25 When Saul and his men went to seek him, they told David , and he came down to the rock and stayed in the wilderness of Maon . And when Saul heard it, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon . 26 Saul went on one side of the mountain , and David and his men on the other side of the mountain ; and David was hurrying to get away from Saul , for Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men to seize them. 27 But a messenger came to Saul , saying , "Hurry and come , for the Philistines have made a raid on the land ." 28 So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines ; therefore e they called that place the Rock of Escape . 29 David went up from there and stayed in the strongholds of Engedi .
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.