1 samuel 23:20 - Now therefore, O king, come down. According to all the desire of your soul to come down; and our part will be to deliver him up into the king’s hand.”

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 23:20

What does "1 samuel 23:20" mean?


This verse, 1 Samuel 23:20, is part of a longer passage describing the situation where David is being hunted by King Saul. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

"Now therefore, O king, come down." The speakers are the Ziphites, residents of a town called Ziph, who have betrayed David's hiding place to King Saul. They are urging Saul to come to Ziph.

"According to all the desire of your soul to come down..." This highlights the Ziphites' understanding of Saul's relentless pursuit of David. They know Saul is eager to capture David and they're encouraging him to follow through.

"...and our part will be to deliver him up into the king’s hand.” This is the crux of their treachery. They promise to capture David and hand him over to Saul. They are essentially becoming Saul's accomplices in his unjust pursuit of David.

In essence, the verse reveals the Ziphites' willingness to betray David to King Saul in order to curry favor with the king. They are offering to deliver David into Saul's power.

Contextual Significance

Contrast with Loyalty: The Ziphites' actions stand in stark contrast to the loyalty and protection that David received from others, like Jonathan (Saul's son) and Ahimelech the priest.
Moral Implications: It emphasizes the moral decay and political intrigue of the time. People were willing to betray even those who sought refuge with them for personal gain or to please the king.
David's Plight: It underscores the danger and isolation David faced as a fugitive. He was constantly hunted, even by those who should have offered him sanctuary.
God's Protection: Despite the betrayal, it's important to note that David ultimately escapes Saul because of God's protection. The Bible often highlights how even in the face of human treachery, God can intervene to protect his chosen people.

What categories does "1 samuel 23:20" have?