1 Samuel 23:27
But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.
Original Language Analysis
וּמַלְאָ֣ךְ
a messenger
H4397
וּמַלְאָ֣ךְ
a messenger
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
1 of 12
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
בָּ֔א
But there came
H935
בָּ֔א
But there came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
2 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
מַֽהֲרָ֣ה
Haste
H4116
מַֽהֲרָ֣ה
Haste
Strong's:
H4116
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
וְלֵ֔כָה
H1980
וְלֵ֔כָה
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
7 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פָשְׁט֥וּ
have invaded
H6584
פָשְׁט֥וּ
have invaded
Strong's:
H6584
Word #:
9 of 12
to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)
פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
for the Philistines
H6430
פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
for the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
10 of 12
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
Historical Context
Philistine incursions were ongoing threats during Saul's reign. The timing of this invasion, precisely when Saul had David surrounded, suggests divine intervention through military circumstances Saul could not ignore without dereliction of duty.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you seen God use external circumstances to deliver you from danger?
- What does this providential timing teach about God's sovereign control over nations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.
Divine providence intervenes through military necessity. The Hebrew 'malak' (messenger) arrives with urgent news—the very enemies Saul ignored while pursuing David now demand attention. The imperative 'haste' (maher) mirrors David's recent urgent flight (v. 26). The Philistine invasion required immediate response; Saul could not continue his personal vendetta while national borders were breached. This providential timing—invasion at the exact moment of encirclement—demonstrates God's sovereign orchestration of geopolitical events to protect His servant. What seemed coincidence was coordination from heaven.