1 Samuel 26:2 kjv
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.
1 Samuel 26:2 nkjv
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.
1 Samuel 26:2 niv
So Saul went down to the Desert of Ziph, with his three thousand select Israelite troops, to search there for David.
1 Samuel 26:2 esv
So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.
1 Samuel 26:2 nlt
So Saul took 3,000 of Israel's elite troops and went to hunt him down in the wilderness of Ziph.
1 Samuel 26 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Sam 23:19-20 | Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Does not David hide himself with us... Therefore, come down when you wish, O king..." | Ziphites betray David; prior context of pursuit |
| Psa 54:3 | For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life... | David's plea for help from betrayers |
| 1 Sam 24:1 | When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of En Gedi.” | Saul's earlier pursuit of David |
| 1 Sam 24:9-10 | David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’?... But I would not put out my hand against my lord..." | David's sparing of Saul's life in En Gedi |
| Psa 17:9 | from the wicked who despoil me, my deadly enemies who surround me. | David's prayer against oppressive enemies |
| Psa 140:1-2 | Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars all the day. | David's prayer for deliverance from malicious adversaries |
| Jer 17:9 | The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? | Highlights the depths of Saul's hardened heart |
| Prov 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. | Saul's pride leading to his relentless, destructive pursuit |
| Prov 28:1 | The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. | Contrast: David, though pursued, is trusting God; Saul is the pursuer. |
| Psa 118:6-7 | The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?... The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. | Assurance of God's protection for the righteous |
| 2 Sam 22:1 | David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. | Retrospective thanksgiving for deliverance from Saul |
| Gen 16:12 | He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone’s hand against him... | Foreshadows conflict and constant pursuit, albeit of Ishmael |
| 1 Sam 18:9 | And from that day on Saul eyed David jealously. | Root of Saul's hatred and obsession |
| 1 Sam 19:10 | And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul's presence, so that he drove the spear into the wall. | Saul's repeated attempts to harm David |
| Num 22:2-3 | When Balak saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were many... | Example of a leader gathering many men due to fear/hostility |
| Lk 22:52 | Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?" | Powerful authority gathering forces against a righteous, innocent person |
| Jn 18:3 | So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. | Similar imagery of a large force seeking to seize a blameless one |
| Matt 2:13 | ...the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” | Pursuit of the innocent by a wicked king |
| Acts 7:52 | Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One... | Consistent theme of persecution of God's chosen messengers |
| Rom 8:31 | What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? | God's ultimate protection for His elect, despite threats |
| Psa 27:1-3 | The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assailed me to eat up my flesh... my heart shall not fear. | David's fearless trust in God despite mighty enemies |
| Matt 5:10-12 | “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake... Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." | Comfort and promise for those unjustly pursued for righteousness' sake |
| Php 4:6-7 | Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds... | David's peace in danger despite threats |
| Gal 5:19-21 | Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality... hatred, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy... | Saul's actions stemming from works of the flesh |
| 1 Pet 5:8 | Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith... | The spiritual parallel of relentless pursuit against the righteous |
1 Samuel 26 verses
1 Samuel 26 2 Meaning
This verse describes King Saul's immediate and determined action to pursue David again. Despite having previously been spared by David, Saul gathers a formidable force of three thousand elite soldiers and ventures into the desolate Wilderness of Ziph. His singular, stated objective is to hunt down and capture David, indicating his persistent and escalating obsession, fueled by a jealous desire to eliminate his perceived rival for the throne.
1 Samuel 26 2 Context
1 Samuel 26:2 marks a continuation of Saul's relentless animosity towards David. This pursuit takes place after the Ziphites have once again informed Saul of David's hiding place (1 Sam 26:1, echoing 1 Sam 23:19). The previous chapter, 1 Samuel 25, details David's interactions with Nabal and Abigail, showing David's character and God's providence. Importantly, it follows directly from 1 Samuel 24 where David had his first opportunity to kill Saul but refrained, demonstrating his profound respect for God's anointed king. Saul had then acknowledged David's righteousness and future kingship, promising to stop pursuing him. However, Saul's hardened heart and jealousy quickly resurface, driving him back to his hunt for David. The Wilderness of Ziph is a desolate, rocky region in Judah, south of Hebron, a common hiding place for David but also a location of previous betrayals by its inhabitants. This geographical context emphasizes David's precarious situation, dependent solely on divine protection.
1 Samuel 26 2 Word analysis
- So: (וַיָּ֕קָם - vayyaqam) An emphatic connective. It indicates an immediate and decisive consequence of the information received (1 Sam 26:1) about David's location. It marks a fresh initiation of hostile action by Saul.
- Saul: (שָׁא֛וּל - Sha’ul) The reigning King of Israel, God's anointed. His name here highlights the tragedy of his rule, using the nation's resources for personal vengeance instead of national welfare.
- arose: (וַיָּ֣קָם - vayyaqam) From the root qum (קוּם), meaning "to rise," "stand up," "act." It denotes swift, purposeful, and decisive action, illustrating Saul's readiness and determination.
- and went down: (וַיֵּ֤רֶד - vayeired) From the root yarad (יָרַד), meaning "to descend." This often indicates moving southward or to a lower elevation. It also metaphorically suggests Saul's descent into further spiritual depravity and unrighteousness in his relentless pursuit.
- to the Wilderness of Ziph: (מִדְבַּר־זִ֛יף - midbar-Ziph) Midbar refers to a "wilderness," "desert," or "pasture land," often barren and isolated. "Ziph" identifies a specific region and town in the Judean desert known for its treachery against David. It underscores David's vulnerability in a harsh and exposed environment, yet paradoxically, it's also where God protects him.
- having three thousand: (שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת אֲלָפִ֥ים - shlōsheth ’alaphim) "Three thousand" is a significant number, representing a formidable, elite military force. It highlights the serious intent and resources Saul deployed, contrasting starkly with David's small band of followers. This immense numerical superiority emphasizes the magnitude of the threat and God's powerful protection of David.
- chosen men: (בְּחוּרֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל - bachurey-Yisra’el) From bachar (בָּחַר), "to choose," "select." These were not conscripts but carefully selected, strong, and capable warriors, indicative of Saul's resolve to definitively capture David. They represent the might of Israel being misdirected by their king's personal vendetta.
- of Israel: (יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל - Yisra’el) Refers to the entire nation. This clarifies that Saul used the national army, paid by national funds, for his personal, unrighteous pursuit, demonstrating his disregard for his true royal duties and the welfare of God's people.
- with him: (עִמּוֹ֙ - immo) Emphasizes their direct allegiance and presence under Saul's command, demonstrating the concentration of power against David.
- to seek: (לְבַקֵּ֛שׁ - livaqesh) From biqesh (בִּקֵּשׁ), "to seek," "search for," "demand." This states the explicit purpose of Saul's expedition: an obsessive hunt for David, confirming his unrelenting personal vendetta.
- David: (דָּוִֽד - Dawid) The object of Saul's pursuit, the true anointed of God. David represents faithfulness and reliance on God, a stark contrast to Saul's actions.
- in the Wilderness of Ziph: (מִדְבַּר־זִֽיף - midbar-Ziph) Repetition emphasizes the specific, well-known battleground and David's constant vulnerability in this particular hostile terrain. It underscores the inescapable nature of Saul's hunt.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "So Saul arose and went down to the Wilderness of Ziph": This phrase conveys the swift, deliberate movement of Saul into a known hiding place of David, highlighting his focused intention and knowledge of David's typical refuge. It's a re-initiation of a well-worn, negative pattern for Saul.
- "having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him": This stresses the overwhelming force and resources Saul deployed. It underscores the severity of the threat to David and reveals the misuse of national strength for a personal vendetta against God's chosen. The 'chosen men' implies a formidable and dedicated army.
- "to seek David in the Wilderness of Ziph": This climactic phrase reiterates the clear, singular objective of the entire expedition: to relentlessly pursue David. The repetition of "Wilderness of Ziph" frames the entire movement, from preparation to the purpose, around this specific and symbolic location of conflict between Saul and David. It encapsulates Saul's unwavering, destructive fixation.
1 Samuel 26 2 Bonus section
- The number three thousand is significant, reflecting not just Saul's power but also perhaps his obsession mirroring his past triumphs. Notably, God used significantly smaller numbers (like Gideon's 300) for His victories, underscoring that Saul's strength was fleshly and contrary to God's method.
- The repetitive mention of "Wilderness of Ziph" reinforces the confined geographical context for David's persecution, making the subsequent events within this specific space all the more impactful. It's a recurring stage for Saul's malevolence and David's faith.
- This verse foreshadows the second major test of David's integrity concerning Saul, deepening the contrast between Saul's vindictive heart and David's righteous restraint and trust in God's timing. It highlights the divine process of testing and shaping David as Israel's true king.
1 Samuel 26 2 Commentary
1 Samuel 26:2 sets the immediate stage for one of the most remarkable displays of David's character and God's providence in the face of profound hostility. Saul's action is not a random patrol but a deliberate, well-resourced military operation with a clear, obsessive target: David. The gathering of three thousand elite soldiers signifies a king pouring vast resources and the full might of Israel into a personal grudge rather than addressing national threats, such as the Philistines. This act of escalating paranoia by Saul follows a pattern of his spiritual decline, illustrating how an individual can know God's will (Saul previously confessed David's future kingship) yet remain utterly defiant in their actions due to envy and pride. David's precarious situation in the "Wilderness of Ziph"—a place already associated with betrayal—underscores his constant reliance on God for protection. Despite the overwhelming human odds, this verse actually prefaces a miraculous instance of David's divine preservation and his unwavering commitment to honoring God's anointed, even when the anointed acts as a relentless enemy.