1 Samuel 23:28
Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֣שָׁב
returned
H7725
וַיָּ֣שָׁב
returned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 15
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
שָׁא֗וּל
Wherefore Saul
H7586
שָׁא֗וּל
Wherefore Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
2 of 15
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
מִרְדֹף֙
from pursuing
H7291
מִרְדֹף֙
from pursuing
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
3 of 15
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
6 of 15
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לִקְרַ֣את
against
H7125
לִקְרַ֣את
against
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
7 of 15
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
the Philistines
H6430
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
8 of 15
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֗ן
H3651
כֵּ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
קָֽרְאוּ֙
therefore they called
H7121
קָֽרְאוּ֙
therefore they called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
11 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
לַמָּק֣וֹם
that place
H4725
לַמָּק֣וֹם
that place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
Historical Context
Naming places after significant events created lasting memorials in Israel's landscape. This rock remained known by this name, reminding later generations of David's narrow escape and God's providential timing through the Philistine invasion.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'rocks of escape' in your life serve as memorials to God's deliverance?
- How do you commemorate God's interventions to strengthen future faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth.
Saul's forced withdrawal provides David's escape. The Hebrew place name 'Sela-hammachelekoth' means 'rock of divisions/escapes' (or 'rock of parting/slipping away'), commemorating this dramatic deliverance. The naming of locations after significant events was common in Israel's history, creating geographical markers of divine faithfulness. Saul 'returned' (shub) from pursuing David—the same verb used for repentance—yet this was merely tactical retreat, not heart change. His grudging response to national duty over personal obsession preserved David while revealing Saul's disordered priorities. The rock of escapes became a memorial to God's deliverance.