חֲכִילָה (cha.khi.lah)
cha.khi.lah
Hachilah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Chachilah, meaning "dark," refers to a specific hill in southern Judah situated on the edge of the Wilderness of Ziph. It appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the narrative of 1 Samuel during the period when King Saul was hunting David.
This location marks a critical moment in their pursuit. In 1 Samuel 23:19 and 26:1-2, the Philistines invade the land, forcing Saul to abandon his chase of David temporarily. However, after the Philistines leave, Saul returns to Ziph, where he camps near Chachilah. It is here that David secretly enters Saul’s camp at night and takes the king’s spear and water jug as proof of his mercy, demonstrating his refusal to harm the Lord’s anointed despite the danger.
The name’s meaning adds a layer of atmosphere to these events. The "dark" hill serves as a backdrop for scenes of stealth and divine protection, where David remains hidden from Saul’s eyes. These brief mentions anchor the story in a real geographical setting, highlighting the tension between the hunted king and the pursuing one.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hachilah means "dark," a fitting description for the rugged hills where David hid from King Saul. These verses place us in a tense moment, not just as observers of history, but as witnesses to how God protects His people when they are hunted. The landscape itself seems to hold its breath, offering cover to those who trust in divine guidance rather than their own strength.
When David entered Saul’s camp at night, he did so with careful restraint. He took only the spear and water jug, leaving the king alive despite having every chance to strike. This act was not merely strategic; it was a profound declaration of respect for God’s authority. Even in the shadows of Hachilah, David chose mercy over revenge, showing that true strength lies in self-control and faith.
For us today, these stories remind us that God sees us in our darkest places. Whether we feel pursued by fear or trapped by circumstances, we can trust that He provides refuge. Like David, we are called to act with integrity even when it is difficult. This hill stands as a quiet witness to the power of patience and the peace that comes from relying on God’s timing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ Hakilah3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַֽ/חֲכִילָ֔ה1×
- הַ/חֲכִילָ֗ה1×
- הַ/חֲכִילָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 23:19
Then the Ziphites came up to Saul to Gibeah, saying, “Doesn’t David hide himself with us in the strongholds in the woods, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of the desert?
This verse highlights the Ziphites' betrayal by revealing David's hiding place to Saul, showing how human treachery often precedes divine deliverance.
-
I Samuel 26:1
The Ziphites came to Saul to Gibeah, saying, “Doesn’t David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before the desert?”
The repetition of the location emphasizes the ongoing danger and Saul’s persistent pursuit, underscoring the tension of David's situation.
-
I Samuel 26:3
Saul encamped in the hill of Hachilah, which is before the desert, by the way. But David stayed in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.
This verse sets the stage for David's act of mercy by describing Saul camping nearby, making his restraint even more significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hachilah mean?
Why is Hachilah important in the story of David?
How many times does Hachilah appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
I Samuel 3 verses
Then the Ziphites came up to Saul to Gibeah, saying, “Doesn’t David hide himself with us in the strongholds in the…
I Samuel 26:1The Ziphites came to Saul to Gibeah, saying, “Doesn’t David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before the…
I Samuel 26:3Saul encamped in the hill of Hachilah, which is before the desert, by the way. But David stayed in the wilderness, and…