Saul departed his pursuit of David, thereby preserving David’s life.
So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape. (v.28)
In this part of 1 Samuel, we see Saul, Israel’s first king (reigning from about 1050 BC to 1010 BC), returning from his relentless effort to track down David, who was the youngest son of Jesse and future king of Israel. David was already anointed by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13), though King Saul was not yet aware that this anointing meant David would become king one day. Immediately before this verse, Saul was pressing in the wilderness near the territory of Judah to capture David (1 Samuel 23:19-27). But in So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines (v.28), Saul abruptly broke off his search—most likely because the Philistines, formidable enemies living west of Judah, were threatening Israel in another area. Saul was forced to address that crisis rather than continue his campaign against David. This divine intervention allowed David to slip away.
The text then states, therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape (v.28). This particular rock, also called the “Rock of Escape,” was located in or near the southwestern region of Judah, where the terrain was rocky and remote. Geographically, the wilderness of Maon, south of Hebron, is in rugged territory—full of crags, cliffs, and rocky outcrops that provided many hiding spots. The name “Rock of Escape” thus commemorates the deliverance David experienced when Saul had to depart. David’s future as God’s chosen king was once again protected by providential circumstances that delivered him from Saul’s pursuit. The shift in attention toward the Philistine threat reaffirms God’s ongoing watchcare over David and His plan to seat David on Israel’s throne (1 Samuel 16:1-13). David, who lived from approximately 1040 BC to 970 BC, also served as a type of Christ in many ways: pursued unjustly, exiled, and ultimately reigning by God’s anointing.
David’s survival at “the Rock of Escape” is a striking demonstration of God’s sovereignty and His ability to deliver His chosen servant from danger. Though Saul believed the throne was threatened by David, God sovereignly turned events so that David would remain hidden and unscathed, waiting for the proper time to reign (2 Samuel 1:7, 5:4). God continues to work through history for His purposes, as seen in protecting the people He calls so that they may fulfill His will.
Saul was forced to shift his focus to the Philistines, underscoring how God can use even hostile nations to accomplish His plan. As was often the case, the Philistine menace functioned as a timely diversion, giving David and his men space to escape. The Rock of Escape is a reminder of the constant theme in Scripture: God often provides for His people in unexpected ways.
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1 Samuel 23:28 meaning
So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape. (v.28)
In this part of 1 Samuel, we see Saul, Israel’s first king (reigning from about 1050 BC to 1010 BC), returning from his relentless effort to track down David, who was the youngest son of Jesse and future king of Israel. David was already anointed by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13), though King Saul was not yet aware that this anointing meant David would become king one day. Immediately before this verse, Saul was pressing in the wilderness near the territory of Judah to capture David (1 Samuel 23:19-27). But in So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines (v.28), Saul abruptly broke off his search—most likely because the Philistines, formidable enemies living west of Judah, were threatening Israel in another area. Saul was forced to address that crisis rather than continue his campaign against David. This divine intervention allowed David to slip away.
The text then states, therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape (v.28). This particular rock, also called the “Rock of Escape,” was located in or near the southwestern region of Judah, where the terrain was rocky and remote. Geographically, the wilderness of Maon, south of Hebron, is in rugged territory—full of crags, cliffs, and rocky outcrops that provided many hiding spots. The name “Rock of Escape” thus commemorates the deliverance David experienced when Saul had to depart. David’s future as God’s chosen king was once again protected by providential circumstances that delivered him from Saul’s pursuit. The shift in attention toward the Philistine threat reaffirms God’s ongoing watchcare over David and His plan to seat David on Israel’s throne (1 Samuel 16:1-13). David, who lived from approximately 1040 BC to 970 BC, also served as a type of Christ in many ways: pursued unjustly, exiled, and ultimately reigning by God’s anointing.
David’s survival at “the Rock of Escape” is a striking demonstration of God’s sovereignty and His ability to deliver His chosen servant from danger. Though Saul believed the throne was threatened by David, God sovereignly turned events so that David would remain hidden and unscathed, waiting for the proper time to reign (2 Samuel 1:7, 5:4). God continues to work through history for His purposes, as seen in protecting the people He calls so that they may fulfill His will.
Saul was forced to shift his focus to the Philistines, underscoring how God can use even hostile nations to accomplish His plan. As was often the case, the Philistine menace functioned as a timely diversion, giving David and his men space to escape. The Rock of Escape is a reminder of the constant theme in Scripture: God often provides for His people in unexpected ways.