Then Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph,...
Geography is as important in scripture as the characters in the accounts written.
Why was Saul in the "wilderness of Ziph, which means 'flowing, overflowing, overwhelming, becoming liquid, refining, purifying, cleansing (Hebrew 2203, 2128)?"
Ziph is also a southern town in the city of Judah.
As a side note to this location - all conflicts seem to take place in barren, deserted places. There may be much vegetation in surrounding areas but the conflict must have uncluttered, clear view of the enemy.
The "Ziphites" or peoples in this wilderness were loyal to Saul. For a vengeful character it would've seemed advantageous to ally with those who appeared allegiant to the jealous King.
It is a given that King Saul knew of this allegiance. This is why he was in the "wilderness of Ziph."
Before the "why," let us discover the "where."
David remained in the hill country of this wilderness whilst escaping the vengeance of King Saul. He would've been protected by many caves and hills which would've obscured the view of the vengeful King.
The wilderness of Ziph was approximately 21 miles south of Jerusalem. Jersualem, as bible students would note, would eventually be called "the city of David." David's birthplace was roughly 5 miles south of Jerusalem.
David's conflicts with the King are all around the city from where he will eventually reign. Sovereignty at work.
God will sends these conflicts to give us "the expected end." (Jer 29.11)
Now a little "why."
God also sends these difficulty's to conform us to His will - not our own. (Rom 12.2, I Thes 5.18, Eph 5.17, Jms 4.15)
In the life of every believer, challenge and conflict must come, yea will come.
Yet, even before there was a Romans 12:19-20, "Vengence is mine, saith the Lord," David understood, especially with his words regarding Goliath, that the "battle was the Lord's." However, the "soft answer" (Pro 15.1) did not resolve the conflict with the current King.
So, why did they King and his esteemed young man end up in this particualar wilderness?
It appears the wilderness struggle was for David's good on his way to the throne. The end of King Saul was destined to be failure. He could not let go of the jealousy that drove him to seek the life of this gentle shepherd.
Again, the meaning of "the wilderness of Ziph."
wilderness of Ziph, which means 'flowing, overflowing, overwhelming, becoming liquid, refining, purifying, cleansing
This was clearly more of a testing and proving ground for Israel's greatest King. David was indeed "going with the flow," though overwhelmed at times by the circumstances. He was also in a time of refining, purifying and cleansing. All of which would aid him in his future judgments as King.
Much analysis of the geographical location noted here. Rugged, dry, barren. Does your life seem this way sometimes?
However, as a believer do you understand the Lord's plan in your life? Maybe not but you can rest assured He has one. There is a purpose and plan in the life of every believer, no matter the conflicts, struggles, jealousy and vengeance of the enemy.
The reward? Peace (Jn 14.27) in knowing there is joy in the journey as well as the end of the journey.
David saw many victory's on his way to the throne. Our "throne," of course is heaven and we know this hope (I Pet 1.3-4) and depend upon Him for it.
Believer, do not despair or quit in this "wilderness." You will make it, "all the way home."
In His blessed Name,
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