This selection returns to that feel from reading the Canterbury Tales. It really feels medieval to me, which I recognize is silly. Saul and David are engaged in what has become a civil war. David saves a city from the Philistines, which brings Saul his way since Saul figures David is finally pinned down to a particular place. God tells David–and God is still talk directly to people in words, but does seem to appear to them any more–that, yeah, the people in the city he just liberated would in fact deliver him to Saul if Saul arrives. The selection ends with Saul giving up the hunt for David because the Philistines have invaded again.
What strikes me here is that the author records Saul’s continued desire to win YHWH’s affection and approval. Saul really is a tragic character.
Interesting note: a 1 Sam. 22:3-4 we have the following:
From there David went to Mizpah in Moab and said to the king of Moab, “Would you let my father and mother come and stay with you until I learn what God will do for me?” So he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him as long as David was in the stronghold.
Recall that the Book of Ruth was likely written to explain David’s Moabite roots. This may have been another attempt.