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.