Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats. New Living Translation So Saul chose 3,000 elite troops from all Israel and went to search for David and his men near the rocks of the wild goats. English Standard Version Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats’ Rocks. Berean Standard Bible So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. King James Bible Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. New King James Version Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the Rocks of the Wild Goats. New American Standard Bible Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to search for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Mountain Goats. NASB 1995 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. NASB 1977 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. Legacy Standard Bible Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. Amplified Bible Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to search for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. Christian Standard Bible So Saul took three thousand of Israel’s fit young men and went to look for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. Holman Christian Standard Bible So Saul took 3,000 of Israel’s choice men and went to look for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. American Standard Version Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. Contemporary English Version Saul led 3,000 of Israel's best soldiers out to look for David and his men near Wild Goat Rocks at En-Gedi. English Revised Version Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Saul took 3,000 of the best-trained men from all Israel and went to search for David and his men on the Rocks of the Wild Goats. Good News Translation Saul took three thousand of the best soldiers in Israel and went looking for David and his men east of Wild Goat Rocks. International Standard Version Saul took 3,000 of his best troops from all over Israel, and he went to look for David and his men in the direction of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. Majority Standard Bible So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. NET Bible So Saul took three thousand select men from all Israel and went to find David and his men in the region of the rocks of the mountain goats. New Heart English Bible Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the rocks of the wild goats. Webster's Bible Translation Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. World English Bible Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the rocks of the wild goats. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Saul takes three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and goes to seek David and his men, on the front of the rocks of the wild goats, Young's Literal Translation And Saul taketh three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and goeth to seek David and his men, on the front of the rocks of the wild goats, Smith's Literal Translation And Saul will take three thousand men chosen from all Israel, and he will go to seek David and his men upon the face of the rocks of the wild goats. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSaul therefore took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went out to seek after David, and his men, even upon the most craggy rocks, which are accessible only to wild goats. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible So Saul took three thousand of the best men from all Israel and went in search of David and his men in the direction of the wild goat crags. New Revised Standard Version Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to look for David and his men in the direction of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the mountains of the wild goats. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Shaul took three thousand choice men from all Israel and he went on to search for David and for his men on the face of The Mountain of Goats OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he took with him three thousand men, chosen out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men in front of Saddaeem. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Spares Saul1After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.” 2So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. 3Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave.… Cross References 1 Samuel 26:2 So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there. Psalm 57:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. Psalm 142:1 A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy. 1 Samuel 23:14 And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand. 1 Samuel 23:19-23 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.” / “May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me. ... 1 Samuel 22:1-2 So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. / And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. 1 Samuel 25:13 And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. 2 Samuel 22:1 And David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. 2 Samuel 24:1 Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.” 2 Kings 6:14 the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city. Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. Matthew 26:52-54 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. / Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? / But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?” Treasury of Scripture Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the rocks of the wild goats. Saul took 1 Samuel 13:2 Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent. and went Psalm 37:32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. Psalm 38:12 They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. the rocks Psalm 104:18 The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies. Psalm 141:6 When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet. Jump to Previous Best Chosen Crags David Israel Rocks Saul Search Seek Thousand Three WildJump to Next Best Chosen Crags David Israel Rocks Saul Search Seek Thousand Three Wild1 Samuel 24 1. David, in a cave at En Gedi, spares his life8. He shows thereby his innocence, 16. Saul, acknowledging his fault, takes an oath of David, and departs. So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel This phrase highlights Saul's determination and the seriousness of his pursuit of David. The number "three thousand" indicates a significant military force, suggesting that Saul viewed David as a substantial threat. The term "chosen men" implies that these were elite soldiers, possibly the best warriors available, reflecting Saul's intent to ensure success in capturing David. This pursuit is part of the broader narrative of Saul's jealousy and fear of David, who had been anointed by Samuel as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13). The selection of men from "all Israel" underscores the national scope of Saul's campaign, as he mobilizes resources from across the tribes. and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 2. David The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is on the run from Saul and hiding in the wilderness. 3. Three Thousand Chosen Men A select group of Israel's soldiers, indicating the seriousness of Saul's pursuit of David. 4. Rocks of the Wild Goats A rugged, mountainous area in the wilderness of En Gedi, known for its difficult terrain and wild goats, providing a strategic hiding place for David and his men. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in TrialsDavid's situation reminds us that God is in control, even when we face unjust persecution or trials. Trust in His timing and purpose. The Importance of Righteous Leadership Saul's actions contrast with the qualities of a godly leader. Reflect on the importance of integrity and humility in leadership roles. Responding to Enemies with Grace David's restraint in not harming Saul, despite having the opportunity, teaches us to respond to our adversaries with grace and leave justice to God. The Role of Community in Times of Trouble David's men supported him during his trials. This highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with a community of faith during difficult times. Faithfulness in the Wilderness David's faithfulness to God, even while being pursued, encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith during our own "wilderness" experiences.(2) Three thousand chosen men.--This large and carefully selected force is an indication how thoroughly impressed Saul was with the power of David at this juncture. He, indeed, evidently looked on him as a rival king, who must be met by a numerous and disciplined force. Upon the rocks of the wild goats.--"Ibex rocks," so called because probably only these ibexes, the chamois of Syria, would find pasturage on them. Some have suggested that this was a proper name. The ibex is still found among the precipitous cliffs in the neighbourhood of Ain-jedy. Verse 2. - Chosen. See on this word 1 Samuel 9:2. The rocks of the wild goats. Apparently this was the proper name of some cliffs near En-gedi, so called from their being frequented by the ibex, or Syrian chamois, an animal which, according to Thomson (p. 603) is still found there. It shows Saul's pertinacious hatred of David, that no sooner was the war with the Philistines over, than he pursues him with 3000 picked warriors into these lonely fastnesses. Comp. Psalm 57:4, written, according to the title, upon the occasion recorded in this chapter.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Saulשָׁא֗וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites took וַיִּקַּ֣ח (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take three שְׁלֹ֧שֶׁת (šə·lō·šeṯ) Number - masculine singular construct Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice thousand אֲלָפִ֛ים (’ă·lā·p̄îm) Number - masculine plural Strong's 505: A thousand chosen בָּח֖וּר (bā·ḥūr) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 970: Selected, a youth men אִ֥ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person from all מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc and went וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to look for לְבַקֵּ֤שׁ (lə·ḇaq·qêš) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after David דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse and his men וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֔יו (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 in עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the region פְּנֵ֖י (pə·nê) Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face of the Rocks צוּרֵ֥י (ṣū·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 6697: A cliff, a rock, boulder, a refuge, an edge of the Wild Goats. הַיְּעֵלִֽים׃ (hay·yə·‘ê·lîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3277: Mountain goat Links 1 Samuel 24:2 NIV1 Samuel 24:2 NLT 1 Samuel 24:2 ESV 1 Samuel 24:2 NASB 1 Samuel 24:2 KJV 1 Samuel 24:2 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 24:2 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 24:2 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 24:2 French Bible 1 Samuel 24:2 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 24:2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |