The Ziphims, also referred to as the inhabitants of Ziph, are mentioned in the context of the biblical narrative concerning David's flight from King Saul. The Ziphims were residents of the region of Ziph, located in the hill country of Judah. This area is noted for its rugged terrain and strategic significance, providing natural fortresses and hiding places.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Samuel 23:19-24 : The Ziphites first appear in the biblical account when they betray David to King Saul. "Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, 'Is David not hiding among us in the strongholds of Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, south of Jeshimon? Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hands.' Saul replied, 'May you be blessed by the LORD, for you have had compassion on me. Go and make further preparations. Investigate and watch carefully where he goes and who has seen him there, for I have been told that he is very cunning. Observe and find out about all the hiding places where he hides, and return to me with sure information. Then I will go with you, and if he is in the land, I will search him out among all the clans of Judah.' So they set out and went to Ziph ahead of Saul."

2. 1 Samuel 26:1-2 : The Ziphites again inform Saul of David's whereabouts. "Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, 'Is David not hiding on the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?' So Saul, accompanied by three thousand choice men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Ziph was a town in the tribal territory of Judah, situated southeast of Hebron. The wilderness of Ziph, characterized by its desolate and rocky landscape, provided an ideal refuge for David and his men as they evaded Saul's pursuit. The loyalty of the Ziphites to Saul, despite David's anointing as the future king of Israel, highlights the complex political dynamics and local allegiances during this period.

Theological Significance:

The actions of the Ziphites serve as a backdrop to the broader narrative of David's trials and God's providential care over him. Despite the betrayal by the Ziphites, David's faith in God's protection remains steadfast. This episode underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and the testing of David's character as he awaits the fulfillment of God's promise to establish him as king.

Cultural and Moral Insights:

The Ziphites' decision to inform Saul of David's location reflects the tension between political expediency and moral integrity. Their actions can be seen as a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritizing personal or political gain over righteousness and loyalty to God's anointed. David's response, characterized by restraint and trust in God's justice, offers a model of godly conduct in the face of betrayal and adversity.

In summary, the Ziphims play a pivotal role in the narrative of David's flight from Saul, illustrating themes of loyalty, betrayal, and divine protection. Their interactions with David and Saul provide valuable insights into the historical and spiritual landscape of ancient Israel.ZIPHIMS

zif'-imz: In title of Psalm 54 the King James Version for the Revised Version (British and American) ZIPHITES (which see).

Psalm LIII. (LIV. ).
... Psalm LIII. (LIV.). For the end among the hymns, of the meaning of David when the
Ziphims came and said to Saul: behold, is not David hid with us? ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/psalm liii liv.htm

Psalm 54
... Psalm 54. To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when the
Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? 8,6,8,6. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 54.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... At some period in this lowest ebb of David's fortunes, we have one short psalm,
very simple and sad (liv.) It bears the title, "When the Ziphims came and said ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm

Ziphims (1 Occurrence)
...ZIPHIMS. zif'-imz: In title of Psalm 54 the King James Version for the Revised Version
(British and American) ZIPHITES (which see). ...Ziphims (1 Occurrence). ...
/z/ziphims.htm - 7k

Ziphim (1 Occurrence)
... Psalms 54:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when the
Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? ...
/z/ziphim.htm - 6k

Ziphion (1 Occurrence)

/z/ziphion.htm - 7k

Psalm (213 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Psalms 54:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David,
when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? ...
/p/psalm.htm - 37k

Hide (135 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Psalms 54:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David,
when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? ...
/h/hide.htm - 37k

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