Then Saultookthreethousandchosenmenfrom allIsraeland wentto seekDavidand his menin frontof the Rocksof the WildGoats.
He said,"The LORDis my rockand my fortressand my deliverer;
"Do you knowthe timethe mountaingoatsgivebirth?Do you observethe calvingof the deer?
The highmountainsare for the wildgoats;The cliffsare a refugefor the shephanim.
Their judgesare throwndownby the sidesof the rock,And they hearmy words,for they are pleasant.
The wickedspiesupon the righteousAnd seeksto killhim.
Those who seekmy lifelaysnares[for me]; And those who seekto injureme have threateneddestruction,And they devisetreacheryalldaylong.
Now Saulchosefor himself 3,000men of Israel,of which 2,000were with Saulin Michmashand in the hillcountryof Bethel,while 1,000were with Jonathanat Gibeahof Benjamin.But he sentawaythe restof the people,eachto his tent.
So Saulreturnedfrom pursuingDavidand wentto meetthe Philistines;thereforethey calledthat placethe Rockof Escape.
So Saularoseand wentdownto the wildernessof Ziph,having with him threethousandchosenmenof Israel,to searchfor Davidin the wildernessof Ziph.
