1 Samuel 23:15
And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣רְא
saw
H7200
וַיַּ֣רְא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָצָ֥א
was come out
H3318
יָצָ֥א
was come out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
4 of 12
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
לְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
to seek
H1245
לְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
to seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
6 of 12
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ
his life
H5315
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ
his life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
בְּמִדְבַּר
was in the wilderness
H4057
בְּמִדְבַּר
was in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
10 of 12
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
Historical Context
Forested areas in the wilderness of Ziph were rare but existed in certain locations. The 'wood' (choresh) provided concealment but also limited escape routes. David's knowledge of local terrain proved essential for survival during these years.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain faith when you clearly see that powerful forces seek your destruction?
- What does David's wilderness hiding teach about seasons of concealment before exaltation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
David's awareness of danger remained acute. The Hebrew 'vayar' (saw/perceived) indicates clear understanding of his situation—Saul sought 'his life' (naphsho), not merely his capture. The specific location 'in a wood' (Hebrew 'bachoresh') describes forested area within the wilderness, providing concealment. David's situation combined multiple dangers: the hostile wilderness, Saul's pursuit, and the psychological burden of continuous flight. Yet even in the wood, David was not alone—God's protection continued, and Jonathan's visit (v. 16) would soon encourage him. This verse sets the scene for one of Scripture's most tender friendship moments.