1 Samuel 23:15
New International Version
While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life.

New Living Translation
One day near Horesh, David received the news that Saul was on the way to Ziph to search for him and kill him.

English Standard Version
David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh.

Berean Standard Bible
While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life.

King James Bible
And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.

New King James Version
So David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. And David was in the Wilderness of Ziph in a forest.

New American Standard Bible
Now David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life while David was in the wilderness of Ziph, at Horesh.

NASB 1995
Now David became aware that Saul had come out to seek his life while David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh.

NASB 1977
Now David became aware that Saul had come out to seek his life while David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. Now David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh.

Amplified Bible
Now David became aware that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the Wilderness of Ziph [in the woods] at Horesh.

Christian Standard Bible
David was in the Wilderness of Ziph in Horesh when he saw that Saul had come out to take his life.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David was in the Wilderness of Ziph in Horesh when he saw that Saul had come out to take his life.

American Standard Version
And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in the wood.

Contemporary English Version
One time, David was at Horesh in Ziph Desert. He was afraid because Saul had come to the area to kill him.

English Revised Version
And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in the wood.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David was afraid because Saul had come to kill him at Horesh in the desert of Ziph.

Good News Translation
David saw that Saul was out to kill him. David was at Horesh, in the wilderness near Ziph.

International Standard Version
David was afraid because Saul had come out to seek his life while David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh.

Majority Standard Bible
While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life.

NET Bible
David realized that Saul had come out to seek his life; at that time David was in Horesh in the desert of Ziph.

New Heart English Bible
Now David was afraid that Saul had come out to seek his life. And David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh.

Webster's Bible Translation
And David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.

World English Bible
David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph in the woods.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David sees that Saul has come out to seek his life, and David [is] in the wilderness of Ziph, in a forest.

Young's Literal Translation
And David seeth that Saul hath come out to seek his life, and David is in the wilderness of Ziph, in a forest.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will see that Saul went forth to seek his soul: and David in the desert of Ziph in a thicket.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life. And David was in the desert of Ziph, in a wood.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David saw that Saul had gone out, so that he might seek his life. Now David was in the desert of Ziph, in the woods.

New American Bible
While David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh he was afraid that Saul had come out to seek his life.

New Revised Standard Version
David was in the Wilderness of Ziph at Horesh when he learned that Saul had come out to seek his life.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life; and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a forest.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David saw that Shaul went out to seek his life, and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a forest
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life; and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in the wood.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David perceived that Saul went forth to seek David; and David was in the dry mountain in the New Ziph.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul Pursues David
14And 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. 15While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life. 16And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God,…

Cross References
Psalm 54:1-7
For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went to Saul and said, “Is David not hiding among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might! / Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. / For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah ...

Psalm 142:1-7
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. / I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him. / Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me. ...

Psalm 57:1-11
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. / I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. / He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth. ...

Psalm 63:1-11
A Psalm of David, when he was in the Wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water. / So I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and glory. / Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You. ...

Psalm 18:1-6
For the choirmaster. Of David the servant of the LORD, who 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. He said: I love You, O LORD, my strength. / The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. / I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. ...

Psalm 34:1-22
Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. / My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice. / Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. ...

Psalm 56:1-13
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. / My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me. / When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. ...

Psalm 59:1-17
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. / Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed. / See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. ...

Psalm 31:1-24
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; save me by Your righteousness. / Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance. / For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name. ...

Psalm 27:1-14
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust. ...

Psalm 40:1-17
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. / He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. / He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. ...

Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

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.

John 15:18-20
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.

John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”


Treasury of Scripture

And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.

strengthened

Deuteronomy 3:28
But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.

Nehemiah 2:18
Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

Job 4:3,4
Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands…

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Afraid Aware David Desert Horesh Life Saul Seek Waste Wilderness Wood Ziph
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Afraid Aware David Desert Horesh Life Saul Seek Waste Wilderness Wood Ziph
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














While David was in the Wilderness of Ziph
The "Wilderness of Ziph" refers to a rugged, desolate area in the Judean desert, south of Hebron. The Hebrew root for "Ziph" (צִיף) suggests a place of refining or smelting, which metaphorically represents the trials David faced. This wilderness setting underscores the theme of testing and purification, as David, the anointed yet not-yet-crowned king, is being prepared by God through adversity. Historically, this area was known for its harsh conditions, which would have tested David's faith and leadership, drawing him closer to reliance on God.

in Horesh
"Horesh" means "forest" or "wooded area" in Hebrew. This location within the wilderness provided some cover and concealment for David and his men. The mention of Horesh highlights the contrast between the barrenness of the wilderness and the potential refuge it offered. Spiritually, it symbolizes God's provision of shelter and protection amidst trials. The forested area could also be seen as a place of growth and life, even in the midst of desolation, reflecting how God sustains His chosen ones.

he saw that Saul had come out
The phrase "he saw" indicates David's awareness and vigilance. The Hebrew verb used here (רָאָה) implies not just physical sight but also understanding and perception. David's ability to discern Saul's intentions is crucial for his survival. Saul, the current king, represents the worldly power that opposes God's anointed. This ongoing pursuit by Saul is a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face, where discernment and awareness are vital.

to take his life
The phrase "to take his life" reveals the severity of Saul's intentions. The Hebrew word for "life" (נֶפֶשׁ) can also mean "soul," indicating that Saul's pursuit was not just physical but also spiritual. This relentless pursuit by Saul is emblematic of the enemy's desire to thwart God's plans and purposes. For David, this was a time of deep reliance on God's protection and promises. It serves as an inspiration for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when faced with life-threatening challenges.

(15) In a wood.--Some have understood this as a proper name, Horesh. There is no trace of the wood now. The land lost its ornament of trees centuries ago, through the desolating hand of man.--Van der Velde.



Parallel Commentaries ...


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

was in Horesh
בַּחֹֽרְשָׁה׃ (ba·ḥō·rə·šāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2793: Horesh -- a forest

in the Wilderness
בְּמִדְבַּר־ (bə·miḏ·bar-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4057: A pasture, a desert, speech

of Ziph,
זִ֖יף (zîp̄)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2128: Ziph -- a son of Judah, also a city Southeast of Hebron and a city in southern Judah

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

saw
וַיַּ֣רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

that
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

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

had come out
יָצָ֥א (yā·ṣā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

to take
לְבַקֵּ֣שׁ (lə·ḇaq·qêš)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

his life.
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ (nap̄·šōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion


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OT History: 1 Samuel 23:15 David saw that Saul had come out (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 23:14
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