Old Testament
1 Samuel 23:14
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
David found himself in a tough situation, hiding in the wilderness from King Saul, who was determined to capture him.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
David stayed in the wilderness, hiding in strongholds and in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. Saul hunted for him every day, but God did not deliver David into Saul's hand.
And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
David found himself in a tough situation, hiding in the wilderness from King Saul, who was determined to capture him. Despite the constant threat, David remained in strongholds and the hills of Ziph, relying on God for protection. Every day, Saul searched for him, but God ensured that David was not caught. This period was filled with uncertainty and danger, yet it was also a time of deep trust in God. David's experience teaches us about resilience and faith in the face of adversity. Even when it seems like everything is against us, we can find safety and strength in our relationship with God. His presence can shield us from harm, just as it did for David. This story reminds us that we are never truly alone, even in our darkest moments, as God is always watching over us and guiding our paths. David's journey through the wilderness is a powerful reminder of hope and divine protection in challenging times, encouraging us to hold on to faith when life gets tough and unpredictable.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Samuel 23:14 to your life
When facing challenges, remember that you are not alone. Just as David relied on God during his struggles, you can find strength in your faith. Trust that God is watching over you and guiding you through difficult times. Keep your heart open to His presence and support, even when life feels overwhelming. Stay resilient and hopeful, knowing that help is always near when you seek it from God.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 23:14 mean?
1 Samuel 23:14 describes David's time in the wilderness, where he hid from King Saul, who was actively trying to capture him. Despite Saul's relentless pursuit, the verse emphasizes that God protected David and did not allow Saul to succeed.
What is the meaning of 'God did not deliver David into Saul's hand' in 1 Samuel 23:14?
This phrase means that God intervened to protect David from being captured by Saul. It highlights the theme of divine protection and faithfulness during times of danger.
How does 1 Samuel 23:14 relate to trust in God?
1 Samuel 23:14 shows that even in dire circumstances, David trusted God for safety. It teaches that reliance on God can provide strength and protection during challenging times.
What lessons can we learn from 1 Samuel 23:14?
From this verse, we learn about resilience in the face of adversity and the importance of faith in God's protection. It encourages us to trust in God's guidance, even when we feel threatened or alone.

The Book of 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 1: The Birth of Samuel
The book opens during the time of the judges, introducing a man named Elkanah with two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. While Peninnah has children, Hannah is barren and is cruelly taunted by her rival. During their annual pilgrimage to the sanctuary at Shiloh, the deeply distressed Hannah prays silently to the Lord, weeping and vowing that if God will give her a son, she will dedicate him to the Lord's service for his entire life as a Nazirite. Eli, the high priest, sees her lips moving and initially mistakes her for a drunken woman, but after she explains her sorrowful prayer, he blesses her, saying, "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition."
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