1 samuel 26:2 - Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 26:2

What does "1 samuel 26:2" mean?


This verse from 1 Samuel 26:2 describes Saul, the King of Israel, resuming his relentless pursuit of David. Let's break it down:

"Then Saul arose...": This indicates that after a previous event (likely a period where he wasn't actively pursuing David), Saul is once again taking action.

"...and went down to the wilderness of Ziph...": Saul travels to the wilderness of Ziph, a desolate and sparsely populated area in the southern part of Judah. This is where David and his men are known to be hiding. "Went down" often refers to a geographical descent, as the wilderness was a lower elevation than other parts of Israel.

"...having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him...": Saul brings a substantial military force – 3,000 of Israel's best soldiers – to capture David. This highlights the extent of Saul's obsession and the resources he's willing to expend to eliminate David, whom he perceives as a threat to his throne.

"...to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.": This clearly states Saul's intention: he's actively hunting David within the wilderness area. The purpose of this elaborate expedition is to find and capture (and likely kill) David.

In essence, the verse portrays Saul as determined, paranoid, and consumed by his fear of David. He musters a large military force to hunt David in a remote location, showcasing the desperate measures he's taking to maintain his power. It underscores the strained relationship between Saul and David and foreshadows further conflict.

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