1 Samuel 23:25
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
שָׁא֔וּל
And when Saul
H7586
שָׁא֔וּל
And when Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
2 of 18
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
וַֽאֲנָשָׁיו֮
H376
וַֽאֲנָשָׁיו֮
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 18
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לְבַקֵּשׁ֒
to seek
H1245
לְבַקֵּשׁ֒
to seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
4 of 18
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ
him And they told
H5046
וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ
him And they told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
וַיֵּ֣רֶד
wherefore he came down
H3381
וַיֵּ֣רֶד
wherefore he came down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
7 of 18
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
הַסֶּ֔לַע
into a rock
H5553
הַסֶּ֔לַע
into a rock
Strong's:
H5553
Word #:
8 of 18
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב
and abode
H3427
וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב
and abode
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
מִדְבַּ֥ר
in the wilderness
H4057
מִדְבַּ֥ר
in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
10 of 18
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
מָעֽוֹן׃
of Maon
H4584
מָעֽוֹן׃
of Maon
Strong's:
H4584
Word #:
11 of 18
maon, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע
heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
12 of 18
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
שָׁא֔וּל
And when Saul
H7586
שָׁא֔וּל
And when Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
13 of 18
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
וַיִּרְדֹּ֥ף
that he pursued
H7291
וַיִּרְדֹּ֥ף
that he pursued
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
14 of 18
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
אַחֲרֵֽי
after
H310
אַחֲרֵֽי
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
Historical Context
The rocky terrain of the Maon wilderness contained numerous caves and crevices providing natural hiding places. David's ability to receive timely intelligence suggests a network of sympathizers who reported Saul's movements despite the king's power.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you position yourself defensively during seasons of spiritual attack?
- What role does community support (like David's informants) play in navigating persecution?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
The pursuit intensifies as both parties maneuver. David's intelligence network ('they told David') continued functioning, providing warning of Saul's movements. His response—descending 'into a rock' (Hebrew 'hasela')—describes moving into rocky terrain offering natural fortification. The Hebrew 'vayered' (came down) indicates defensive positioning. Saul's pursuit 'after David' (acharei David) mirrors Jonathan's earlier journey 'after David' (v. 16)—the same preposition describes opposite intentions. The wilderness of Maon became the arena for a deadly chase, with David's survival depending on terrain, intelligence, and divine protection.