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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/24-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/09_1Sa_24_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 24:2 - David Spares Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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 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title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/24.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Saul chose 3,000 elite troops from all Israel and went to search for David and his men near the rocks of the wild goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats’ Rocks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the Rocks of the Wild Goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to search for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Mountain Goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to search for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul took three thousand of Israel’s fit young men and went to look for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul took 3,000 of Israel&#8217s choice men and went to look for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Saul led 3,000 of Israel's best soldiers out to look for David and his men near Wild Goat Rocks at En-Gedi. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then Saul took 3,000 of the best-trained men from all Israel and went to search for David and his men on the Rocks of the Wild Goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Saul took three thousand of the best soldiers in Israel and went looking for David and his men east of Wild Goat Rocks. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Saul took 3,000 of his best troops from all over Israel, and he went to look for David and his men in the direction of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Saul took three thousand select men from all Israel and went to find David and his men in the region of the rocks of the mountain goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the rocks of the wild goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the rocks of the wild goats. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Saul takes three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and goes to seek David and his men, on the front of the rocks of the wild goats,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Saul taketh three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and goeth to seek David and his men, on the front of the rocks of the wild goats,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Saul will take three thousand men chosen from all Israel, and he will go to seek David and his men upon the face of the rocks of the wild goats.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Saul therefore took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went out to seek after David, and his men, even upon the most craggy rocks, which are accessible only to wild goats. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 24:3> Therefore, Saul, taking three thousand elect men from all of Israel, traveled in order to search for David and his men, even upon the most broken rocks, which are passable only to mountain goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So Saul took three thousand of the best men from all Israel and went in search of David and his men in the direction of the wild goat crags.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to look for David and his men in the direction of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the mountains of the wild goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shaul took three thousand choice men from all Israel and he went on to search for David and for his men on the face of The Mountain of Goats<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he took with him three thousand men, chosen out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men in front of Saddaeem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/24-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=7049" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/24.htm">David Spares Saul</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.” <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">So Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">took</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šə·lō·šeṯ (Number-msc) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">three</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’ă·lā·p̄îm (Number-mp) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">thousand</a> <a href="/hebrew/977.htm" title="977: bā·ḥūr (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- To choose. A primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. select.">chosen</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kāl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">from all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and went</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: lə·ḇaq·qêš (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">to look for</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: wa·’ă·nā·šāw (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">and his men</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">the region</a> <a href="/hebrew/6697.htm" title="6697: ṣū·rê (N-mpc) -- Rock, cliff. Or tsur; from tsuwr; properly, a cliff; generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge.">of the Rocks</a> <a href="/hebrew/3277.htm" title="3277: hay·yə·‘ê·lîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Mountain goat. From ya'al; an ibex.">of the Wild Goats.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2</a></span><br />So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Psalm 57:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/142-1.htm">Psalm 142:1</a></span><br />A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">1 Samuel 23:14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">1 Samuel 23:19-23</a></span><br />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? / Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.” / “May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-1.htm">1 Samuel 22:1-2</a></span><br />So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. / And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-13.htm">1 Samuel 25:13</a></span><br />And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-1.htm">2 Samuel 22:1</a></span><br />And David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/24-1.htm">2 Samuel 24:1</a></span><br />Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-14.htm">2 Kings 6:14</a></span><br />the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52-54</a></span><br />“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. / Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? / But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the rocks of the wild goats.</p><p class="hdg">Saul took</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2</a></b></br> Saul chose him three thousand <i>men</i> of Israel; <i>whereof</i> two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.</p><p class="hdg">and went</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-32.htm">Psalm 37:32</a></b></br> The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/38-12.htm">Psalm 38:12</a></b></br> They also that seek after my life lay snares <i>for me</i>: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.</p><p class="hdg">the rocks</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/104-18.htm">Psalm 104:18</a></b></br> The high hills <i>are</i> a refuge for the wild goats; <i>and</i> the rocks for the conies.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/141-6.htm">Psalm 141:6</a></b></br> When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/21-7.htm">Best</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-30.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/amos/6-12.htm">Crags</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-17.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-6.htm">Rocks</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">Search</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-13.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-5.htm">Three</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-46.htm">Wild</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">Best</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/psalms/104-18.htm">Crags</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-3.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm">Rocks</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-3.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">Search</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-26.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm">Three</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">Wild</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">David, in a cave at En Gedi, spares his life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">He shows thereby his innocence,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/24-16.htm">Saul, acknowledging his fault, takes an oath of David, and departs.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel</b><br>This phrase highlights Saul's determination and the seriousness of his pursuit of David. The number "three thousand" indicates a significant military force, suggesting that Saul viewed David as a substantial threat. The term "chosen men" implies that these were elite soldiers, possibly the best warriors available, reflecting Saul's intent to ensure success in capturing David. This pursuit is part of the broader narrative of Saul's jealousy and fear of David, who had been anointed by Samuel as the future king of Israel (<a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13</a>). The selection of men from "all Israel" underscores the national scope of Saul's campaign, as he mobilizes resources from across the tribes.<p><b>and went to look for David and his men</b><br>David, at this point, is a fugitive, having fled from Saul's court due to Saul's attempts on his life (<a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">1 Samuel 19:10</a>). David's men, often referred to as his "mighty men" or "the men who were with him," were a group of loyal followers who had gathered around him during his time in exile. This pursuit by Saul is a continuation of the conflict between the two, which is a central theme in the narrative of 1 Samuel. The search for David is not just a physical pursuit but also a spiritual and moral one, as Saul grapples with his own disobedience to God and the loss of divine favor.<p><b>in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats</b><br>The "Rocks of the Wild Goats" refers to a specific geographical location, likely in the rugged terrain of the Judean wilderness near En Gedi. This area is characterized by steep cliffs and rocky outcrops, providing natural fortifications and hiding places. The mention of "wild goats" suggests a remote and desolate area, suitable for David and his men to evade capture. This setting is significant as it reflects the harsh conditions David endured while on the run and highlights his resourcefulness and reliance on God for protection. The wilderness motif is common in biblical narratives, often symbolizing a place of testing and divine encounter, as seen in the experiences of Moses and Elijah.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is on the run from Saul and hiding in the wilderness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/three_thousand_chosen_men.htm">Three Thousand Chosen Men</a></b><br>A select group of Israel's soldiers, indicating the seriousness of Saul's pursuit of David.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/rocks_of_the_wild_goats.htm">Rocks of the Wild Goats</a></b><br>A rugged, mountainous area in the wilderness of En Gedi, known for its difficult terrain and wild goats, providing a strategic hiding place for David and his men.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_trials.htm">God's Sovereignty in Trials</a></b><br>David's situation reminds us that God is in control, even when we face unjust persecution or trials. Trust in His timing and purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_righteous_leadership.htm">The Importance of Righteous Leadership</a></b><br>Saul's actions contrast with the qualities of a godly leader. Reflect on the importance of integrity and humility in leadership roles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_enemies_with_grace.htm">Responding to Enemies with Grace</a></b><br>David's restraint in not harming Saul, despite having the opportunity, teaches us to respond to our adversaries with grace and leave justice to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community_in_times_of_trouble.htm">The Role of Community in Times of Trouble</a></b><br>David's men supported him during his trials. This highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with a community of faith during difficult times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_the_wilderness.htm">Faithfulness in the Wilderness</a></b><br>David's faithfulness to God, even while being pursued, encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith during our own "wilderness" experiences.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_incited_david's_census.htm">Who incited David to take a census? (2 Samuel 24:1 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:1)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_incite_and_punish_david.htm">Why does 2 Samuel 24:1 say God incited David to take the census, then punish him for it?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_made_david_count_israel's_troops.htm">Who incited David to count the fighting men of Israel? God did (2 Samuel 24: 1) Satan did (I Chronicles 2 1:1)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_1_chr_21_1_and_2_sam_24_1_differ.htm">Why does 1 Chronicles 21:1 say Satan incited David, whereas 2 Samuel 24:1 implies God did?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Three thousand chosen men.</span>--This large and carefully selected force is an indication how thoroughly impressed Saul was with the power of David at this juncture. He, indeed, evidently looked on him as a rival king, who must be met by a numerous and disciplined force.<p><span class= "bld">Upon the rocks of the wild goats.</span>--"Ibex rocks," so called because probably only these ibexes, the chamois of Syria, would find pasturage on them. Some have suggested that this was a proper name. The ibex is still found among the precipitous cliffs in the neighbourhood of Ain-jedy.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Chosen</span>. See on this word <a href="/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2</a>. <span class="cmt_word">The rocks of the wild goats.</span> Apparently this was the proper name of some cliffs near En-gedi, so called from their being frequented by the ibex, or Syrian chamois, an animal which, according to Thomson (p. 603) is still found there. It shows Saul's pertinacious hatred of David, that no sooner was the war with the Philistines over, than he pursues him with 3000 picked warriors into these lonely fastnesses. Comp. <a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Psalm 57:4</a>, written, according to the title, upon the occasion recorded in this chapter. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/24-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֗וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">took</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקַּ֣ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·qaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">three</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹ֧שֶׁת</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·šeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> </span><span class="str2">Three, third, thrice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">thousand</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲלָפִ֛ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lā·p̄îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> </span><span class="str2">A thousand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">chosen</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּח֖וּר</span> <span class="translit">(bā·ḥūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_970.htm">Strong's 970: </a> </span><span class="str2">Selected, a youth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">men</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֥ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from all</span><br /><span class="heb">מִכָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(mik·kāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and went</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to look for</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבַקֵּ֤שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇaq·qêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To search out, to strive after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִד֙</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and his men</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·nā·šāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the region</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּנֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(pə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Rocks</span><br /><span class="heb">צוּרֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ṣū·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6697.htm">Strong's 6697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cliff, a rock, boulder, a refuge, an edge</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Wild Goats.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיְּעֵלִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yə·‘ê·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3277.htm">Strong's 3277: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mountain goat</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 24:2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 24:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 24:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/24-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 24:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 24:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>