Meaning
Ziklag was a town in the southern part of the land of Israel given to David by Achish, king of Gath, as a place to dwell.
Biblical Usage
Ziklag is listed among the towns assigned to Simeon and among the cities associated with Judah. During David’s flight from Saul, Achish gave him Ziklag as a place of residence.
The Amalekites later raided the town while David and his men were away. David pursued them and recovered the captives and possessions. After Saul’s death, David was living in Ziklag when he received the news. The precise modern identification of the site is uncertain. <Cite refs={[“turn894370search10”]}/>
Key References
- Joshua 15:31 — Lists Ziklag among the cities of Judah.
- Joshua 19:5 — Includes Ziklag among the cities assigned to Simeon.
- 1 Samuel 27:5-6 — Records Achish giving Ziklag to David.
- 1 Samuel 30:1-3 — Describes the Amalekite raid on Ziklag.
- 1 Samuel 30:18-26 — Records David recovering the captives and possessions.
- 2 Samuel 1:1 — States that David was dwelling in Ziklag after Saul’s death.
- 1 Chronicles 12:1 — Mentions men who came to David at Ziklag.
- Nehemiah 11:28 — Lists Ziklag among towns inhabited by the children of Judah.
Related Terms
- David — King of Israel who lived at Ziklag before becoming king.
- Gath — The Philistine city ruled by Achish.
- Amalekites — A people who raided Ziklag during David’s absence.
- Judah — The tribe and territory associated with the southern kingdom.