¹⁴ David then stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph.^(A) Saul searched for him every day, but God did not hand David over to him.^(B)

²³ Investigate^[a] all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with accurate information, and I’ll go with you. If it turns out he really is in the region, I’ll search for him among all the clans^[b] of Judah.”

²⁰ So don’t let my blood fall to the ground far from the Lord’s presence, for the king of Israel has come out to search for a single flea,^(A) like one who pursues a partridge in the mountains.”