1 Samuel 23 29

1 Samuel 23:29 kjv

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

1 Samuel 23:29 nkjv

Then David went up from there and dwelt in strongholds at En Gedi.

1 Samuel 23:29 niv

And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi.

1 Samuel 23:29 esv

And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of Engedi.

1 Samuel 23:29 nlt

David then went to live in the strongholds of En-gedi.

1 Samuel 23 verses

1 Samuel 23 29 Meaning

David, having narrowly escaped capture by Saul in the wilderness of Maon, ascended from that precarious position and took up residence in the natural strongholds and fortified places found in the region of En Gedi. This verse marks a relocation to a renowned natural sanctuary, signifying David's continued reliance on the rugged landscape for refuge from Saul's relentless pursuit. It underscores divine preservation amidst extreme danger.

1 Samuel 23 29 Context

1 Samuel chapter 23 recounts one of the most intense periods of David's fugitive life. Having recently rescued the city of Keilah from the Philistines (vv. 1-6) and subsequently learning of Saul's plan to trap him there (vv. 7-13), David, guided by the ephod, flees Keilah. He then takes refuge in various wilderness strongholds (v. 14). Saul tirelessly pursues him. Jonathan visits David in the wilderness to strengthen his faith (vv. 15-18). The Ziphites betray David's location to Saul, leading Saul to hunt David in the wilderness of Maon. Just as Saul's forces close in, trapping David on one side of a mountain, a sudden report of a Philistine raid diverts Saul, allowing David to escape (vv. 19-28). This immediate context, therefore, is one of acute, life-threatening danger, highlighting David's repeated, providential escapes. The verse signifies David's latest and perhaps most crucial relocation to a place of natural security. Historically, this period reflects the testing and refinement of David's character, preparing him for the future kingship promised by God, while illustrating the lengths to which Saul would go to eliminate his perceived rival.

1 Samuel 23 29 Word analysis

• So David (וַיַּעַל דָּוִד, vayya‘al Dawid): "And David went up" or "ascended David." The verb ya‘al (עָלָה), meaning "to go up, ascend," suggests not merely moving, but often ascending to higher, more defensible terrain, or perhaps a significant change of location. It indicates a deliberate movement towards refuge after the harrowing escape in Maon.
• went up from there (מִשָּׁם, mishsham): "From that place." "There" refers specifically to the wilderness of Maon, where David was almost captured by Saul (1 Sam 23:25-28). This phrase emphasizes the immediate departure from a place of extreme peril and his journey to a safer location.
• and lived (וַיֵּשֶׁב, vayyeshev): From the Hebrew root yashab (יָשַׁב), meaning "to sit, to dwell, to inhabit, to remain." This word implies settling down for a period, establishing a temporary residence, not just passing through. It denotes a period of dwelling and making the place his temporary home, reflecting his need for sustained refuge.
• in strongholds (בִּמְצָדוֹת, bimtzadot): The Hebrew word metzudah (מְצוּדָה), often translated as "stronghold," "fortress," or "fastness." This term typically refers to natural rocky formations, cliffs, or caves that offer excellent defensive positions due to their rugged and inaccessible nature. These were not man-made fortresses, but natural geological features providing cover and protection, fitting for a fugitive king. The plural form implies multiple such hiding places within the region.
• at En Gedi (עֵין גֶּדִי, Ein Gedi): "Spring of the Kid (goat)." En Gedi is a prominent oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. It is known for its fresh water springs, lush vegetation, and surrounding deep ravines, caves, and steep cliffs, making it an ideal hiding place. The name itself reflects the presence of wildlife, including wild goats, common in such terrain. It was a well-known refuge in ancient times, strategically offering water and concealment in an otherwise desolate area. Its selection as David's new refuge highlights divine provision of both water and secure hiding places.
• words-group: "strongholds at En Gedi": This phrase precisely identifies the type of refuge David sought and found. It was a place where natural defenses (the "strongholds") were combined with essential resources like water (implied by "En Gedi," a spring). This combination was crucial for survival in the wilderness, allowing David and his men to sustain themselves while evading Saul. It speaks to God's hand in guiding David to a location perfectly suited for his precarious circumstances, where he could remain secure and somewhat nourished.

1 Samuel 23 29 Bonus section

The region of En Gedi, a unique microclimate in the wilderness near the Dead Sea, was not merely a random hiding spot. Its ecological features, like abundant water and diverse wildlife (e.g., ibex, hyrax), allowed for sustained living. This indicates a form of divine providence, as God led David not just to a hideaway, but to a sustenance-way in the harsh Judean desert. The very act of "dwelling" (וַיֵּשֶׁב) signifies a period of relative stability for David in the midst of a fugitive existence, emphasizing that even in the most challenging phases, God provides periods of respite and provision for His servants.

1 Samuel 23 29 Commentary

Following his near-capture at Maon, David sought refuge in the renowned natural fortress of En Gedi. This verse marks a significant move, relocating from immediate danger to a place of relative, though still temporary, security. En Gedi, with its numerous caves, rugged cliffs, and life-sustaining springs, provided an ideal environment for David and his men to evade Saul's relentless pursuit. This period of dwelling in natural strongholds forged David's character, deepening his reliance on God's providence amidst constant peril. It underscores that God prepares His chosen ones, not necessarily by removing all adversity, but by sustaining them through it in unexpected ways, often using the very elements of nature as protection. This experience was integral to David learning to be a king reliant on divine rather than human might.