1 Samuel 23:14

“And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, etc.] In the wilderness of Ziph, in high and strong rocks there, as it seems to be explained by what follows: and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph; which had its name from a city in the tribe of Judah, of which (see Gill on “<061555>Joshua 15:55”); and Saul sought him every day; for though he did not go forth from the place where he was to Keilah, yet hearing which way he went, and whereabout he lurked, he sought after him continually, if haply he might find him: but God delivered him not into his hand: which suggests, that it was only the providence of God that secured him, or, in all probability, such was the diligence of…”

“DAVID ESCAPES TO ZIPH. (Sa1 23:14-18) David abode in the wilderness . . . of Ziph--A mountainous and sequestered region was generally called a wilderness, and took its name from some large town in the district. Two miles southeast of Hebron, and in the midst of a level plain, is Tell-ziph, an isolated and conical hillock, about a hundred feet high, probably the acropolis [VAN DE VELDE], or the ruins [ROBINSON] of the ancient city of Ziph, from which the surrounding wilderness was called. It seems, anciently, to have been covered by an extensive woods. The country has for centuries lost its woods and forests, owing to the devastations caused by man.”

“Ziph is placed between Hebron and En-gedi (marginal references). (The “wood” 1 Samuel 23:15 is by Conder taken as a proper name, “Cheresh,” and identified with Khoreisa.) return to 'Top of Page'”

“23:14 The strongholds of the wilderness were not man-made structures but natural rock formations that provided refuge. • Ziph was approximately ten miles southeast of Keilah (23:1).”

“a mountain: Psa 11:1-3 the wilderness: Ziph is mentioned in Joshua with Carmel and Maon, near which it seems to have been situated; and as we have mention of Carmel and Maon in the history of David, as adjoining to Ziph, it cannot be doubted that by the Ziph, in the wilderness of which David now lay, and where was the hill of Hachilah, is to be understood Ziph near Carmel and Maon. Jos 15:24, Jos 15:55 Saul: Sa1 27:1; Psa 54:3, Psa 54:4; Pro 1:16, Pro 4:16 but God: Sa1 23:7; Psa 32:7, Psa 37:32, Psa 37:33, Psa 54:3, Psa 54:4; Pro 21:30; Jer 36:26; Rom 8:31; Ti2 3:11, Ti2 4:17, Ti2 4:18 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 23:15”