25 Saul and his men arrived and began their search. When David heard of it, he went south to Rock Mountain, camping out in the wilderness of Maon. Saul heard where he was and set off for the wilderness of Maon in pursuit. 26 Saul was on one side of the mountain, David and his men on the other. David was in full retreat, running, with Saul and his men closing in, about to get him. 27 Just then a messenger came to Saul and said, "Hurry! Come back! The Philistines have just attacked the country!" 28 So Saul called off his pursuit of David and went back to deal with the Philistines. That's how that place got the name Narrow Escape. 29 David left there and camped out in the caves and canyons of En Gedi. "I'm No Rebel"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:25-29
Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:19-29
(Read 1 Samuel 23:19-29)
In the midst of his wickedness, Saul affected to speak the language of piety. Such expressions, without suitable effects, can only amuse or deceive those who hear, and those who use them. This mountain was an emblem of the Divine Providence coming between David and the destroyer. Let us not be dismayed at the prospect of future difficulties, but stay ourselves upon Him who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working. Sooner than his promise shall fail, he will commission Philistines to effect our escape, at the very moment when our case appears most desperate. God requires entire dependence on him, If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established, Isaiah 7:9.