Ziklag— Ziklag was situated on the southern frontiers of Judah, not far from Hormah. See Joshua 15:30-31. Le Clerc conjectures from this verse, that the present book was written after the separation of the ten tribes; but it is easy to suppose, that this passage was added to the sacred text by some later hand, Jeremiah, or Esdras, or some other inspired writer. For the rest, it is certain, that before the separation of the ten tribes, Judah and Israel were distinguished from each other. Psalms 76:1.
REFLECTIONS.—Though there was now an apparent reconciliation wrought between them, David knew Saul's temper too well, to believe that it would be of long continuance. We have here,
1. His fearfulness and unbelief. God's promises, and his own past experience, cannot prevent melancholy apprehensions of his danger; he is, therefore, ready to despair after all his deliverances, and fears that he shall yet fall by the hand of Saul. Note; Many a poor trembling heart is exercised like David, and, from the sense of its numerous corruptions, is ready to give up all hope, and dishonour God's faithfulness.
2. His resolution, hereupon, to fly into the land of the Philistines, hoping that Saul would then desist from any further pursuit. He accordingly fled to Achish, from whom he met with a kind reception. Probably, David had first acquainted him with his distress, and obtained his protection; and he can sooner rely on the word of a Philistine, than on the oath of Saul. His six hundred men accompanied him, with their households, and dwelt at first with Achish at Gath; but, finding many inconveniences there, he desires, and Achish consents to give him Ziklag for his abode. His abode in the royal city exposed him to envy, and the courtiers of Achish probably disliked the friendship that their king shewed him. Besides, there the public exercise of his religion was more offensive, and his men in greater danger of being corrupted. On every account, therefore, the motion was prudent, and the issue proved it so; for hither his friends could more easily resort to him; and by the present grant, the city became ever after annexed to the crown of Judah, as it had been in their lot before, though not occupied by that tribe. Here he abode, not a year and four months, but days, even four months, Saul being within that time slain, and David succeeding to the throne. Note; (1.) It is our duty to withdraw from temptation. (2.) We shall never lose by what we give up for the sake of God and our souls.
3. Saul now desisted from any further pursuit, which, it seems, he again intended, if David had not been gone out of his reach. Note; It is not by the want of will, but power, that the evil of many a wicked man is kept within bounds.