1 Samuel 23:26
And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 24
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְשָׁא֣וּל
And Saul
H7586
וְשָׁא֣וּל
And Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
2 of 24
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
הָהָ֖ר
of the mountain
H2022
הָהָ֖ר
of the mountain
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
4 of 24
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
מִזֶּ֔ה
H2088
וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֛יו
H376
וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֛יו
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 24
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)
הָהָ֖ר
of the mountain
H2022
הָהָ֖ר
of the mountain
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
9 of 24
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
מִזֶּ֑ה
H2088
וַיְהִ֨י
H1961
וַיְהִ֨י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
11 of 24
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
נֶחְפָּ֤ז
made haste
H2648
נֶחְפָּ֤ז
made haste
Strong's:
H2648
Word #:
13 of 24
properly, to start up suddenly, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, to fear
לָלֶ֙כֶת֙
H1980
לָלֶ֙כֶת֙
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
14 of 24
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
מִפְּנֵ֣י
for fear
H6440
מִפְּנֵ֣י
for fear
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
15 of 24
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְשָׁא֣וּל
And Saul
H7586
וְשָׁא֣וּל
And Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
16 of 24
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
וְשָׁא֣וּל
And Saul
H7586
וְשָׁא֣וּל
And Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
17 of 24
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֗יו
H376
וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֗יו
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
18 of 24
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)
עֹֽטְרִ֛ים
compassed
H5849
עֹֽטְרִ֛ים
compassed
Strong's:
H5849
Word #:
19 of 24
to encircle (for attack or protection); especially to crown (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 17:9From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.Revelation 20:9And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.Psalms 22:16For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.Psalms 22:12Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.Psalms 31:22For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.Psalms 17:11They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;2 Corinthians 1:8For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:2 Chronicles 20:12O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.1 Samuel 20:38And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.1 Samuel 19:12So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.
Historical Context
Encirclement tactics were standard for capturing fugitives in mountainous terrain. Saul's larger force could spread to cover escape routes. David's position appeared strategically hopeless—surrounded in wilderness with no apparent means of escape.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you felt completely surrounded by threatening circumstances?
- What does this moment of apparent defeat teach about trusting God's timing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.
The tension reaches its climax. The Hebrew description of opposing sides of the mountain creates vivid imagery—hunter and prey separated only by terrain. David's 'haste' (Hebrew 'bahel') indicates urgent, fearful movement. The phrase 'compassed round about' (Hebrew 'otrim') describes encirclement—Saul's forces were closing in. For the first time, escape seemed impossible. The Hebrew construction emphasizes the apparent hopelessness: David was surrounded, outnumbered, and out of options. Yet this moment of maximum danger would reveal God's deliverance most dramatically. Human extremity creates space for divine intervention.