Shmuel Alef 26:1

1 6 And the Ziphim came unto Sha’ul at Giveah, saying, Doth not Dovid hide himself in the hill of Chachilah, which faces Yeshimon?

Shmuel Alef 26:1 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 26:1

And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah
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.

Shmuel Alef 26:1 In-Context

1 6 And the Ziphim came unto Sha’ul at Giveah, saying, Doth not Dovid hide himself in the hill of Chachilah, which faces Yeshimon?

2 Then Sha’ul arose, and went down to the midbar Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Yisroel with him, to search for Dovid in the midbar Ziph.

3 And Sha’ul encamped in the hill of Chachilah, which faces Yeshimon, beside the derech (road). But Dovid stayed in the midbar, and he saw that Sha’ul came after him into the midbar.

4 Dovid therefore sent out scouts, and understood that Sha’ul had indeed come.

5 And Dovid arose, and came to the makom where Sha’ul had encamped; and Dovid beheld the makom where Sha’ul lay down, and Avner Ben Ner, the sar of his tzava (army); and Sha’ul was lying in the camp, and HaAm encamped round about him.