Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 29:11

"So David rose up early, he and his men, to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel." — 1 Samuel 29:11 (ASV)

To return into the land of the Philistines. —No doubt David and his officers rejoiced at their escaping the terrible alternative of either turning traitors to the kindly man who had so hospitably received them in their distress, or of appearing in arms with the Philistines when they came into collision with the Israelites under Saul. But they little thought how grave a danger their wives, children, and homes were in at this juncture. Their release from the Philistine army was not a moment too soon to save these.