1 Samuel 24:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 24:1 mean?

1 Samuel 24:1 tells how, after King Saul finished pursuing the Philistines, he received news that David was hiding in the wilderness area called Engedi. This sets the stage for Saul to turn his attention back to searching for David, who was fleeing from him.

The verse describes a moment when Saul, the king of Israel, shifts his focus from fighting Israel’s enemies (the Philistines) to hunting David, whom he sees as a threat. The wilderness of Engedi is a rugged, remote area near the Dead Sea, making it a suitable hiding place for David and his men. The verse marks a turning point in the ongoing conflict between Saul and David.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 24:1

• אֵין גֶּדִי (ʿEin Gedi): This is the Hebrew name for Engedi, meaning “spring of the young goat.” It highlights the wild, rocky terrain and the presence of water, which would have been important for someone hiding out.
• מִדְבָּר (midbar): This word, translated “wilderness,” refers to a desolate, uncultivated area. It emphasizes how remote and difficult the place was, underlining David’s desperate situation.

Why 1 Samuel 24:1 matters

• The verse clarifies that Saul’s pursuit of David was not constant; he was called away by other national threats, showing the pressures on Saul as king.
• Mentioning Engedi gives a specific, real-world setting that helps readers picture the story’s events and understand the challenges David faced in hiding.
• This verse connects the larger narrative, showing the back-and-forth between Saul’s duties as king and his personal obsession with David.