Betrayed in the Wilderness of Ziph

Two friends in the wilderness, and a chase around a mountain

Wilderness of Ziph · c. 1016 BC · 1 Sam 23:14–29

Story

David moved from stronghold to stronghold in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. Saul searched for him every day, but God did not give David into his hands. Then Saul's son Jonathan came to find David at Horesh. Jonathan took David's hand and said, “Don't be afraid. My father's hand will not find you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you.” The two made a covenant before the Lord and parted. It was the last time they would meet.

But the Ziphites of that land went up to Gibeah and informed Saul: “Isn't David hiding among us, in the strongholds on the hill of Hachilah?” Saul blessed them and said, “You have had compassion on me. Go and find out every place where he hides.” Saul led his troops all the way down to the wilderness of Maon.

Saul went along one side of the mountain, David along the other. David hurried to get away, while Saul's men closed in around him. He was on the point of being caught. Just then a messenger ran up to Saul: “Come back quickly! The Philistines have raided the land.” Saul turned back. That is why the place was called Sela-hammahlekoth, the Rock of Parting. Of that day David sang, “Save me, O God, by your name.”

Words of God and David

Don't be afraid. The hand of my father Saul will not find you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you.

Isn't David hiding among us, in the strongholds at Horesh on the hill of Hachilah, south of Jeshimon?

May the Lord bless you, for you have had compassion on me.

Come back quickly! The Philistines have raided the land.

The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: 1 Sam 23:14–29

Background

Pause and Reflect