But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.

1 SAMUEL 23:27KJV
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1 Samuel 23:27 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 23:27 mean?

1 Samuel 23:27 describes how a messenger urgently comes to Saul with news that the Philistines have invaded the land, telling Saul to hurry and respond. This interrupts Saul’s pursuit of David, forcing him to deal with the immediate threat from the Philistines instead.

In this scene, Saul is chasing David in the wilderness, trying to capture him. Suddenly, a messenger arrives with an urgent report about the Philistines attacking Israel’s territory. The verse highlights a dramatic turning point, as Saul must abandon his hunt for David to address a national crisis.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 23:27

  • מַלְאָךְ (mal’akh, “messenger”): This word often means an envoy or someone sent with important news. Here, it emphasizes the urgency and official nature of the warning Saul receives.
  • מִהַר (mihēr, “Haste”): This verb means to hurry or act quickly. The messenger’s use of this word shows the seriousness of the Philistine threat and the need for immediate action.
  • פָּשַׁט (pashat, “invaded”): This verb can mean to raid, strip, or invade. It suggests that the Philistines are not just entering the land but actively attacking and plundering it, making the situation dire.

Why 1 Samuel 23:27 matters

  • This verse explains why Saul suddenly stops pursuing David, which is a key turning point in the narrative and shows how outside events can unexpectedly change personal plans.
  • The urgency in the messenger’s words highlights the constant threat Israel faced from the Philistines, helping readers understand the broader dangers of the time.
  • The interruption shows that, despite Saul’s obsession with capturing David, he is still responsible for the safety of his people, revealing the tension between personal vendettas and national duty.

Where else these words appear

“invaded” Hebrew H6584 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;
  • 1 Samuel 30:1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;
  • Job 1:17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

“Haste” Hebrew H4116 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • Judges 9:48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.
  • Esther 5:5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.