1 Samuel 26:1

1 Und die Siphiter kamen zu Saul nach Gibea und sprachen: Hält sich David nicht verborgen auf dem Hügel Hakila vor der Wildnis?

1 Samuel 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.

1 Samuel 26:1 In-Context

1 Und die Siphiter kamen zu Saul nach Gibea und sprachen: Hält sich David nicht verborgen auf dem Hügel Hakila vor der Wildnis?

2 Da machte Saul sich auf und zog in die Wüste Siph hinab, und mit ihm dreitausend auserlesene Männer von Israel, um David in der Wüste Siph zu suchen;

3 und Saul lagerte sich auf dem Hügel Hakila, der vor der Wildnis am Wege liegt. David aber wohnte in der Wüste. Und als er sah, daß Saul ihm in die Wüste nachgekommen war,

4 da sandte David Kundschafter aus, und er erfuhr mit Gewißheit, daß Saul gekommen war.

5 Und David machte sich auf und kam an den Ort, wo Saul lagerte; und David sah den Ort, wo Saul lag und Abner, der Sohn Ners, sein Heeroberster; Saul lag aber in der Wagenburg, und das Volk lagerte um ihn her.