David on the run from Saul

1062–1055 BCApproximate date

1 Samuel 18–30; Psalms 34; 52; 54; 57; 142

Saul tried repeatedly to kill David, who fled into the wilderness with a band of outcasts, twice spared Saul's life, and finally took refuge among the Philistines.

He said to his men, “Yahweh forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, Yahweh’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is Yahweh’s anointed.”
1 Samuel 24:6 (World English Bible)

Jonathan warned David and helped him escape, and the two friends parted in tears. David hid in caves and desert strongholds, gathering about 600 men. Twice he had Saul at his mercy and refused to harm “Yahweh's anointed.” Several psalms come from these years.

Samuel died during this time (1 Samuel 25:1). In the end David went over to Achish of Gath, who gave him the town of Ziklag.

Places

Moab Hebron Bethlehem Gibeah Negeb Gath Jezreel Arabah Keilah Carmel Ramah Ziklag Adullam Hormah Paran Nob Engedi Jattir Jeshimon Naioth Shur Ziph Aphek Eshtemoa Horesh Besor Hachilah Maon Wilderness of Ziph Ezel Wilderness of Maon Aroer Athach Bethel Bor-ashan Hereth Mizpeh Racal Ramah Ramoth Rock of Escape Secu Siphmoth Wildgoats’ Rocks

Dating notes

Start estimated; Ussher places David's move to Gath in 1060 BC and his raids from Ziklag in 1057 BC. The psalm titles connect Psalms 34, 52, 54, 57, and 142 with these events.

Open on the timeline Read 1 Samuel 18–30