Having once again publicly displayed his loyalty to Saul (1 Samuel 26:1–25), David was disappointed by Saul’s reaction. Though Saul had wished him well (1 Samuel 26:25), he had not truly repented of his sin since he did not submit himself in service to David as the new king.1 As a result, David knew from past experience that it would not be long before Saul would start chasing him again. With life as a fugitive having taken its toll (see 1 Samuel 26:19–20),2 David considered new solutions that would provide more stability and permanence.3 In many ways it was a practical move that considered the needs of the men who were with him as well as their families.4 Exile was the only lasting means of escape from Saul’s plans.5
1 Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.”