### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tsiqlag** `{{H6860}}`, or **Tsikelag**, is the name of a place in Palestine. Of uncertain derivation, its primary significance in the biblical record is tied to the life of David. The name appears **15 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
**Tsiqlag** first appears in the Old Testament as a city allotted to the tribe of Judah [[Joshua 15:31]] and later to Simeon [[Joshua 19:5]]. However, its most prominent role is as a refuge for **David** `{{H1732}}` and his men. The Philistine king **Achish** `{{H397}}` gave Ziklag to David while he was fleeing from **Saul** `{{H7586}}`, and it became David's base of operations [[1 Samuel 27:6]]. The city is the setting for a dramatic event where the **Amalekites** `{{H6003}}` **invaded** `{{H6584}}` the region, **smote** `{{H5221}}` **Tsiqlag**, and **burned** `{{H8313}}` it with **fire** `{{H784}}` [[1 Samuel 30:1]]. After defeating the raiders, David returned to **Tsiqlag** [[2 Samuel 1:1]] and from there sent a **present** `{{H1293}}` from the **spoil** `{{H7998}}` to the **elders** `{{H2205}}` of Judah [[1 Samuel 30:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other terms help to establish the context of **Tsiqlag**:
* **`{{H2767}}` Chormah** (Hormah): Defined as "devoted," this place is mentioned with **Tsiqlag** in a list of cities, indicating their geographical and tribal connection [[1 Chronicles 4:30]].
* **`{{H1024}}` Bêyth ham-Markâbôwth** (Bethmarcaboth): Meaning "place of (the) chariots," this city is also listed with **Tsiqlag** in the territorial allotments, helping to establish the regional context [[Joshua 19:5]].
* **`{{H5045}}` negeb** (south): This geographical term is crucial to Ziklag's story, as the city is located in the **south** and was subject to an Amalekite invasion that targeted the **south** ([[1 Samuel 30:1]], [[1 Samuel 30:14]]).
### Theological Significance
The narrative surrounding **Tsiqlag** carries significant weight in David's journey.
* **A Place of Refuge and Transition:** Ziklag serves as a temporary home for **David** `{{H1732}}` while he kept himself close because of **Saul** `{{H7586}}` [[1 Chronicles 12:1]]. It is here that **mighty men** `{{H1368}}` and captains gathered to him, marking a period of preparation before his kingship [[1 Chronicles 12:20]].
* **A Site of Devastating Trial:** The burning of Ziklag by the **Amalekites** `{{H6003}}` represents a moment of profound crisis for David and his men [[1 Samuel 30:1]]. The destruction of their homes tested David's leadership and faith in the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
* **A Stage for Restoration:** David's story in Ziklag does not end in tragedy. After the raid, he returns there after the slaughter of the **Amalekites** `{{H6002}}` [[2 Samuel 1:1]]. It becomes a place from which he distributes the **spoil** `{{H7998}}` of his **enemies** `{{H341}}`, turning a site of loss into one of victory and generosity [[1 Samuel 30:26]]. It is also in **Tsiqlag** that David learns of Saul's **death** `{{H4194}}`, setting the stage for his own ascension to the throne.
### Summary
In summary, **Tsiqlag** `{{H6860}}` is far more than a name on a map. While it begins as a city in the tribal lands of Judah and Simeon, it is immortalized as a pivotal location in David's life. It functions as a place of refuge, a site of severe testing through fire and invasion, and ultimately, a stage for victory and the transition of power that would lead to David's reign as king.
TRV