Meaning
A biblical place name associated with a town and wilderness region in the hill country of Judah.
Biblical Usage
Ziph refers to a town in the territory of Judah and to the wilderness associated with it. The wilderness of Ziph became a place where David hid from Saul while Saul pursued him.
Scripture also records Ziph among the towns of Judah. The name therefore refers to both a settled place and the surrounding wilderness in the accounts concerning David.
Key References
- Joshua 15:55 — Ziph is listed among the cities of Judah.
- 1 Samuel 23:14 — David remains in the wilderness of Ziph while Saul seeks him.
- 1 Samuel 23:19 — The Ziphites tell Saul where David is hiding.
- 1 Samuel 26:1 — The Ziphites again inform Saul concerning David.
- 1 Chronicles 2:42 — Ziph is included among the descendants of Judah.
- 2 Chronicles 11:8 — Ziph is mentioned among the fortified cities of Judah.
Related Terms
- David
- Saul
- Judah
- Wilderness
- Hachilah