BibleTools.info

1. Enquired of the Lord. David had learned by bitter experience the folly of making important decisions without divine counsel (see 1 Sam. 27 to 30). At this important juncture his first concern was to know what God would have him do. His inquiry was probably made through Abiathar the priest (see 1 Sam. 23:6, 9-12; 30:6-8).

Shall I go up? For some time David had been an exile from his own country, but the death of Saul had opened the way for his return to his own land. Every consideration seemed to indicate that the time had come for a return, but before going back David sought to know the will of the Lord.

Unto Hebron. The ancient home of Abraham (Gen. 13:18), and the burial place of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob. It lay 24 3/4 mi. (39.6 km.) northeast of Beersheba, probably 17 1/8 mi. (27.4 km.) from Ziklag, in a beautiful valley surrounded by fertile hills and fruitful lands. The region had long been famous for its vineyards, its grapes being regarded as the finest in Palestine. David had maintained friendly relations with this city during the lifetime of Saul. It was well suited for the temporary capital of David’s southern kingdom, not only being situated in a strong position in the mountains of Judah, amid people who were friendly to David, but having the sacred associations of the early patriarchs. The city became the home of David for the next seven years.