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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 26:3 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,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/26-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/09_1Sa_26_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 26:3 - David Again Spares Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><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="/vmenus/1_samuel/26-3.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="/bmc/1_samuel/26-3.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="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/26.htm">Chapter 26</a> > Verse 3</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><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm" title="1 Samuel 26:2">◄</a> 1 Samuel 26:3 <a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm" title="1 Samuel 26:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/26.htm">New International Version</a> Saul made his camp beside the road on the hill of Hakilah facing Jeshimon, but David stayed in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul had followed him there, <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/26.htm">New Living Translation</a> Saul camped along the road beside the hill of Hakilah, near Jeshimon, where David was hiding. When David learned that Saul had come after him into the wilderness, <a href="/esv/1_samuel/26.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Saul encamped on the hill of Hachilah, which is beside the road on the east of Jeshimon. But David remained in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness, <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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, <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/26.htm">King James Bible</a> And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/26.htm">New King James Version</a> And Saul encamped in the hill of Hachilah, which is opposite Jeshimon, by the road. But David stayed in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And Saul camped on the hill of Hachilah, which is opposite Jeshimon, beside the road, and David was staying in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul had come after him into the wilderness, <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/26.htm">NASB 1995</a> Saul camped in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, beside the road, and David was staying in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness, <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Saul camped in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, beside the road, and David was staying in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness, <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Saul camped in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, beside the road. Now David was staying in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Saul camped on the hill of Hachilah, which is beside the road east of Jeshimon, but David stayed in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul came into the wilderness after him, <a href="/csb/1_samuel/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul camped beside the road at the hill of Hachilah opposite Jeshimon. David was living in the wilderness and discovered Saul had come there after him. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul camped beside the road at the hill of Hachilah opposite Jeshimon. David was living in the wilderness and discovered Saul had come there after him. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/26.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Saul encamped in the hill of Hachilah, which is before the desert, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Saul set up camp on Mount Hachilah, which is across the road from Jeshimon. But David was hiding out in the desert. When David heard that Saul was following him, <a href="/erv/1_samuel/26.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before the desert, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Saul camped by the road at the hill of Hachilah near Jeshimon, but David stayed in the desert. When he realized Saul had come to the desert for him, <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/26.htm">Good News Translation</a> and camped by the road on Mount Hachilah. David was still in the wilderness, and when he learned that Saul had come to look for him, <a href="/isv/1_samuel/26.htm">International Standard Version</a> Saul camped by the road on the hill of Hachilah, across from Jeshimon, while David was staying in the wilderness. When he realized that Saul had come after him in the wilderness, <a href="/msb/1_samuel/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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, <a href="/net/1_samuel/26.htm">NET Bible</a> Saul camped by the road on the hill of Hakilah near Jeshimon, but David was staying in the desert. When he realized that Saul had come to the desert to find him, <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Saul camped on the hill of Hakilah, which is before Jeshimon, near the road. But David stayed in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. <a href="/web/1_samuel/26.htm">World English Bible</a> Saul encamped in the hill of Hachilah, which is before the desert, by the way. But David stayed in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Saul encamps in the height of Hachilah, which [is] on the front of the desert, by the way, and David is abiding in the wilderness, and he sees that Saul has come into the wilderness after him; <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Saul encampeth in the height of Hachilah, which is on the front of the desert, by the way, and David is abiding in the wilderness, and he seeth that Saul hath come after him in to the wilderness; <a href="/slt/1_samuel/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Saul will encamp in the hill of Hachilah that is upon the face of the desert, upon the way; and David dwelt in the desert, and he will see that Saul came after him to the desert.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Saul encamped in Gabaa Hachila, which was over against the wilderness in the way: and David abode in the wilderness. And seeing that Saul was come after him into the wilderness, <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Saul encamped at Gibeah on Hachilah, which was opposite the wilderness on the way. But David was living in the desert. Then, seeing that Saul had arrived after him in the wilderness, <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/26.htm">New American Bible</a> Saul camped beside the road on the hill of Hachilah, at the edge of Jeshimon. David, who was living in the wilderness, saw that Saul had come into the wilderness after him <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Saul encamped on the hill of Hachilah, which is opposite Jeshimon beside the road. But David remained in the wilderness. When he learned that Saul had come after him into the wilderness,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Saul encamped in Gibaoth-hawilah, which is before the wilderness by the wayside. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him in the wilderness. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Shaul camped in Gebuth Khaweela that was before Ashimon on the road, and David dwelt in the wilderness and he saw that Shaul came after him to the wilderness<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Saul encamped in the hill of Echela in front of Jessemon, by the way, and David dwelt in the wilderness: and David saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/26-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=7804" 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/26.htm">David Again Spares Saul</a> …2So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there. 3<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.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/2583.htm" title="2583: way·yi·ḥan (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline; by implication, to decline; specifically, to pitch a tent; gen. To encamp.">camped</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.">beside</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: had·dā·reḵ (Art:: N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">the road</a> <a href="/hebrew/1389.htm" title="1389: bə·ḡiḇ·‘aṯ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- A hill. Feminine from the same as Geba'; a hillock.">at the hill</a> <a href="/hebrew/2444.htm" title="2444: ha·ḥă·ḵî·lāh (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- Dark, a hill in S. Judah. From the same as chakliyl; dark; Chakilah, a hill in Palestine.">of Hachilah</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></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.">opposite</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3452.htm" title="3452: hay·šî·mōn (Art:: N-ms) -- Waste, wilderness. From yasham; a desolation.">Jeshimon,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: wə·ḏā·wiḏ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">but David</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·šêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">was living</a> <a href="/hebrew/4057.htm" title="4057: bam·miḏ·bār (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- 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/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">When he realized</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</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.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: ḇā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">had followed</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/4057.htm" title="4057: ham·miḏ·bā·rāh (Art:: N-ms:: 3fs) -- A pasture, a desert, speech. From dabar in the sense of driving; a pasture; by implication, a desert; also speech.">there,</a> 4David sent out spies to verify that Saul had arrived.…<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="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">1 Samuel 23:19-24</a> 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. ... <a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">1 Samuel 24:1-2</a> After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.” / 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. <a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">1 Samuel 23:14</a> 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. <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">1 Samuel 23:25-26</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. / Saul 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. <a href="/1_samuel/24-22.htm">1 Samuel 24:22</a> So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold. <a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1</a> David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” <a href="/1_samuel/23-7.htm">1 Samuel 23:7-8</a> 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. <a href="/1_samuel/22-8.htm">1 Samuel 22:8</a> 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.” <a href="/1_samuel/18-8.htm">1 Samuel 18:8-9</a> And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” / And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David. <a href="/1_samuel/19-1.htm">1 Samuel 19:1</a> Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, <a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">1 Samuel 20:31</a> 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!” <a href="/1_samuel/22-13.htm">1 Samuel 22:13</a> 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.” <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4</a> The Philistines gathered together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa. <a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">2 Samuel 2:8-9</a> Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. <a href="/2_samuel/5-17.htm">2 Samuel 5:17</a> When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David stayed in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.Hachilah<a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">1 Samuel 26:1</a> And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?<a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">1 Samuel 23:19</a> Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/24-3.htm">Abiding</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-13.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-53.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-2.htm">Camped</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">East</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-2.htm">Encamped</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-1.htm">Encampeth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Hachilah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Hachi'lah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Hakilah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Height</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Jeshimon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Jeshi'mon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-2.htm">Pitched</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-7.htm">Road</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm">Side</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-2.htm">Staying</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-53.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-12.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/26-19.htm">Abiding</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-3.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Camped</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-23.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-24.htm">East</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Encamped</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-26.htm">Encampeth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">Hachilah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">Hachi'lah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Hakilah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-24.htm">Height</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/numbers/21-20.htm">Jeshimon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">Jeshi'mon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Pitched</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-10.htm">Road</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm">Side</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-3.htm">Staying</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-24.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-25.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-24.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 26</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">Saul, by the discovery of the Ziphites, comes to Hachilah against David</a> 4. <a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm">David coming into the trench keeps Abishai from killing Saul, </a> 11. <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">but takes his spear and jug</a> 13. <a href="/1_samuel/26-13.htm">David reproves Abner</a> 17. <a href="/1_samuel/26-17.htm">and exhorts Saul</a> 21. <a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">Saul acknowledges his sin</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/1_samuel/26.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Saul camped The act of camping signifies a temporary settlement, often for strategic purposes. In the Hebrew context, the word for "camped" (חנה, chanah) implies setting up a military encampment. Saul's actions here reflect his persistent pursuit of David, highlighting the tension and relentless nature of Saul's jealousy and fear. This pursuit is not just physical but also spiritual, as Saul's heart is set against God's anointed.beside the road Roads in ancient Israel were crucial for travel and communication. They were often well-trodden paths that connected cities and regions. Saul's choice to camp beside the road indicates a strategic position, possibly to intercept David or to maintain a line of retreat. This positioning shows Saul's tactical awareness but also his desperation to capture David.at the hill of Hakilah The hill of Hakilah is a specific geographical location, providing a vantage point and a defensive position. Hills were often used in military strategies for their elevation advantage. The mention of Hakilah roots the narrative in a real, historical setting, emphasizing the tangible reality of these events. It also serves as a reminder of the constant threat David faced from Saul.facing Jeshimon Jeshimon refers to a desert or wilderness area. The Hebrew word (ישימון, yeshimon) suggests a desolate, barren place. Saul's position facing Jeshimon symbolizes the spiritual desolation in his heart, as he is consumed by his pursuit of David. It also contrasts with David's reliance on God, who sustains him even in the wilderness.But David stayed in the wilderness The wilderness is a recurring theme in David's life, representing both physical refuge and spiritual testing. The Hebrew word for wilderness (מדבר, midbar) can also imply a place of solitude and divine encounter. David's choice to remain in the wilderness reflects his trust in God's protection and provision, even when pursued by Saul.When he saw that Saul had followed him there This phrase highlights David's awareness and vigilance. The Hebrew root for "saw" (ראה, ra'ah) implies perception and understanding. David's ability to discern Saul's movements demonstrates his wisdom and reliance on God for guidance. It also sets the stage for the ensuing events, where David's faith and character are further tested.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) But David abode in the wilderness.--The former incident, when David spared Saul's life, happened long after the information of the Ziphites brought the king to the hill "Hachilah, on the south of Jeshimon." Then David, on hearing of the march of Saul and his army, retired into the wilderness of Maon. Saul pursued him, and David and his force were then only saved from destruction owing to the news of a formidable Philistine invasion. This intelligence called Saul's forces away from the pursuit of David. David, unmolested, drew off his band, and sought refuge et En-gedi (1 Samuel 23). After the Philistine invasion had been repulsed, Saul again commenced operations against David; and marched his force to En-gedi, in one of the caves of which took place the scene where David for the first time spared the king's life (1 Samuel 24). Now, after the information of the Ziphites had brought down Saul and his soldiers from Gibeah, David does not flee in haste to Maon, and thence to En-gedi, nor is Saul called away to any Philistine invasion; but David abides in the wilderness, and his scouts come and tell him that Saul in very deed (<a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm" title="David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed.">1Samuel 26:4</a>) was come after him in force. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/26-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Saul שָׁא֜וּל (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 camped וַיִּ֨חַן (way·yi·ḥan) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2583.htm">Strong's 2583: </a> To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp beside עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the road הַדָּ֑רֶךְ (had·dā·reḵ) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action at the hill בְּגִבְעַ֣ת (bə·ḡiḇ·‘aṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1389.htm">Strong's 1389: </a> A hillock of Hachilah הַחֲכִילָ֗ה (ha·ḥă·ḵî·lāh) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2444.htm">Strong's 2444: </a> Hachilah -- 'dark', a hill in southern Judah opposite עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against Jeshimon, הַיְשִׁימֹ֖ן (hay·šî·mōn) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3452.htm">Strong's 3452: </a> Waste, wilderness but David וְדָוִד֙ (wə·ḏā·wiḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse was living יֹשֵׁ֣ב (yō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - 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. בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר (bam·miḏ·bār) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> A pasture, a desert, speech When he realized וַיַּ֕רְא (way·yar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see that כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction Saul שָׁא֛וּל (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 had followed בָ֥א (ḇā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go him אַחֲרָ֖יו (’a·ḥă·rāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part there, הַמִּדְבָּֽרָה׃ (ham·miḏ·bā·rāh) Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <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/26-3.htm">1 Samuel 26:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/26-3.htm">1 Samuel 26:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/26-3.htm">1 Samuel 26:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/26-3.htm">1 Samuel 26:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/26-3.htm">1 Samuel 26:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/26-3.htm">1 Samuel 26:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/26-3.htm">1 Samuel 26:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/26-3.htm">1 Samuel 26:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/26-3.htm">1 Samuel 26:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/26-3.htm">1 Samuel 26:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-3.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 26:3 Saul encamped in the hill of Hachilah (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 26:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 26:4" /></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>