1 Samuel 24:2
New International Version
So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats.

New Living Translation
So Saul chose 3,000 elite troops from all Israel and went to search for David and his men near the rocks of the wild goats.

English Standard Version
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats’ Rocks.

Berean Standard Bible
So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

King James Bible
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.

New King James Version
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

New American Standard Bible
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to search for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Mountain Goats.

NASB 1995
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

NASB 1977
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

Amplified Bible
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to search for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

Christian Standard Bible
So Saul took three thousand of Israel’s fit young men and went to look for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Saul took 3,000 of Israel’s choice men and went to look for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

American Standard Version
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.

Contemporary English Version
Saul led 3,000 of Israel's best soldiers out to look for David and his men near Wild Goat Rocks at En-Gedi.

English Revised Version
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Saul took 3,000 of the best-trained men from all Israel and went to search for David and his men on the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

Good News Translation
Saul took three thousand of the best soldiers in Israel and went looking for David and his men east of Wild Goat Rocks.

International Standard Version
Saul took 3,000 of his best troops from all over Israel, and he went to look for David and his men in the direction of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

Majority Standard Bible
So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.

NET Bible
So Saul took three thousand select men from all Israel and went to find David and his men in the region of the rocks of the mountain goats.

New Heart English Bible
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the rocks of the wild goats.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.

World English Bible
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the rocks of the wild goats.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Saul takes three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and goes to seek David and his men, on the front of the rocks of the wild goats,

Young's Literal Translation
And Saul taketh three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and goeth to seek David and his men, on the front of the rocks of the wild goats,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul will take three thousand men chosen from all Israel, and he will go to seek David and his men upon the face of the rocks of the wild goats.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Saul therefore took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went out to seek after David, and his men, even upon the most craggy rocks, which are accessible only to wild goats.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, Saul, taking three thousand elect men from all of Israel, traveled in order to search for David and his men, even upon the most broken rocks, which are passable only to mountain goats.

New American Bible
So Saul took three thousand of the best men from all Israel and went in search of David and his men in the direction of the wild goat crags.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to look for David and his men in the direction of the Rocks of the Wild Goats.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the mountains of the wild goats.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul took three thousand choice men from all Israel and he went on to search for David and for his men on the face of The Mountain of Goats
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he took with him three thousand men, chosen out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men in front of Saddaeem.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Spares Saul
1After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.” 2So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. 3Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 26:2
So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there.

Psalm 57:1
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.

Psalm 142:1
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.

1 Samuel 23:14
And 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.

1 Samuel 23:19-23
Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? / Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.” / “May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me. ...

1 Samuel 22:1-2
So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. / And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.

1 Samuel 25:13
And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.

2 Samuel 22:1
And David 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.

2 Samuel 24:1
Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.”

2 Kings 6:14
the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city.

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Matthew 26:52-54
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. / Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? / But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”


Treasury of Scripture

Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the rocks of the wild goats.

Saul took

1 Samuel 13:2
Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.

and went

Psalm 37:32
The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

Psalm 38:12
They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

the rocks

Psalm 104:18
The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.

Psalm 141:6
When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.

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Best Chosen Crags David Israel Rocks Saul Search Seek Thousand Three Wild
1 Samuel 24
1. David, in a cave at En Gedi, spares his life
8. He shows thereby his innocence,
16. Saul, acknowledging his fault, takes an oath of David, and departs.














So Saul took
The phrase "So Saul took" indicates a decisive action by King Saul. The Hebrew root for "took" is "laqach," which often implies taking possession or seizing. This reflects Saul's determination and authority as king, yet it also foreshadows his misguided pursuit of David, who is anointed by God. Saul's actions are driven by jealousy and fear, contrasting with David's reliance on God's guidance.

three thousand chosen men
The selection of "three thousand chosen men" underscores the seriousness of Saul's mission. These were elite troops, handpicked for their skills and loyalty. Historically, this reflects the military practices of ancient Israel, where kings would select the best warriors for critical missions. Spiritually, it highlights the lengths to which Saul would go to eliminate David, whom he saw as a threat to his throne.

from all Israel
The phrase "from all Israel" signifies the national scope of Saul's campaign. It emphasizes the unity and resources of the kingdom under Saul's command. However, it also contrasts with David's smaller, more diverse group of followers, symbolizing the difference between worldly power and divine favor.

and went to seek David
"and went to seek David" reveals Saul's relentless pursuit of David. The Hebrew word for "seek" is "baqash," which can mean to search diligently or to desire earnestly. Saul's obsession with finding David illustrates his spiritual blindness and inability to submit to God's will, as David is the chosen successor.

and his men
The mention of "and his men" highlights the loyalty and camaraderie of David's followers. Despite being outnumbered and on the run, David's men remain faithful to him, reflecting the biblical theme of God using the weak and humble to accomplish His purposes.

in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats
The "Rocks of the Wild Goats" refers to a specific geographical location, likely the rugged terrain near En Gedi. This area is known for its steep cliffs and caves, providing a natural fortress for David and his men. The imagery of wild goats suggests agility and survival in harsh conditions, symbolizing David's resourcefulness and God's provision in times of trial.

(2) Three thousand chosen men.--This large and carefully selected force is an indication how thoroughly impressed Saul was with the power of David at this juncture. He, indeed, evidently looked on him as a rival king, who must be met by a numerous and disciplined force.

Upon the rocks of the wild goats.--"Ibex rocks," so called because probably only these ibexes, the chamois of Syria, would find pasturage on them. Some have suggested that this was a proper name. The ibex is still found among the precipitous cliffs in the neighbourhood of Ain-jedy.

Verse 2. - Chosen. See on this word 1 Samuel 9:2. The rocks of the wild goats. Apparently this was the proper name of some cliffs near En-gedi, so called from their being frequented by the ibex, or Syrian chamois, an animal which, according to Thomson (p. 603) is still found there. It shows Saul's pertinacious hatred of David, that no sooner was the war with the Philistines over, than he pursues him with 3000 picked warriors into these lonely fastnesses. Comp. Psalm 57:4, written, according to the title, upon the occasion recorded in this chapter.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

took
וַיִּקַּ֣ח (way·yiq·qaḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

three
שְׁלֹ֧שֶׁת (šə·lō·šeṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

thousand
אֲלָפִ֛ים (’ă·lā·p̄îm)
Number - masculine plural
Strong's 505: A thousand

chosen
בָּח֖וּר (bā·ḥūr)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 970: Selected, a youth

men
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

from all
מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

and went
וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

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

David
דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

and his men
וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֔יו (wa·’ă·nā·šāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

in
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the region
פְּנֵ֖י (pə·nê)
Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

of the Rocks
צוּרֵ֥י (ṣū·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6697: A cliff, a rock, boulder, a refuge, an edge

of the Wild Goats.
הַיְּעֵלִֽים׃ (hay·yə·‘ê·lîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3277: Mountain goat


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OT History: 1 Samuel 24:2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
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