1 samuel 23:19 - Then the Ziphites came up to Saul to Gibeah, saying, “Doesn’t David hide himself with us in the strongholds in the woods, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of the desert?
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What does "1 samuel 23:19" mean?
This verse describes a pivotal moment of betrayal and pursuit in the David and Saul saga. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Then the Ziphites came up to Saul to Gibeah..."
The Ziphites were inhabitants of Ziph, a town in the territory of Judah. They were ostensibly fellow Israelites.
Gibeah was Saul's hometown and often his base of operations. The Ziphites traveled there specifically to meet with Saul. This indicates a deliberate and planned action.
"...saying, “Doesn’t David hide himself with us..."
The Ziphites were essentially informing on David to Saul. They were revealing his location, effectively turning him in.
"...in the strongholds in the woods, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of the desert?"
This part specifies the exact location where David and his men were hiding.
"Strongholds in the woods" suggests a defensive position, likely caves or fortified areas within a forested region.
"Hill of Hachilah" is a more precise geographical marker.
"South of the desert" (likely the Judean Desert) further pinpoints the area, helping Saul locate David.
In essence, this verse describes the Ziphites betraying David to Saul, providing Saul with detailed information about David's hiding place so that Saul could pursue and capture him.
Significance:
Betrayal: The Ziphites' actions highlight the intense political and personal tensions of the time. David, though anointed to be the next king, was being hunted by the current king, Saul, who saw him as a threat. The Ziphites chose to side with Saul, motivated by fear, loyalty, or perhaps the hope of reward.
David's Vulnerability: It emphasizes David's precarious situation. He was constantly on the run, relying on the loyalty of a few and vulnerable to betrayal from many.
Saul's Obsession: It shows the extent of Saul's paranoia and his determination to eliminate David. He was actively seeking information to track David down, even using informants from distant towns.
Divine Providence: Despite the Ziphites' betrayal, the Bible depicts God's protection over David. This passage sets the stage for continued episodes of David narrowly escaping Saul's grasp, often attributed to divine intervention. It is part of the narrative that paints David's path to kingship as divinely ordained.
1 samuel 23:19 - Then the Ziphites came up to Saul to Gibeah, saying, “Doesn’t David hide himself with us in the strongholds in the woods, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of the desert?
What does "1 samuel 23:19" mean?
This verse describes a pivotal moment of betrayal and pursuit in the David and Saul saga. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Then the Ziphites came up to Saul to Gibeah..."
The Ziphites were inhabitants of Ziph, a town in the territory of Judah. They were ostensibly fellow Israelites.
Gibeah was Saul's hometown and often his base of operations. The Ziphites traveled there specifically to meet with Saul. This indicates a deliberate and planned action.
"...saying, “Doesn’t David hide himself with us..."
The Ziphites were essentially informing on David to Saul. They were revealing his location, effectively turning him in.
"...in the strongholds in the woods, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of the desert?"
This part specifies the exact location where David and his men were hiding.
"Strongholds in the woods" suggests a defensive position, likely caves or fortified areas within a forested region.
"Hill of Hachilah" is a more precise geographical marker.
"South of the desert" (likely the Judean Desert) further pinpoints the area, helping Saul locate David.
In essence, this verse describes the Ziphites betraying David to Saul, providing Saul with detailed information about David's hiding place so that Saul could pursue and capture him.
Significance:
Betrayal: The Ziphites' actions highlight the intense political and personal tensions of the time. David, though anointed to be the next king, was being hunted by the current king, Saul, who saw him as a threat. The Ziphites chose to side with Saul, motivated by fear, loyalty, or perhaps the hope of reward.
David's Vulnerability: It emphasizes David's precarious situation. He was constantly on the run, relying on the loyalty of a few and vulnerable to betrayal from many.
Saul's Obsession: It shows the extent of Saul's paranoia and his determination to eliminate David. He was actively seeking information to track David down, even using informants from distant towns.
Divine Providence: Despite the Ziphites' betrayal, the Bible depicts God's protection over David. This passage sets the stage for continued episodes of David narrowly escaping Saul's grasp, often attributed to divine intervention. It is part of the narrative that paints David's path to kingship as divinely ordained.