Lexical Summary Sela Hammachleqoth: Rock of Divisions Original Word: סֶלַע הַמַּחְלְקוֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sela-hammalekoth From cela' and the plural of machaloqeth with the article interposed; rock of the divisions; Sela- ham-Machlekoth, a place in Palestine -- Sela-hammalekoth. see HEBREW cela' see HEBREW machaloqeth NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsee sela and machaloqeth. Brown-Driver-Briggs II. מַחְלְקוֺת noun feminine plural smoothness, ׳סֶלַע הַמּ 1 Samuel 23:28 rock of smoothness, i.e. slippery rock, perhaps original meaning of this proper name, see further I. מחלקוֺת below I. חלק. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Likely situated in the barren uplands west of the Dead Sea, near Maon and south of Hebron, the site stands within the ridge country that forms a natural maze of wadis and limestone outcrops. Its rugged terrain made it an ideal hideout for fugitives and a strategic challenge for pursuers. Archaeologists have not identified the exact outcrop, yet the description in 1 Samuel 23 aligns well with the bare escarpments overlooking the wilderness of Ziph and the Arabah below. The high ground commands wide vistas, enabling early detection of approaching enemies—an asset David repeatedly exploited (1 Samuel 23:14–23). Historical Context: David’s Flight from Saul Sela Hammakhlekoth enters the narrative during one of the most critical pursuits of David’s wilderness years. Betrayed by the Ziphites, David found himself hemmed in by Saul’s forces on one side and sheer cliffs on the other. At the height of the crisis, Providence intervened: “A messenger came to Saul, saying, ‘Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!’ So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape” (1 Samuel 23:27–28). The episode marks an intersection between human plotting and divine overruling, portraying Saul as a king distracted from covenantal duty, while highlighting David as the anointed yet persecuted servant preserved for future kingship. Meaning and Symbolism The name may be rendered “Rock of Escape,” “Rock of Division,” or “Rock of Slipperings,” all conveying the idea of a decisive parting. Saul’s army was literally divided from David by the rock’s ridge, but on a deeper level the moment crystallized the spiritual division between Saul’s disobedient reign and the rise of David’s God-centered leadership. Scripture often harnesses geological metaphors for God’s protective agency (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 18:2); Sela Hammakhlekoth becomes a concrete instance of that motif, a living parable of refuge granted in extremity. Relationship to Other Wilderness Events 1 Samuel 23 follows earlier deliverances at Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1) and Keilah (1 Samuel 23:5). Each locale demonstrates a pattern: heightened threat, David’s inquiry of the LORD, and an unexpected means of escape. Together they form a thematic trilogy of wilderness testing, preparing David for Hebron’s throne. Parallels appear in Israel’s earlier wilderness journey, where places like Massah and Meribah (Exodus 17:7) were named to memorialize divine intervention. Theological and Spiritual Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty over Human Affairs: The timing of the Philistine invasion coinciding with Saul’s near-capture of David underscores God’s control. This reinforces Romans 8:28 long before the verse was penned. Prophetic and Christological Resonance David’s narrow deliverance anticipates the greater Son of David, who would face death yet be delivered through resurrection. Just as David’s enemies were diverted, so were the rulers of this age “outwitted” (1 Corinthians 2:8). The scene also mirrors Jesus’ repeated withdrawals from hostile crowds until His appointed hour (John 7:30; 10:39). Ministry and Practical Application • Encouragement for persecuted believers: God can supply unseen deliverances at the last moment. Key Cross-References Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 18:2; Psalm 31:2–3; Isaiah 33:16; 2 Samuel 22:2–3; Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 10:4. Forms and Transliterations הַֽמַּחְלְקֽוֹת׃ המחלקות׃ ham·maḥ·lə·qō·wṯ HammachleKot hammaḥləqōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 23:28 HEB: הַה֔וּא סֶ֖לַע הַֽמַּחְלְקֽוֹת׃ KJV: that place Selahammahlekoth. INT: place he Selahammahlekoth 1 Occurrence |
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