1 Samuel 27:4
And it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again for him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֻּגַּ֣ד
And it was told
H5046
וַיֻּגַּ֣ד
And it was told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָוֹסַ֥ף
no more again
H3254
יָוֹסַ֥ף
no more again
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
8 of 10
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
Historical Context
Saul's abandonment of the pursuit likely reflected both the political reality that attacking Philistine territory risked war and Saul's declining mental and physical condition. The final years of Saul's reign were marked by increasing desperation and isolation.
Questions for Reflection
- When has achieving safety required accepting situations that troubled your conscience?
- How do you evaluate whether the price of security is too high?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The narrative tersely reports the end of Saul's pursuit: 'he sought no more again for him.' The Hebrew 'yasaph' (continued) with negative implies permanent cessation. David's strategy achieved its immediate goal: safety from Saul. Yet this safety came at the cost of exile from the promised land, service to pagans, and moral compromise. The verse marks a turning point in the narrative; Saul's energy will now focus on the Philistine threat that will ultimately destroy him.