1 Samuel 23:14
1 Samuel 23:14 in Multiple Translations
And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand.
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 abode in the wilderness in the strongholds, and remained in the hill-country in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.
And David kept in the waste land, in safe places, waiting in the hill-country in the waste land of Ziph. And Saul was searching for him every day, but God did not give him up into his hands.
David set up camp in the wilderness strongholds, staying in the mountains of the Desert of Ziph. Saul searched for him continually, but God did not let David be captured.
And Dauid abode in the wildernesse in holdes, and remayned in a mountaine in the wildernes of Ziph. And Saul sought him euery day, but God deliuered him not into his hand.
And David abideth in the wilderness, in fortresses, and abideth in the hill-country, in the wilderness of Ziph; and Saul seeketh him all the days, and God hath not given him into his hand.
David stayed in the wilderness in the strongholds, and remained in the hill country in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God didn’t deliver him into his hand.
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.
But David abode in the desert in strong holds, and he remained in a mountain of the desert of Ziph, in a woody hill. And Saul sought him always: but the Lord delivered him not into his hands.
David and his men stayed in hiding places in the desert and in the hills of Ziph Desert. Every day Saul sent men to search for David, but Yahweh did not allow them to capture David.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 23:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֨שֶׁב
דָּוִ֤ד
בַּ/מִּדְבָּר֙
בַּ/מְּצָד֔וֹת
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב
בָּ/הָ֖ר
בְּ/מִדְבַּר
זִ֑יף
וַ/יְבַקְשֵׁ֤/הוּ
שָׁאוּל֙
כָּל
הַ/יָּמִ֔ים
וְ/לֹֽא
נְתָנ֥/וֹ
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
וַ/יֵּ֨שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֤ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
בַּ/מִּדְבָּר֙
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
בַּ/מְּצָד֔וֹת
mᵉtsad
H4679
stronghold
Prep | N-fp
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּ/הָ֖ר
har
H2022
mountain
Prep | N-ms
בְּ/מִדְבַּר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
זִ֑יף
Zîyph
H2128
Ziph
N-proper
וַ/יְבַקְשֵׁ֤/הוּ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
שָׁאוּל֙
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/יָּמִ֔ים
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-mp
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
נְתָנ֥/וֹ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:14
וַ/יֵּ֨שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
דָּוִ֤ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּר֙
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
בַּ/מְּצָד֔וֹת
mᵉtsad
H4679
"stronghold"
Prep | N-fp
A stronghold or fort, often in a mountainous area, providing a safe place for people to hide or defend themselves, like the castle of David in 2 Samuel 5:7. It represents a secure and protected location.
Definition: 1) fort, stronghold, fastness 1a) mountain-fastness 1b) stronghold
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: castle, fort, (strong) hold, munition. See also: Judges 6:2; 1 Chronicles 12:9; Isaiah 33:16.
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בָּ/הָ֖ר
har
H2022
"mountain"
Prep | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
בְּ/מִדְבַּר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
זִ֑יף
Zîyph
H2128
"Ziph"
N-proper
Ziph was a Judahite, son of Jehallelel, and brother of Ziphah and others. His name means battlement and he is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:16. There was also a city in Judah named Ziph.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.16; son of: Jehallelel (H3094); brother of: Ziphah (H2129), Tiria (H8493) and Asarel (H0840) § Ziph = "battlement" 1) a son of Jehaleleel, a descendant of Judah, and brother of Ziphah 2) a city in southern Judah, between Ithnan and Telem 3) a city of Judah, southeast of Hebron, between Carmel and Juttah in the highland district
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Ziph. See also: Joshua 15:24; 1 Samuel 23:24; 2 Chronicles 11:8.
וַ/יְבַקְשֵׁ֤/הוּ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
שָׁאוּל֙
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/יָּמִ֔ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נְתָנ֥/וֹ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 23:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:14
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:14
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 23:14
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:14
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:14
Context — Saul Pursues David
12So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD.
13Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth.
14And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand.
15While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life. 16And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 54:3–4 | For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life— men with no regard for God. Selah Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. |
| 2 | Psalms 32:7 | You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah |
| 3 | Joshua 15:24 | Ziph, Telem, Bealoth, |
| 4 | Joshua 15:55 | Maon, Carmel, Ziph, Juttah, |
| 5 | Romans 8:31 | What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? |
| 6 | 2 Timothy 3:11 | my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 23:7 | When Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars.” |
| 8 | Proverbs 21:30 | There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. |
| 9 | 2 Timothy 4:17–18 | But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. |
| 10 | Proverbs 4:16 | For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall. |
1 Samuel 23:14 Summary
[This verse tells us that David stayed in the wilderness, hiding from King Saul, who wanted to hurt him, and we see that God protected David and did not let Saul catch him, as it says in 1 Samuel 23:14, and this is a reminder that God is always with us and protects us, as promised in Psalm 121:7-8. David's experience in the wilderness was not easy, but he trusted in God and was patient, and we can learn from his example, as taught in Romans 5:3-5. We can apply this to our own lives by trusting in God's sovereignty and protection, even when things seem difficult or uncertain, and by being patient and persevering, as encouraged in James 1:2-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David stay in the wilderness strongholds and the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph?
David stayed in these areas to hide from King Saul, who was seeking to kill him, as we see in 1 Samuel 23:14, and this was in obedience to God's direction, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:12 where God warned David that the citizens of Keilah would surrender him to Saul.
How did David know that God would not deliver him into Saul's hand?
The Bible does not explicitly state how David knew this, but it is likely that David had faith in God's promise to protect him, as seen in Psalm 23:4, and trusted in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6.
What can we learn from David's experience in the wilderness?
We can learn about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and protection, even in difficult circumstances, as David did, and as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7, and also about the value of patience and perseverance, as seen in David's day-to-day life in the wilderness, and as taught in James 1:2-4.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is a continuation of the story of David's flight from Saul, and it sets the stage for the events that follow, including Jonathan's visit to David in 1 Samuel 23:16, and it highlights God's protection of David, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:14, and as promised in Genesis 28:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's sovereignty and protection in my own life, just as David did in the wilderness?
- How can I apply the principles of patience and perseverance, as seen in David's experience, to my own challenges and difficulties?
- What are some 'wilderness' experiences in my own life, and how can I trust in God's presence and protection during those times, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 31:6?
- In what ways can I, like Jonathan, be a source of strength and encouragement to others who are facing difficult circumstances, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:16?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:14
And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds,.... In the wilderness of Ziph, in high and strong rocks there, as it seems to be explained by what follows: and remained in a mountain in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:14
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. David abode ... in the wilderness of Ziph.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:14
As Saul fondly persuaded himself he intended, .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:14
1 Samuel 23:14 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.Ver. 14. In the wilderness of Ziph.] Which was the name of a city: so called, belike, from the plenty of pitch there. Zepheth signifieth pitch. And Saul sought him every day.] So desperately bent was he to destroy him: being herein like the scorpion, whereof Pliny saith that there is not one minute of time wherein it doth not put forth the sting desirous to do harm. Or rather like the devil, whose malice to mankind is incessant and unsatisfiable.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:14
(14) The wilderness of Ziph.—This wilderness probably lies between Hebron and En-gedi. Some of these “stations” in the wanderings of the future king are only doubtfully identified. Cowper’s musical—though perhaps, according to our recent canons of taste, old-fashioned—lines well describe the Psalmist-king’s weary wanderings during this portion of his chequered career:— “See Judah’s promised king bereft of all, Driven out an exile from the face of Saul. To distant caves the lonely wanderer flies, To seek that peace a tyrant’s frown denies. His soul exults; hope animates his lays; The sense of mercy kindles into praise; And wilds familiar with the lion s roar Ring with ecstatic sounds unheard before.” COWPER. Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him.—This is merely a general remark, and intended to cover a long period of time, including the remaining portion of Saul’s reign, during which David was perpetually exposed to Saul’s attempts to destroy him. It quietly mentions also that though Saul was armed with all the power of the king in Israel, he was powerless, for the invisible King of Israel declined to give this hated David into his hand.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:14
Verse 14. Wilderness of Ziph] Ziph was a city in the southern part of Judea, not far from Carmel.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:14
14. And David abode in the wilderness] David’s next resort was “the wilderness of Judah,” the wild uncultivated tract lying between the mountains of Judah and the Dead Sea. His chief abode was “the mountain (perhaps the hill of Hachilah, 1 Samuel 23:19) in the wilderness of Ziph,” a district S. E. of Hebron, where a rounded hill half way between Hebron and Carmel still bears the name Tell Zîf. Ziph is mentioned in Joshua 15:55, and was fortified by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:8). every day] Continually: not that he literally spent all his time in the pursuit of David.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 23:14
Ziph is placed between Hebron and En-gedi (marginal references). (The “wood” 1 Samuel 23:15 is by Conder taken as a proper name, “Cheresh,” and identified with Khoreisa.)
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:14
DAVID IN THE DESERTS OF ZIPH AND MAON, 1 Samuel 23:14-29. 14.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:14
| Sermon | Description | |
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A Personal Promise by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David from the book of 1 Samuel. David goes from being an unknown shepherd boy to a famous warrior and leader of the army. Howeve |
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(1 Samuel) Strengthening Your Hand in God by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of David in 1 Samuel 23 and his response to a difficult situation. David finds himself in a dark and challenging time, but instead |
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The Happy Man 07 Expressions-Saved Soul by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus and his ability to see in the dark. He uses the example of Peter walking on water and how Jesus |
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Psalm 54 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the Psalmist's deep distress and his unwavering faith in God's help. David, surrounded by enemies and facing betrayal, turns to God for salvation, invoking Hi |
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What Christ Means to Me! by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker opens the book of Revelation and reflects on the praise given to God by one man. The speaker emphasizes that God is too big to be limited to just four w |
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Free and Surrounded and Shouting for Joy by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and surrendering to God, highlighting the consequences of willful sin and the need to confess and turn away from wrongdoing. It |
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A Single-Hearted Desire by Daniel Rudolph | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of simplifying life by focusing on one basic decision. He uses the story of Mary and Martha in Luke chapter 10 to illustrate |