Topical Bible: Saul: King of Israel: David is Again Betrayed To, by the Ziphites

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Saul, the first king of Israel, is a complex figure whose reign is marked by both military successes and personal failures. One of the notable episodes during his reign involves his relentless pursuit of David, the future king of Israel, whom he perceived as a threat to his throne. This pursuit is marked by multiple betrayals, including those by the Ziphites, a group from the region of Ziph in the Judean wilderness.

The Ziphites first betray David to Saul in 1 Samuel 23. David, who is fleeing from Saul, takes refuge in the wilderness of Ziph. The Ziphites, seeking favor with King Saul, inform him of David's whereabouts. They say to Saul, "Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, south of Jeshimon?" (1 Samuel 23:19). Saul blesses them for their loyalty and instructs them to gather more intelligence on David's movements so he can capture him.

Despite the Ziphites' betrayal, David narrowly escapes Saul's grasp due to divine intervention. As Saul closes in on David, a messenger arrives to inform Saul that the Philistines are raiding the land, forcing Saul to abandon his pursuit and return to defend his kingdom (1 Samuel 23:27-28).

The Ziphites betray David a second time in 1 Samuel 26. Once again, David is hiding in the wilderness of Ziph, and the Ziphites report his location to Saul. They inform Saul, "David is hiding on the hill of Hachilah, which faces Jeshimon" (1 Samuel 26:1). Saul, undeterred by his previous failure, sets out with three thousand chosen men of Israel to capture David.

In a remarkable display of faith and restraint, David infiltrates Saul's camp at night and stands over the sleeping king. Instead of killing Saul, David takes Saul's spear and water jug as evidence of his presence and his decision to spare Saul's life. The next morning, David calls out to Saul from a safe distance, demonstrating his loyalty and righteousness by showing that he had the opportunity to kill Saul but chose not to (1 Samuel 26:9-11).

This episode highlights the ongoing tension between Saul and David, as well as David's unwavering faith in God's justice and timing. Despite being betrayed by the Ziphites and pursued by Saul, David consistently refuses to harm the Lord's anointed, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His own time. Saul, on the other hand, is portrayed as increasingly desperate and paranoid, unable to see the divine protection over David and the futility of his own efforts against God's chosen servant.

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1 Samuel 26:1
And the Ziphites came to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Does not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?
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Love and Remorse
... And Saul answered, I ... having fallen away from God and wrecked their lives, perhaps
there is none so impressive as the giant form of the first king of Israel. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love and remorse.htm

Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... boldness and courage; "I do not trouble Israel, but thou ... listen to them, saying,
"We have no king but C??sar ... flattery, that of David, how he gat Saul into his ...
/.../homily v philippians ii 4-jan.htm