To the people, i. e. to Saul's host and camp. It might seem a bold and strange attempt; but many things are to be considered:
1. That heroical persons have oft attempted things of no less difficulty and danger than this was; as many credible historians relate.
2. That David did and might easily perceive that they were all fast asleep.
3. That David had a particular assurance that God would preserve him to the kingdom.
4. That he had a special instinct from God to this work; and possibly God might inform him that he had cast them into a dead sleep, that he might have this second opportunity of manifesting his innocency towards Saul, and the justice of his cause.