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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://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=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Sela-Hammahlekoth</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/sela-hammahlekoth.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/1_samuel/23-28.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/sela-hammahlekoth.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Sela-Hammahlekoth</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/s/selahammahlekoth.htm" title="Selahammahlekoth">◄</a> Sela-Hammahlekoth <a href="/topical/s/sela-hammah-lekoth.htm" title="Sela-Hammah-Lekoth">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Etymology and Meaning</b> <br>Sela-hammahlekoth is a Hebrew term that translates to "the rock of divisions" or "the rock of escape." The name itself reflects the significant event that took place at this location, marking it as a site of deliverance and division.<br><br><b>Biblical Reference</b> <br>Sela-hammahlekoth is mentioned in the context of the life of David, specifically during his flight from King Saul. The primary reference to this location is found in <a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28</a>. The passage reads: "So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth" .<br><br><b>Historical and Geographical Context</b> <br>The event at Sela-hammahlekoth occurs during a period of intense pursuit by King Saul, who sought to kill David due to jealousy and fear of losing his throne. David, anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel, was on the run with his men, seeking refuge in the wilderness of Ziph.<br><br>Sela-hammahlekoth is believed to be located in the rugged terrain of the Judean wilderness, an area characterized by its rocky landscapes and natural fortresses. This geographical setting provided David with strategic advantages for evasion and defense against Saul's forces.<br><br><b>Significance in David's Life</b> <br>The incident at Sela-hammahlekoth is a pivotal moment in David's life, illustrating God's providential care and deliverance. As Saul closed in on David, a messenger arrived to inform Saul of a Philistine raid on the land, prompting Saul to abandon his pursuit and return to defend his kingdom. This divine intervention allowed David to escape unharmed, reinforcing the theme of God's protection over His anointed.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b> <br>Sela-hammahlekoth serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It highlights the belief that God intervenes in the lives of His chosen servants, providing deliverance in times of peril. This event also underscores the futility of opposing God's plans, as seen in Saul's repeated failures to capture David despite his relentless efforts.<br><br><b>Cultural and Literary Impact</b> <br>The account of Sela-hammahlekoth has been a source of inspiration and reflection for believers throughout history. It is often cited in discussions of divine providence and the assurance of God's protection. The narrative also contributes to the larger biblical theme of God's unfolding plan for Israel, culminating in the establishment of David's dynasty and the eventual coming of the Messiah.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b> <br>While Sela-hammahlekoth is a brief mention in the biblical text, its significance is profound, encapsulating themes of divine intervention, protection, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the lineage of David.<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>Cliff of divisions the name of the great gorge which lies between Hachilah and Maon, south-east of Hebron. This gorge is now called the Wady Malaky. This was the scene of the interview between David and Saul mentioned in <a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm">1 Samuel 26:13</a>. Each stood on an opposing cliff, with this deep chasm between. <a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">SELA-HAMMAHLEKOTH</span><p>se-la-ha-ma'-le-koth, -koth (cela`ha-machleqoth; petra he meristheisa): "The rock of divisions (or, escape)" (<a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28</a> margin). "Saul.... pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul" (<a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">1 Samuel 23:25, 26</a>). The name seems to survive in Wady Malaki, "the great gorge which breaks down between Carmel and Maon eastward, with vertical cliffs" (PEF, III, 314, Sh. XXI).<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/5555.htm"><span class="l">5555. Sela Hammachleqoth -- Sela-hammalekoth</span></a><br><b>...</b> Sela-hammalekoth. Transliteration: Sela Hammachleqoth Phonetic Spelling:<br> (seh'-lah ham-makh-lek-oth') Short Definition: <b>sela</b>-<b>hammahlekoth</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/5555.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/selahammahlekoth.htm"><span class="l"><b>Selahammahlekoth</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> between. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>SELA</b>-<b>HAMMAHLEKOTH</b>. se <b>...</b> Sh. XXI).<br> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Selahammahlekoth</b> (1 Occurrence). 1 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/selahammahlekoth.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/sela-hammahlekoth.htm"><span class="l"><b>Sela</b>-<b>hammahlekoth</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> <b>Selahammahlekoth</b>, <b>Sela</b>-<b>hammahlekoth</b>. Sela-hammah-lekoth . Easton's Bible<br> Dictionary <b>...</b> <b>Selahammahlekoth</b>, <b>Sela</b>-<b>hammahlekoth</b>. Sela-hammah-lekoth . <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sela-hammahlekoth.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pursuing.htm"><span class="l">Pursuing (50 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the<br> Philistines: therefore they called that place <b>Sela</b><b>Hammahlekoth</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pursuing.htm - 21k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/sela-hammah-lekoth.htm"><span class="l">Sela-hammah-lekoth (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br>Sela-hammah-lekoth. <b>Sela</b>-<b>hammahlekoth</b>, Sela-hammah-lekoth. Seldom . Multi-Version<br> Concordance <b>...</b> (BBE WBS). <b>Sela</b>-<b>hammahlekoth</b>, Sela-hammah-lekoth. Seldom <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sela-hammah-lekoth.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pursuit.htm"><span class="l">Pursuit (35 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (See NIV). 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against<br> the Philistines; therefore they called that place <b>Sela</b>-<b>hammahlekoth</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pursuit.htm - 17k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/selah.htm"><span class="l">Selah (76 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/selah.htm - 28k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/sela.htm"><span class="l">Sela (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the<br> Philistines: therefore they called that place <b>Sela</b><b>Hammahlekoth</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sela.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/h/hammahlekoth.htm"><span class="l">Hammahlekoth (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the<br> Philistines: therefore they called that place <b>Sela</b><b>Hammahlekoth</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/h/hammahlekoth.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/escape.htm"><span class="l">Escape (142 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the<br> Philistines: therefore they called that place <b>Sela</b><b>Hammahlekoth</b>. (See NAS RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/escape.htm - 38k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Edomites.html">Who were the Edomites? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Petra.html">What is the significance of the city of Petra in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Edom-in-the-Bible.html">What is the significance of Edom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Sela-hammahlekoth (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28</a></span><br />So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth. <br /><span class="source">(See JPS ASV DBY)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/sela-hammahlekoth.htm">Sela-Hammahlekoth</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/sela-hammahlekoth--a_rock_in_the_wilderness_of_maon.htm">Sela-Hammahlekoth: A Rock in the Wilderness of Maon</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sela-hammah-lekoth.htm">Sela-hammah-lekoth (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sela-hammahlekoth.htm">Sela-hammahlekoth (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/seldom.htm">Seldom (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/selah.htm">Selah (76 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/s/selahammahlekoth.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Selahammahlekoth"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Selahammahlekoth" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/s/sela-hammah-lekoth.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Sela-Hammah-Lekoth"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Sela-Hammah-Lekoth" /></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="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></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>