With Ziklag having been ruined (see 1 Samuel 30:1–2), it was clear to David that he could not remain there.1 He needed to find a new home for himself and his men. Thus far he had been in Ziklag for a period of one year and four months (1 Samuel 27:7).
1 After this David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” And he said, “To Hebron.”