שמואל א, פרק כ״ג, פסוק ט׳

David becomes acutely aware of the severe danger hanging over him, recognizing that the king's actions are directed entirely at him. The primary approach among commentators is that Saul is not merely remaining silent, but is actively thinking, plotting, and scheming [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This apparent quietness actually describes the internal, calculated process of devising harm [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, רלב״ג]. Saul operates in complete secrecy, laying a hidden ambush [רש״י] while carefully concealing his true intentions [מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, his ultimate goal is to manipulate the situation so he can recruit the entire nation into his campaign to destroy David [רלב״ג].

Understanding that he is the sole target of this elaborate plot, David fears that the local residents will betray him and hand him over to the king [מצודת דוד]. Faced with this hidden threat, David turns to Abiathar the priest and asks him to bring the ephod. He does this to seek counsel from God, relying on the Urim and Thummim to receive clear, divine guidance on how he should act [ביאור שטיינזלץ].