patrial from זִיף; a Ziphite or inhabitant of Ziph; Ziphim, Ziphite.
Transliteration:Zîyphîy
Pronunciation:zee-fee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2130}}` (Zîyphîy) is a gentilic or patrial noun, derived from the place name `{{H2128}}` (Zîyph). Its core meaning is straightforward: "a Ziphite" or "an inhabitant of Ziph." Ziph was a town located in the hill country of Judah, specifically mentioned in the tribal allocation of Judah ([[Joshua 15:55]]). As a patrial designation, `{{H2130}}` does not possess a broad semantic range beyond identifying a person's origin from this particular locale. Its significance is therefore primarily contextual, tied to the actions and identity of the individuals it describes within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H2130}}` are concentrated within the historical books, particularly in the accounts of David's flight from King Saul. The Ziphites are consistently portrayed in a specific, pivotal role:
* **[[1 Samuel 23:19]]**: The Ziphites are introduced as those who "came up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, 'Is not David hiding among us in strongholds in the forest, in the hill of Hachilah, which is south of Jeshimon?'" This marks their initial act of betrayal, informing Saul of David's hiding place. Their motivation is not explicitly stated but appears to be either loyalty to Saul, fear, or a desire for favor.
* **[[1 Samuel 23:24]]**: Following the Ziphites' report, Saul pursues David into the wilderness near Ziph. The text notes, "Now David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. And Saul and his men went to seek him." The Ziphites' information directly leads to this intense pursuit.
* **[[1 Samuel 26:1]]**: The Ziphites reappear, once again approaching Saul with similar information: "Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, 'Is not David hiding himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the east of Jeshimon?'" This second instance underscores their persistent opposition to David and their willingness to betray him.
* **[[Psalm 54:1]]**: The superscription of this psalm explicitly links its composition to the Ziphites' actions: "To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, when the Ziphites went and said to Saul, 'Is not David hiding among us?'" This verse confirms the historical backdrop of David's distress and his reliance on God for deliverance, directly triggered by the Ziphites' informing Saul.
In each instance, the Ziphites function as instruments of Saul's persecution, forcing David into precarious situations and highlighting his desperate reliance on divine protection. Their actions are integral to the narrative of David's journey from fugitive to king, serving as a catalyst for God's demonstration of faithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H2128}}` (Zîyph), the town itself, from which the Ziphites derive their name. Understanding the geographical location of Ziph in the wilderness of Judah helps contextualize David's movements and the terrain of his flight. Another related term is `{{H2129}}` (Ziphah), a personal name, though its connection to the Ziphites is likely through a shared root rather than direct association in the narrative.
Conceptually, the appearances of the Ziphites evoke several themes:
* **Betrayal and Disloyalty**: Their repeated informing on David exemplifies a lack of loyalty, particularly given David's anointing as future king.
* **Persecution and Adversity**: The Ziphites contribute directly to David's suffering and the constant threat to his life.
* **Divine Providence and Deliverance**: Paradoxically, their actions become the backdrop against which God's miraculous interventions on David's behalf are most clearly seen (e.g., [[1 Samuel 23:26-28]], [[1 Samuel 26:7-12]]).
* **Human Agency and God's Plan**: The Ziphites act according to their own will, yet their actions are woven into the larger tapestry of God's sovereign plan for David.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H2130}}` refers simply to a geographical designation, the role of the Ziphites in the biblical narrative carries significant theological weight. They represent the human opposition that God's chosen ones often face. Their betrayal of David serves several theological purposes:
1. **Testing of Faith**: The Ziphites' actions repeatedly push David to the brink, forcing him to deepen his reliance on Yahweh for protection and deliverance. This is powerfully articulated in [[Psalm 54]], a prayer born out of their treachery.
2. **Demonstration of God's Faithfulness**: Despite the relentless pursuit orchestrated by Saul and aided by the Ziphites, David is consistently delivered. This underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His chosen king, even amidst severe adversity. The "divine coincidence" of Saul being called away by a Philistine raid ([[1 Samuel 23:27-28]]) highlights God's active intervention.
3. **Illustrating the Nature of Kingship**: David's experience with the Ziphites contrasts sharply with Saul's. Saul relies on human informants and military might, while David, though a military leader, consistently seeks refuge and deliverance from God. This narrative contributes to the biblical understanding of a king after God's own heart.
4. **Foreshadowing Christ's Suffering**: In a broader typological sense, David's unjust persecution by his own people, including the Ziphites, can be seen as a foreshadowing of the suffering and betrayal experienced by the ultimate Davidic King, Jesus Christ.
### Summary
The term `{{H2130}}` (Zîyphîy) designates an "inhabitant of Ziph," a town in Judah. Though a simple geographical identifier, the Ziphites play a crucial and consistent role in the biblical narrative, particularly in the books of Samuel. They are known for twice betraying David's whereabouts to King Saul, thereby instigating intense periods of persecution for the future king. Their actions, while seemingly negative, serve as a catalyst for David's fervent prayers and provide the context for powerful demonstrations of God's protective providence and faithfulness. The theological significance of the Ziphites lies not in their own character, but in their instrumental role in testing David's faith, highlighting God's delivering power, and contributing to the unfolding of the divine plan for the Davidic monarchy.
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