1 Samuel 26:13
Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them:
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֤ר
went over
H5674
וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֤ר
went over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
1 of 11
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
הָעֵ֔בֶר
to the other side
H5676
הָעֵ֔בֶר
to the other side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֥ד
and stood
H5975
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֥ד
and stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
4 of 11
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹאשׁ
on the top
H7218
רֹאשׁ
on the top
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
6 of 11
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הָהָ֖ר
of an hill
H2022
הָהָ֖ר
of an hill
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
7 of 11
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
מֵֽרָחֹ֑ק
afar off
H7350
מֵֽרָחֹ֑ק
afar off
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
8 of 11
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
רַ֥ב
a great
H7227
רַ֥ב
a great
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
9 of 11
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Historical Context
The Judean wilderness contains numerous hills and valleys that create natural amphitheaters where sound carries remarkably well. Military communications across such terrain were common in ancient warfare. The distance David maintained prevented any immediate pursuit while enabling dialogue.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain appropriate boundaries while still speaking truth to those who have wronged you?
- What role does physical or emotional distance play in healthy confrontation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
David's strategic withdrawal to 'the top of an hill afar off' with 'a great space being between them' demonstrates military wisdom combined with moral courage. The distance ensured physical safety while allowing his voice to carry across the valley, a common means of communication in mountainous terrain. This positioning reflects David's consistent pattern: confronting injustice verbally while refusing to execute vengeance personally, leaving judgment to God while proclaiming truth.