New International Version Then Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why they call this place Sela Hammahlekoth. New Living Translation So Saul quit chasing David and returned to fight the Philistines. Ever since that time, the place where David was camped has been called the Rock of Escape. English Standard Version So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape. Berean Standard Bible So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth. Berean Literal Bible And Saul returned from pursuing after David, and he went against the Philistines. Upon thus they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth. King James Bible Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth. New King James Version Therefore Saul returned from pursuing David, and went against the Philistines; so they called that place the Rock of Escape. New American Standard Bible So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to confront the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Division. NASB 1995 So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape. NASB 1977 So Saul returned from pursuing David, and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape. Legacy Standard Bible So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape. Amplified Bible So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape. Berean Annotated Bible So Saul (desired) broke off his pursuit of David (beloved) and went to meet the Philistines (immigrants). That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth (Rock of Escape). Christian Standard Bible So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to engage the Philistines. Therefore, that place was named the Rock of Separation. Holman Christian Standard Bible So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to engage the Philistines. Therefore, that place was named the Rock of Separation. American Standard Version So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth. Contemporary English Version Saul stopped going after David and went back to fight the Philistines. That's why the place is called "Escape Rock." English Revised Version So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth. GOD'S WORD® Translation Saul gave up pursuing David and went to fight the Philistines. So that place was called Slippery Rock. Good News Translation So Saul stopped pursuing David and went to fight the Philistines. That is why that place is called Separation Hill. International Standard Version So Saul turned around from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines. Therefore, they call that place the Rock of Escape. NET Bible So Saul stopped pursuing David and went to confront the Philistines. Therefore that place is called Sela Hammahlekoth. New Heart English Bible So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines. Therefore they called that place Rock of Divisions. Webster's Bible Translation Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammah-lekoth. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth. World English Bible So Saul returned from pursuing David, and went against the Philistines. Therefore they called that place Sela Hammahlekoth. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Saul turns back from pursuing after David, and goes to meet the Philistines, therefore they have called that place “The Rock of Divisions.” Berean Literal Bible And Saul returned from pursuing after David, and he went against the Philistines. Upon thus they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth. Young's Literal Translation And Saul turneth back from pursuing after David, and goeth to meet the Philistines, therefore they have called that place 'The Rock of Divisions.' Smith's Literal Translation And Saul will turn back from pursuing after David, and he will go to meet the rovers: for this they called that place the Rock of Escapes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWherefore Saul returned, leaving the pursuit of David, and went to meet the Philistines. For this cause they called that place, the Rock of division. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, Saul turned back, ceasing in the pursuit of David, and he traveled to meet the Philistines. For this reason, they called that place, the Rock of Division. New American Bible Saul interrupted his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. This is how that place came to be called the Rock of Divisions. New Revised Standard Version So Saul stopped pursuing David, and went against the Philistines; therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWherefore Saul returned from pursuing David, and went against the Philistines; therefore they called that land the Division of Sinar. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Shaul returned from after David, and he went on to meet the Philistines, because of this, they called that land Senar Palgutha OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines; therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth. Brenton Septuagint Translation So Saul returned from following after David, and went to meet the Philistines: therefore that place was called The divided Rock. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Saul Pursues David…27Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!” 28So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth. 29And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En-gedi.… Cross References So Saul broke off his pursuit of David 1 Samuel 27:4 And when Saul learned that David had fled to Gath, he no longer searched for him. 1 Samuel 26:21-25 Then Saul replied, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. I will never harm you again, because today you considered my life precious. I have played the fool and have committed a grave error!” / “Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of the young men come over and get it. / May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. … 1 Samuel 24:16-17 When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud / and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. and went to meet the Philistines. 1 Samuel 13:5-7 Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven. / Seeing that they were in danger because their troops were hard-pressed, the men of Israel hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in cellars and cisterns. / Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul, however, remained at Gilgal, and all his troops were quaking in fear. 1 Samuel 14:52 And the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him. 1 Samuel 28:4 The Philistines gathered together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth. 2 Samuel 5:20 So David went to Baal-perazim, where he defeated the Philistines and said, “Like a bursting flood, the LORD has burst out against my enemies before me.” So he called that place Baal-perazim. Genesis 28:19 and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz. Genesis 32:30 So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” Psalm 18:17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me. Psalm 54:3-7 For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah / Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. / He will reward my enemies with evil. In Your faithfulness, destroy them. … Psalm 124:7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the net is torn, and we have slipped away. 2 Samuel 22:1 And David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. 2 Samuel 5:17-25 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” … 2 Kings 6:8-12 Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” / Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” / So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. … 2 Kings 19:9 Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “Look, he has set out to fight against you.” So Sennacherib again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, Treasury of Scripture Why Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth. Sela-hammahlekoth. Jump to Previous David Divisions Escape Meet Philistines Pursuing Pursuit Rock Saul Sela Turneth Turning WhereforeJump to Next David Divisions Escape Meet Philistines Pursuing Pursuit Rock Saul Sela Turneth Turning Wherefore1 Samuel 23 1. David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah7. God showing him the coming of Saul, and the treachery of the Keilites, 13. he escapes from Keilah 14. In Ziph Jonathan comes and comforts him 19. The Ziphites discover him to Saul 25. At Maon he is rescued from Saul by the invasion of the Philistines 29. He dwells at En Gedi So Saul broke off his pursuit of David Saul had nearly trapped David in the wilderness of Maon, but the threat from the Philistines required his immediate attention. David’s escape came at the critical moment, preserving the man God had chosen to succeed Saul. 1Sa 27:4 And when Saul learned that David had fled to Gath,… and went to meet the Philistines. Philistine raids posed a direct danger to Israel’s towns and territory, calling Saul back to his duty as king. Their attack diverted him from David and ended the immediate pursuit. 1Sa 13:5-7 Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel… That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth. The site became known as the Rock of Escape, remembering the place where Saul’s pursuit was interrupted and David was delivered from danger. 2Sa 5:20 So David went to Baal-perazim, where he defeated… Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, who was pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 2. David The anointed future king of Israel, who was fleeing from Saul's attempts to kill him. 3. Philistines A perennial enemy of Israel, whose threat diverted Saul's attention from pursuing David. 4. Rock of Escape The location where David found refuge from Saul's pursuit, symbolizing God's deliverance. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in DeliveranceJust as God intervened to protect David by redirecting Saul, He is sovereign over our circumstances and can provide unexpected deliverance. Trust in God's Timing David's experience teaches us to trust in God's timing and provision, even when pursued by adversities. Naming and Remembering God's Faithfulness The naming of the Rock of Escape serves as a reminder to commemorate and remember God's faithfulness in our lives. Divine Distractions Sometimes God uses external circumstances, like the Philistine threat, to divert our enemies and protect us. Spiritual Refuge Just as David found physical refuge, we are called to seek spiritual refuge in God, our Rock and Fortress. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 23:28?2. How does 1 Samuel 23:28 demonstrate God's protection over David's life? 3. What can we learn about God's timing from 1 Samuel 23:28? 4. How does 1 Samuel 23:28 connect with Psalm 18:2 about God's deliverance? 5. How can we trust God's intervention in our struggles, like David in 1 Samuel? 6. What practical steps can we take to rely on God's protection daily? 7. Why did Saul stop pursuing David in 1 Samuel 23:28? 8. What does the name "Sela-hammahlekoth" signify in 1 Samuel 23:28? 9. How does 1 Samuel 23:28 demonstrate God's protection over David? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 23? (28) Sela-hammahlekoth.--Literally, as in the margin of our Bibles, the rock (or, still better, the cliff) of divisions. Other scholars, with greater reason, prefer the derivation from a Hebrew word signifying to be smooth--the cliff of smoothness: that is, of slipping away or escaping. Ewald rather fancifully interprets the term as the "Cliff of Destiny or of Fate."1 Samuel 23:28 shows God halting Saul’s hunt, diverting him through an enemy incursion, and stamping the scene with a name that forever testifies to divine rescue. The verse assures us that the Lord can abruptly end threats, orchestrate circumstances for our good, and invites us to remember His interventions so faith stays vibrant for the battles ahead. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Saulשָׁא֗וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites broke off וַיָּ֣שָׁב (way·yā·šāḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again his pursuit מִרְדֹף֙ (mir·ḏōp̄) Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute of David דָוִ֔ד (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse and went וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to meet לִקְרַ֣את (liq·raṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7122: To encounter, befall the Philistines. פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia That is why עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against that הַה֔וּא (ha·hū) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are place לַמָּק֣וֹם (lam·mā·qō·wm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition is called קָֽרְאוּ֙ (qā·rə·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read the Rock of Escape. הַֽמַּחְלְקֽוֹת׃ (ham·maḥ·lə·qō·wṯ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5555: Sela-ham-Machlekoth Additonal Resources 1 Samuel 23:28 Blue Letter Bible1 Samuel 23:28 Bible Gateway 1 Samuel 23:28 Bible.com 1 Samuel 23:28 NIV |
    |