1 Samuel 23:14
And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
abode
H3427
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
abode
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בְּמִדְבַּר
in the wilderness
H4057
בְּמִדְבַּר
in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
3 of 16
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
abode
H3427
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
abode
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בָּהָ֖ר
in a mountain
H2022
בָּהָ֖ר
in a mountain
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
6 of 16
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
בְּמִדְבַּר
in the wilderness
H4057
בְּמִדְבַּר
in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
7 of 16
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
זִ֑יף
of Ziph
H2128
זִ֑יף
of Ziph
Strong's:
H2128
Word #:
8 of 16
ziph, the name of a place in palestine; also of an israelite
וַיְבַקְשֵׁ֤הוּ
sought
H1245
וַיְבַקְשֵׁ֤הוּ
sought
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
9 of 16
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַיָּמִ֔ים
him every day
H3117
הַיָּמִ֔ים
him every day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
12 of 16
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נְתָנ֥וֹ
delivered
H5414
נְתָנ֥וֹ
delivered
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
14 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Psalms 32:7Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.Joshua 15:24Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,Joshua 15:55Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah,Romans 8:31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?2 Timothy 3:11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
Historical Context
The wilderness of Ziph contained numerous caves and rocky outcrops ideal for hiding. The Judean wilderness, with its deep wadis and barren hills, allowed small bands to survive through mobility and local knowledge. Saul's larger forces were disadvantaged in this terrain.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's protection change your perspective on persistent threats?
- What does 'God delivered him not' teach about divine sovereignty over human pursuit?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.
The contrast between Saul's constant pursuit and God's constant protection frames David's wilderness years. The Hebrew 'metsadot' (strongholds) describes natural fortifications—caves and rocky positions offering defensive advantage. The wilderness of Ziph, southeast of Hebron, provided rugged terrain favoring evasion over pursuit. The phrase 'Saul sought him every day' (kol-hayamim) emphasizes the relentless hunt. Yet the theological summary—'God delivered him not into his hand'—attributes David's survival to divine protection rather than human skill. God's sovereignty overshadowed both Saul's determination and David's tactics.