דברי הימים א, פרק י״ב, פסוק א׳

Long before taking the throne, David was a fugitive forced to seek refuge from his pursuers. He fled to the Philistine territory, where the local king, Achish, granted him the city of Ziklag to ensure his safety. This city, originally captured by the Philistines, was given to David and would remain a permanent inheritance for the royal house of David for generations [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The very fact that mighty warriors sought David out during this period of extreme hardship is a testament to his rising success and the strong, guiding providence of God over his life [רלב״ג].

At the time these men arrived, David was essentially hidden and confined. He was not a free man but was considered a wanted rebel against the crown, entirely prevented from returning to the land of Judah due to the constant threat of King Saul [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. His situation was akin to being locked away or delayed, trapped by the dangerous circumstances of his exile [רש״י, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The timing of their arrival highlights their deep loyalty. These men pledged their support early on, during the year and four months David spent living in Ziklag. They joined his ranks while Saul was still alive and actively hunting him, well before other groups, such as the tribe of Manasseh, arrived closer to the time of Saul's death [מלבי״ם]. Ultimately, these early supporters are counted among David’s greatest heroes. They stood by him in battle, actively assisting in his wars and sharing in the military victories that paved the way for his future [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].