Previously when he had been chased, David had tried to hide from Saul. Now he took a deliberate initiative to confront Saul. He did so in order to demonstrate his loyalty before Saul and his men. These were not actions meant to enhance his status, but to help Saul realize that David was a good and trustworthy servant and that he was wrong in pursuing him and seeking his death.1
5 Then David rose and came to the place where Saul had encamped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, with Abner the son of Ner, the commander of his army. Saul was lying within the encampment, while the army was encamped around him.