John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah , etc.] Of Benjamin, called sometimes Gibeah of Saul, because it was the place of his birth and residence; hither Saul had returned after his last interview with David; whether, notwithstanding what had passed between him and David, he had privately encouraged the Ziphites to watch David, and give him information of him where he was, and when it was a proper opportunity to seize him; or whether the Ziphites were so officious as of themselves to acquaint him with it, is not certain; the latter is probable, since having attempted to betray David, they might fear, that should he come to the throne, he would remember it, and therefore they might be desirous of having him cut off by the hand of Saul: saying, doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, [which is] before Jeshimon ? the same place where he was when the Ziphites before gave information of him, ( 1 Samuel 23:10); here he might choose to be, supposing that the Ziphites now would not meditate anything against him, since Saul had declared he would be king after him, and had made him swear that he would not cut off his posterity; and as he thought it his wisdom to provide against the worst, knowing the inconstancy of Saul, he might judge this the most proper place of safety, and from whence he could, on occasion, easily retreat into the wilderness; and it may be also, because it was near to Abigail’s estate and possessions, which were now a good resource for him.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-12 - How soon do unholy hearts lose the good impressions convictions have made upon them! How helpless were Saul and all his men! All as thoug disarmed and chained, yet nothing is done to them; they are onl asleep. How easily can God weaken the strongest, befool the wisest, an baffle the most watchful! David still resolved to wait till God though fit to avenge him on Saul. He will by no means force his way to the promised crown by any wrong methods. The temptation was very strong but if he yielded, he would sin against God, therefore he resisted the temptation, and trusted God with the event.
Original Hebrew ויבאו935 הזפים2130 אל413 שׁאול7586 הגבעתה1390 לאמר559 הלוא3808 דוד1732 מסתתר5641 בגבעת1389 החכילה2444 על5921 פני6440 הישׁימן׃3452
