The number of the days that David lived in the country of the Philistines was a full year and four months.
      2. The grant which Achish made to him, upon that request, was very generous and kind (1 Samuel 27:6; 1 Samuel 27:7): Achish gave him Ziklag. Hereby, (1.) Israel recovered their ancient right; for Ziklag was in the lot of the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:31), and afterwards, out of that lot, was assigned, with some other cities, to Simeon, Joshua 19:5. But either it was never subdued, or the Philistines had, in some struggle with Israel, made themselves masters of it. Perhaps they had got it unjustly, and Achish, being a man of sense and honour, took this occasion to restore it. The righteous God judgeth righteously. (2.) David gained a commodious settlement, not only at a distance from Gath, but bordering upon Israel, where he might keep up a correspondence with his own countrymen, and whither they might resort to him at the revolution that was now approaching. Though we do not find that he augmented his forces at all while Saul lived (for, 1 Samuel 30:10; 1 Samuel 30:10, he had but his six hundred men), yet, immediately after Saul's death, that was the rendezvous of his friends. Nay, it should seem, while he kept himself close because of Saul, multitudes resorted to him, at least to assure him of their sincere intentions, 1 Chronicles 12:1-22. And this further advantage David gained, that Ziklag was annexed to the crown, at least the royalty of it pertained to the kings of Judah, ever after, 1 Samuel 27:6; 1 Samuel 27:6. Note, There is nothing lost by humility and modesty, and a willingness to retire. Real advantages follow those that flee from imaginary honours. Here David continued for some days, even four months, as it may very well be read (1 Samuel 27:7; 1 Samuel 27:7), or some days above four months: the LXX. reads it, some months; so long he waited for the set time of his accession to the throne; for he that believeth shall not make haste.