from pursuing the Philistines
The Philistines were a perennial enemy of Israel, and Saul's military campaigns against them were a significant part of his kingship. The Hebrew word for "pursuing" is "רָדַף" (radaf), which conveys a sense of relentless pursuit or chase. This reflects Saul's role as a warrior king, constantly engaged in battles to secure Israel's borders. The Philistines, known for their advanced iron weaponry and formidable military presence, were a constant threat, and Saul's pursuit of them underscores the ongoing struggle for survival and dominance in the region.

he was told
This phrase introduces the element of external influence on Saul's decisions. The Hebrew verb "נָגַד" (nagad) means to declare or inform, suggesting that Saul's actions were often reactive, based on the information he received from others. This highlights a key aspect of Saul's leadership—his reliance on advisors and informants, which sometimes led to impulsive decisions. In the broader biblical narrative, this can be seen as a contrast to David, who often sought direct guidance from God.

David is in the Wilderness of En Gedi
The mention of "David" immediately shifts the focus to the central figure of this narrative. David, anointed by God to be the future king, represents a new hope for Israel. The "Wilderness of En Gedi" is a significant geographical location, known for its rugged terrain and natural springs. The Hebrew term "מִדְבָּר" (midbar) for "wilderness" implies a desolate, uninhabited area, often associated with testing and divine encounters in the Bible. En Gedi, meaning "spring of the young goat," is an oasis, symbolizing refuge and sustenance amidst desolation. This setting provides a backdrop for the unfolding drama between Saul and David, highlighting themes of pursuit, refuge, and divine providence. Historically, En Gedi was a strategic location, offering both concealment and resources, making it an ideal hideout for David and his men.

En-gedi.--David and his band were now wandering along a lofty plateau, upon the tops of cliffs some 2,000 feet above the Dead Sea. En-gedi--still known as Ain-jedy, the Fountain of the Kid--is a beautiful oasis, in the barren wilderness to the south of Judah. Its original name was Hazazon Tamar--"The Palm Wood" (see 2Chronicles 20:2)--and was once an ancient settlement of the Amorites (see Genesis 14:7). It has in all ages been a favourite spot with the possessors of the land. King Solomon appears to have paid peculiar attention to this garden of the wilderness. He planted the hills round it with vines; from the fountain flows a warm limpid stream, delicious to the taste. The remains of ancient gardens tell us that in the golden days of the kings En-gedi was probably a favourite resort of the wealthy citizen of Jerusalem. Solpmon, in his "Song of Songs," writes of it in a strain which shows how he loved it, when he compares his beloved "to a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of En-gedi."--Song of Solomon 1:14. Its present condition, as described by modern travellers, more nearly resembles the En-gedi when Saul hunted David among the rocks and caverns than the En-gedi the resort of the Jerusalem citizens, beautiful with gardens and vines of Solomon.--Conder: Tent Life. Dean Stanley and others have described the spot with great care, and left us a vivid picture of the scene. They tell us of the long and weary journey-across the desolate valleys and precipitous barren heights, and of the enchanting scene which lay before them when once Ain-jedy was reached. They describe in flowing language the plentiful and rich vegetation, the trees and fruits, the ruins of the ancient gardens, and remains of the beautiful groves, still inhabited by a multitude of singing birds. In the limestone cliffs are numerous caves, some of them very large and deep, well calculated to be the temporary shelter of large bodies of men. . . .