1 Samuel 23:29
And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at En-gedi.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֥עַל
went up
H5927
וַיַּ֥עַל
went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
1 of 7
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
מִשָּׁ֑ם
H8033
וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב
from thence and dwelt
H3427
וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב
from thence and dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Cross References
2 Chronicles 20:2Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazon-tamar, which is En-gedi.Joshua 15:62And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and En-gedi; six cities with their villages.Ezekiel 47:10And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from En-gedi even unto En-eglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.Song of Solomon 1:14My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of En-gedi.
Historical Context
En-gedi remains an oasis today, with springs producing significant water flow in the arid wilderness. The numerous caves in its limestone cliffs provided hiding places. The ibex (wild goats) that gave the place its name still inhabit the area.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God led you to places of both refuge and character development?
- What does David's movement to En-gedi teach about finding sustainable positions in long trials?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at En-gedi.
David relocates to En-gedi, an oasis near the Dead Sea. The Hebrew 'metsadot' (strongholds) again describes natural fortifications—the area's caves and cliffs provided excellent defensive positions. En-gedi ('spring of the goat/kid') offered precious water in the wilderness, enabling extended habitation. This move to the Dead Sea region put greater distance between David and Saul's base in Benjamin. The phrase 'went up from thence' suggests strategic relocation rather than panicked flight. En-gedi would become the setting for David's famous sparing of Saul's life (chapter 24), demonstrating that God brought David to locations where his character would be tested and proved.