1 Samuel 23:26 Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them.

Bible > 1 Samuel > Chapter 23 > Verse 26

◄ 1 Samuel 23:26 ►

New International Version
Saul was going along one side of the mountain, and David and his men were on the other side, hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his forces were closing in on David and his men to capture them,

New Living Translation
Saul and David were now on opposite sides of a mountain. Just as Saul and his men began to close in on David and his men,

English Standard Version
Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. And David was hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them,

Berean Standard Bible
Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them.

King James Bible
And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

New King James Version
Then Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. So David made haste to get away from Saul, for Saul and his men were encircling David and his men to take them.

New American Standard Bible
Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain; and David was hurrying to get away from Saul, while Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men to apprehend them.

NASB 1995
Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain; and David was hurrying to get away from Saul, for Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men to seize them.

NASB 1977
And Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain; and David was hurrying to get away from Saul, for Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men to seize them.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain; and David was hurrying to get away from Saul, but Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men to seize them.

Amplified Bible
Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. And David was hurrying to get away from Saul, for Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men to capture them.

Christian Standard Bible
Saul went along one side of the mountain and David and his men went along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away from Saul, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Saul went along one side of the mountain and David and his men went along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away from Saul, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them.

American Standard Version
And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

Contemporary English Version
Saul was going around a hill on one side, and David and his men were on the other side, trying to get away. Saul and his soldiers were just about to capture David and his men,

English Revised Version
And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men went on the other side of the mountain. David was hurrying to get away from Saul, and Saul and his men were going around [the mountain] toward David and his men, trying to capture them.

Good News Translation
Saul and his men were on one side of the hill, separated from David and his men, who were on the other side. They were hurrying to get away from Saul and his men, who were closing in on them and were about to capture them.

International Standard Version
Saul went on one side of the mountain while David and his men went on the other side of the mountain. David was hurrying to get away from Saul while Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them.

Majority Standard Bible
Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them.

NET Bible
Saul went on one side of the mountain, while David and his men went on the other side of the mountain. David was hurrying to get away from Saul, but Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men so they could capture them.

New Heart English Bible
And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain. And David was hurrying to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men surrounded David and his men to take them.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men around to take them.

World English Bible
Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain; and David hurried to get away for fear of Saul, for Saul and his men surrounded David and his men to take them.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Saul goes on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain, and David is hurried to go from the face of Saul, and Saul and his men are surrounding David and his men, to catch them.

Young's Literal Translation
And Saul goeth on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain, and David is hastened to go from the face of Saul, and Saul and his men are compassing David and his men, to catch them.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul will go from the side of the mountain from hence, and David from the side of the mountain from thence: and David will be taking flight to go from the face of Saul; and Saul and his men surrounding upon David and upon his men to seize them.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul went on this side of the mountain: and David and his men were on the other side of the mountain: and David despaired of being able to escape from the face of Saul: and Saul and his men encompassed David and his men round about to take them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Saul went to one side of the mountain. But David and his men were on the other side of the mountain. Then David was despairing that he would be able to escape from the face of Saul. And Saul and his men enclosed David and his men in the manner of a crown, so that they might capture them.

New American Bible
As Saul moved along one side of the gorge, David and his men took to the other. David was anxious to escape Saul, while Saul and his men were trying to outflank David and his men in order to capture them.

New Revised Standard Version
Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. David was hurrying to get away from Saul, while Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Saul went on one side of the mountain and David and his men on the other side of the mountain: and David made haste to flee from Saul; for Saul and his men surrounded David and his men to take them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul went on from the side of the mountain, and David and his men from the other end, and David was quick to flee from before Shaul, and Shaul and his Servants surrounded David and his men to seize them

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain; and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Saul and his men go on one side of the mountain, and David and his men are on the other side of the mountain: and David was hiding himself to escape from Saul: and Saul and his men encamped against David and his men, in order to take them.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Saul Pursues David
…25and Saul and his men went to seek him. When David was told about it, he went down to the rock and stayed in the Wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard of this, he pursued David there. 26Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. 27Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Psalm 18:4-5
The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me. / The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.

Psalm 31:21-22
Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His loving devotion in a city under siege. / In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” But You heard my plea for mercy when I called to You for help.

Psalm 54:3-4
For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah / Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.

Psalm 142:3-4
Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me. / Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul.

Psalm 57:6
They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah

Psalm 59:3-4
See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. / For no fault of my own, they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and take notice.

Psalm 124:7
We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the net is torn, and we have slipped away.

Psalm 140:4-5
Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble. / The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah

Psalm 143:9
Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge.

Proverbs 3:26
for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.

2 Samuel 22:19
They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the LORD was my support.

2 Kings 6:15-17
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” / Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Jeremiah 20:10-11
For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.” / But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly put to shame, with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten.

Matthew 10:23
When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Matthew 26:47-50
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...

Treasury of Scripture

And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

David made haste

1 Samuel 19:12
So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.

1 Samuel 20:38
And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.

2 Samuel 15:14
And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.

away

2 Chronicles 20:12
O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

Psalm 17:9,11
From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about…

Psalm 22:12,16
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round…

Jump to Previous

Capture Closing Compassed David David's Haste Making Mountain Purpose Round Saul Seize Side Surrounded Surrounding

Jump to Next

Capture Closing Compassed David David's Haste Making Mountain Purpose Round Saul Seize Side Surrounded Surrounding

1 Samuel 23

1. David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah
7. God showing him the coming of Saul, and the treachery of the Keilites,
13. he escapes from Keilah
14. In Ziph Jonathan comes and comforts him
19. The Ziphites discover him to Saul
25. At Maon he is rescued from Saul by the invasion of the Philistines
29. He dwells at En Gedi

Berean Study Bible

Saul was going along one side of the mountain
The name "Saul" in Hebrew is "שָׁאוּל" (Sha'ul), meaning "asked for" or "prayed for." Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience. His pursuit of David highlights the tragic decline of a once-promising leader. The "mountain" symbolizes a place of refuge and challenge, often representing God's creation and the obstacles in life. Saul's movement along the mountain signifies his relentless pursuit, driven by jealousy and fear of losing his kingdom.

David and his men were on the other side
"David," meaning "beloved" in Hebrew, is a central figure in the Bible, representing God's chosen leader despite his humble beginnings. His men, often referred to as "mighty men," were a group of loyal followers who supported David during his fugitive years. The phrase "on the other side" indicates a physical and spiritual separation from Saul, emphasizing David's role as the anointed future king, distinct from Saul's failing reign. This separation also reflects the broader theme of God's protection and guidance for those who are faithful.

hurrying to get away from Saul
The urgency in "hurrying" underscores the danger David faced and his reliance on God's providence. This phrase captures the tension and desperation of the moment, as David seeks to escape Saul's grasp. It reflects the broader biblical theme of deliverance, where God often rescues His people from seemingly impossible situations. David's flight is not just a physical escape but a spiritual journey, trusting in God's timing and protection.

As Saul and his forces were closing in on David and his men
The phrase "closing in" conveys imminent danger and the intensity of Saul's pursuit. Saul's "forces" represent the worldly power and authority that he wielded, yet they are ultimately powerless against God's will. This moment of crisis is a test of faith for David and his men, illustrating the constant battle between good and evil, faith and fear. It serves as a reminder that God's plans prevail, even when the enemy seems overwhelming.

to capture them
The intent "to capture" highlights Saul's determination to eliminate David, whom he saw as a threat to his throne. This pursuit is not just a physical chase but a spiritual conflict, as Saul opposes God's anointed. The word "capture" also symbolizes the bondage of sin and the struggle for freedom that believers face. In this context, David's escape foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's chosen over the forces of darkness, pointing to the deliverance found in Christ.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(26) The mountain.--Conder, in his Tent Life in Palestine, identifies this spot with high probability. Indeed, his whole book is most instructive and trustworthy, and to the reader interested in these scenes in the life of David, as well as in those other many events which have taken place in the Storied Land, his book will form an admirable guide.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Saul
שָׁא֜וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

was proceeding along
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

one
מִזֶּ֔ה (miz·zeh)
Preposition-m | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

side
מִצַּ֤ד (miṣ·ṣaḏ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6654: A side, an adversary

of the mountain,
הָהָר֙ (hā·hār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

and David
וְדָוִ֧ד (wə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

and his men
וַאֲנָשָׁ֛יו (wa·’ă·nā·šāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

along the other
מִזֶּ֑ה (miz·zeh)
Preposition-m | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

side.
מִצַּ֥ד (miṣ·ṣaḏ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6654: A side, an adversary

Even though David
דָוִ֜ד (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

was hurrying
נֶחְפָּ֤ז (neḥ·pāz)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2648: To start up suddenly, to hasten away, to fear

to get away,
לָלֶ֙כֶת֙ (lā·le·ḵeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

Saul
וְשָׁא֣וּל (wə·šā·’ūl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

and his men
וַאֲנָשָׁ֗יו (wa·’ă·nā·šāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

were closing
עֹֽטְרִ֛ים (‘ō·ṭə·rîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5849: To encircle, to crown

in on
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

David
דָּוִ֥ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

and his men
אֲנָשָׁ֖יו (’ă·nā·šāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

to capture them.
לְתָפְשָֽׂם׃ (lə·ṯā·p̄ə·śām)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8610: To manipulate, seize, chiefly to capture, wield, to overlay, to use unwarrantably

Links

1 Samuel 23:26 NIV
1 Samuel 23:26 NLT
1 Samuel 23:26 ESV
1 Samuel 23:26 NASB
1 Samuel 23:26 KJV

1 Samuel 23:26 BibleApps.com
1 Samuel 23:26 Biblia Paralela
1 Samuel 23:26 Chinese Bible
1 Samuel 23:26 French Bible
1 Samuel 23:26 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Samuel 23:26 Saul went on this side (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)