שמואל א, פרק כ״ו, פסוק ה׳

David embarks on a daring reconnaissance mission deep into enemy territory to closely examine the camp's layout and pinpoint the exact locations of its military leaders. His initial goal is purely for spying and observation [מצודת דוד]. From his vantage point, he identifies the precise spot where King Saul and his army commander, Abner, are resting. The military camp is arranged in a circular formation. The primary approach among commentators is that this layout is a deliberate defensive strategy, designed so that the soldiers can spot anyone approaching from any direction [רלב״ג, מצודת ציון]. Because of this specific defensive arrangement, the entire camp area is known simply as the circle [רד״ק].

Within this fortified structure, Saul and Abner are positioned close to one another [ביאור שטיינזלץ] but remain physically separated from the rest of the army [מלבי״ם]. Saul is placed directly in the center of the camp [ביאור שטיינזלץ], and an empty space is maintained around him to prevent anyone from getting too close [מלבי״ם]. While the king is already lying down in his secure location, the rest of the troops have not yet gone to sleep. They are merely in a state of encampment; although some soldiers are resting, others are still sitting or walking around the area [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד].

The sight of a heavily guarded camp, with the king protected in the very center and active guards still awake, highlights the immense bravery required to infiltrate it. Following his observation, David asks for a volunteer to join him. When Ahimelech hesitates and backs away from the danger, Abishai accepts the challenge. Together, they manage to cross through the entire guarded, circular camp without being detected, navigating past the awake soldiers until they reach the highly secure spot where Saul is resting [אברבנאל].