1 Samuel 26:3
And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּ֨חַן
pitched
H2583
וַיִּ֨חַן
pitched
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּנֵ֥י
which is before
H6440
פְּנֵ֥י
which is before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 19
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַדָּ֑רֶךְ
by the way
H1870
הַדָּ֑רֶךְ
by the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
10 of 19
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
יֹשֵׁ֣ב
abode
H3427
יֹשֵׁ֣ב
abode
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
הַמִּדְבָּֽרָה׃
him into the wilderness
H4057
הַמִּדְבָּֽרָה׃
him into the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
13 of 19
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
וַיַּ֕רְא
and he saw
H7200
וַיַּ֕רְא
and he saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
14 of 19
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
15 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
The hill of Hachilah overlooked the road leading through the wilderness of Ziph toward the Dead Sea. This strategic location allowed both surveillance and escape routes. The term 'Jeshimon' (wasteland) refers to the barren wilderness stretching toward the Dead Sea rift valley.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain spiritual vigilance without giving way to fear and anxiety?
- In what ways has God used wilderness seasons to develop your faith?
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Analysis & Commentary
The geographical details establish the stage for another dramatic confrontation between Saul and David. The phrase 'David abode in the wilderness' (Hebrew: 'yashab bamidbar') suggests a settled, watchful waiting rather than panicked flight. David's awareness that Saul pursued him demonstrates his vigilance without paranoia, maintaining a posture of wise caution while trusting God's protection. The wilderness becomes both a place of danger and a training ground for faith.