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1 Samuel 23

Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.

Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.

And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

Then David inquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.

And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars.

And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men.

And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.

Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.

Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down.

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up.

Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.

And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.

And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.

And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon?

Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king's hand.

And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.

Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly.

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.

And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon.

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.

And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.

Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth.

And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at En-gedi.

What does 1 Samuel 23:29 mean?

1 Samuel 23:29

"And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at En-gedi."

Explanation

1 Samuel 23:29 is a brief verse that marks a turning point in the life of David, the future king of Israel.

The verse speaks of David moving to En-gedi, a location with strongholds where he could find refuge.

Literally, this verse tells us that after a series of encounters and fleeing from King Saul, who sought to kill him, David found a place to stay that offered some level of security and strategic advantage due to its terrain.

The deeper meaning reflects on themes such as God's providence in guiding David to a place of refuge and the concept of seeking sanctuary during times of trial.

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Historical Context

En-gedi was an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea, known for its rugged landscape and caves which offered natural fortresses.

During the time of King Saul and David, Israel was a tribal nation encountering internal and external conflicts.

David, though anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king, found himself pursued by Saul, leading to a period of fugitive life.

The background of this particular verse is rooted within the historical animosity between Saul and David and David's rise to power.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, David's escape to En-gedi serves as a testament to God's protection and guidance. It demonstrates a divine intervention where God provides sanctuary for His anointed one.

Some may argue that it prefigures the Christian concept of finding refuge in God or Christ as our stronghold. Others might see it as a metaphor for the spiritual journey, where believers must sometimes retreat to a "spiritual En-gedi" to grow and prepare for the tasks God has for them.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse can inspire individuals to find their own "En-gedi", a place or a state of mind where they can seek solace and strength in challenging times.

It encourages the act of seeking refuge and support in the community or in one's faith during periods of adversity.

Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking during difficult life circumstances.

Cross-References

Psalm 18:2 - "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."
Psalm 57:1 - "Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast."
2 Samuel 22:2 - "And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;"

Language Study

The key words in the original Hebrew text for this verse include:

"Went up" (עָלָה `alah): often used to describe "going up" or "ascending" geographically or metaphorically.
"Dwelt" (ישב yashab): meaning "to sit," "remain," or "dwell."
"Strong holds" (מְצֻדוֹת metsudot): referring to fortresses or places that are fortified, secure.
"En-gedi" (עֵין גֶּדִי `eyn gediy): the name "En-gedi" means "spring of the kid (young goat)."

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In a broader cultural context, the idea of seeking refuge in a natural fortress can be compared with numerous other ancient traditions where heroes or important figures retreat to the wilderness or mountains for safety and introspection, such as in the Epic of Gilgamesh or the tales of Greek mythology.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific concepts, understanding the geography and natural formation of places like En-gedi can enrich the literal understanding of the text.

Modern geological and geographical studies can shed light on why En-gedi was known for its strongholds and why it would have been a strategic location for someone like David.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have different takes on this verse.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for example, focuses on David's prudence and God's providence in leading David to En-gedi.

The Pulpit Commentary accentuates the idea of God creating opportunities for David to escape Saul's pursuit.

Generally, there is consensus among experts that this verse highlights a crucial moment in David's journey to kingship, demonstrating his reliance on God's guidance while using his strategic acumen to survive.

1 Samuel 23

1 Samuel 23

What does 1 Samuel 23:29 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Samuel Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 1 Samuel 23:29 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Samuel Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?