1 Samuel 23:28
1 Samuel 23:28 in Multiple Translations
So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth.
Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth.
So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth.
So turning back from going after David, Saul went against the Philistines: so that place was named Sela-hammah-lekoth.
So Saul had to stop chasing David and went to confront the Philistines. That's why the place is called the “Rock of Escape.”
Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing Dauid, and went against the Philistims. Therefore they called that place, Sela-hammahlekoth.
And Saul turneth back from pursuing after David, and goeth to meet the Philistines, therefore they have called that place 'The Rock of Divisions.'
So Saul returned from pursuing David, and went against the Philistines. Therefore they called that place Sela Hammahlekoth.
Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammah-lekoth.
Wherefore Saul returned, leaving the pursuit of David, and went to meet the Philistines. For this cause they called that place, the Rock of division.
So Saul stopped pursuing David, and he and his soldiers went to fight against the Philistia army. That is the reason that people call that place ‘Escape Rock’.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:28
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 23:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב
שָׁא֗וּל
מִ/רְדֹף֙
אַחֲרֵ֣י
דָוִ֔ד
וַ/יֵּ֖לֶךְ
לִ/קְרַ֣את
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
עַל
כֵּ֗ן
קָֽרְאוּ֙
לַ/מָּק֣וֹם
הַ/ה֔וּא
סֶ֖לַע
הַֽמַּחְלְקֽוֹת
וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֗וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
מִ/רְדֹף֙
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
דָוִ֔ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
וַ/יֵּ֖לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qârâʼ
H7122
to encounter
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֗ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
קָֽרְאוּ֙
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לַ/מָּק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
סֶ֖לַע
Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth
H5555
Rock of Escape
N-proper
הַֽמַּחְלְקֽוֹת
Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth
H5555
Rock of Escape
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:28
וַ/יָּ֣שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
שָׁא֗וּל
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.
מִ/רְדֹף֙
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
דָוִ֔ד
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.
וַ/יֵּ֖לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qârâʼ
H7122
"to encounter"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to encounter or meet someone, either by chance or on purpose. It can describe a friendly meeting or a hostile one. In Exodus, the Israelites encountered God on Mount Sinai.
Definition: : meet 1) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: befall, (by) chance, (cause to) come (upon), fall out, happen, meet. See also: Genesis 42:4; 1 Samuel 17:48; Isaiah 51:19.
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֗ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
קָֽרְאוּ֙
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לַ/מָּק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Prep | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
הַ/ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
סֶ֖לַע
Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth
H5555
"Rock of Escape"
N-proper
Sela-ham-Machlekoth, or Rock of Escape, is a place in Palestine where David escaped from Saul. It is also known as the cliff of escapes or divisions, located in the wilderness of Maon, southeast of Hebron.
Definition: § Sela-hammahlekoth = "the cliff of escapes" or "the cliff of divisions" a rock or cliff in the wilderness of Maon, southeast of Hebron, the scene of an escape of David from Saul
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Sela-hammalekoth. See also: 1 Samuel 23:28.
הַֽמַּחְלְקֽוֹת
Çelaʻ ham-machlᵉqôwth
H5555
"Rock of Escape"
N-proper
Sela-ham-Machlekoth, or Rock of Escape, is a place in Palestine where David escaped from Saul. It is also known as the cliff of escapes or divisions, located in the wilderness of Maon, southeast of Hebron.
Definition: § Sela-hammahlekoth = "the cliff of escapes" or "the cliff of divisions" a rock or cliff in the wilderness of Maon, southeast of Hebron, the scene of an escape of David from Saul
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Sela-hammalekoth. See also: 1 Samuel 23:28.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Samuel 23:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:28
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:28
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:28
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 23:28
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:28
Context — Saul Pursues David
26Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them.
27Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!”
28So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth.
29And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En-gedi.1 Samuel 23:28 Summary
[This verse shows how God protected David from Saul by using the Philistines to distract him, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:27-28. It's a reminder that God is always in control, even when things seem scary or uncertain, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11. Just like David, we can trust that God will take care of us and use all things for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can find peace and comfort, just like David did when he escaped from Saul.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul stop pursuing David?
Saul stopped pursuing David because he received a message that the Philistines had raided the land, and he went to meet them, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:27. This interruption allowed David to escape, fulfilling God's plan to protect him, as promised in Psalm 37:40.
What is the meaning of Sela-hammahlekoth?
The name Sela-hammahlekoth, which is given to the place where Saul broke off his pursuit of David, means 'rock of parting' or 'rock of escape', symbolizing the moment when David was spared from Saul's wrath, similar to how God parted the Red Sea to save the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-31.
How did God use the Philistines in this situation?
God used the Philistines as a means to divert Saul's attention away from David, allowing David to escape, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:27-28. This demonstrates how God can use any circumstance, even the actions of unbelievers, to accomplish His will, as stated in Romans 8:28.
What can we learn from David's experience in this verse?
We can learn from David's experience that God is always in control, even when our circumstances seem dire, and that He can use unexpected events to deliver us from harm, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:28 and Psalm 23:4.
Reflection Questions
- How have you experienced God's deliverance in your own life, and what can you learn from David's example in this verse?
- What are some ways that God might be using unexpected circumstances in your life to accomplish His will, and how can you trust Him in those situations?
- How can you, like David, trust in God's sovereignty and protection when faced with danger or uncertainty, as encouraged in Psalm 56:3-4?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how can you apply that to your own relationship with Him, as described in Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:28
Therefore Saul returned from pursuing after David,.... Stopped short at once, as soon as ever he received the message: and went against the Philistines; to stop them in their progress, and drive them
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:28
Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammah-lekoth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:28
i.e. The rock of divisions, because there Saul was separated, and in a manner pulled asunder from David, who was now almost within his reach.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:28
1 Samuel 23:28 Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth.Ver. 28. They called that place Selahammahlekoth.] Petram partitionum, the rock of Diremptions or partitions; because Saul’ s forces were forced to forego David’ s when they had hemmed them in.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:28
(28) Sela-hammahlekoth.—Literally, as in the margin of our Bibles, the rock (or, still better, the cliff) of divisions. Other scholars, with greater reason, prefer the derivation from a Hebrew word signifying to be smooth—the cliff of smoothness: that is, of slipping away or escaping. Ewald rather fancifully interprets the term as the “Cliff of Destiny or of Fate.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:28
Verse 28. They called that place Sela-hammah-lekoth.] That is, the rock of divisions; because, says the Targum, the heart of the king was divided to go hither and thither. Here Saul was obliged to separate himself from David, in order to go and oppose the invading Philistines.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:28
28. Sela-hammahlekôth] Either (1) “Rock of escapes;” or more probably (2) “Rock of divisions,” because there Saul had to relinquish the pursuit of David. Lieut. Conder thinks he has discovered the scene of David’s escape. Between the ridge of El Kôlah and the neighbourhood of Maon there is a great gorge called “the Valley of the Rocks:” to part of this the name Wady Malâki now applies, and there is no other place near Maon where cliffs, such as are to be inferred from the word Sela, can be found. See Tent Work, II. 91.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 23:28
Sela-hammahlekoth - See the margin. (Identified by Conder with a narrow and impassable gorge between El Kolah and Maon, called Malaky).
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:28
28. Sela-hammah-lekoth — According to the ancient versions, the rock of divisions, so called because there Saul and David were divided or separated.