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1 Samuel 30:1,14
And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; …

1 Samuel 19:5
For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawestit, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

2 Samuel 1:1
Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;

and to this day it still belongs to the kings of Judah
The phrase "to this day" suggests that the text was written at a time when the ownership of Ziklag by the kings of Judah was still recognized. This indicates the lasting impact of David's acquisition of the town. Ziklag's continued association with Judah highlights its integration into the Israelite kingdom, which David would later unify. The historical context shows that Ziklag became a part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, as seen in the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. This phrase also underscores the enduring legacy of David's leadership and the establishment of his dynasty, which is central to the narrative of the united monarchy in Israel's history.

“That day Achish gave him Ziklag…” (1 Samuel 27:6)

• The phrase “that day” ties the gift of Ziklag to David’s immediate arrival in Philistine territory (1 Samuel 27:2–3).

• David had reasoned, “I will perish someday by the hand of Saul” (1 Samuel 27:1), and this same day became the turning point for his protection under Philistine oversight.

• Scripture often marks pivotal moments with the words “that day” (e.g.,1 Samuel 21:10;2 Samuel 4:8), underscoring the literal immediacy of God-directed events.

“…Achish gave him Ziklag…”

• Achish, king of Gath (1 Samuel 27:2), grants David the border town of Ziklag.

• Ziklag originally lay within Judah’s and Simeon’s allotments (Joshua 15:31; 19:5), yet the Philistines had taken control—evidence of Israel’s incomplete conquest.

• By giving David his own city, Achish

– removes David’s men from Gath, easing Philistine fears (1 Samuel 27:5),

– gains a perceived ally against Saul (1 Samuel 29:3),

– unwittingly provides David with a strategic base for future raids against Israel’s enemies (1 Samuel 27:8–9).

• The transfer shows God’s providence: the enemy king furnishes David with a protected stronghold, preparing the path to kingship (2 Samuel 2:1).

“…and to this day…”

• The author marks continuity from the historical moment to his own time of writing, affirming factual reliability (compare1 Samuel 5:5;2 Chronicles 5:9).

• This phrase indicates that even generations later, readers could verify Ziklag’s status in Judah’s royal domain, reinforcing the enduring trustworthiness of the narrative.

“…it still belongs to the kings of Judah.”

• David’s personal possession became part of Judah’s royal estate once he ascended the throne (2 Samuel 2:4; 5:5).

• Ziklag served as a refuge for David’s followers (1 Samuel 30:1;1 Chronicles 12:1) and later as a recognized town within the southern kingdom.

• The statement underscores God’s faithfulness: what begins as a survival measure culminates in lasting inheritance, aligning with God’s promise to establish David’s house (2 Samuel 7:16).

• Even after the kingdom divided, kings of Judah retained Ziklag, illustrating the permanence of God-given territory despite political shifts.

The single verse records a decisive gift, secured the very day David sought Philistine shelter. Achish’s grant of Ziklag—initially a tactical convenience—became a perpetual possession of Judah’s monarchy, a tangible sign that God safeguards His anointed, turns enemy actions for His purposes, and secures lasting inheritance for His people.

Wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day.--These words supply us with a double note of time in the question of the date of this First Book of Samuel. They tell us that it was cast in its present shapeafterthe revolt of Jeroboam, and certainlybeforethe days of the carrying away of Israel to Babylon.

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