1Sa 30:1

The crisis has finally come for David and Saul and Jonathan and Israel and the Philistines. But David was sent away — out of the arena altogether — by God’s providence.

REACHED ZIKLAG ON THE THIRD DAY: From Aphek to Ziklag, 25 miles per day.

NOW THE AMALEKITES HAD RAIDED THE NEGEV AND ZIKLAG: Their spies had prob seen David and his men leaving Ziklag unprotected. This was done to avenge David’s previous attacks (1Sa 27:8).

See Lesson, Amalek.

1Sa 30:4

Assuming wives and children were all dead.

1Sa 30:8

DAVID INQUIRED OF THE LORD: Urim and thummim. Ct Saul’s seeking after witches and sorcery (1Sa 28).

1Sa 30:9

Tracking such a large company (with great herds) would have been quite simple.

TO THE BESOR RAVINE: Another 12 miles sw of Ziklag (cp v 1), all on the same day!

1Sa 30:11

Vv 11-13: Ct David’s kindness with the Amalekite’s ruthlessness (v 13).

1Sa 30:15

The Egyptian slave knew where the Amalekites were headed; so now he could show them a shortcut?

1Sa 30:17

DUSK: Or “dawn” (sw Job 7:4; Psa 110:147) (NEB). So David and his men rested a few hours before attacking.

EVENING: Afternoon, beginning of the declining of the sun.

1Sa 30:23

WHAT THE LORD HAS GIVEN US: David only sees the true, divine perspective.

1Sa 30:24

(A) Every man received his own goods. (B) A special “bonus” for the victorious 400? Or not? (C) A large part of excess spoils sent to the previously loyal villages of Judah (vv 26-31).

THE MAN WHO STAYED WITH THE SUPPLIES: A diplomatic concession: they HAD been tired.

ALL WILL SHARE ALIKE: The point of Christ’s parable in Mat 20:1-16.

1Sa 30:30

BOR ASHAN: Or “Beer-sheba” (LXX).

1Sa 30:31

Ct David’s victory with Saul’s defeat (1Sa 31).

1Sa 24:1

1Sa 24: “Saul continues his relentless pursuit of David, irrespective of the divine determination that the young man who defeated Goliath was Yahweh’s anointed-elect. It is a sad commentary on human nature that it acts in opposition to the divine will, even within the community of the faithful. The Lord Jesus himself was pursued to his death by the priesthood of Jerusalem. So Saul gathered a whole community of murderers: 3,000 chosen men are sent on a mission of death (v 2). And yet, in the strange but wonderful actions of Providence, Saul and his men are unwittingly discovered in David’s power (vv 3-7). It was an opportunity for revenge, and of the kind that could be justified on the ground that Yahweh had permitted Saul’s men to come into the power of David. Is not this the obvious purpose of the Deity? Many times actions are justified on grounds that seem to be correct. But David was greater, for his heart was fashioned according to that of Yahweh, and he saw Saul, in his clutches, as ‘Yahweh’s Anointed’ (v 6). Certainly he cut a portion of Saul’s robe (v 4), and particularly that section of the ribband of blue on the hem, which was a covenant garment commanded of all Israel. The ribband represented the laws of the nation. Saul had certainly broken it himself, but it was not proper for David to take advantage — and his heart smote him (v 5). What a change of fortunes, as the weakness of his position is brought before the king (vv 8-15). There was no doubt that Saul had a moment of sanity as he saw the righteousness of David, and the preservation of his life because of that. There is some reconciliation between the two (vv 16-29). A covenant is established, but David could not trust the vacillating promises of Saul, and therefore, as the king returned to his ‘home’ (v 22), David remained in ‘the hold.’ Faithfulness was with the ‘king’ in the cave; whilst the king on the throne of Israel would never find true comfort” (GEM).

1Sa 24:2

THE CRAGS OF THE WILD GOATS: “The Ibex Cliffs”. There are still ibexes these today (BAR 5:6:50,51).

1Sa 24:3

THE SHEEP PENS: Usually an enclosure made by rocks and thorns in the mouth of a cave, in which sheep are protected at night. Poss the sheep moving around helped hide David’s movements from Saul; also, such caves are very dark (LB 603).

1Sa 24:4

THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD SPOKE OF… ‘I WILL GIVE YOUR ENEMY INTO YOUR HANDS’: When had God said this?! Or was this an inference from their knowledge of David’s earlier anointing?

A CORNER OF SAUL’S ROBE: The ribband of blue: symbol of Saul’s would-be devotion to God.

1Sa 24:21

“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him” (Pro 16:7).

1Sa 24:22

THEN SAUL RETURNED HOME, BUT DAVID AND HIS MEN WENT UP TO THE STRONGHOLD: “Then each went to his own home. But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives” (Joh 7:53; 8:1).

1Sa 25:1

The ones who wished to reject Samuel’s leadership in favor of a king now sorrow at his removal.

DESERT OF MAON: Further away from Saul. With the death of Samuel, the last poss restraint to Saul’s conduct is gone.

1Sa 25:2

1Sa 25: After great overcomings re Saul, David is in danger of succumbing to vengeance in a relatively minor matter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Mat 26:41). The “little foxes” spoil the vines (Song 2:15). Our reactions to the lesser irritations of life most reveal our characters. Peter was bold before soldiers in the garden, but soon after was fearful of a servant girl.

CARMEL: A city of Judah, in the uplands near Hebron, named with Maon and Ziph (Jos 15:55). Not the more famous Carmel of the northwestern seacoast.

1Sa 25:3

ABIGAIL: Repr the ecclesia, a parable: yoked to an evil lord (cp Col 2:14), and barren (cp Rom 7:1-4).

A CALEBITE: The degenerate shoot of a once-noble vine.

1Sa 25:4

NABAL WAS SHEARING SHEEP: Nabal would need to hire extra men and provide more food, etc at this time. So David might expect his request to be heeded now. Shearing — a time for feasting and celebration (2Sa 13:23; Gen 38:13). “There was an unwritten law of the wilderness — that shepherds should pay nomadic tribesmen for immunity [and/or protection] from attack” (Tes 31:252).

1Sa 25:10

Nabal has an opportunity to show kindness to Yahweh’s Anointed — but he does not take it. “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me” (Mat 25:45, AV).

WHO IS THIS DAVID?: “I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ ” (Pro 30:9a).

WHO IS THIS SON OF JESSE?: Showing that Nabal did know something of this David after all!

1Sa 25:11

And so the ecclesia might say, ‘Shall we take the bread and the wine and all the blessings of our fellowship and share them with others whom we don’t even know?’ But… is the bread and wine and word of God OURS, or God’s?

Such a refusal is contrary to Deu 15:7-11.

“The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice” (Pro 12:15).

1Sa 25:12

SO DAVID’S MEN TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACK: Admirably restraining themselves.

WHEN THEY ARRIVED, THEY REPORTED EVERY WORD: When reviled, they did not revile in return (1Pe 2:23), but went to tell David (the “beloved”).

1Sa 25:13

No prayer, no reflection, only the seeking of revenge.

1Sa 25:14

ABIGAIL: Her name sig “a father’s joy”. Abigail: joy of a father, wife of a fool, servant of a king!

1Sa 25:15

Abigail sym the ecclesia: a “messenger” tells her of the goodness of the “Beloved”.

1Sa 25:17

Nabal’s servant is activated by the sheer desire for self-preservation. Note the tools God uses in His providence.

1Sa 25:18

“It sometimes happens that the husband is overbearing, and forgets the conditions which engender a loving and ready service on the part of his wife. He neglects the working out of his pattern, and takes to admonishing his wife about some flaw in her attitude, instead of acting the part that would remove the flaw. Paul nowhere enjoins upon the husband to assert his headship over his wife; but exhorts him to meet his wife’s loving and spontaneous subjection by following the example of Christ, with the great love with which he loved the ecclesia. However, to follow this, would lead me out of my province. I must leave him to think it up for himself, hoping he may, as the result, approve the more excellent way. I direct my thoughts and counsel to the sister-wife who finds herself mated with such a one. Her task will be a difficult one, but let her not quail before it. Let her by all means endeavour to fulfil in a becoming manner the duties and responsibilities of her position. Let the dignity and patience of her meek and quiet spirit, be the means of heaping coals of fire upon the head of her faulty companion, if such she have. Let her remember that a ‘soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger’ [Pro 15:1]. If she has a Nabal to deal with, she can at least, like Abigail of old, show herself to be a woman of good understanding; and her wisdom may, like her, avert much evil that would otherwise come upon her household” (Jane Roberts).

Allegory: (1) Tidings of impending doom call forth action; (2) Gifts are brought to the King.

1Sa 25:21

It may be that God withdraws all guidance from time to time, so that we may be reminded what is naturally in our hearts!

1Sa 25:22

MAY GOD DEAL WITH DAVID, BE IT EVER SO SEVERELY, IF…; See Lesson, Covenant-victim, the.

1Sa 25:23

BOWED DOWN BEFORE DAVID: Faith’s acknowledgment of Yahweh’s Anointed One.

1Sa 25:24

Allegory: confession of “iniquity”.

1Sa 25:25

“A word aptly spoken” (Pro 25:11).

1Sa 25:26

SINCE THE LORD HAS KEPT YOU… FROM BLOODSHED: ‘The LORD, not I…’

1Sa 25:28

THE LORD WILL CERTAINLY MAKE A LASTING DYNASTY FOR MY MASTER: A reference to future, to draw David’s mind away from present vengeance.

HE FIGHTS THE LORD’S BATTLES: And not his own personal vendettas!

1Sa 25:29

SOMEONE: “A man” (AV): ref to Saul. Note that she does not call Saul the king! (Cp idea, Paul’s words: “I did not realize that he was the high priest”: Act 23:5.)

THE BUNDLE OF THE LIVING: Abigail’s words to David use a beautiful illustration: the “bundle of life”, or “the bundle of the living”.

The “bundle” (Heb ‘tserowr’) was a pouch where precious possessions were kept: the same Heb word occurs in Gen 42:35 (the money pouches); Pro 7:20 (the purse filled with money); and Hag 1:6 (purse).

“It is a very beautiful expression, especially when you consider what the word bundle would mean in those times. Nowadays we do not usually associate anything precious with a bundle. It is rather the other way. If a household were removing, for instance, it would be the odds and ends, the things of little value, that would likely be put into a bundle for convenience of removal. The precious things of the household would be secured in some safer way than by being simply huddled together in a bundle. A commercial traveller, in journeying by rail, would have his big bundles in the van, but anything particularly valuable would be carried by himself in pocket book or hand bag securely fastened. But in those primitive days they had not such elaborate means of securing safety. In shifting their tents to pastures new, any things of special value would simply be bound up in a bundle, and the husband or wife would see to it that that bundle was well looked after on the journey. It would be with them on their camel, or somewhere where they could always see it. Note, however, in passing, that other metaphor Abigail makes use of with regard to the enemies of David: ‘The souls of thine enemies, them shall He sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.’ It is a very forcible way of putting it. It just means emphatically the opposite of the care and attention connected with the bundle. What could be thought more lightly of than the stone slung out of a sling? So, the bundle implies that which is particularly valuable, whereas the stone slung out of a sling suggests that which is worthless, not worth taking any trouble or concern about” (BI).

The ultimate, and most beautiful, picture illustrating this concept is Mal 3:16,17 — although the same Hebrew word is not used here, the idea is very relevant: “Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. ‘They will be mine,’ says the LORD Almighty, ‘in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him.’ “

What a “picture” of redemption: to be taken by the loving hand of an Omnipotent Father, and “bound up” in the bundle of His special and treasured possessions, to be kept safe and secure close by Him, through all travels and trials, until the final destination is reached.

1Sa 25:31

‘Let your coming glory regulate your present actions!’ Don’t throw away those great and precious promises on a trivial grudge!

Rom 12:18-21.

REMEMBER YOUR SERVANT: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luk 23:42).

1Sa 25:32

Vv 32,33: Blessed be (1) Yahweh, (2) you, and (3) your good judgment

“Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s [or woman’s!] rebuke to a listening ear” (Pro 25:12).

Wise men listen to advice, even from subordinates.

1Sa 25:33

Oaths (ie v 22) must not bind us to do that which is wrong.

1Sa 25:36

HE WAS IN THE HOUSE HOLDING A BANQUET LIKE THAT OF A KING: “A king is called to nobleness of character, and not merely to wealth and fine clothes” (Log 44:373). Nabal had the opportunity to invite a king to his feast, and he did not! “Let us eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!” (Isa 22:13; 1Co 5:32; Jam 5:5).

1Sa 25:37

“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief” (Pro 14:13).

1Sa 25:38

“If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!” (Pro 11:31). Cp parable of rich fool: Luk 16:15-21. “She who lives in pleasure… dead while alive” (1Ti 5:6).

Allegory: The old “husband” is removed out of the way (cp Rom 7). “Vengeance is mine” (Rom 12:19).

1Sa 25:41

Great modesty and humility of a now-wealthy woman toward a fugitive and a beggar.

1Sa 25:42

She forsakes a comfortable position to share his trials and hardships. “If we suffer, we shall reign with him” (2Ti 2:12). Abigail’s wealth and her servants were now added to the service of David, the king in exile!

1Sa 26:1

1Sa 26: “Betrayed by men of his own tribe, David returns Saul good for evil, as he meets him for the last time. Reconciliation is effected, but David refuses an offer by the king to return to his former position of favour. David realises the impossible situation that would occur under such circumstances, and rested in the Hand of Providence for guidance. It was at that time that the Ziphites incite Saul against David (1Sa 26:1-4), but Saul found himself in David’s power (vv 5-12). Knowing the country, David had the advantage over Saul and could watch him without being discovered. It was a time of trial, and David could have easily taken the opportunity to dispose of his constant enemy. But he was guided by a mature principle: Saul was Yahweh’s Anointed, and as such David had no right to destroy him (cp v 9). Saul had no such scruples, although he knew that God had appointed David to succeed him. Then David reproved Abner (vv 13-16). How startled Saul’s army must have been as David’s voice rang out in the stillness of the night with his cutting taunts at the expense of Abner. David reproves Saul (vv 17-20), and a reconciliation is effected (vv 21-25). This was the last time David and Saul met” (GEM).

1Sa 26:4

‘Do not believe the worst about your enemies until they PROVE it.’

1Sa 26:6

“I’LL GO WITH YOU,” SAID ABISHAI: “The righteous are as bold as a lion” (Pro 28:1).

1Sa 26:7

WITH HIS SPEAR STUCK IN THE GROUND: “In an Arab encampment, this marks the sheik’s tent” (StrScr 46).

LYING ASLEEP: A supernatural sleep (v 12). This occasion was much more marked than that of 1Sa 24:4-6 — being evidently “from the Lord”. Thus it would be a sorer trial.

1Sa 26:9

DON’T DESTROY HIM!: Cp “Al taschith” (Destroy not) Pss: Psa 56; 57; 58; 74. The mercy David showed the LORD’s anointed was later shown by God to him (David) as the LORD’s anointed.

WHO CAN LAY A HAND ON THE LORD’S ANOINTED AND BE GUILTLESS?: Such an act would be sin, and moreover unnecessary (v 10).

1Sa 26:12

SO DAVID TOOK THE SPEAR: The theft of the spear would remind Saul of what he tried to do with it — more than once.

1Sa 26:18

WHAT WRONG AM I GUILTY OF?: “Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?” (Joh 8:46; cp Joh 18:23).

1Sa 26:19

IF THE LORD HAS INCITED YOU AGAINST ME: This is always a possibility to consider when one suffers at the hands of others. Cp David with Shimei (2Sa 16:10).

THEY HAVE NOW DRIVEN ME FROM MY SHARE IN THE LORD’S INHERITANCE, AND HAVE SAID, ‘GO, SERVE OTHER GODS’: David’s sad words here demonstrate that his greatest sense of loss in exile was not that of his personal comfort or material prosperity, but rather his opportunity for fellowship with God. By making him an outcast, as they did at the behest of Saul, his countrymen were cutting him off from the tabernacle and the altar, and ‘suggesting’ that he serve other gods. In our zeal to do right, our ecclesias should consider whether their treatment of offenders might not have the same effect. It is impossible to justify the ‘middle-of-the-road’ course in a matter of disfellowship — that is, to ‘separate’ or ‘withdraw’ while still attaching no taint of moral judgment. For an ecclesia to practice excommunication, while holding out no realistic possibility of refellowship, is in effect to tell the brother or sister involved, ‘Go, serve other gods!’ How many righteous “Davids” have been so treated?

1Sa 26:20

A FLEA: Insignificant, worthless.

AN ONE HUNTS A PARTRIDGE IN THE MOUNTAINS: Falcons are used in the east to hunt partridges (LB 209). Partridges offer no resistance (as David).

1Sa 26:21

THEN SAUL SAID, “I HAVE SINNED”: // “I have sinned,” Judas said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood” (Mat 27:4).

I HAVE SINNED: There is a radical distinction between natural regret and God-given repentance. The flesh can feel remorse, acknowledge its evil deeds, and be ashamed of itself. However, this sort of disgust with past actions can be quickly shrugged off, and the individual can soon go back to his old wicked ways. None of the marks of true repentance described in 2Co 7:11 are found in his behavior. Out of a list of 11 men in the Bible who said, “I have sinned,” poss only five actually repented. They were David (2Sa 12:13; 24:10; 1Ch 21:8; Psa 41:4), Nehemiah (Neh 1:6), Job (Job 42:5,6), Micah (Mic 7:9), and the prodigal son (Luk 15:18). The other (poss less sincere) instances? Pharaoh in Exo 9:27; 10:16; Balaam in Num 22:34; Achan in Jos 7:20; Saul in 1Sa 15:24,30; 26:21; Shimei in 2Sa 19:20; Judas in Mat 27:4.

1Sa 26:22

David does not trust Saul. He knows that Saul, though apparently repentant, will “” (Jam 1:23,24).

1Sa 26:24

Note: David does NOT say, ‘May YOU value my life…” He trusts in God alone.

1Sa 26:25

Saul’s very last words to David.

1Sa 27:1

1Sa 27: “Yet for a further time, David sought refuge amongst the Philistines (vv 1-4), and it must have seemed that he was governed by a lack of faith. Even this great man reveals his moments of weakness. Achish, however, provided David with refuge in Ziklag (vv 5-7). This opened the way for David to weaken Israel’s enemies (vv 8,9), and to bring Achish into confusion (vv 10-12). In these experiences, David reveals himself as a type of the Lord Jesus, who also faced trial from the enemies of Yahweh, and ultimately brought them into confusion” (GEM).

ONE OF THESE DAYS I WILL BE DESTROYED: During these last days of trials, David’s faith falters somewhat. There was, in fact, no evidence that he would perish — but much the reverse.

“The thought of David’s heart at this time was a false thought, because he certainly had no ground for thinking that God’s anointing him by Samuel was intended to be left as an empty unmeaning act. On no one occasion had the Lord deserted His servant; he had been placed in perilous positions very often, but not one instance had occurred in which divine interposition had not delivered him. The trials to which he had been exposed had been varied; they had not assumed one form only, but many — yet in every case He who sent the trial had also graciously ordained a way of escape. David could not put his finger upon any entry in his diary, and say of it, ‘Here is evidence that the Lord will forsake me,’ for the entire tenor of his past life proved the very reverse. He should have argued from what God had done for him, that God would be his defender still. But is it not just in the same way that we doubt God’s help? Is it not mistrust without a cause? Have we ever had the shadow of a reason to doubt our Father’s goodness? Have not His lovingkindnesses been marvellous? Has He once failed to justify our trust? Ah, no! our God has not left us at any time. We have had dark nights, but the star of love has shone forth amid the blackness; we have been in stern conflicts, but over our head He has held aloft the shield of our defence. We have gone through many trials, but never to our detriment, always to our advantage; and the conclusion from our past experience is, that He who has been with us in six troubles, will not forsake us in the seventh. What we have known of our faithful God, proves that He will keep us to the end. Let us not, then, reason contrary to evidence. How can we ever be so ungenerous as to doubt our God? Lord, throw down the Jezebel of our unbelief, and let the dogs devour it” (CHS).

1Sa 27:2

DAVID… WENT OVER TO ACHISH: David should have remained in the land of Judah (1Sa 22:5).

1Sa 27:3

He that had killed Goliath sought refuge in Goliath’s land. He received a very kindly reception from an enemy of God.

1Sa 27:6

ACHISH GAVE HIM ZIKLAG: Orig promised to Judah (Jos 15:21), then to Simeon (Jos 19:5). but prob retained by Philistines until David’s day.

1Sa 27:8

David is seeking to remedy former sins by some fresh assault, rather than by repentance.

1Sa 27:9

WHENEVER DAVID ATTACKED AN AREA…: Proving that the righteousness of a course is not necessarily determined by its success.

THEN HE RETURNED TO ACHISH: Why not return to Ziklag instead?

1Sa 18:1

Vv 1-4: “The admiration which all the nation felt for David because of his exploit against Goliath was shared by Jonathan, and this quickly ripened into the warm friendship which has now been proverbial for millennia. There was in Jonathan none of the corrosive jealousy which was to be the bane and ruin of his father. Clearly, he loved David, not only because of bravery in face of danger (for he himself was every bit as brave), but because in creasing acquaintance led him to appreciate the fine qualities of David’s character more and more.

“Yet even this does not fully explain such an eternal selfless friendship, for all true friendships are forged by influences and personal characteristics past defining. Somehow, in ways utterly inexplicable, personalities blend and a bond is fashioned to last forever.

“This friendship of Jonathan for David was surely the most selfless thing in all the OT. In positive self-giving, David contributed relatively little to their fine partnership. But from the very beginning Jonathan lost himself completely in a consuming eagerness to further his friend’s well-being in every possible way.

“Saul was at first eager to have the brave upstanding young fellow as an officer in his army (1Sa 14:52), and Jonathan quickly saw David’s need of suitable equipment and accoutrements of war (which were not easily come by: 1Sa 13:19-22), so without any concern for himself he forthwith insisted that David have the best of his own. Nothing could be too good for this stalwart son of Bethlehem who was now his friend and a rising star in Israel” (SSD 86,87).

JONATHAN BECAME ONE IN SPIRIT WITH DAVID: Was it at this time that he learned of David’s call and anointing?

1Sa 18:4

Jonathan strips away ALL his tokens of royalty, and gives them to David. (David had refused Saul’s offers of weaponry, but he accepts Jonathan’s.)

Jonathan is acting as though he had been defeated by Goliath, and then stripped of all his armaments and clothes; he sees himself now as “vanquished” by David… vanquished and now his servant!

1Sa 18:5

AND DID IT SO SUCCESSFULLY: Or “wisely” (NIV mg). “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecc 9:10). Cp Col 3:23. “Wise as serpents” (Mat 10:16). “My servant will act wisely” (Isa 52:13). The elements of wisdom: humility (Pro 16:18-20), trust in God (Pro 6:20), restraint of words (Pro 10:19; 16:23), diligence (Pro 10:5), and teachableness (Pro 21:11).

1Sa 18:8

Notice that David’s righteous behavior precipitates his great trials. He has done nothing wrong, and yet he is suffering for it (cp Act 14:22).

WHAT MORE CAN HE GET BUT THE KINGDOM?: Saul now remembers Samuel’s prophecy (1Sa 13:14; 15:23). Note the quick — but great — change from 1Sa 16:21.

1Sa 18:10

AN EVIL SPIRIT FROM GOD: When we follow ways of sin, God turns from us, and hardens our heart.

HE WAS PROPHESYING IN HIS HOUSE: Under the influence of the evil spirit (cp 1Jo 4:1). Thus Saul tries to take David offguard.

1Sa 18:11

We have more to fear from our “friends” than from our enemies.

1Sa 18:16

ALL ISRAEL AND JUDAH: A sort of natural division by inclination and geography, long before the political division.

1Sa 18:17

FOR SAUL SAID TO HIMSELF, “I WILL NOT RAISE A HAND AGAINST HIM”: David was now too popular for Saul to attempt to kill him personally. Cp Christ: they feared to take him openly because of the people.

LET THE PHILISTINES DO THAT: Thus Saul pronounces his own fate (1Sa 31:1-5)!

1Sa 18:18

MY FATHER’S CLAN IN ISRAEL: Jesse was prob poor, and a social outcast because of his ancestress Ruth, of Moab (cp v 23). God gives grace to humble (Jam 4:6), “lowly in heart” (Mat 12:29).

1Sa 18:19

This was done to arouse David’s anger.

1Sa 18:23

A POOR MAN: Cp v 18. David was unable to bring a sufficient dowry (cp v 25). Cp Gen 29:18; 34:12; Exo 22:16,17.

1Sa 18:25

A HUNDRED PHILISTINE FORESKINS: To demonstrate that David had killed Philistines and not Jews. Such an atrocity would greatly offend the Philistines, and make them David’s sworn enemies.

1Sa 18:27

MICHAL: Fem of “Michael”, ie “one like El”. The younger daughter of Saul, king of Israel (1Sa 14:49), and the wife, first of David (1Sa 18:27), then of Palti/Paltiel (1Sa 25:44; 2Sa 3:15-17), and then finally again of David (2Sa 3:15-17). Michal is introduced in a genealogical note concerning Saul (1Sa 14:49-52). Appearing fifth and last in a list of Saul’s offspring (v 49), she is preceded by her three brothers (Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua) and an older sister (Merab). In the narrative, Michal loves David, a fact which pleases her father Saul (1Sa 18:20).

1Sa 18:28

The narrative concludes with a David whom Saul fears and hates (v 29), but whom both Yahweh and Michal (or “Israel”, LXX) love (v 28).

1Sa 18:30

HIS NAME BECAME WELL KNOWN: Cp Christ: Song 1:3; Heb 1:4; Phi 2:9.

1Sa 19:1

1Sa 19: “The true character of Saul is revealed in the murderous intent that developed against his servant David, which was only frustrated by the action of Jonathan. The king’s envy burst forth without disguise, as he instructed his son and other servants. Thus is revealed the trials of David, and in type, as shown by Psalm 59, those also of Messiah. Saul’s murderous intentions were frustrated by Jonathan (vv 1-3). David’s evident success continued to incite Saul’s jealousy, even though Jonathan effected a temporary reconciliation (vv 4-7). This was not undertaken without personal risk. Saul was not a man with whom to be reasoned, and might well have turned on his son as he had on David. Then comes the turning point in the palace of the king. David’s success again incites Saul’s jealousy (vv 8-11). David’s success, doubtless applauded by the people, caused the insane jealousy of Saul to flood back. The very sight of the bright-faced young hero drowned all this antipathy. David escapes from his enemies (vv 12-17). Then is mentioned the association of David with Samuel (v 18). He had need of comfort, assurance and advice. Samuel was well qualified to strengthen his faith. Then came a strange incident as Saul was found among the prophets (vv 19-24). The messengers from the king to David saw the formal company of prophets engaged upon their service, presided over by Samuel. Stirred by the sight and sound, affected by the remarkable experience of these men of remarkable intent, they forgot the purpose of their visit, and entered into the service with the others. When, at last, Saul journeyed to Ramah, he was affected by the emotion of the moment, so that it became proverbial that Saul was one of the company. It was, however, only a facade; a veneer, for outwardly Saul was seen in company with the prophets, but inwardly he was unconverted” (GEM).

SAUL TOLD HIS SON JONATHAN AND ALL THE ATTENDANTS TO KILL DAVID: When the name of the “Beloved” (1Sa 18:30) becomes precious, his enemies seek his life (cp Act 4:12,18; 5:40).

1Sa 19:6

AS SURELY AS THE LORD LIVES: Note the ease with which wicked men use pious expressions.

1Sa 19:9

AN EVIL SPIRIT FROM THE LORD CAME UPON SAUL: As a result of another of David’s successes.

1Sa 19:10

THAT NIGHT DAVID MADE GOOD HIS ESCAPE: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (Psa 34:7). Jesus commands his followers to flee when men seek their hurt (Mat 10:23).

1Sa 19:12

LET DAVID DOWN THROUGH A WINDOW: Cp Jos 2:15 (spies at Jericho); 2Co 11:32,33 (Paul at Damascus).

HE FLED AND ESCAPED: “Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me… They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city… ” (Psa 59:1,6,14). While his enemies — the men from Saul — prowled about like dogs!

1Sa 19:15

Saul asks that David be carried to him in his sickbed… so that Saul may kill him personally!

1Sa 19:16

“But when the men [sent by Saul] entered [looking to arrest David while he lay in his sickbed]”… they found he was escaped from their grasp… “there was the idol in the bed, and at the head was some goats’ hair” (1Sa 19:16).

Here is an easy echo of the familiar NT incident: “They came to the place where he lay” — this time the New Testament “David”, or “Beloved”, or “Anointed” — but THEY FOUND NO BODY!” (Mat 28:6; John 20:2,6-8)

1Sa 19:17

Michal, who used deceit to save David, now lies to save herself.

1Sa 19:18

“And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1Co 10:13).

HE AND SAMUEL WENT TO NAIOTH AND STAYED THERE: During this time together, David and Samuel conferred about temple arrangements (ie 1Ch 9:22; cp Mal 3:16).

NAIOTH: “Apparently a section of Ramah, not a separate village. Because the word means something like ‘dwelling places,’ it may have referred to the common living place or monastery of the band of prophets to whom Samuel gave inspiration and leadership. Cf a similar settlement or school under the direction of Elisha (2Ki 6:1-7). Reference to Naioth is confined to 1Sa 19:18-20:1” (WyE).

1Sa 19:20

Like the officers sent by the Pharisees to apprehend Christ, who returned empty-handed, saying, “No one ever spoke the way this man does” (Joh 7:32,45,46).

1Sa 19:24

HE STRIPPED OFF HIS ROBES… AND LAY THAT WAY ALL THAT DAY AND NIGHT: By contrast… “Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed” (Rev 16:15).

IS SAUL ALSO AMONG THE PROPHETS?: That is, this was so much out of character! What strange methods God often uses!

This is no contradiction of 1Sa 15:35 — “Samuel came no more to see Saul” — since here Saul is the one who came to see Samuel (WS 240).

1Sa 20:1

1Sa 20: The situation created by Saul caused the separation of these two faithful friends. Jonathan chooses affliction with God’s beloved rather than the pleasure of sin for a season (Heb 11:25).

“The friendship of David and Jonathan was based upon the common experiences of trial in the court of Saul, and a mutual respect and acceptance of the divine will. Although Jonathan was the king-elect as son of Saul, he willingly submitted to the divine choice of David as Israel’s next king, and his soul was thereby knit with his great friend in truth and understanding. David required Jonathan’s help in his extremities in the household of Saul. He was in great danger, and the presence of Saul at Ramah showed that the king would not respect the presence of Samuel, and therefore David was not even safe with the prophet. As a member of Saul’s household, his duty was to be present at the feast of the new moon about to take place. But knowing full well that Saul was determined on his death, David hastened back before the king to enlist the help of Jonathan. Though Yahweh had promised him the kingdom, it was still necessary to exercise wisdom to attain it faith, courage and patience would not lack its reward. Meanwhile the difficulties David experienced moulded his life, preparing him to assume the exalted position of Shepherd and Ruler of Israel” (GEM).

Background: The Spirit of God seems to have temporarily changed Saul’s outlook, so that for a brief time David the fugitive was again welcome at his table (vv 5,25,27). But David seems to have good reason to doubt this extended hospitality.

1Sa 20:3

THERE IS ONLY A STEP BETWEEN ME AND DEATH: David seems unnerved by the nearness of death, seeming to forget (so it seems) that God has promised to be with him.

1Sa 20:6

AN ANNUAL SACRIFICE…: This suggests a sort of disorganization of national religious life at this time.

1Sa 20:11

Cp Gen 4:8.

1Sa 20:13

MAY THE LORD BE WITH YOU AS HE HAS BEEN WITH MY FATHER: Jonathan knew that David was God’s choice to be king. See Lesson, Covenant-victim, the.

1Sa 20:15

LXX reads: “If I die, thou shalt not cut off thy kindness…” (cp v 42).

1Sa 20:19

THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW: Thus three days absence!

WHEN THIS TROUBLE BEGAN: Where David had hid before, awaiting Jonathan’s reconciliation (1Sa 19:2-7).

THE STONE EZEL: Lit “the stone which showed the way”: Christ the stone (Psa 118:22). Christ the way (Joh 14:6). “Ezel” sig “departure” — ie, separation from the world. David’s righteousness had alienated him from Saul. Also the separation of two godly men — who will yet meet in God’s Kingdom (cp 1Sa 23:17).

1Sa 20:25

AND ABNER SAT NEXT TO SAUL: Jonathan seems to be falling in the esteem of his father — due to his love for David (cp v 30).

1Sa 20:27

Prob Saul tries to appear indifferent (hoping to lure David to his table).

1Sa 20:30

Saul’s pent-up passions are released all at one time.

YOU SON OF A PERVERSE AND REBELLIOUS WOMAN: Perhaps Jonathan’s mother was a worshiper of the one true God, and Jonathan had learned from her. For this reason, she came to be hated by Saul.

1Sa 20:33

Jonathan now suffers the same as did his friend David.

BUT SAUL HURLED HIS SPEAR AT HIM TO KILL HIM: Saul, though placated before (1Sa 19:6), would not be denied this time. Saul, not having David as his target as on two previous occasions (1Sa 18:10-11; 19:9-10), tried to pin David’s surrogate Jonathan to the wall with his spear (v 33). Jonathan needed no further convincing that Saul indeed intended to kill David (something David had obviously known much earlier: v 7) and that the spear had really been meant for his covenanted friend. In Saul’s eyes, Jonathan and David had momentarily become one.

1Sa 20:35

IN THE MORNING: The third day (cp v 19), the morning of resurrection!

1Sa 20:42

“The concluding verse is a wonderful testimony to spiritual understanding and commitment. Jonathan acknowledges the divine purpose beyond his own opportunities. The compact would be assured, and ultimately both David and Jonathan will be united in glory ‘forever’ ” (GEM).

THE LORD IS WITNESS BETWEEN YOU AND ME: Confidence in the watchful care of God: “I am with you always.”

BETWEEN YOUR DESCENDANTS AND MY DESCENDANTS FOREVER: Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, eats meat at David’s table (2Sa 9:7).

THEN DAVID LEFT: When he at last returned, it was to establish the Kingdom. (Cp Christ’s departure from his apostles.)

1Sa 21:1

DAVID WENT TO NOB: Note David’s desire, even in flight, to see the tabernacle of the Lord (cp Psa 84:1,2,10; 42:3,4).

NOB: On Mt Olivet, northeast of city.

AHIMELECH: Apparent contradiction: Called Abiathar in Mar 2:26. But consider these two genealogies: (a) Ahitub (1Sa 14:3) is father of Ahimelech (1Sa 14:3; 22:20), who is father of Abiathar (1Sa 22:20); and (b) Ahitub (2Sa 8:17) is father of Abiathar (2Sa 8:17; 1Ch 18:16), who is father of Ahimelech (2Sa 8:17; 1Ch 18:16; 24:6). Both father and son have both names (WS 246).

TREMBLED WHEN HE MET HIM: He realized David was a fugitive, and that it was dangerous to harbor him.

WHY ARE YOU ALONE? WHY IS NO ONE WITH YOU?: Not completely true (cp v 4; Mat 12:3), but David’s past reputation would seem to warrant more men with him.

1Sa 21:2

David lies; and this lie brings death to several hundred people (v 7; 1Sa 22:9…).

1Sa 21:3

The man anointed to be king, and master of great treasures, has been reduced to a beggar!

1Sa 21:5

Alternative renderings: “And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel” (KJV).

1Sa 21:7

DOEG: “Fearful, timid”. His name appears six times: here; 1Sa 22:9,18,22; Psa 52 title. Perhaps Doeg is embittered by some enforced detention at the hands of the priests — some ceremonial defilement about which he cares not at all. Later he eagerly kills these priests (1Sa 22:9).

1Sa 21:8

DON’T YOU HAVE A SPEAR OR SWORD HERE?: David fears Doeg — as he later states (1Sa 22:22).

THE KING’S BUSINESS: Cp Christ in Luk 2:49.

1Sa 21:9

Evidently the head of Goliath and his personal effects had all been taken to Jerusalem, ie to Nob, next to Jerusalem (1Sa 17:54).

THERE IS NONE LIKE IT; GIVE IT TO ME: David, who had once spurned the best of Hebrew weapons and armor, when offered by King Saul (1Sa 17:39) now trusts in the equipment of a Philistine. How much had this “incomparable” sword done for Goliath when he faced the young shepherd boy? Ct 1Sa 17:45,47.

1Sa 21:11

The Philistines appear to have more faith than David: ‘Isn’t this the man who slew Goliath? Isn’t he the real king of the land?’

THEIR DANCES: Heb “mecholah” — the dances of Psa 52 subscription, written at this time. How differently David “dances” now!

1Sa 21:13

SO HE PRETENDED TO BE INSANE: Did this really fool Achish? Or did he release David, hoping he would foment civil war with Saul? (Tes 43:305).

When mingling with the world, in places where we should not be, do we hope not to be recognized for what we are — ie Christians? Such deception invariably fails: as for Abraham in Egypt, Peter at denial of Jesus.

1Sa 21:15

AM I SHORT OF MADMEN?: Jewish tradition alleges that the wife and daughter of Achish were mad (Tes 43:305).

1Sa 22:1

1Sa 22: Background: Here insert 2Sa 23:13-17: David’s 3 mighty men and the pool of water. Psa 34 written here: “When he changed his appearance before Achish, who drove him away…”

THE CAVE: Cp Heb 11:38.

ADULLAM: Heb “retreat”, “resting place”. Here David composed Psa 57; 142. Cp Christ: without a true resting place or home or security (Mat 8:20: Joh 7:53; 8:1).

HIS FATHER’S HOUSEHOLD: In Bethlehem (1Sa 16:1).

1Sa 22:2

ALL THOSE…: Here is the beginning of David’s new flock — these were the “sheep” he was to protect from the beasts of prey!

In the fulfillment of this Old Testament type, the New Testament finds he poor of this world, “rich in faith”, being called to follow the LORD’s anointed (1Co 1:26-29). “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mat 11:28,29). And they came, “outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore” (Heb 13:13).

“What we know of David in this context, is that his family heritage via a Canaanite and Moabite, had quite an impact on his view of God’s plan for Jew and Gentile. He seemed to appreciate better than any before or after, the full import of the promise, ‘in your seed shall ALL nations be blessed.’ His appreciation of his elevation to kingship over ALL Israel was shown by his conquest of Jerusalem and the realization that he was its first believing king since Melchizedek. David’s proselytizing of Gentiles is quite extraordinary and his second visit to Goliath’s home town resulted in quite a crop of faithful adherents to the Covenant. It also explains his building of a tabernacle in Jerusalem with the ark as its only piece of furniture and why James later (Acts 15) speaks of the rebuilding of the tabernacle of David (Amos 9) as being an indication of God’s call to and purpose with Gentiles” (Ken Chalmers).

IN DEBT: Had Saul given their lands and properties to his henchmen?

ABOUT FOUR HUNDRED MEN: “Do not be afraid, little flock…” (Luk 12:32).

1Sa 22:3

MIZPAH: A town not otherwise mentioned in the Bible. prob west by southwest of Medeba in northern Moab.

IN MOAB: Note David’s family connections with Moab, through Ruth. The Philistines were now encamped at Bethlehem (2Sa 23:14), and David’s family could not safely return there (1Sa 22:1). Even in his sore trials, David showed concern for his parents (cp Christ in Joh 19:26,27).

1Sa 22:5

DO NOT STAY IN THE STRONGHOLD. GO INTO THE LAND OF JUDAH: ‘Do not continue in hiding in Moab; return to your men!’ Return to the land of promise without fear (cp Abraham, Jacob, Joseph and Mary). God had work for David in Judah: 1Sa 23.

FOREST: Or “city” (LXX). Hereth is unknown today.

1Sa 22:6

SPEAR IN HAND: Illustrating his blood-thirsty intentions, and the fact that he took the case of David very personally.

1Sa 22:7

LISTEN, MEN OF BENJAMIN!: Stress on tribal loyalty: they were not of Judah, as was David.

1Sa 22:8

WHEN MY SON MAKES A COVENANT WITH THE SON OF JESSE: There was a league of friendship between the two, not a league of conspiracy against Saul.

1Sa 22:12

SON OF AHITUB: A contemptuous address to the man 2nd in rank in all of Israel.

1Sa 22:14

WHO OF ALL YOUR SERVANTS IS AS LOYAL AS DAVID…?: Examples of faithfulness in service: Samuel (1Sa 3:20); David (1Sa 22:14); the temple overseers (2Ki 12:15); the workers (2Ch 34:12); Hananiah (Neh 7:2); Abraham (Neh 9:8); the treasurers (Neh 13:13); Daniel (Dan 6:4); Timothy (1Co 4:17); Epaphras (Col 1:7); Tychicus (Col 4:7); Onesimus (Col 4:9); Paul (1Ti 1:12); Moses (Heb 3:2,5); Gaius (3Jo 1:5); Jesus Christ (Rev 1:5); Antipas (Rev 2:13).

Cp Luk 16:10; 2Ch 31:12.

1Sa 22:21

Here David wrote Psa 52; 53.

1Sa 22:23

YOU WILL BE SAFE WITH ME: To fulfill 1Sa 2:36.