Sela-hammahlekoth

Sela-hammahlekoth (meaning "rock of divisions" or "rock of escape") was a cliff in the wilderness of Maon where David narrowly escaped capture by Saul (1 Sam. 23:28). Saul had David's forces surrounded when urgent news arrived that Philistines had raided the land, forcing Saul to break off pursuit. The location took its name from this dramatic division — the moment the pursuit was split apart. The episode illustrates how providential circumstances (the Philistine raid) intervened to preserve David's life during his long flight from Saul in the Judean wilderness.