1Sa 23:21 | MHM | STEP | v. 21-23 : Saul was happy to hear this news and thanked the Ziphites, saying, “Blessed be you of the Lord, for you have compassion on me” (1 Samuel 23:21 ). He acted as if he was the victim needing pity, though it was his own anger that caused trouble. Saul told the Ziphites to search carefully because David was very clever at hiding. Saul did not go with them right away, hoping to catch David more easily through their help. But this delay gave David time to escape. The Ziphites watched all the places David might go, so Saul thought he was sure to catch him if David stayed in the area (1 Samuel 23:22-23 ).

‏ 1 Samuel 23:21

v. 21-23: Saul was happy to hear this news and thanked the Ziphites, saying, “Blessed be you of the Lord, for you have compassion on me” (1 Samuel 23:21 ^a). He acted as if he was the victim needing pity, though it was his own anger that caused trouble. Saul told the Ziphites to search carefully because David was very clever at hiding. Saul did not go with them right away, hoping to catch David more easily through their help. But this delay gave David time to escape. The Ziphites watched all the places David might go, so Saul thought he was sure to catch him if David stayed in the area (1 Samuel 23:22-23 ^b).