1 Samuel 26:2
1 Samuel 26:2 in Multiple Translations
So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there.
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.
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.
Then Saul went down to the waste land of Ziph, taking with him three thousand of the best men of Israel, to make search for David in the waste land of Ziph.
So Saul went to the Desert of Ziph along with three thousand specially-picked men from Israel to search for David there.
Then Saul arose, and went downe to the wildernes of Ziph, hauing three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, for to seeke Dauid in the wildernesse of Ziph.
And Saul riseth, and goeth down unto the wilderness of Ziph, and with him three thousand men, chosen ones of Israel, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.
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.
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.
And Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having with him three thousand chosen men of Israel, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.
So Saul chose 3,000 of the best Israeli soldiers and went with them to Ziph Desert to search for David.
Saul quickly gathered together 3,000 of his best soldiers from Israel. They went off to look for David in the desert called Zif.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 26:2
BAB
Word Study
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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 26:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
שָׁא֗וּל
וַ/יֵּ֨רֶד֙
אֶל
מִדְבַּר
זִ֔יף
וְ/אִתּ֛/וֹ
שְׁלֹֽשֶׁת
אֲלָפִ֥ים
אִ֖ישׁ
בְּחוּרֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
לְ/בַקֵּ֥שׁ
אֶת
דָּוִ֖ד
בְּ/מִדְבַּר
זִֽיף
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֗וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וַ/יֵּ֨רֶד֙
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מִדְבַּר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
N-ms
זִ֔יף
Zîyph
H2128
Ziph
N-proper
וְ/אִתּ֛/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Conj | Prep | Suff
שְׁלֹֽשֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
אֲלָפִ֥ים
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
בְּחוּרֵ֣י
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-Inf-c
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
לְ/בַקֵּ֥שׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
בְּ/מִדְבַּר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
זִֽיף
Zîyph
H2128
Ziph
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 26:2
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
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.
וַ/יֵּ֨רֶד֙
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִדְבַּר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
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.
זִ֔יף
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.
וְ/אִתּ֛/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Conj | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
שְׁלֹֽשֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
אֲלָפִ֥ים
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בְּחוּרֵ֣י
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
לְ/בַקֵּ֥שׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דָּוִ֖ד
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.
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.
זִֽיף
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 26:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 26:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 26:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 26:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:2
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 26:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:2
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 26:2
Context — David Again Spares Saul
1Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding on the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?”
2So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there.
3Saul camped beside the road at the hill of Hachilah opposite Jeshimon, but David was living in the wilderness. When he realized that Saul had followed him there, 4David sent out spies to verify that Saul had arrived.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 24:2 | So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 13:2 | He chose for himself three thousand men of Israel: Two thousand were with Saul at Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. And the rest of the troops he sent away, each to his own home. |
| 3 | Psalms 140:4–9 | Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble. The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help. O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle. Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. Selah May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 23:23–25 | Observe and find out all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with certainty, and I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will search him out among all the clans of Judah.” So they set out and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the Wilderness of Maon in the Arabah south of Jeshimon, and Saul and his men went to seek him. When David was told about it, he went down to the rock and stayed in the Wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard of this, he pursued David there. |
| 5 | Psalms 38:12 | Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 24:17 | and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. |
1 Samuel 26:2 Summary
[In this verse, we see Saul taking a large army to search for David in the Wilderness of Ziph, because he was determined to capture or kill him. This shows us that Saul was still trying to take matters into his own hands, instead of trusting in God's plan, similar to what we see in 1 Samuel 15:23. We can learn from David's situation that even when we are being pursued by our enemies, God is still in control, and we should trust in His sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Matthew 6:33.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul bring three thousand chosen men of Israel to search for David?
Saul brought a large army to search for David because he was determined to capture or kill him, as seen in 1 Samuel 26:2, and he wanted to ensure that he had enough men to overpower David and his followers, similar to how Absalom gathered an army in 2 Samuel 18:7.
What was the significance of the Wilderness of Ziph in this context?
The Wilderness of Ziph was a location where David was known to be hiding, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:1, and Saul went there to search for him, demonstrating the cat-and-mouse game that was being played between Saul and David, much like the pursuit of Elijah by King Ahab in 1 Kings 18:10.
How did Saul's actions reflect his character in this verse?
Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 26:2 reflect his jealousy, anger, and determination to eliminate David, who he saw as a threat to his throne, as also seen in 1 Samuel 18:8, and demonstrate a lack of trust in God's sovereignty, similar to the attitude of King Herod in Matthew 2:16.
What can we learn from David's situation in this verse?
We can learn from David's situation that even when we are being pursued by our enemies, God is still in control, as seen in Psalm 23:4, and that we should trust in His sovereignty and provision, just as David did in 1 Samuel 26:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I am like Saul, trying to take matters into my own hands instead of trusting in God's plan?
- How can I, like David, trust in God's sovereignty even when I am being pursued by my enemies or facing difficult circumstances?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's will, just as David did in the Wilderness of Ziph?
- How can I balance my desire for self-protection with my need to trust in God's protection, as seen in 1 Samuel 26:2 and Psalm 91:4?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 26:2
Then Saul arose,.... Immediately, glad of an opportunity to seize on David, having the same disposition towards him as ever; and perhaps had repented he had not laid hold on him when he followed him
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 26:2
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:2
1 Samuel 26:2 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.Ver. 2. Then Saul arose.] Though he had otherwise resolved. Good motions that fall into wicked hearts, are like some sparks that fall from the flint and steel into wet tinder; light some for the time, but soon go out.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:2
(2) Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph.—We assume, then, that after the marriage of David with Abigail he and his armed band returned again to his old neighbourhood in the south—in the desert of Judah—the district named after the Hill of Hachilah being, no doubt, in all respects well adapted for the permanent encampment of such a large band as David’s now most certainly was. David, who had been forced on a previous occasion to leave it on account of the hot pursuit of Saul, aided by the Ziphites, who knew the country and its resources so well, probably now supposed, after the protestation of Saul at En-gedi, that he would now at least be left in peace. But he forgot with whom he had to do—forgot the state of mind of his determined foe, and how likely it was that the old mania would return with redoubled force. The Ziphites, however, who knew Saul, and the feeling respecting David which existed at the court of Saul, repeated their old tactics, and sent, as on a previous occasion, to suggest that with their help the obnoxious chieftain and his free lances could be destroyed. The temptation was too great to be resisted; so probably, with the advice of Abner, Saul took the field again. The 3,000 seem to have been the standing force which Saul kept round him in the Gibeah garrison. (See the first notice of this standing army in 1 Samuel 13:2.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:2
Verse 2. Three thousand chosen men] Though they knew that David was but six hundred strong, yet Saul thought it was not safe to pursue such an able general with a less force than that mentioned in the text; and, that he might the better depend on them, they were all elect or picked men out of the whole of his army.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 26:2
2. three thousand chosen men] Cp. 1 Samuel 24:2. This was the number of his standing army. See 1 Samuel 13:2.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:2
2. Three thousand chosen men — His select standing army. 1 Samuel 13:2.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 26:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Ibex or the Wild Goat by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the example of the ibex, also known as the wild goat, to illustrate God's provision and protection for His creation. Just as the ibex has been equipped by God |
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Victory or Survival - Part 1 by Winkie Pratney | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Saul and the Israelites facing a dangerous enemy named Nehash. The Israelites were distressed and hid themselves in caves, rocks |
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David's Prayer for Deliverance by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the distress and brokenness that can be felt in life. He uses the analogy of chopping wood and the scattered chips to describe the scat |
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Righteousness in the Old Testament by Art Katz | Art Katz explores the concept of righteousness in the Old Testament, emphasizing that it is fundamentally about fulfilling the demands of relationships, particularly with God and t |