28 Then Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why they call this place Sela Hammahlekoth.
28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape.
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.
28 Therefore Saul returned from pursuing David, and went against the Philistines; so they called that place the Rock of Escape.
28 So Saul quit chasing David and returned to fight the Philistines. Ever since that time, the place where David was camped has been called the Rock of Escape.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:28
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.