1 Samuel 23:22
Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly.
Original Language Analysis
לְכוּ
H1980
לְכוּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 20
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
נָ֞א
H4994
נָ֞א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
2 of 20
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
הָכִ֣ינוּ
I pray you prepare
H3559
הָכִ֣ינוּ
I pray you prepare
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
ע֗וֹד
H5750
ע֗וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
וּדְע֤וּ
yet and know
H3045
וּדְע֤וּ
yet and know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 20
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
רָאָ֖הוּ
and see
H7200
רָאָ֖הוּ
and see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 20
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מְקוֹמוֹ֙
his place
H4725
מְקוֹמוֹ֙
his place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
8 of 20
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)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
רַגְל֔וֹ
where his haunt
H7272
רַגְל֔וֹ
where his haunt
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
11 of 20
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
מִ֥י
H4310
מִ֥י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
12 of 20
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
רָאָ֖הוּ
and see
H7200
רָאָ֖הוּ
and see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
13 of 20
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
שָׁ֑ם
H8033
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
15 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עָר֥וֹם
me that he dealeth very
H6191
עָר֥וֹם
me that he dealeth very
Strong's:
H6191
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, to be (or make) bare; but used only in the derivative sense (through the idea perhaps of smoothness) to be cunning (usually in a bad sense)
יַעְרִ֖ם
H6196
Historical Context
Saul's military experience informed his methodical approach. Reconnaissance before engagement was standard military practice. His acknowledgment of David's subtlety reflected the fugitive's successful evasion over an extended period.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Saul's acknowledgment of David's craftiness teach about how enemies sometimes recognize abilities we might doubt?
- How should we view the skills God gives us for navigating difficult circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly.
Saul's instructions reveal both his obsession and his grudging respect for David's abilities. The Hebrew 'arum ya'arim' (dealing very subtilly/craftily) acknowledges David's tactical skill. The multiple imperatives—'go,' 'prepare,' 'know,' 'see'—demand thorough reconnaissance. Saul wants David's 'haunt' (regel—literally 'foot,' meaning regular path) mapped precisely. His request for witnesses ('who hath seen him there') seeks multiple confirmations. Despite his paranoia, Saul correctly assessed David's capabilities, knowing that careless pursuit would fail. Even enemies sometimes speak truth about our abilities.