1 Samuel 23:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king's hand.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Ziphites invite Saul to come down and pledge to hand David over.
What Does 1 Samuel 23:20 Mean?
The Ziphites flatter Saul, inviting him to come down 'according to all the desire of thy soul,' and they promise their part: to deliver David into the king's hand. They cater to the very obsession that has consumed him, offering to do the betraying themselves.
Their words feed Saul's deadly hunger rather than challenge it. There is danger in those who flatter a leader's worst desires, eager to gain favor by serving his sin. They speak of the 'desire of thy soul' as if murder were a longing to be satisfied. Yet they presume to guarantee an outcome that belongs to God alone, who has already declared that He will not give David up.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 23:20
What does 1 Samuel 23:20 mean?
The Ziphites invite Saul to come down and pledge to hand David over.