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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/26.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/26.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So Saul went down to the Desert of Ziph, with his three thousand select Israelite troops, to search there for David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Saul took 3,000 of Israel’s elite troops and went to hunt him down in the wilderness of Ziph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul set out and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, taking with him three thousand chosen men of Israel, to search for David in the wilderness of Ziph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having with him three thousand chosen men of Israel, to search for David in the wilderness of Ziph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having with him three thousand chosen men of Israel, to search for David in the wilderness of Ziph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having with him three thousand chosen men of Israel, to search for David in the wilderness of Ziph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Saul arose and went down to the Wilderness of Ziph, taking with him three thousand chosen men of Israel, to search for David [there] in the wilderness of Ziph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul, accompanied by three thousand of the fit young men of Israel, went immediately to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul, accompanied by 3,000 of the choice men of Israel, went to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Saul took 3,000 of Israel's best soldiers and went to look for David there in Ziph Desert. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Saul went to the desert of Ziph, taking with him 3,000 of Israel's best-trained men to search for David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Saul went at once with three thousand of the best soldiers in Israel to the wilderness of Ziph to look for David, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So Saul rose and went down with 3,000 select men of Israel to the Wilderness of Ziph, to look for David in the Wilderness of Ziph. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Saul arose and went down to the desert of Ziph, accompanied by three thousand select men of Israel, to look for David in the desert of Ziph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />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. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Saul rises, and goes down to the wilderness of Ziph, and with him [are] three thousand men, chosen ones of Israel, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Saul will rise and go down to the desert of Ziph, and with him three thousand men the chosen of Israel, to seek out David in the desert of Ziph.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Saul rose up, and he descended into the desert of Ziph, and with him three thousand elect men of Israel, so that he might seek David in the desert of Ziph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So Saul went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand of the best warriors of Israel, to search for David in the wilderness of Ziph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So Saul rose and went down to the Wilderness of Ziph, with three thousand chosen men of Israel, to seek David in the Wilderness of Ziph.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shaul stood and came down to the wilderness of Ziph, and with him three thousand choice men of Israel to inquire of David in the wilderness of Ziph<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, and with him <i>went</i> three thousand men chosen out of Israel, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/26-2.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=7794" 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/26.htm">David Again Spares Saul</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding on the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?” <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise."></a> <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/854.htm" title="854: wə·’it·tōw (Conj-w:: Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">accompanied by</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: bə·ḥū·rê (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-mpc) -- 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/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.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: way·yê·reḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">went down</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4057.htm" title="4057: miḏ·bar- (N-msc) -- A pasture, a desert, speech. From dabar in the sense of driving; a pasture; by implication, a desert; also speech.">the Wilderness</a> <a href="/hebrew/2128.htm" title="2128: zîp̄ (N-proper-fs) -- From the same as zepheth; flowing; Ziph, the name of a place in Palestine; also of an Israelite.">of Ziph</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 search 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/4057.htm" title="4057: bə·miḏ·bar- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A pasture, a desert, speech. From dabar in the sense of driving; a pasture; by implication, a desert; also speech.">there.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2128.htm" title="2128: zîp̄ (N-proper-fs) -- From the same as zepheth; flowing; Ziph, the name of a place in Palestine; also of an Israelite."></a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>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,…<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/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2</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="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">1 Samuel 23:19-20</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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">1 Samuel 18:11</a></span><br />and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-1.htm">1 Samuel 19:1</a></span><br />Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David,<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/22-8.htm">1 Samuel 22:8</a></span><br />Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">1 Samuel 20:31</a></span><br />For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-11.htm">1 Samuel 19:11</a></span><br />Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">1 Samuel 23:25</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-29.htm">1 Samuel 18:29</a></span><br />he grew even more afraid of David. So from then on Saul was David’s enemy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">1 Samuel 19:10</a></span><br />Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-7.htm">1 Samuel 23:7-8</a></span><br />When Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars.” / Then Saul summoned all his troops to go to war at Keilah and besiege David and his men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-13.htm">1 Samuel 22:13</a></span><br />And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-11.htm">1 Samuel 24:11</a></span><br />See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">1 Samuel 25:29</a></span><br />And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">Saul arose</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/23-23.htm">1 Samuel 23:23-25</a></b></br> See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-17.htm">1 Samuel 24:17</a></b></br> And he said to David, Thou <i>art</i> more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.</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">three thousand</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2</a></b></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.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">Best</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-34.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-10.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-42.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">Search</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm">Three</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-21.htm">Wilderness</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-24.htm">Ziph</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/10-7.htm">Best</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-1.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-3.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-3.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-15.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-19.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-2.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-3.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-20.htm">Search</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-20.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-1.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-12.htm">Three</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-3.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-3.htm">Wilderness</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-42.htm">Ziph</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Saul, by the discovery of the Ziphites, comes to Hachilah against David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm">David coming into the trench keeps Abishai from killing Saul, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">but takes his spear and jug</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm">David reproves Abner</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-17.htm">and exhorts Saul</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">Saul acknowledges his sin</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/26.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/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel</b><br>This phrase highlights Saul's determination and the resources he was willing to commit to capturing David. The "three thousand chosen men" indicates a select group of elite soldiers, suggesting the seriousness of Saul's pursuit. This mirrors earlier instances where Saul mobilized significant forces against perceived threats, such as in <a href="/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2</a>. The number "three thousand" is significant, as it often represents a complete and formidable force in biblical narratives. This pursuit reflects Saul's ongoing jealousy and fear of David, who was anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel (<a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13</a>). Saul's actions can be seen as a desperate attempt to maintain his kingship, despite God's rejection of him (<a href="/1_samuel/15-26.htm">1 Samuel 15:26-28</a>).<p><b>went down to the Wilderness of Ziph</b><br>The Wilderness of Ziph is located in the Judean desert, south of Hebron. This area is characterized by its rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, making it an ideal hiding place for David and his men. The geographical setting underscores the theme of David as a fugitive, constantly on the run from Saul. The wilderness also serves as a place of testing and preparation for David, much like the wilderness experiences of other biblical figures such as Moses and Jesus. The Ziphites, inhabitants of the region, previously betrayed David's location to Saul (<a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">1 Samuel 23:19</a>), highlighting the political complexities and dangers David faced.<p><b>to search for David there</b><br>Saul's relentless pursuit of David is a central theme in 1 Samuel, illustrating the conflict between the current king and God's chosen successor. This search is not just a physical pursuit but also a spiritual and moral struggle. David, despite being hunted, consistently refuses to harm Saul, demonstrating his respect for God's anointed king and his trust in God's timing for his own ascension to the throne. This narrative foreshadows the New Testament portrayal of Jesus, who, despite being pursued and persecuted, remained obedient to God's will and refrained from retaliating against His enemies. Saul's search for David can also be seen as a metaphor for humanity's often misguided search for power and control, contrasting with David's reliance on God's guidance and protection.<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. At this point in the account, Saul 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 being pursued by Saul. David is known for his faithfulness to God and his refusal to harm Saul, despite being pursued.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wilderness_of_ziph.htm">Wilderness of Ziph</a></b><br>A desert area in the southern part of Judah. It serves as a refuge for David as he evades Saul's attempts to capture him.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/three_thousand_chosen_men_of_israel.htm">Three Thousand Chosen Men of Israel</a></b><br>A select group of soldiers chosen by Saul to pursue David, indicating the seriousness of Saul's intent to capture him.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit.htm">The Pursuit</a></b><br>This event is part of a larger account where Saul repeatedly seeks to kill David, who is seen as a threat to his kingship.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority.htm">Respect for Authority</a></b><br>David's refusal to harm Saul, despite being pursued, teaches us the importance of respecting those in authority, even when they are unjust.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a></b><br>David's patience and trust in God's plan remind us to wait on God's timing rather than taking matters into our own hands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_adversity.htm">Faith in Adversity</a></b><br>David's faith during his trials in the wilderness encourages us to rely on God during our own difficult times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_jealousy.htm">The Danger of Jealousy</a></b><br>Saul's pursuit of David is a cautionary tale about how jealousy can lead to destructive behavior.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_protection.htm">God's Protection</a></b><br>The account highlights God's protection over David, reassuring us of His presence and protection in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_david_sneak_into_saul's_camp.htm">How could David and Abishai enter Saul’s camp and take his spear and water jug unnoticed by 3,000 soldiers? (1 Samuel 26:7–12) </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_saul_chase_david_in_1_sam_26.htm">If Saul previously admitted David’s righteousness in 1 Samuel 24, why is he chasing David again in 1 Samuel 26? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_king_saul_die.htm">How did King Saul die? (1 Samuel 31:4-6 vs. 2 Samuel 1:8-10)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_10_4_and_2_sam_1_10.htm">How can 1 Chronicles 10's account that Saul died by falling on his own sword (1 Chronicles 10:4) be reconciled with 2 Samuel 1:10, where an Amalekite claims to have killed him?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph.</span>--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 <a href="/1_samuel/13-2.htm" title="Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof 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.">1Samuel 13:2</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 2-4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Three thousand chosen men</span>. Not chosen for this expedition, but the force which Saul always kept under arms (<a href="/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2</a>). <span class="cmt_word">By the way.</span> The high road which led down to Arad. <span class="cmt_word">David abode in the wilderness.</span> Hebrew, "abides." Instead of fleeing in haste as before, he remains apparently on the higher ground, as he speaks in ver. 6 of <span class="accented">going down</span> to Saul's camp. <span class="cmt_word">And he saw</span>. <span class="accented">I.e.</span> learned, was told. It was only when his scouts brought him their report that he knew that Saul was come <span class="cmt_word">in very deed,</span> or "for a certainty" (see <a href="/1_samuel/23-23.htm">1 Samuel 23:23</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/26-2.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">accompanied by</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִתּ֛וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’it·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nearness, near, with, by, at, among</span><br /><br /><span class="word">three</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹֽשֶׁת־</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">אֲלָפִ֥ים</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">choice men</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֖ישׁ</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">of 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">went down</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֙רֶד֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·reḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Wilderness</span><br /><span class="heb">מִדְבַּר־</span> <span class="translit">(miḏ·bar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pasture, a desert, speech</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ziph</span><br /><span class="heb">זִ֔יף</span> <span class="translit">(zîp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2128.htm">Strong's 2128: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ziph -- a son of Judah, also a city Southeast of Hebron and a city in southern Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to search for</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבַקֵּ֥שׁ</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">דָּוִ֖ד</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">there.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּמִדְבַּר־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·miḏ·bar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pasture, a desert, speech</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 26:2 Then Saul arose and went down (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/26-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:3" /></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>