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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 23:25 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/23-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/09_1Sa_23_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 23:25 - Saul Pursues David" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and Saul and his men went to seek him. 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When Saul heard this, he went into the Desert of Maon in pursuit of David. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> When David heard that Saul and his men were searching for him, he went even farther into the wilderness to the great rock, and he remained there in the wilderness of Maon. But Saul kept after him in the wilderness. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Saul and his men went to seek him. And David was told, so he went down to the rock and lived in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/23.htm">King James Bible</a> Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/23.htm">New King James Version</a> When Saul and his men went to seek him, they told David. Therefore he went down to the rock, and stayed in the Wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued David in the Wilderness of Maon. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When Saul and his men went to seek him, they informed David, and he came down to the rock and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard about it, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> When Saul and his men went to seek him, they told David, and he came down to the rock and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard it, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> When Saul and his men went to seek him, they told David, and he came down to the rock and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard it, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So Saul and his men went to seek him, and they told David, and he came down to the rock and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. And Saul heard it and pursued David in the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Saul and his men went to search for him. When David was told about it, he went down to the rock and stayed [there] in the Wilderness of Maon. When Saul heard it, he pursued David in the Wilderness of Maon. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> and Saul and his men went to look for him. When David was told about it, he went down to the rock and stayed in the Wilderness of Maon. Saul heard of this and pursued David there. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> and Saul and his men went to look for him. When David was told about it, he went down to the rock and stayed in the Wilderness of Maon. Saul heard of this and pursued David there. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Saul and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down to the rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Saul and his army set out to find David. But David heard that Saul was coming, and he went to a place called The Rock, one of his hideouts in Maon Desert. Saul found out where David was and started closing in on him. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Saul and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down to the rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When Saul and his men came to look for him, David was told the news. So he went to his mountain stronghold in the desert of Maon. Saul heard about it and pursued David into the desert of Maon. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> Saul and his men set out to look for David, but he heard about it and went to a rocky hill in the wilderness of Maon and stayed there. When Saul heard about this, he went after David. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> When Saul and his men went to search for David, some people told David, and he went down to the Rock of Escape and remained in the wilderness of Maon. Saul heard this and he pursued David into the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/1_samuel/23.htm">NET Bible</a> Saul and his men went to look for him. But David was informed and went down to the rock and stayed in the desert of Maon. When Saul heard about it, he pursued David in the desert of Maon. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Saul and his men went to seek him. When David was told, he went down to the rock, and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. When Saul heard that, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/web/1_samuel/23.htm">World English Bible</a> Saul and his men went to seek him. When David was told, he went down to the rock, and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. When Saul heard that, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Saul and his men go to seek, and they declare [it] to David, and he goes down the rock, and abides in the wilderness of Maon; and Saul hears, and pursues after David [to] the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Saul and his men go to seek, and they declare to David, and he goeth down the rock, and abideth in the wilderness of Maon; and Saul heareth, and pursueth after David to the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Saul will go, and his men, to seek: and they will announce to David, and he will go down to the rock and dwell in the desert of the refuge. And Saul will hear and he will pursue after David in the desert of Maon.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then Saul and his men went to seek him: and it was told David, and forthwith he went down to the rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon: and when Saul had heard of it he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Saul and his allies went to seek him. And this was reported to David. And immediately, he descended to the rock, and he moved about in the desert of Maon. And when Saul had heard of it, he pursued David in the desert of Maon. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/23.htm">New American Bible</a> When Saul and his men came looking for him, David got word of it and went down to the gorge in the wilderness below Maon. Saul heard of this and pursued David into the wilderness below Maon. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Saul and his men went to search for him. When David was told, he went down to the rock and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. When Saul heard that, he pursued David into the wilderness of Maon.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Saul and his men went to seek David. And they told David: therefore he came down to Selah and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Shaul and his Servants went on to seek for David, and they showed David, and he came down by himself to Sela, and he dwelt in the wilderness of Muun, and Shaul heard and pursued after David to the wilderness of Muun<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Saul and his men went to seek him. And they told David; wherefore he came down to the rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Saul and his men went to seek him: and they brought word to David, and he went down to the rock that was in the wilderness of Maon: and Saul heard, and followed after David to the wilderness of Maon. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/23-25.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=6985" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Saul Pursues David</a> …24So they set out and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the Wilderness of Maon in the Arabah south of Jeshimon, 25<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.">and Saul</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/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.">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 seek him.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: lə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">When David</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: way·yag·gi·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To be conspicuous. ">was told about it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: way·yê·reḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">he went down</a> <a href="/hebrew/5553.htm" title="5553: has·se·la‘ (Art:: N-ms) -- A crag, cliff. From an unused root meaning to be lofty; a craggy rock, literally or figuratively.">to the rock</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: way·yê·šeḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">and stayed</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.">in the Wilderness</a> <a href="/hebrew/4584.htm" title="4584: mā·‘ō·wn (N-proper-fs) -- The same as ma'own; a residence; Maon, the name of an Israelite and of a place in Palestine.">of Maon.</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.">And when Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: way·yiš·ma‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">heard of this,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: way·yir·dōp̄ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">he pursued</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê- (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·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: miḏ·bar (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/4584.htm" title="4584: mā·‘ō·wn (N-proper-fs) -- The same as ma'own; a residence; Maon, the name of an Israelite and of a place in Palestine."></a> 26Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Psalm 54:1-7</a> For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went to Saul and said, “Is David not hiding among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might! / Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. / For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah ... <a href="/psalms/142-1.htm">Psalm 142:1-7</a> 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. / I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him. / Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me. ... <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Psalm 57:1-11</a> 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. / I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. / He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth. ... <a href="/psalms/63-1.htm">Psalm 63:1-11</a> A Psalm of David, when he was in the Wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water. / So I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and glory. / Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You. ... <a href="/psalms/18-1.htm">Psalm 18:1-6</a> For the choirmaster. Of David the servant of the LORD, who 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. He said: I love You, O LORD, my strength. / The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. / I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. ... <a href="/psalms/34-1.htm">Psalm 34:1-22</a> Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. / My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice. / Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. ... <a href="/psalms/31-1.htm">Psalm 31:1-5</a> For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; save me by Your righteousness. / Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance. / For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name. ... <a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Psalm 59:1-17</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. / Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed. / See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. ... <a href="/psalms/143-1.htm">Psalm 143:1-12</a> A Psalm of David. O LORD, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness, give ear to my plea; in Your righteousness, answer me. / Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You. / For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead. ... <a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1-3</a> Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust. <a href="/matthew/10-23.htm">Matthew 10:23</a> When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. <a href="/john/10-39.htm">John 10:39</a> At this, they tried again to seize Him, but He escaped their grasp. <a href="/acts/9-23.htm">Acts 9:23-25</a> After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, / but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. / One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall. <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-24</a> When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/11-32.htm">2 Corinthians 11:32-33</a> In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me. / But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David; why he came down into a rock, and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.into a rock.<a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28</a> Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth.<a href="/judges/15-8.htm">Judges 15:8</a> And he smote them hip and thigh with a great slaughter: and he went down and dwelt in the top of the rock Etam.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/23-18.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-24.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-24.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-11.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-13.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-24.htm">Maon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-24.htm">Ma'on</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-52.htm">Pursued</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-13.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-5.htm">Rock</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-24.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-23.htm">Search</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-15.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-24.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-14.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-24.htm">Wilderness</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-1.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-4.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-4.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm">Maon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm">Ma'on</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-10.htm">Pursued</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">Rock</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">Search</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">Wilderness</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-4.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 23</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/23-1.htm">David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah</a> 7. <a href="/1_samuel/23-7.htm">God showing him the coming of Saul, and the treachery of the Keilites, </a> 13. <a href="/1_samuel/23-13.htm">he escapes from Keilah</a> 14. <a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">In Ziph Jonathan comes and comforts him</a> 19. <a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">The Ziphites discover him to Saul</a> 25. <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">At Maon he is rescued from Saul by the invasion of the Philistines</a> 29. <a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm">He dwells at En Gedi</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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><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/23.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/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>and Saul and his men went to seek him. This phrase highlights Saul's relentless pursuit of David, who was anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel. Saul's jealousy and fear of losing his throne drove him to seek David's life. This pursuit is a recurring theme in 1 Samuel, illustrating the conflict between Saul's declining kingship and David's rise. Saul's actions can be seen as a warning against allowing jealousy and fear to dictate one's actions, as they lead to destructive behavior.When David was told about it, David's awareness of Saul's movements indicates the presence of loyal informants and supporters who helped him evade capture. This reflects the providence of God in protecting David, who was chosen to lead Israel. It also underscores the importance of wise counsel and vigilance in times of danger, as seen throughout David's life.he went down to the rock The "rock" likely refers to a specific geographical feature that provided a strategic advantage for David. In the biblical narrative, rocks and strongholds often symbolize refuge and protection. This imagery is echoed in the Psalms, where God is frequently described as a rock and fortress (e.g., <a href="/psalms/18-2.htm">Psalm 18:2</a>). David's choice to go to the rock demonstrates his reliance on both natural defenses and divine protection.and stayed in the Wilderness of Maon. The Wilderness of Maon is located in the Judean Desert, a rugged and desolate area that offered natural concealment. This setting emphasizes David's status as a fugitive and the harsh conditions he endured. The wilderness experience is a common motif in Scripture, often associated with testing and preparation, as seen in the lives of Moses and Jesus. David's time in the wilderness prepared him for future leadership by teaching him dependence on God.And when Saul heard of this, Saul's intelligence network was also active, indicating the resources he had at his disposal as king. This phrase shows the ongoing cat-and-mouse dynamic between Saul and David, with each move countered by the other. It highlights the tension and uncertainty of the period, as well as the broader theme of God's sovereignty in guiding the events according to His purposes.he pursued David there. Saul's pursuit of David to the Wilderness of Maon demonstrates his determination to eliminate David as a threat. This relentless pursuit can be seen as a reflection of Saul's spiritual decline and his inability to accept God's will. The pursuit also foreshadows the eventual transition of power from Saul to David, as God orchestrates events to fulfill His promises. David's evasion of Saul's pursuit is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen servant.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, who is pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The anointed future king of Israel, who is fleeing from Saul to preserve his life. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_rock.htm">The Rock</a> A specific location in the wilderness of Maon where David sought refuge. 4. <a href="/topical/w/wilderness_of_maon.htm">Wilderness of Maon</a> A desolate area in Judah where David and his men hid from Saul. 5. <a href="/topical/p/pursuit.htm">Pursuit</a> The ongoing chase by Saul to capture and kill David, highlighting the tension between the two.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_protection.htm">Trust in God's Protection</a> David's life exemplifies reliance on God's protection even when pursued by powerful enemies. Believers can find comfort in God's sovereignty over their circumstances. <a href="/topical/g/god's_timing.htm">God's Timing</a> David's patience in waiting for God's timing to ascend to the throne teaches us the importance of waiting on God's perfect timing in our own lives. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_adversity.htm">Faith in Adversity</a> Despite being hunted, David's faith did not waver. This encourages believers to maintain their faith and integrity during trials. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community.htm">The Role of Community</a> David's men and the people who informed him of Saul's movements played crucial roles. This highlights the importance of a supportive community in times of trouble. <a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority.htm">Respect for Authority</a> David's respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed, despite Saul's intentions, teaches us to respect authority while trusting God to handle injustices.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 23</a> <a href="/q/1_samuel_25_39-42__why_did_david_marry_abigail_so_soon.htm">1 Samuel 25:39-42 - How do we reconcile David marrying Abigail immediately after Nabal's death with biblical laws and cultural norms on mourning and remarriage?</a> <a href="/q/is_saul's_departure_historical_or_narrative.htm">Does Saul's abrupt departure to confront the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:27-28) accurately reflect known Philistine incursions, or is it merely a narrative device?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_2_kings_23_25_exalt_josiah_over_david.htm">Why does 2 Kings 23:25 suggest Josiah surpassed even David in devotion, seemingly contradicting other texts that exalt David's faithfulness?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_david_use_the_ephod_for_guidance.htm">How did David consult the ephod for instant divine guidance in 1 Samuel 23:9-12 when similar direct communication is uncommon elsewhere in the Old Testament?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 25, 26. - He came down into a rock. Hebrew, sela', a cliff or precipice. In the next verse it is described as a mountain, on one side of which was David and his men, in full view of Saul and his army on the other. But as Saul's forces were much more numerous, they were preparing to separate, and so enclose David, while he made haste. The word expresses anxiety and fear, and may be translated, "And David sought anxiously to go from before the face of Saul." Conder's description of the spot ('Tent Work,' 2:91) sets the whole scene most vividly before us. It is as follows: - "Between the ridge of El Kolah (the ancient hill of Hachilah) and the neighbourhood of Maon there is a great gorge called 'the Valley of Rocks,' a narrow but deep chasm, impassable except by a detour of many miles, so that Saul might have stood within sight of David, yet quite unable to overtake his enemy; and to this "cliff of division" the name Malaky now applies, a word closely approaching the Hebrew Mahlekoth. The neighbourhood is seamed with many torrent beds, but there is no other place near Maon where cliffs such as are to be inferred from the word sela' can be found. It seems to me pretty safe, therefore, to look on this gorge as the scene of the wonderful escape of David, due to a sudden Philistine invasion, which terminated the history of his hair-breadth escapes in the south country." This cliff in ver. 28 is called Sela-Hammahlekoth, "the cliff of divisions," or "of separations," ham representing the Hebrew article. Many other derivations have been suggested, but the above, which alone agrees with the ordinary meaning of the Hebrew verb, is proved to be right by Mr. Conder's researches. They enable us also to correct some small errors. Thus David did not come down into a rock, but "to the cliff," the sela or precipitous gorge described above. Nor did he "descend the rock" (Erdmann) "in order to conceal himself in the low land, or in the caves at its base," but he went to it as being an impassable barrier between him and his pursuers. But "he hasted anxiously to get away" (ver. 26), because Saul would divide his army into two parts, and so David would only have the advantage of the few miles of detour which Saul must make. But for the news of the Philistine invasion his final escape would have been almost hopeless. The ordinary notion that David and his men were concealed from the sight of Saul by an intervening mountain is disproved, not only by no such mountain existing, but also by the clause, "Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men" (ver. 28). They had them in sight, and were forming in two divisions, so as to pass the gorge at the two ends and close upon the flanks of David's small band of followers. Verse 29 belongs to the next chapter. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/23-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>and Saul שָׁא֣וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites and his men וַאֲנָשָׁיו֮ (wa·’ă·nā·šāw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person went וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk to seek [him]. לְבַקֵּשׁ֒ (lə·ḇaq·qêš) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> To search out, to strive after When David לְדָוִ֔ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse was told about it, וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ (way·yag·gi·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous he went down וַיֵּ֣רֶד (way·yê·reḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend to the rock הַסֶּ֔לַע (has·se·la‘) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5553.htm">Strong's 5553: </a> A craggy rock and stayed וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in the Wilderness בְּמִדְבַּ֣ר (bə·miḏ·bar) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> A pasture, a desert, speech of Maon. מָע֑וֹן (mā·‘ō·wn) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4584.htm">Strong's 4584: </a> Maon -- 'habitation', a place in Judah, also a man of Judah, also an enemy of Israel And when Saul שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites heard of this, וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע (way·yiš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently he pursued וַיִּרְדֹּ֥ף (way·yir·dōp̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> To pursue, chase, persecute David דָוִ֖ד (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse there. מִדְבַּ֥ר (miḏ·bar) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> A pasture, a desert, speech <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/23-25.htm">1 Samuel 23:25 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/23-25.htm">1 Samuel 23:25 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/23-25.htm">1 Samuel 23:25 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/23-25.htm">1 Samuel 23:25 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/23-25.htm">1 Samuel 23:25 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/23-25.htm">1 Samuel 23:25 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/23-25.htm">1 Samuel 23:25 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/23-25.htm">1 Samuel 23:25 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/23-25.htm">1 Samuel 23:25 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/23-25.htm">1 Samuel 23:25 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 23:25 Saul and his men went to seek (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/23-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 23:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 23:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 23:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 23:26" /></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>