Ziklags

Ziklags is a biblical toponym used to refer to the city or cities named Ziklag appearing in ancient Near Eastern texts. The plural form is used by scholars when discussing more than one site that bore the same name. The name is of Hebrew origin, though its exact meaning remains uncertain.

The most prominent Ziklag appears in the books of Samuel. It is described as a town in the territory of the Philistines that was given to David by Achish, king of Gath, during David’s period of refuge from Saul. David and his men settled there with their families and used Ziklag as a base for incursions against Israel. The city is later described as being attacked and burned by Amalekites while David and his men were away; David pursued the raiders and recovered his wives, as well as the families and possessions of his men.

Geographically, the precise site of Ziklag has not been definitively identified, and scholars propose several locations in the southern Levant, often associated with the Negev or the Gaza region. There is no broad agreement on a single historic place, and the name may in some traditions refer to more than one location.

In biblical narrative, Ziklag’s role is tied to David’s early career, his alliance with the Philistines, and the subsequent restoration of his fortunes after the Amalekite raid. The toponym continues to be cited in biblical lexicons and in lists of ancient settlements within the southern Levant.

References to Ziklag appear in the books of Samuel and in later compilations of Philistine or southern Levantine towns.