Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now Saul heard that David and his men had been discovered. And Saul was seated, spear in hand, under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, with all his officials standing at his side. New Living Translation The news of his arrival in Judah soon reached Saul. At the time, the king was sitting beneath the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, holding his spear and surrounded by his officers. English Standard Version Now Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men who were with him. Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. Berean Standard Bible Soon Saul learned that David and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, with his spear in hand and all his servants standing around him. Berean Literal Bible And Saul heard that David and the men who were with him had become known. And Saul was staying in Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height, and his spear was in his hand, and all his servants were standing around him. King James Bible When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him, (now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him;) New King James Version When Saul heard that David and the men who were with him had been discovered—now Saul was staying in Gibeah under a tamarisk tree in Ramah, with his spear in his hand, and all his servants standing about him— New American Standard Bible Then Saul heard that David and the men who were with him had been discovered. Now Saul was in Gibeah, sitting under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing in front of him. NASB 1995 Then Saul heard that David and the men who were with him had been discovered. Now Saul was sitting in Gibeah, under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing around him. NASB 1977 Then Saul heard that David and the men who were with him had been discovered. Now Saul was sitting in Gibeah, under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing around him. Legacy Standard Bible Then Saul heard that David and the men who were with him had been discovered. Now Saul was sitting in Gibeah, under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing around him. Amplified Bible But Saul heard that David and the men who were with him had been discovered. Now Saul was in Gibeah, sitting under the tamarisk tree on the high place with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing around him. Berean Annotated Bible Soon Saul (desired) learned that David (beloved) and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah (hill), with his spear in hand and all his servants standing around him. Christian Standard Bible Saul heard that David and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was in Gibeah, sitting under the tamarisk tree at the high place. His spear was in his hand, and all his servants were standing around him. Holman Christian Standard Bible Saul heard that David and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was in Gibeah, sitting under the tamarisk tree at the high place. His spear was in his hand, and all his servants were standing around him. American Standard Version And Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him: now Saul was sitting in Gibeah, under the tamarisk-tree in Ramah, with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. Contemporary English Version Saul was sitting under a small tree on top of the hill at Gibeah when he heard that David and his men had been located. Saul was holding his spear, and his officers were standing in front of him. English Revised Version And Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him: now Saul was sitting in Gibeah, under the tamarisk tree in Ramah, with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. GOD'S WORD® Translation Saul heard that David and his men had been found. Saul was staying in Gibeah under the tamarisk tree at the worship site with his spear in his hand and all his officials standing around him. Good News Translation One day Saul was in Gibeah, sitting under a tamarisk tree on a hill, with his spear in his hand, and all his officers were standing around him. He was told that David and his men had been located, International Standard Version When Saul heard that David and the men who were with him had been found, he was sitting in Gibeah, under the tamarisk tree on the hill, with his spear in his hand. All his officials were standing around him. NET Bible But Saul found out the whereabouts of David and the men who were with him. Now Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree at an elevated location with his spear in hand and all his servants stationed around him. New Heart English Bible Saul heard that David had been discovered, and the men who were with him. Now Saul was in Gibeah, sitting under the tamarisk tree at the high place, with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. Webster's Bible Translation When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him, (now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him;) Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSoon Saul learned that David and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, with his spear in hand and all his servants standing around him. World English Bible Saul heard that David was discovered, with the men who were with him. Now Saul was sitting in Gibeah, under the tamarisk tree in Ramah, with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing around him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Saul hears that David has become known, and the men who [are] with him, and Saul is abiding in Gibeah, under the grove in Ramah, and his spear [is] in his hand, and all his servants [are] standing by him. Berean Literal Bible And Saul heard that David and the men who were with him had become known. And Saul was staying in Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height, and his spear was in his hand, and all his servants were standing around him. Young's Literal Translation And Saul heareth that David hath become known, and the men who are with him, and Saul is abiding in Gibeah, under the grove in Ramah, and his spear is in his hand, and all his servants standing by him. Smith's Literal Translation And Saul will hear, for David was known, and the men which were with him. And Saul will dwell in the hill under the tamarisk tree, in Ramah, and his spear in his hand, and all his servants standing over him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Saul heard that David was seen, and the men that were with him. Now whilst Saul abode in Gabaa, and was in the wood, which is by Rama, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him, Catholic Public Domain Version And Saul heard that David, and the men who were with him, had been seen. Now while Saul was staying in Gibeah, and while he was in the forest that is in Ramah, holding a spear in his hand, with all his servants standing around him, New American Bible Now Saul heard that David and his men had been located. At the time he was sitting in Gibeah under a tamarisk tree on the high place, holding his spear, while all his servants stood by him. New Revised Standard Version Saul heard that David and those who were with him had been located. Saul was sitting at Gibeah, under the tamarisk tree on the height, with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing around him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when Saul heard that David was located, and the men who were with him (now Saul was staying in Gibeah under the almond tree in Ramtha, with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him); Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Shaul heard that David was discovered and the men who were with him, and Shaul was staying in Gaba under an almond tree that was in Ramtha, and his scepter spear was in his hand, and all his Servants stood over by him OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him; now Saul was sitting in Gibeah, under the tamarisk-tree in Ramah, with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Saul heard that David was discovered, and his men with him: now Saul dwelt in the hill below the field that is in Rama, and his spear was in his hand, and all his servants stood near him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Saul Slays the Priests of Nob6Soon Saul learned that David and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was in Gibeah, sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, with his spear in hand and all his servants standing around him. 7Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds?… Cross References Soon Saul learned that David and his men had been discovered. 1 Samuel 24:1 After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.” 1 Samuel 26:1 Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding on the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?” 1 Samuel 23:19-20 Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? / Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.” At that time Saul was sitting under the tamarisk tree 1 Samuel 14:2 Meanwhile, Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. And the troops who were with him numbered about six hundred men, 1 Kings 19:4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” Judges 4:5 And she would sit under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, where the Israelites would go up to her for judgment. on the hill at Gibeah, 1 Samuel 10:26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him. 1 Samuel 15:34 Then Samuel went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul. 1 Samuel 11:4 When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, they all wept aloud. with his spear in hand 1 Samuel 19:9-10 But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp, / Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. 1 Samuel 18:10-11 The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, / and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. 1 Samuel 20:33 Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David. and all his servants standing around him. 1 Kings 10:8 How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! 2 Chronicles 9:7 How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the king’s heart was merry with wine, he ordered the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas— 1 Samuel 18:8-9 And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” / And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David. Treasury of Scripture When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him, (now Saul stayed in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him;) tree. 1 Samuel 18:10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand. 1 Samuel 19:9 And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand. 1 Samuel 20:33 And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. Jump to Previous Abiding Abode David Discovered Hand Heard Heareth Height High Hill News Officials Places Ramah Saul Seated Servants Sitting Spear Standing Tamarisk Tamarisk-Tree TreeJump to Next Abiding Abode David Discovered Hand Heard Heareth Height High Hill News Officials Places Ramah Saul Seated Servants Sitting Spear Standing Tamarisk Tamarisk-Tree Tree1 Samuel 22 1. Companies resort unto David at Adullam3. At Mizpeh he commends his parents unto the king of Moab 5. Admonished by Gad, he comes to Hareth, 6. Saul going to pursue him, complains of his servants' unfaithfulness 9. Doeg accuses Ahimelech 11. Saul commands to kill the priests 17. The footmen refusing, Doeg executes it 20. Abiathar escaping, brings David the news Soon Saul learned that David and his men had been discovered. This phrase indicates the ongoing pursuit of David by King Saul. David, anointed by Samuel as the future king, was seen as a threat to Saul's reign. The discovery of David's location highlights the tension and danger David faced. This pursuit is a recurring theme, illustrating Saul's growing paranoia and the divine protection over David. The phrase also sets the stage for the events that follow, showing the relentless nature of Saul's pursuit. At that time Saul was sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah with his spear in hand and all his servants standing around him. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, who was anointed by Samuel but later rejected by God due to his disobedience. At this point in the account, Saul is consumed by jealousy and paranoia regarding David. 2. David The anointed future king of Israel, who is on the run from Saul. David is a central figure in the Bible, known for his faithfulness to God despite his imperfections. 3. Gibeah Saul's hometown and the location of his royal residence. It serves as a strategic and symbolic place of power for Saul. 4. Tamarisk Tree A type of tree often found in the Middle East, symbolizing a place of rest or decision-making. Saul's choice to sit under this tree may indicate a moment of contemplation or plotting. 5. Saul's Servants These individuals represent Saul's court and military advisors, who are present during this moment of tension and potential conflict. Teaching Points The Dangers of Jealousy and ParanoiaSaul's actions are driven by jealousy and fear, leading to destructive behavior. Believers are reminded to guard their hearts against these emotions, which can lead to sin and separation from God. God's Sovereignty in Difficult Times Despite Saul's pursuit, God is in control of David's life. This teaches us to trust in God's plan and timing, even when circumstances seem dire. The Importance of Godly Leadership Saul's failure as a leader highlights the need for leaders to seek God's guidance and remain humble. This is a call for believers to pray for and support godly leadership in their communities. The Role of Community and Support David's men and the support he receives are crucial during his time of need. This emphasizes the importance of Christian fellowship and support in times of trial. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 22:6?2. How does Saul's jealousy in 1 Samuel 22:6 affect his leadership decisions? 3. What role does fear play in Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 22:6? 4. How can we guard against jealousy like Saul's in our own lives? 5. Compare Saul's leadership with David's in other parts of 1 Samuel. 6. How does Saul's behavior in 1 Samuel 22:6 reflect a lack of trust in God? 7. Why was Saul sitting under the tamarisk tree in 1 Samuel 22:6? 8. What does Saul's spear symbolize in 1 Samuel 22:6? 9. How does 1 Samuel 22:6 reflect Saul's leadership style? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 22? 11. In 1 Samuel 11:6, how can an invisible Spirit 'rush upon' Saul and make him so effective in leadership, given a skeptical view of supernatural involvement? 12. Why would God, who had stopped answering Saul (1 Samuel 28:6), allow this forbidden method to convey His message? 13. Why does this text present such severe violence against priests as sanctioned or uninterrupted (1 Samuel 22:19)? 14. Is King Saul considered saved? What Does 1 Samuel 22:6 Mean Soon Saul learned that David and his men had been discovered– The pace is urgent. Fresh intelligence reaches Saul that David is no longer hidden (compare 1 Samuel 22:1–2, where David gathered followers in Adullam). – Saul’s obsession with tracking David has become a defining feature of his reign (1 Samuel 19:1; 1 Samuel 23:7). – The report exposes Saul’s fear of losing the throne promised to another (1 Samuel 15:28; 1 Samuel 18:8–9). – We see the Lord’s providence behind every movement: even when David is “discovered,” God is guiding events for David’s eventual kingship (Psalm 31:15; Romans 8:28). At that time Saul was sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah – Gibeah is Saul’s hometown and royal seat (1 Samuel 10:26). Sitting there signals that Saul feels secure, yet spiritual decay lurks beneath the surface. – The tamarisk tree offers shade, a small picture of earthly comfort contrasting with Saul’s inner turmoil (cf. 1 Samuel 14:2, where Saul previously sat under a pomegranate tree while Jonathan acted in faith). – A hilltop throne might look impressive, but true security comes only from obedience to God (Psalm 20:7; Proverbs 21:31). – Geographical notes subtly remind us that the kingdom is still located in Benjamin, though God is preparing Judah’s David to rule from Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:5). with his spear in hand – The spear is Saul’s signature weapon and symbol of authority, yet it also recalls his repeated attempts to kill David (1 Samuel 18:10–11; 19:9–10). – Gripping the spear suggests paranoia and violence, not shepherd‐like leadership (contrast 2 Samuel 5:2, where David will “shepherd My people Israel”). – The picture foreshadows what Saul is about to do to the priests at Nob (1 Samuel 22:17–19): the hand that holds the spear soon sheds innocent blood. – In Scripture, righteous rulers wield power for protection; unrighteous rulers wield it for control (John 10:11–13; Proverbs 29:2). and all his servants standing around him – A circle of servants emphasizes Saul’s outward power, but their posture also reveals tension; they must await orders they may not agree with (note their hesitation in 1 Samuel 22:17). – Saul’s isolation is growing: he is surrounded, yet alone in spirit, unlike David, who attracts loyal companions (1 Samuel 22:2; 2 Samuel 23:13–17). – The scene contrasts two kinds of kingdoms: one held together by fear, the other by covenant love (1 Samuel 20:16–17). – This snapshot warns leaders today: coercion may gather a crowd, but only godliness gains true allegiance (1 Peter 5:2–3). summary 1 Samuel 22:6 paints a vivid picture of Saul—enthroned in outward splendor but consumed by insecurity. News of David’s whereabouts jolts him, yet he remains rooted to a ceremonial seat beneath a tamarisk, clutching the spear that has become an idol of self-preservation. Servants encircle him, but their presence cannot mask the erosion of his spiritual authority. The verse exposes the emptiness of power divorced from obedience to God and sets the stage for the tragic choices that follow. (6) When Saul heard.--No note of time is here given. Probably the return of David with a disciplined force to the land, and the pitching of an armed camp in the "forest of Hareth," excited anew Saul's jealous fears.Now Saul abode in Gibeah.--In Gibeah of Saul, his own royal city. The LXX. wrongly render, instead of Gibeah, "on the hills." The margin of the English Version, "under a grove in a high place," is correct as regards the later words, baramah signifying here upon the height. "Under a tree" is, however, nearer the original than "under a grove." The literal rendering would be "under a tamarisk tree." The sentence then should run, "Now Saul abode in Gibeah, under the tamarisk tree on the height." The tamarisk, which grows so abundantly on the sea-shore of England and in warmer climates, develops into a very graceful tree, with long feathery branches and tufts. Saul's love for trees has been noticed before. This solemn council of his, when the darkest deed of his reign was decided upon, was held in the spot Saul loved so well, under the spreading tamarisk branches. There we see him, leaning, as was his wont in peace as in war, upon his tall spear, surrounded by his valiant captains, chosen apparently, with one exception, from his own tribe of Benjamin--the exception being his wicked counsellor, the Edomite Doeg, who was over the royal herds. This is one of the earliest councils we have any definite account of in the world's history. The king, surrounded by his chosen "fideles," complaining of the treason of one of them lately exiled from their midst, bewailing the want of fidelity of his son, the heir to the throne--then the stepping forward of one of these "fideles," one invested with high office, and publicly denouncing the chief religious official of the kingdom--forms a striking and vivid picture. Verse 6. - When Saul heard that David was discovered. Hebrew, "was known." The meaning is easy enough, though rendered obscure by the involved translation of the A.V., and is as follows: When Saul heard that there was information concerning David and his men, he held a solemn council, in which we see how simple was the dignity of his court, but how great the ferocity to which he was now a prey. There is no parenthesis, but the account of Saul taking his seat, surrounded by his officers, follows directly upon the narration of the fact that news of David had reached him, and should be translated thus: "And Saul takes his seat in Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height, holding his javelin (as a sceptre) in his hand, and all his officers stand in order by him." For Saul's fondness for trees see ch. 14:2; but at a time when there were no large buildings a branching tree formed a fit place for a numerous meeting. A tree. Really a tamarisk tree, which "sometimes reaches such a size as to afford dense shade .... It is a very graceful tree, with long feathery branches and tufts, closely clad with the minutest of leaves, and surmounted in spring with spikes of beautiful pink blossom" (Tristram, 'Nat. Hist. of Bible,' p. 357). It grows abundantly on the seashore of England, but requires a warmer climate to develope into a tree. In Spain beautiful specimens may be seen, as for instance at Pampeluna. In Ramah. Conder (Handbook) thinks that Gibeah was the name of a district, which included Ramah; others take the word in its original signification, and render "on the height." Standing. The word means that they took each their proper posts around him (See on 1 Samuel 10:23; 12:7, 16; 17:16). Saul was holding a formal court, to decide what steps should be taken now that David had openly revolted from him.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Soon Saulשָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites learned וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע (way·yiš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently that כִּ֚י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction David דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse and his men אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that had been discovered. נוֹדַ֣ע (nō·w·ḏa‘) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know At that time, Saul וְשָׁאוּל֩ (wə·šā·’ūl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites was in Gibeah, בַּגִּבְעָ֜ה (bag·giḇ·‘āh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1390: Gibeah -- 'hill', three cities in Palestine sitting יוֹשֵׁ֨ב (yō·wō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry under תַּֽחַת־ (ta·ḥaṯ-) Preposition Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of the tamarisk tree הָאֶ֤שֶׁל (hā·’e·šel) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 815: A tamarisk tree, a grove of any kind on the hill at Gibeah, בָּֽרָמָה֙ (bā·rā·māh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7413: Height, high place with his spear וַחֲנִית֣וֹ (wa·ḥă·nî·ṯōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2595: A lance in his hand בְיָד֔וֹ (ḇə·yā·ḏōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3027: A hand and all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every his servants עֲבָדָ֖יו (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant standing נִצָּבִ֥ים (niṣ·ṣā·ḇîm) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 5324: To take one's stand, stand around him. עָלָֽיו׃ (‘ā·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Links 1 Samuel 22:6 NIV1 Samuel 22:6 NLT 1 Samuel 22:6 ESV 1 Samuel 22:6 NASB 1 Samuel 22:6 KJV 1 Samuel 22:6 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 22:6 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 22:6 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 22:6 French Bible 1 Samuel 22:6 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 22:6 Saul heard that David was discovered (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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