Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 23:27

"But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have made a raid upon the land." — 1 Samuel 23:27 (ASV)

The Philistines have invaded the land. —This, as Lange well observes, was “God’s plan to save David.” The Philistines had probably availed themselves of the opportunity which Saul’s withdrawal of his forces southward to surround the armed band of David had given them, and were invading in force the more northern provinces.