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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 24:1 After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, "David is in the wilderness of En-gedi."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/24-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/09_1Sa_24_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 24:1 - David Spares Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi." /><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'; 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David <i>is</i> in the Wilderness of En Gedi.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now when Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, it was reported to him, saying, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now when Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, saying, &#8220Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now it came about when Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, saying, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now when Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, saying, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the Wilderness of Engedi.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness near En-gedi.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, &#8220David is in the wilderness near En-gedi.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When Saul got back from fighting off the Philistines, he heard that David was in the desert around En-Gedi. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Saul came back from [fighting] the Philistines, he was told "Now David is in the desert near En Gedi."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Saul came back from fighting the Philistines, he was told that David was in the wilderness near Engedi. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br /> When Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, "Look, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, ?David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, they told him, "Look, David is in the desert of En Gedi."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It happened, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, "Look, David is in the wilderness of En Gedi."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Saul had returned from following the Philistines, that it was told to him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When Saul had returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of En Gedi.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And it comes to pass, when Saul has turned back from after the Philistines, that they declare to him, saying, “Behold, David [is] in the wilderness of En-gedi.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And it cometh to pass when Saul hath turned back from after the Philistines, that they declare to him, saying, 'Lo, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it will be when Saul turned back from after the rovers, and they will announce to him, saying, Behold, David in the desert of Engedi.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, they told him, saying: Behold, David is in the desert of Engaddi. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 24:2> And when Saul had returned after pursuing the Philistines, they reported to him, saying, “Behold, David is in the desert of Engedi.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When Saul returned from the pursuit of the Philistines, he was told that David was in the desert near Engedi.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />AND it came to pass when Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines that it was told him, saying, Behold. David is in Mizroth, which is in Gibaoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And it was that when Shaul returned from going after the Philistines, they showed him and they said to him: “Behold, David is in Metsruth which is in Gebauth!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying: 'Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass when Saul returned from pursuing after the Philistines, that it was reported to him, saying, David <i>is</i> in the wilderness of Engaddi.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/24-1.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=7042" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/24.htm">David Spares Saul</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">After</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/7725.htm" title="7725: šāḇ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">had returned</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: mê·’a·ḥă·rê (Prep-m) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">from pursuing</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: pə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">the Philistines,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: way·yag·gi·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To be conspicuous. ">he was told,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></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: 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.">is in the wilderness</a> <a href="/hebrew/5872.htm" title="5872: ‘ênFrom ayin and gdiy; fountain of a kid; En-Gedi, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5872.htm" title="5872: ge·ḏî (N-proper-fs) -- From ayin and gdiy; fountain of a kid; En-Gedi, a place in Palestine.">of En-gedi.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>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.…<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/23-14.htm">1 Samuel 23:14-15</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. / While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">1 Samuel 26:1-2</a></span><br />Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding on the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?” / So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Psalm 57:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/142-1.htm">Psalm 142:1-3</a></span><br />A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy. / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-1.htm">1 Samuel 22:1-2</a></span><br />So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. / And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/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="/2_samuel/5-17.htm">2 Samuel 5:17-18</a></span><br />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. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-1.htm">2 Samuel 22:1-2</a></span><br />And David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. / He said: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-1.htm">Psalm 18:1-2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19-21</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” / On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52-54</a></span><br />“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. / Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? / But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Acts 24:16</a></span><br />In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.</p><p class="hdg">when Saul</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28,29</a></b></br> Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth… </p><p class="hdg">following.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">1 Samuel 23:19</a></b></br> 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 <i>is</i> on the south of Jeshimon?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/25-5.htm">Proverbs 25:5</a></b></br> Take away the wicked <i>from</i> before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12</a></b></br> If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants <i>are</i> wicked.</p><p class="hdg">the wilderness</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm">1 Samuel 23:29</a></b></br> And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-1.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm">En</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm">Engedi</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm">En-Gedi</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm">En-Ge'di</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-10.htm">News</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-18.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-12.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-1.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">En</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-2.htm">Engedi</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-2.htm">En-Gedi</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-10.htm">En-Ge'di</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-9.htm">News</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-12.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-1.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-1.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">David, in a cave at En Gedi, spares his life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/24-8.htm">He shows thereby his innocence,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/24-16.htm">Saul, acknowledging his fault, takes an oath of David, and departs.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines</b><br>This phrase indicates a period of ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines, a common theme throughout the books of Samuel. The Philistines were a significant threat to Israel during Saul's reign, often engaging in battles with the Israelites. Saul's return from pursuing them suggests a temporary reprieve in hostilities, allowing him to focus on internal matters, particularly his pursuit of David. This pursuit of the Philistines highlights Saul's role as king and military leader, tasked with defending Israel from its enemies. The Philistines' presence in the land is a reminder of the incomplete conquest of Canaan, as they were one of the groups not fully driven out by the Israelites.<p><b>he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.”</b><br>The wilderness of En-gedi is a significant geographical location, known for its rugged terrain and natural springs, providing a strategic hideout for David. En-gedi, meaning "spring of the young goat," is located near the Dead Sea, offering a place of refuge and sustenance in an otherwise arid region. This area is historically and archaeologically recognized for its caves and strongholds, making it an ideal location for David to evade Saul's pursuit. The mention of David being in En-gedi underscores his status as a fugitive, constantly on the run from Saul's attempts to capture him. This pursuit is a pivotal part of David's journey, shaping his character and reliance on God. The wilderness experience is a common biblical motif, often associated with testing and preparation, as seen in the lives of Moses and Jesus. David's time in En-gedi can be seen as a period of divine preparation for his future role as king.<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 the prophet Samuel. At this point in the account, Saul is pursuing David, whom he sees as a threat to his throne.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel as a young shepherd. He is on the run from Saul, who is seeking to kill him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A recurring enemy of Israel, often at war with them. Saul had been pursuing them before turning his attention back to David.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/wilderness_of_en_gedi.htm">Wilderness of En Gedi</a></b><br>A rugged, mountainous area near the Dead Sea, known for its caves and springs. It serves as a refuge for David and his men.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/pursuit.htm">Pursuit</a></b><br>The ongoing conflict between Saul and David, characterized by Saul's relentless pursuit to capture and kill David.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_trials.htm">God's Sovereignty in Trials</a></b><br>David's situation reminds us that God is in control, even when we face relentless opposition. Trust in His timing and protection.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_persecution.htm">Responding to Persecution</a></b><br>David's respect for Saul, despite being pursued, exemplifies a godly response to persecution. We are called to love and pray for our enemies.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_refuge_in_god.htm">Seeking Refuge in God</a></b><br>Just as David found physical refuge in En Gedi, we are encouraged to seek spiritual refuge in God during our trials.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a></b><br>David's ability to discern God's will in a challenging situation teaches us to seek God's guidance in our decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a></b><br>David's faithfulness to God, even when unjustly pursued, challenges us to remain faithful in our own adversities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_external_records_for_1_sam_24.htm">Why are there no external historical or archaeological records supporting this specific event in 1 Samuel 24? </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/why_is_david_merciful_to_saul_in_1_sam_24.htm">Why does David's mercy toward Saul in 1 Samuel 24 contradict other violent actions David takes elsewhere in Scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where_is_en_gedi_located_in_the_bible.htm">Where is En Gedi located in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">When Saul was returned.</span>--How intent Saul was on his bloody purpose with regard to his supposed rival is clear, for no sooner was the Philistine raid repulsed than with sleepless animosity he at once set forth with a force, as the next verse relates, of considerable magnitude to hunt down his foe. Saul was encouraged in this fresh enterprise by the offer of the Ziphites (see preceding 1Sam <a href="/context/1_samuel/24-19.htm" title="For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? why the LORD reward you good for that you have done to me this day.">1Samuel 24:19-22</a>). These bitter enemies of David, in the interval of the Philistine war--accustomed to the passes and mountains of the barren region of the south of Canaan--complying with the king's request (<a href="/1_samuel/23-23.htm" title="See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hides himself, and come you 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.">1Samuel 23:23</a>), had taken careful knowledge of the lurking-places where David was hiding, and were now prepared to act as guides to the well-equipped and disciplined forces under Saul in its marches and counter-marches in the deserts bordering on the south of Judah.<p><span class= "bld">En-gedi.</span>--David and his band were now wandering along a lofty plateau, upon the tops of cliffs some 2,000 feet above the Dead Sea. En-gedi--still known as Ain-jedy, the Fountain of the Kid--is a beautiful oasis, in the barren wilderness to the south of Judah. Its original name was Hazazon Tamar--"The Palm Wood" (see <a href="/2_chronicles/20-2.htm" title="Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There comes a great multitude against you from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi.">2Chronicles 20:2</a>)--and was once an ancient settlement of the Amorites (see <a href="/genesis/14-7.htm" title="And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelled in Hazezontamar.">Genesis 14:7</a>). It has in all ages been a favourite spot with the possessors of the land. King Solomon appears to have paid peculiar attention to this garden of the wilderness. He planted the hills round it with vines; from the fountain flows a warm limpid stream, delicious to the taste. The remains of ancient gardens tell us that in the golden days of the kings En-gedi was probably a favourite resort of the wealthy citizen of Jerusalem. Solpmon, in his "Song of Songs," writes of it in a strain which shows how he loved it, when he compares his beloved "to a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of En-gedi."--<a href="/songs/1-14.htm" title="My beloved is to me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi.">Song of Solomon 1:14</a>. Its present condition, as described by modern travellers, more nearly resembles the En-gedi when Saul hunted David among the rocks and caverns than the En-gedi the resort of the Jerusalem citizens, beautiful with gardens and vines of Solomon.--Conder: <span class= "ital">Tent Life. </span>Dean Stanley and others have described the spot with great care, and left us a vivid picture of the scene. They tell us of the long and weary journey-across the desolate valleys and precipitous barren heights, and of the enchanting scene which lay before them when once Ain-jedy was reached. They describe in flowing language the plentiful and rich vegetation, the trees and fruits, the ruins of the ancient gardens, and remains of the beautiful groves, still inhabited by a multitude of singing birds. In the limestone cliffs are numerous caves, some of them very large and deep, well calculated to be the temporary shelter of large bodies of men. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The wilderness of En-gedi.</span> Finding no safety on the western side of the desert of Judah, where the Ziphites were ever watching his movements, David now boldly crossed this arid waste, and sought shelter in the remarkable oasis of En-gedi, on the shore of the Dead Sea. The word may signify either the Fountain of Luck or the Kid's Spring, the latter being the meaning of the name Ain-Jadi, which it still bears. In <a href="/2_chronicles/20-2.htm">2 Chronicles 20:2</a> it is identified with Hazazon-Tamar, the Palm Wood, an ancient seat of the Amorites, and evidently famous from of old for its fertility (<a href="/genesis/14-7.htm">Genesis 14:7</a>). Conder ('Tent Work,' 2:126) describes the country over which David would have to travel as almost impassable, so that in four and a half hours of hard riding be and his party advanced only six miles, so deep were the valleys which they were obliged to cross. From a lofty peak on their way the view was most extraordinary. On every side were other ridges, equally white, steep, and narrow; their sides seamed by innumerable torrent beds, their summits sharp and rugged in outline. Not a tree was visible, and the whole region was like the dry basin of a former sea, scoured by the rains, and washed down in places to the hard foundation of metamorphic limestone which underlies the whole district. But the desert once crossed, "there is no scene," he says, "more vividly impressed on my memory than that of this magnificently rocky and savage pass, and the view from the spring below." He had encamped on a plateau upon the top of the cliffs, which rise to a height of 2000 feet above the Dead Sea; and 1340 feet below him the warm spring of En-gedi, 83° F., rises from under a great boulder, and dashing down the rest of the descent, flows across the plate at the foot of the cliffs, which is about half a mile square. All around are the ruins of ancient gardens and thickets, among which he saw the beautiful black grackles with gold-tipped wings, bulbuls, and thrushes. Solomon seems to have delighted in the spot, and to have covered the hills with vines; for he compares his beloved to a "cluster of camphire in the vineyards of En-gedi" (<a href="/songs/1-14.htm">Song of Solomon 1:14</a>). Neither palm nor vine is to be found there now, but there is still a rich vegetation, and groves of trees. According to Thomson ('The Land and the Book,' p. 602) the sides of the ravines leading to En-gedi are full of natural and artificial caves and sepulchres. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/24-1.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">After</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֔וּל</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">had returned</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(šāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from pursuing</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאַחֲרֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’a·ḥă·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Philistines,</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(pə·liš·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> </span><span class="str2">Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he was told,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּגִּ֤דוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yag·gi·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָוִ֔ד</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·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">is in the wilderness</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּמִדְבַּ֖ר</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 /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(‘ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">0<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">En-gedi.”</span><br /><span class="heb">גֶּֽדִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(ge·ḏî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5872.htm">Strong's 5872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Engedi -- 'spring of a kid', a place on west shore of the Dead Sea</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/24-1.htm">1 Samuel 24:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/24-1.htm">1 Samuel 24:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/24-1.htm">1 Samuel 24:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/24-1.htm">1 Samuel 24:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/24-1.htm">1 Samuel 24:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/24-1.htm">1 Samuel 24:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/24-1.htm">1 Samuel 24:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/24-1.htm">1 Samuel 24:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/24-1.htm">1 Samuel 24:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/24-1.htm">1 Samuel 24:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 24:1 It happened when Saul was returned (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 23:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 23:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 24:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 24:2" /></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>