, "Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, in the hill of Hachilah which is to the right of the wilderness?"
"Now therefore, O king, come down; come down according to all that your soul desires, and we will deliver him into the king's hand." And Saul said, "Blessed be you of the LORD, for you have had compassion on me."
"Go now, prepare and learn carefully; see his place where his foot is, and who has seen him there."
"Search and inquire at all the hiding-places where he may be hidden; and return to me at once, and I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will search for him among all the thousands of Judah." So they arose and went up to Ziph before Saul. And David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah, on the side of the wilderness.
Saul and his men went to seek him. And David was told, and he went down from the stronghold and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. When Saul heard it, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon.
Saul and his men encamped on the hill on one side, and David and his men on the hill on the other. And David was greatly distressed because Saul had come to seek his life; and Saul and his men encompassed David and his men to take them. But a messenger came to Saul, saying, "Hurry and come, for the Philistines have invaded the land." So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines. Therefore they called that place the Rock of Divisions.