This verse, 1 Samuel 23:29, is a brief summary of David's activities as he's being pursued by King Saul. It tells us:
"David went up from there...": This implies David was previously in a different location, running and hiding from Saul. The previous verses (1 Samuel 23:27-28) describe David and his men being in the vicinity of Maon, and almost being captured by Saul, but Saul had to leave to attend to an invasion of the Philistines.
"...and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi.": This indicates David sought refuge in En Gedi.
En Gedi: En Gedi is an oasis located on the western shore of the Dead Sea. It's characterized by caves, cliffs, and difficult terrain.
Strongholds: These are fortified places or natural defenses like caves, high places, or difficult terrain. The rugged terrain of En Gedi made it a good place to hide and defend against attack. David likely used natural caves and rock formations as his "strongholds".
"...lived...": This suggests that David stayed in En Gedi for some time, using it as a base of operations while evading Saul.
Therefore, the verse means that David, fleeing from King Saul, moved from the area near Maon and found refuge and a place to live in the fortified and easily defensible areas of En Gedi.
Significance:
David's flight: This verse continues the narrative of David's desperate situation, constantly on the run and seeking safe havens.
En Gedi as a Refuge: It highlights the strategic importance of En Gedi as a place of refuge, where its natural defenses provided protection for David and his men.
Foreshadowing: En Gedi will be the setting for one of the most famous accounts of David's faithfulness to Saul, when David spares Saul's life in a cave.
This verse, 1 Samuel 23:29, is a brief summary of David's activities as he's being pursued by King Saul. It tells us:
"David went up from there...": This implies David was previously in a different location, running and hiding from Saul. The previous verses (1 Samuel 23:27-28) describe David and his men being in the vicinity of Maon, and almost being captured by Saul, but Saul had to leave to attend to an invasion of the Philistines.
"...and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi.": This indicates David sought refuge in En Gedi.
En Gedi: En Gedi is an oasis located on the western shore of the Dead Sea. It's characterized by caves, cliffs, and difficult terrain.
Strongholds: These are fortified places or natural defenses like caves, high places, or difficult terrain. The rugged terrain of En Gedi made it a good place to hide and defend against attack. David likely used natural caves and rock formations as his "strongholds".
"...lived...": This suggests that David stayed in En Gedi for some time, using it as a base of operations while evading Saul.
Therefore, the verse means that David, fleeing from King Saul, moved from the area near Maon and found refuge and a place to live in the fortified and easily defensible areas of En Gedi.
Significance:
David's flight: This verse continues the narrative of David's desperate situation, constantly on the run and seeking safe havens.
En Gedi as a Refuge: It highlights the strategic importance of En Gedi as a place of refuge, where its natural defenses provided protection for David and his men.
Foreshadowing: En Gedi will be the setting for one of the most famous accounts of David's faithfulness to Saul, when David spares Saul's life in a cave.