1 Samuel 26:3

1 Samuel 26:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Saul 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,

King James Version KJV

And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.

American Standard Version ASV

And Saul encamped in the hill of Hachilah, which is before the desert, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Saul put up his tents on the hill of Hachilah, which is in front of the waste land on the road. But David was in the waste land, and he saw that Saul was coming after him.

Free Bible Version FBV

Saul set up camp beside the road at the hill of Hachilah opposite the wastelands, near to where David was living in the desert. When he realized that Saul had come looking for him there,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Ieshimon by the way side. Now Dauid abode in the wildernesse, and he sawe that Saul came after him into the wildernesse.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Saul encampeth in the height of Hachilah, which [is] on the front of the desert, by the way, and David is abiding in the wilderness, and he seeth that Saul hath come after him in to the wilderness;

World English Bible WEB

Saul encamped in the hill of Hachilah, which is before the desert, by the way. But David stayed in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Saul encamped in Gabaa Hachila, which was over against the wilderness in the way: and David abode in the wilderness. And seeing that Saul was come after him into the wilderness,

Translation for Translators T4T

Saul and his men set up their tents close to the road on Hakilah hill, east of Jeshimon town, but David and his men stayed in the desert. When David heard that Saul was searching for him,

Plain English Version PEV

They camped in the hill country beside the road. David’s mob stayed in the bush. After he heard that Saul was at Hakilah,

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 26:3

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 26:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּ֨חַן שָׁא֜וּל בְּ/גִבְעַ֣ת הַ/חֲכִילָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֛ר עַל פְּנֵ֥י הַ/יְשִׁימֹ֖ן עַל הַ/דָּ֑רֶךְ וְ/דָוִד֙ יֹשֵׁ֣ב בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֔ר וַ/יַּ֕רְא כִּ֣י בָ֥א שָׁא֛וּל אַחֲרָ֖י/ו הַ/מִּדְבָּֽרָ/ה

וַ/יִּ֨חַן chânâh H2583 to camp Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שָׁא֜וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

בְּ/גִבְעַ֣ת gibʻâh H1389 Gibeat Prep | N-fs

הַ/חֲכִילָ֗ה Chăkîylâh H2444 Hachilah Art | N-proper

אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

פְּנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face N-cp

הַ/יְשִׁימֹ֖ן yᵉshîymôwn H3452 wilderness Art | N-ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/דָּ֑רֶךְ derek H1870 way Art | N-cs

וְ/דָוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 David Conj | N-proper

יֹשֵׁ֣ב yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal

בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֔ר midbâr H4057 mouth Prep | N-ms

וַ/יַּ֕רְא râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

בָ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3ms

שָׁא֛וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

אַחֲרָ֖י/ו ʼachar H310 after Prep | Suff

הַ/מִּדְבָּֽרָ/ה midbâr H4057 mouth Art | N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 26:3

וַ/יִּ֨חַן chânâh H2583 "to camp" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.

Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp

Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.

שָׁא֜וּל 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.

בְּ/גִבְעַ֣ת gibʻâh H1389 "Gibeat" Prep | N-fs

Gibeat refers to a small hill, with the name meaning hill, and is another spelling of Gibeah. It appears in various KJV translations as hill or little hill.

Definition: This name means hill Another spelling of giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeah" H1390H)

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: hill, little hill. See also: Genesis 49:26; Isaiah 30:17; Psalms 65:13.

הַ/חֲכִילָ֗ה Chăkîylâh H2444 "Hachilah" Art | N-proper

Hachilah is a place in the Bible, a hill in southern Judah where David hid from King Saul, as told in 1 Samuel. It's a significant location in the story of David's life and reign.

Definition: § Hachilah = "dark" a hill is southern Judah, on the edge of the wilderness of Ziph

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Hachilah. See also: 1 Samuel 23:19; 1 Samuel 26:1; 1 Samuel 26:3.

אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

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.

פְּנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

הַ/יְשִׁימֹ֖ן yᵉshîymôwn H3452 "wilderness" Art | N-ms

Jeshimon, or wilderness, refers to a desolate or empty place, often a desert. It is a place of solitude and emptiness, as described in the Bible.

Definition: waste, wilderness, desert, desolate place

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: desert, Jeshimon, solitary, wilderness. See also: Numbers 21:20; 1 Samuel 26:3; Psalms 68:8.

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.

הַ/דָּ֑רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Art | N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

וְ/דָוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 "David" Conj | 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.

יֹשֵׁ֣ב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal

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.

בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֔ר 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.

וַ/יַּ֕רְא râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

בָ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

שָׁא֛וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.

אַחֲרָ֖י/ו ʼachar H310 "after" Prep | Suff

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.

הַ/מִּדְבָּֽרָ/ה midbâr H4057 "mouth" Art | N-ms | Suff

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.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 26:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 26:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 26:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 26:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:3
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:3
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:3
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 26:3

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. 5Then David set out and went to the place where Saul had camped. He saw the place where Saul and Abner son of Ner, the general of his army, had lain down. Saul was lying inside the inner circle of the camp, with the troops camped around him.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 23:19	Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon?
2	1 Samuel 26:1	Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding on the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?”

1 Samuel 26:3 Summary

This verse tells us that King Saul set up camp near the hill of Hachilah, looking for David, who was living in the wilderness to escape Saul's pursuit. David found out that Saul was nearby, which shows that even in difficult situations, God can give us wisdom and insight to navigate them, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. Just like David, we can trust in God's protection and guidance, even when we feel like we're in a wilderness, and remember that God is always with us, as promised in Isaiah 43:2. By trusting in God, we can face challenging circumstances with courage and hope, knowing that He is our refuge and strength, as mentioned in Psalm 46:1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saul camp at the hill of Hachilah?

Saul camped at the hill of Hachilah because he was searching for David, who was believed to be hiding in that area, as reported by the Ziphites in 1 Samuel 26:1. This pursuit was part of Saul's ongoing attempt to capture or kill David, as seen in 1 Samuel 24:11.

What does it mean that David was living in the wilderness?

David was living in the wilderness because he was fleeing from King Saul, who sought to kill him, similar to how Jesus Christ later withdrew into the wilderness to escape those who sought to harm Him, as mentioned in Matthew 2:13-15. This wilderness experience was a time of refuge and testing for David.

How did David realize Saul had followed him?

The verse does not explicitly state how David realized Saul had followed him, but it can be inferred that David had scouts or spies who informed him of Saul's presence, as David sent out spies to verify Saul's arrival in 1 Samuel 26:4. This action shows David's prudent caution in the face of danger, trusting in God's protection as mentioned in Psalm 23:4.

What is the significance of the hill of Hachilah opposite Jeshimon?

The hill of Hachilah opposite Jeshimon was a specific location where the Ziphites believed David was hiding, and it became a focal point in the pursuit of David by Saul, highlighting the cat-and-mouse relationship between the two, reminiscent of the biblical accounts of pursuit and refuge, such as in 1 Kings 19:3-4.

Reflection Questions

How do you respond when you feel pursued or threatened, and what can you learn from David's example in this situation?
In what ways can you, like David, trust in God's protection and provision even in the midst of danger or uncertainty, as encouraged in Psalm 91:1-2?
What role does faith play in your decision-making when faced with challenging circumstances, and how does David's faith influence his actions in this verse?
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty and protection over His people, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 26:3

And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which [is] before Jeshimon, by the way,.... To the wilderness; the very same place where the Ziphites suggested David was: but David abode in the wilderness;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 26:3

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:3

i.e. He understood by information, probably from his dear friend Jonathan.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:3

1 Samuel 26:3 And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which [is] before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.Ver. 3. He saw that Saul came after him.] He had an inkling of it; and knowing that sine vano publica fama, rumours are neither to be too much heeded, nor yet altogether slighted.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 26:3

(3) But David abode in the wilderness.—The former incident, when David spared Saul’s life, happened long after the information of the Ziphites brought the king to the hill “Hachilah, on the south of Jeshimon.” Then David, on hearing of the march of Saul and his army, retired into the wilderness of Maon. Saul pursued him, and David and his force were then only saved from destruction owing to the news of a formidable Philistine invasion. This intelligence called Saul’s forces away from the pursuit of David. David, unmolested, drew off his band, and sought refuge et En-gedi (1 Samuel 23). After the Philistine invasion had been repulsed, Saul again commenced operations against David; and marched his force to En-gedi, in one of the caves of which took place the scene where David for the first time spared the king’s life (1 Samuel 24). Now, after the information of the Ziphites had brought down Saul and his soldiers from Gibeah, David does not flee in haste to Maon, and thence to En-gedi, nor is Saul called away to any Philistine invasion; but David abides in the wilderness, and his scouts come and tell him that Saul in very deed (1 Samuel 26:4) was come after him in force.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 26:3

3. by the way] Close to some well-known high road. Cp. 1 Samuel 24:3. he saw] i.e. perceived or learned. Cp. 1 Samuel 23:15.

← 1 Samuel 26:2 1 Samuel 26:4 →