Old Testament
1 Samuel 26:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The Ziphites went to Saul at Gibeah and told him, "David is hiding on the hill of Hachilah, near the edge of the wilderness."
Compare translations
And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?
What 1 Samuel 26:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the Ziphites, a group of people from Ziph, approaching King Saul to inform him about David's whereabouts. They reveal that David is hiding on the hill of Hachilah, which is close to the wilderness. This moment highlights the ongoing tension between Saul and David, as Saul is actively seeking to capture David. The Ziphites' actions show how some people were willing to betray David for their own gain or to gain favor with Saul. It also illustrates the dangers David faced as he tried to escape Saul's pursuit. The wilderness symbolizes a place of danger and uncertainty, where David had to rely on his instincts and faith to survive. This situation reminds us that sometimes, we may feel isolated or hunted in our own lives, but we can find strength in our resilience and trust in a higher purpose. David's story encourages us to remain steadfast in our struggles, knowing that we are not alone in our challenges and that help can come from unexpected places.
How to apply 1 Samuel 26:1 to your life
When facing challenges, remember that you are not alone. Like David, you may feel hunted or isolated, but trust that there is a purpose in your struggles. Seek support from those who genuinely care about you and stay true to your values, even when it's difficult. Your resilience can inspire others too!
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: David Spares Saul Again (1 Samuel 26:1–25)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Samuel 26:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Samuel 26:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 26:1 mean?
1 Samuel 26:1 describes how the Ziphites inform King Saul about David's hiding place on the hill of Hachilah. This highlights the ongoing conflict between Saul and David, showing the Ziphites' willingness to betray David for favor with Saul.
What is the significance of the hill of Hachilah in 1 Samuel 26:1?
The hill of Hachilah is significant as it represents a location where David sought refuge from Saul's pursuit. It symbolizes the dangers David faced while trying to evade capture and the wilderness surrounding it reflects his struggles.
What does the term 'Ziphites' refer to in 1 Samuel 26:1?
The Ziphites were people from the region of Ziph, known for their betrayal of David by informing Saul of his location. Their actions demonstrate the complexities of loyalty and the risks David faced during his time in hiding.
What themes are present in 1 Samuel 26:1?
Key themes in 1 Samuel 26:1 include betrayal, pursuit, and resilience. The verse illustrates the tension between Saul and David, the dangers of David's situation, and the need for faith in challenging times.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.