1 Samuel 23:27

27 But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Make haste and come, for the Philistines have invaded the land.

1 Samuel 23:27 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 23:27

But there came a messenger unto Saul
From his court, by order of his council there; though the Jews ^F20 say it was an angel from heaven; but be it which it will, it was certainly the providence of God that directed this affair, that a messenger should come to Saul just at that very time that David was like to fall into his hands:

saying, haste thee, and come, for the Philistines have invaded the
land;
were come into it, and spread themselves in it, as the word signifies, which expresses their numbers they had poured in, the force they came with, and the possessions they had already got; perhaps they had taken the advantage of Saul's departure in quest of David, to penetrate into the tribe of Benjamin, where his patrimony, residence, and court were, and which were liable to fall into their hands; and therefore his presence was immediately required, and haste was necessary.

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FOOTNOTES:

F20 Midrash apud Yalkut in loc.

1 Samuel 23:27 In-Context

25 Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David, and he came down from there into a rock and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.

26 And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain; and David made haste to get away from the presence of Saul, for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

27 But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Make haste and come, for the Philistines have invaded the land.

28 Saul returned, therefore, from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. For this reason they called that place Selahammahlekoth. {Heb. the rock of divisions}

29 And David went up from there and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.