1 Samuel 24 1

1 Samuel 24:1 kjv

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.

1 Samuel 24:1 nkjv

Now it happened, when Saul had returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, "Take note! David is in the Wilderness of En Gedi."

1 Samuel 24:1 niv

After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, "David is in the Desert of En Gedi."

1 Samuel 24:1 esv

When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, "Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi."

1 Samuel 24:1 nlt

After Saul returned from fighting the Philistines, he was told that David had gone into the wilderness of En-gedi.

1 Samuel 24 verses

1 Samuel 24 1 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial turning point, re-establishing the central conflict of Saul's relentless pursuit of David immediately after Saul's necessary but brief engagement with the Philistines. It sets the scene for the dramatic encounter between David and Saul in the wilderness, emphasizing Saul's renewed obsession and the precise location of David's temporary refuge.

1 Samuel 24 1 Context

This verse opens 1 Samuel chapter 24, picking up immediately after the close of chapter 23. In the preceding chapter, Saul had almost cornered David in the wilderness of Maon, but a providential raid by the Philistines forced Saul to break off his pursuit and defend his nation. Chapter 23 ends with David moving to the strongholds of Engedi. Thus, 1 Samuel 24:1 swiftly brings the reader back to the primary drama: Saul's unholy obsession with eliminating David, God's anointed successor. Historically, Israel faced constant Philistine threats on its western border, making Saul's diversion for national defense a real necessity. However, his swift return to hunting David highlights his twisted priorities and deep-seated paranoia, especially given that David himself had been instrumental in fighting the Philistines (e.g., Goliath). This immediate resumption of the chase sets the stage for David's demonstration of honor and reverence for the Lord's anointed, despite Saul's malicious intent.

1 Samuel 24 1 Word analysis

• "After Saul" (וַיַּעַל שָׁאוּל - vayya‘al Sha’ul, "and Saul went up/returned"): The Hebrew verb ‘alah often implies "to go up" or "to return," sometimes from battle or a lower geographical position. Here, it denotes his completion of the national duty and the re-establishment of his focus. Saul is consistently the aggressor.

• "returned": Implies a movement back to his personal agenda after a temporary deviation. It signals the resumption of the obsessive hunt for David, putting national security concerns behind his personal vendetta.

• "from pursuing the Philistines" (מֵאַחֲרֵי פְּלִשְׁתִּים - me’acharey Pelishtim, "from after the Philistines"): This specifies the reason for his diversion in 1 Samuel 23:27-28. The Philistines, Israel's long-standing adversaries, often served as an instrument of divine providence in David's life, indirectly protecting him from Saul by drawing Saul away.

• "he was told" (וַיַּגִּידוּ לוֹ - vayyaggiḏu lo, literally "and they told him"): This passive construction indicates Saul's intelligence network at work, implying that there were always informers or people eager to curry favor by reporting David's whereabouts. It emphasizes Saul's reliance on human intel rather than divine guidance, unlike David. The rapid reporting indicates his sustained efforts.

• "‘Behold, David is’" (הִנֵּה דָוִד - hinneh David, "behold David"): The interjection "Behold!" (hinneh) draws immediate attention to David's presence and location, signaling urgency and significance. It's an emphatic announcement.

• "in the wilderness of Engedi" (בְּמִדְבַּר עֵין גֶּדִי - bəmidbar ‘Eyn Geḏi): This precise geographical detail is crucial.

  • "wilderness" (midbar): Not barren desert, but a rugged, often uninhabited or sparsely populated region, ideal for hiding with numerous caves and difficult terrain. It provides David with natural fortifications against Saul's larger forces.
  • "Engedi" (‘Eyn Geḏi): Meaning "spring of the wild goat." It is located on the western shore of the Dead Sea, characterized by oases, springs, and many caves and crevices in the cliffs, offering strategic natural hiding places and essential water. Its remoteness made it a good refuge.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines": This phrase highlights Saul's divided loyalties. His duty was to protect Israel from its enemies, but his heart was set on destroying David, his perceived personal enemy. The immediate return to the hunt for David shows his corrupted priorities and consuming envy.
  • "he was told, 'Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.'": This quick report emphasizes the pervasive nature of Saul's network and his constant vigilance regarding David. It demonstrates the precariousness of David's situation, as he is always on the run, but also points to the effectiveness of the wilderness as a temporary haven, forcing Saul to engage in an unfamiliar and challenging environment.

1 Samuel 24 1 Bonus section

The immediate resumption of Saul's hunt for David after a "national emergency" underscore the idea that his animosity toward David was deeply personal and overshadowed his responsibilities as king. Saul's priorities were completely inverted. He neglected his kingly duty to wholeheartedly defend Israel by diverting back to pursue his own personal vendetta, reflecting a deep spiritual sickness. The meticulous details of David's hiding place (wilderness of Engedi) show that while David was constantly on the move, he sought refuge in divinely provided strongholds and rugged terrain, which would later forge his leadership skills as he commanded and navigated such landscapes with his men. This period served as a 'training ground' for David, developing his faith, patience, leadership, and reliance on God.

1 Samuel 24 1 Commentary

1 Samuel 24:1 swiftly re-establishes the core narrative conflict after a brief national interruption. Saul's temporary diversion to fight the Philistines reveals that even the urgent demands of national defense could not permanently sway his murderous obsession with David. His immediate return to the hunt, armed with swift intelligence, highlights the depth of his paranoia and malice. David's location in the wilderness of Engedi, a natural stronghold of caves and rugged terrain, sets the stage for a tense confrontation. This verse showcases Saul's persistent enmity and God's providential placement of David in a place of both vulnerability and strategic advantage, allowing divine plan to unfold.