The Wilderness of Ziph

David moved his men eastward from Keilah to the wilderness of Ziph.

This area is four miles southeast of Hebron and extends eastward toward the Dead Sea. “This district is a barren, sun-scorched desert, full of deep wadies that make excellent hiding places. The ‘strong holds,’ or fortresses, were lookouts commanding large areas of country, and placed near enough together so that it was impossible for anyone to traverse this section without being noticed. Probably David placed his men at various strategic positions, and every day word reached him of the location of Saul’s forces. Water and food were almost unobtainable.” First Samuel 23:15 states David was “in a wood” in this wilderness.

As the wilderness of Ziph is a barren wasteland, the location of this site has been more closely linked with a spot on the main road south of Ziph, between Hebron and En-gedi, where forage was available. Saul’s search for David had been unsuccessful.

Jonathan, on the other hand, found David.

It is not hard to imagine David’s men being told to let the king’s son through their lines as he was a friend. “At this time, when there were so few bright spots in the path of David, he was rejoiced to receive an unexpected visit from Jonathan, who had learned the place of his refuge. Precious were the moments which these two friends passed in each other’s society. They related their varied experiences, and Jonathan strengthened the heart of David, saying, ‘Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth’ [1 Samuel 23:17]. As they talked of the wonderful dealings of God with David, the hunted fugitive was greatly encouraged. ‘And they two made a covenant before the Lord: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.’ “After the visit of Jonathan, David encouraged his soul with songs of praise, accompanying his voice with his harp as he sang: [Psalm 11:1–5 quoted].” “The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth” (Psalm 11:5).