18. The two of them made an agreement before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home. But David stayed at Horesh.
19. The people from Ziph went to Saul at Gibeah. They told him, “David is hiding in our land. He’s at the protected places of Horesh. They are on the hill of Hakilah, south of Jeshimon.
20. Now, our king, come down anytime you want. It’s our duty to give David to you.”
21. Saul answered, “The Lord bless you for helping me.
22. Go and learn more about him. Find out where he is staying. Find out who has seen him there. I have heard that he is clever.
23. Find all the hiding places he uses. And come back and tell me everything. Then I’ll go with you. If David is in the area, I will find him. I will track him down among all the families in Judah.”
24. So they went back to Ziph ahead of Saul. David and his men were in the Desert of Maon. This was in the desert area south of Jeshimon.
25. Saul and his men went to look for David. But people warned David that Saul was looking for him. David then went down to a rock and stayed in the Desert of Maon. Saul heard that David had gone there. So he went after him into the Desert of Maon.
26. Saul was going along one side of the mountain. David and his men were on the other side. They were hurrying to get away from Saul. Saul and his soldiers were closing in on David and his men.
27. But a messenger came to Saul. He said, “Come quickly! The Philistines are attacking our land!”
28. So Saul stopped chasing David and went to fight the Philistines. That is why people call this place Rock of Parting.
29. David left the Desert of Maon and lived in the protected places of En Gedi.