1 Samuel 21:1--30:31
Nob <05011> [Nob.]
Nob appears to have been a sacerdotal city of Benjamin or Ephraim. Jerome says, that in his time the ruins of it might be seen not far from Diospolis or Lydda. But the Rabbins assert that Jerusalem might be seen from this town. The tabernacle resided some time at Nob; and after it was destroyed, it was removed to Gibeon; "and the day of Nob and Gibeon were fifty-seven years." Maimonides in Bethhabbechirah, c. 1.
Ahimelech ...... Ahimelech <0288> [to Ahimelech.]
[called Ahiah.]
[called also Abiathar.]
shaking with fear <02729> [afraid.]
king <04428> [The king.]
The whole of this is a gross falsehood; and which was attended with the most fatal consequences. It is well known that from all antiquity it was held no crime to tell a lie in order to save life. Thus Diphilon [Hypo lambano to pseudas epi sotevea legomenon, ouden peripoieisthai duscheres.] "I hold it right to tell a lie for safety: nothing should be avoided to save life." A heathen may say or sing thus: but no Christian can act thus and save his soul, though he may save his life.
disposal <03027> [under thine.]
found <04672> [present. Heb. found.]
bread ...... holy bread <03899 06944> [hallowed bread.]
soldiers <05288> [if the young.]
equipment ..................... equipment <03627> [the vessels.]
journey <01870> [in a manner.]
equipment ................ holy today ..... equipment <06942 03117 03627> [yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel. or, especially when this day there is other sanctified in the vessel.]
So .... gave ... holy <05414 06944> [gave him.]
bread ...... bread ................... hot bread <02527 03899> [hot bread.]
detained <06113> [detained.]
Doeg <01673> [Doeg.]
<07462> [herdmen.]
sword <02719> [The sword.]
valley <06010> [the valley.]
wrapped <03874> [behold.]
behind <0310> [behind.]
fled <01272> [fled.]
Achish <0397> [Achish. or, Abimelech.]
Gath <01661> [Gath.]
Jerome says there was a large town called Gath, in the way from Eleutheropolis to Gaza; and Eusebius speaks of another Gath, five miles from Eleutheropolis, towards Lydda, (and consequently different from that mentioned by Jerome;) and also of another Gath, between Jamnia and Antipatris. It appears to have been the extreme boundary of the Philistine territory in one direction, as Ekron was on the other, (ch. 7:14; 17:52,) and lay near Mareshah, (2 Ch 11:8. Mic 1:14,) which agrees pretty well with the position assigned it by Jerome. But Reland and Dr. Wells agree with Eusebius; and the authors of the Universal History (b. i. c. 7) place it about six miles form Jamnia, fourteen south of Joppa, and thirty-two west of Jerusalem.
servants <05650> [the servants.]
king <04428> [the king.]
thought <07760> [laid up.]
very <03966> [sore.]
altered <08138> [changed.]
making marks <08427> [scrabbled. or, made marks.]
madman <07696> [is mad. or, playeth the madman.]
David <01732> [David.]
cave <04631> [the cave.]
Adullam <05725> [Adullam.]
Adullam was a city of Judah; and, according to Eusebius, ten miles (Jerome says eleven) eastward from Eleutheropolis.
in trouble <04689> [distress.]
[was in debt. Heb. had a creditor.]
discontented <04751> [discontented. Heb. bitter of soul.]
leader <08269> [a captain.]
Mizpah <04708> [Mizpeh.]
king <04428> [the king.]
father <01> [Let my father.]
know <03045> [till I know.]
stronghold <04686> [in the hold.]
[Gad.]
[depart.]
David <01732> [David departed.]
tamarisk <0815> [tree. or, grove in a high place. spear.]
Benjaminites ... Jesse's son <03448 01121> [the son of Jesse.]
giving <05414> [give.]
commanders ... officers <08269> [captains.]
informs ...... son ....... son ............. informs ...... son <01540 01121> [sheweth me. Heb. uncovereth mine ear.]
son ....... son .................. son <01121> [that my son.]
Doeg <01673> [Doeg.]
He is also said to be "the chiefest of the herdsmen that belonged to Saul;" and the Septuagint intimates that he was over the mules of Saul. He may have been what we call the king's equerry or groom.
Ahimelech <0288> [Ahimelech.]
Ahitub <0285> [Ahitub.]
inquired <07592> [he enquired.]
provisions <06720> [him victuals.]
Then .... arranged <07971 07121> [sent to call.]
son <01121> [thou son.]
lord <0113> [Here I am. Heb. Behold me.]
conspired <07194> [Why have.]
faithful <0539> [And who.]
king .............. king's <04428> [the king's.]
<05493> [goeth.]
today <03117> [Did I then.]
He seems to intimate, that his enquiring now for David was no new thing, having often done so before, without ever being informed it was wrong in itself or displeasing to the king.
[the servant.]
whole or ... part <01419 06996> [less or more. Heb. little or great.]
surely die <04191> [Thou shalt.]
father's <01> [thou, and.]
messengers <07323> [footmen. or, guard. Heb. runners.]
kill ... priests ............................... priests <03548 04191> [slay the priests.]
refused ... harm <014 07971> [would not.]
Doeg .......... Doeg <01673> [Doeg.]
strike ........... struck down <06293> [he fell.]
eighty-five <08084> [fourscore.]
The LXX. read, [tria kosious kai pente andras,] "three hundred and five men;" and Josephus, "three hundred and eighty-five men." Probably the eighty-five were priests and the three hundred the families of the priests; three hundred and eighty-five being the whole population of Nob.
linen ephod <0906 0646> [a linen ephod.]
Nob <05011> [Nob.]
men <0376> [men.]
<06310> [with the edge.]
This is one of the worst acts of Saul's life: his malice was implacable, and his wrath cruel; and there is no motive of justice or policy by which such a barbarous massacre can be justified.
one <0259> [one.]
But one .......... escaped <04422> [escaped.]
guilty <05437> [I have occasioned.]
seeks ..... seeking <01245> [he that seeketh.]
secure <04931> [but with me.]
Keilah <07084> [Keilah.]
Keilah was a city of Judah, situated, according to Eusebius, eight miles from Eleutheropolis, towards Hebron. Sozomen says that the prophet Habakkuk's tomb was shewn there.
looting ... threshing floors <08154 01637> [rob the.]
asked <07592> [enquired.]
In what way David made this enquiry we are not told; but it was probably by means of Abiathar; and therefore it would seem, that with Houbigant, we should read the sixth verse immediately after the first.--This adventure was truly noble and patriotic. Had not David loved his country, and been above all motives of private and personal revenge, he would have rejoiced in this invasion of Judea, as producing a strong diversion in his favour, and embroiling his inveterate enemy. In most cases, a man with David's wrongs would have joined with the enemies of his country, and avenged himself on the author of his calamities; but he thinks of nothing but succouring Keilah, and using his power and influence in behalf of his brethren.
<03373> [Behold.]
again <03254> [yet again.]
give <05414> [for I will.]
Abiathar <054> [when Abiathar.]
ephod <0646> [an ephod.]
God ... delivered <0430 05234> [A.M. 2943. B.C. 1061. An. Ex. Is. 430. God hath.]
delivered him ........ boxed <05462> [he is shut.]
David <01732> [David.]
Bring <05066> [Bring.]
destroy ... city <05892 07843> [destroy the city.]
Lord ........... Lord <03068> [And the Lord.]
deliver .............. deliver <05462> [deliver. Heb. shut up.]
deliver .............. deliver <05462> [They will.]
six hundred <03967 08337> [six hundred.]
hill country <02022> [a mountain.]
desert ......... desert <04057> [the wilderness.]
Ziph is mentioned in Joshua with Carmel and Maon, near which it seems to have been situated; and as we have mention of Carmel and Maon in the history of David, as adjoining to Ziph, it cannot be doubted that by the Ziph, in the wilderness of which David now lay, and where was the hill of Hachilah, is to be understood Ziph near Carmel and Maon.
Saul <07586> [Saul.]
God <0430> [but God.]
encouraged him <02388> [strengthened.]
afraid .... hand <03372 03027> [Fear not.]
find <04672> [shall not.]
rule <04427> [thou shalt be.]
second <04932> [I shall be.]
Saul ..................... Saul <07586> [that also Saul.]
Ziphites <02130> [the Ziphites.]
Hakilah <02444> [Hachilah.]
Calmet states, that Hachilah was a mountain about ten miles south of Jericho, where Jonathan Maccab‘us built the castle of Massada, west of the Dead Sea, and not far from En-gedi.
south <03225> [on the south. Heb. on the right hand. Jeshimon. or, the wilderness.]
Eusebius places Jeshimon ten miles south of Jericho, near the Dead Sea; which agrees extremely well with the position of Hachilah, as stated by Calmet.
discretion <0185> [all the desire.]
Delivering him <05462> [our part.]
Determine precisely ........ seen <07272 07200> [haunt is. Heb. foot shall be.]
precisely <03045> [take knowledge.]
find <02664> [I will search.]
thousands <0505> [the thousands.]
desert <04057> [the wilderness.]
Maon, from which the adjoining mountainous district derived its name, was city in the most southern parts of the tribe of Judah, and a neighbouring town to Carmel. Hence Nabal (ch. 25:2) is described as a man of Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and though he might dwell generally in Maon, yet he is styled Nabal the Carmelite, from the place where his estate lay. Calmet supposes it to be the city Mino‹s, which Eusebius places in the vicinity of Gaza; and the Moenoemi Castrum, which the Theodosian code places near Beersheba.
Maon <04584> [Maon.]
south <03225> [the south.]
rock <05553> [into a rock. or, from the rock.]
David ............. David ... hurrying .............. David <02648 01732> [David made haste.]
<03212> [away.]
came <0935> [there came.]
Philistines <06430> [the Philistines.]
raided <06584> [invaded. Heb. spread themselves upon.]
Sela Hammahlekoth <05555> [Sela-hammahlekoth. that is, the rock of divisions.]
Because, says the Targum, "the heart of the king was divided to go hither and thither." Here Saul was obliged to separate himself from David, in order to go and oppose the invading Philistines; which deliverance of David was of such a nature as made the Divine interposition fully visible.
The district around En-gedi, near the western coast of the Dead Sea, is reported by travellers to be a mountainous territory, filled with caverns; and consequently, proper for David in his present circumstances. Dr. Lightfoot thinks this was the wilderness of Judah, in which David was when he penned the 63rd Psalm, which breathes as much pious and devout affection as almost any of his Psalms; for in all places and in all conditions he still kept up his communion with God.--If Christians knew their privileges better, and acted up thereto, there would be less murmuring at the dark dispensations of Divine Providence.
Saul <07586> [when Saul.]
pursuing <0310> [following. Heb. after. it was told.]
desert <04057> [the wilderness.]
Saul took <03947 07586> [Saul took.]
<03212> [and went.]
rocks <06697> [the rocks.]
sheepfolds <01448> [the sheepcotes.]
Caves in the rocks, in which it is still common for shepherds and their flocks to lodge. Dr. Pococke observes, "Beyond the valley [of Tekoa,] there is a very large grotto, which the Arabs call El-Maamah, a hiding place: the high rocks on each side of the valley are almost perpendicular; and the way to the grotto is by a terrace formed in the rock, which is very narrow. There are two entrances into it; we went by the farthest, which leads by a narrow passage into a very large grotto, the rock being supported by natural pillars; the top of it rises in several places like domes; the grotto is perfectly dry. There is a tradition, that the people of the country, to the number of 30,000, retired into this grotto, to avoid a bad air. This place is so strong, that one would imagine it to be one of the strong holds of En-gedi, to which David and his men fled from Saul: and possibly it may be that very cave in which he cut off Saul's skirt; for David and his men might, with good ease, lie hid there and not be seen by him." Travels, vol. ii. P. 1. p. 41.
Saul <07586> [and Saul.]
relieve <05526> [to cover.]
David <01732> [David.]
<0582> [the men.]
give <05414> [I will deliver.]
Saul's robe <04598 07586> [Saul's robe. Heb. the robe which was Saul's.]
David's ... bothered <03820 01732> [David's heart.]
keep me far away from <03068 02486> [the Lord forbid.]
restrained <08156> [stayed. Heb. cut off.]
allow <05414> [suffered.]
lord <0113> [My lord.]
David ........................ David kneeled <01732 06915> [David stooped.]
told .... kill .......... said <0559 02026> [bade me.]
Lord ........................................ Lord's <03068> [the Lord's.]
father <01> [my father.]
evil <07451> [neither evil.]
waiting <06658> [thou huntest.]
Lord judge .......... Lord <08199 03068> [Lord judge.]
hand <03027> [but mine hand.]
evil <07562> [Wickedness.]
king <04428> [the king.]
dead dog ... single <04191 03611 0259> [a dead dog.]
single flea <0259 06550> [a flea.]
arbiter <01781> [be judge.]
arbitrate <07378> [plead.]
judge ............ deliver <08199> [deliver. Heb. judge.]
voice ........ loudly <06963> [Is this.]
Saul Saul .......... Then Saul <07586 05375> [Saul lifted.]
innocent <06662> [Thou art.]
treated ........ tried <01580> [thou hast.]
Lord <03068> [Lord.]
delivered ..... hand <05462 03027> [delivered me. Heb. shut me up.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
realize <03045> [I know well.]
swear <07650> [Swear.]
not ....... or destroy <0518 08045> [that thou.]
David .............. David <01732 0582> [David and.]
stronghold <04686> [the hold.]
Samuel <08050> [A.M. 2944. B.C. 1060. An. Ex. Is 431. Samuel.]
mourned <05594> [lamented.]
[in this house.]
desert <04057> [the wilderness.]
Maon <04584> [Maon.]
business .... Carmel ......................... Carmel <04639 03760> [possessions were. or, business was. Carmel.]
Not the famous mount Carmel, in the north of Canaan, and in the tribe of Asher; but a city, on a mountain of the same name, in the south of Judah, which seems to have given name to the surrounding territory. Eusebius and Jerome inform us, that there was in their time a town called Carmelia, ten miles east from Hebron, where the Romans kept a garrison, whose position well agrees with this Carmel.
man .......... man <0376> [man.]
three thousand ..... thousand <0505 07969> [three thousand.]
shearing <01494> [shearing.]
This was a very ancient custom, and appears to have been always attended with festivity. The ancient Romans, however, used to pluck off the wool from the sheep's backs; and hence a fleece was called {vellus,} a {vellendo,} from plucking it off. Pliny says, that in his time sheep were not shorn every where, but in some places the wool was still plucked off.
Carmel ......................... Carmel <03760> [Carmel.]
wise <02896> [good.]
harsh <07186> [was churlish.]
<03614> [and he was.]
{Wehoo calibbee,} literally, "and he was a Calebite;" but as the word {cailev} signifies a dog, the Septuagint has understood it as implying a man of canine disposition, and translated it, [kai anthropov kunikos,] "and he was a doggish man." It is understood in the same way by the Syriac and Arabic.
shearing <01494> [did shear.]
give ...... name <07592 08034> [greet him, etc. Heb. ask him in my name of peace.]
brother <02416> [liveth.]
Peace ....... Peace <07965> [Peace be both.]
shepherds <07462> [thy shepherds.]
In those times, and at the present day, wandering Arabs, under their several chiefs, think that they have a right to exact contributions of provisions, etc., wherever they come. But David, though he lived in the wilderness like the Arab emirs, had not adopted their manners: one of them, at the head of 600 men, would have demanded, from time to time, some provision or present from Nabal's servants, for permitting them to feed at quiet; and would have driven them away from the watering place upon any dislike. David had done nothing of this kind; but had protected them against those who would.
insulted <03637> [we hurt. Heb. we shamed.]
time .... holiday <03117 02896> [a good day.]
son <01121> [thy son.]
paused <05117> [ceased. Heb. rested. or, became quiet.]
David's ..... David <01732> [Who is David.]
<07231> [there be.]
take <03947> [Shall I then.]
meat <02878> [flesh. Heb. slaughter. give it.]
know <03045> [whom.]
came <0935> [came.]
strap ........ strapped ........ strapped <02296> [Gird ye.]
David ........ strap ........ strapped ...... David ... strapped .......... David <01732 02296> [David also.]
hundred ........ hundred <03967> [two hundred.]
screamed <05860> [railed on them. Heb. flew upon them.]
very good <02896 03966> [very good.]
insult <03637> [hurt. Heb. shamed.]
wall <02346> [a wall.]
disaster <07451> [evil.]
wicked person <01100 01121> [a son of Belial.]
tells <01696> [that a man.]
quickly <04116> [made haste.]
took ... hundred .................. hundred ....... hundred <03947 03967> [took two.]
The Eastern bread is generally both thin and small; and answers to our cakes.
two containers <05035 08147> [two bottles.]
That is, two goatskins' full.
five ... sheep five <06629 02568> [five sheep.]
Not one sheep to one hundred men.
bunches of raisins <06778> [clusters. Heb. lumps. Raisins dried in the sun.]
lumps .... figs ... loaded <01690 07760> [cakes of figs.]
Figs cured and then pressed together. Now all this provision was a matter of little worth; and had it been granted in the first instance, it would have perfectly satisfied David, and secured his good offices.
Go <05674> [Go.]
tell <05046> [But.]
Riding <07392> [rode.]
down ............. down <03381> [she came down.]
David was coming down mount Paran; Abigail was coming down from Carmel.
vain <08267> [Surely.]
from <07725> [he hath requited.]
severely <03541 03254> [So and more.]
Nothing can justify this conduct of David, which was rash, unjust, and cruel in the extreme. David himself condemns it, and thanks God for being prevented from executing this evil. (ver. 32-34.)
leave <07604> [if I leave.]
male <08366> [any that pisseth, etc.]
This seems to have been a proverbial expression among the Israelites; and may with the utmost propriety be read "any male."
down <03381> [lighted.]
threw <05307> [fell.]
Falling <05307> [fell.]
lord ...... guilt <0113 05771> [Upon.]
female servant ............. servant <0519> [let thine.]
<0241> [audience. Heb. ears.]
attention <03820> [regard. Heb. lay it to his heart.]
wicked man <01100 0376> [man of Belial.]
Nabal ................. foolish <05037> [Nabal. that is, fool.]
surely .... Lord ........ live ..... Lord <03068 02416> [as the Lord liveth.]
lives <05315> [and as thy.]
Lord ............ Lord .... kept <03068 04513> [the Lord hath.]
shedding .... taking matters <0935 03467> [from.]
taking matters ..... hands <03467 03027> [avenging thyself. Heb. saving thyself.]
enemies <0341> [now let.]
present <01293> [blessing. or, present.]
follow <01980> [follow. Heb. walk at the feet of.]
forgive <05375> [forgive.]
Lord .................. Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
fights <03898> [fighteth.]
evil ... found <07451 04672> [evil hath.]
wrapped <06887> [bound.]
The metaphors in this verse are derived from the consideration, that things of value are collected together, and often tied up in bundles, like sheaves of corn, to prevent their being scattered and lost, and that whatever is put into a sling is not intended to be preserved, but to be thrown away.
Lord <03068> [with the Lord.]
sling away <07049> [sling out.]
from ... sling's <08432 07050> [as out of the middle of a sling. Heb. in the midst of the bow of a sling.]
<02896> [according.]
overwhelmed <06330> [grief. Heb. staggering, or, stumbling.]
taken matters <03467> [avenged.]
remember <02142> [remember.]
David overlooks the rich and seasonable present of Abigail, though pressed with hunger and wearied with travel; but her advice, which disarmed his rage, and calmed his revenge, draws forth these high and affectionate gratulations. These were his joyful and glorious trophies; not over his enemies, but over himself.
Praised .......... rewarded <01288> [blessed.]
prevented <03607> [which hast.]
taking matters <03467> [avenging.]
prevented <04513> [kept me back.]
so quickly <04116> [hasted.]
remained <03498> [there had.]
Go <05927> [Go up.]
responded <05375> [accepted.]
banquet <04960> [a feast.]
good <02896> [merry.]
told .... nothing <05046 01697> [she told him.]
told ..... matters <05046 01697> [had told him.]
stroke <03820> [his heart.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
Praised <01288> [Blessed.]
vindicated <07378> [pleaded.]
kept ... servant <05650 02820> [kept his servant.]
repaid <07725> [hath returned.]
asked ...... wife <03947 0802> [to take her.]
It is probable that David had heard that Saul, to cut off his pretensions to the throne, had married Michal to Phalti; and this justified him in taking Abigail, it not being then unlawful for a man to have several wives. This conduct of David's corresponds with the manner in which the Oriental princes generally form their matrimonial alliances. "The king of Abyssinia," says Mr. Bruce, "sends an officer to the house where the lady lives, who announces to her that it is the king's pleasure she should remove instantly to the palace. She then dresses herself in the best manner, and immediately obeys. Thenceforward he assigns her an apartment in the palace, and gives her a house elsewhere in any part she chooses."
David ........... David ... sent <01732 07971> [David sent.]
female servant <0519> [thine.]
wash <07364> [to wash.]
Abigail <026> [Abigail.]
[after her. Heb. at her feet.]
Jezreel <03157> [Jezreel.]
two <08147> [both.]
wives <0802> [his wives.]
Saul <07586> [But Saul.]
Rather, "For Saul," etc., as the particle [VÆ’v,] {wav,} frequently signifies; this being the cause why David took another wife.
Michal <04324> [Michal.]
Paltiel <06406> [Phalti.]
[Phaltiel. Gallim.]
This town appears to have been situated in the tribe of Benjamin, as it is mentioned in Isa 10:30, with Michmash, Geba, etc.
Ziphites <02130> [Ziphites.]
David <01732> [Doth not.]
Saul arose <06965 07586> [Saul arose.]
three thousand <0505 07969> [three thousand.]
Hakilah <02444> [Hachilah.]
Abner <074> [Abner.]
entrenchment <04570> [trench. or, midst of his carriages.]
The word {maÂgal} never signifies a ditch or rampart, but a chariot or waggon way. Nor does it seem to denote a ring of carriages, as Buxtorf and others interpret the word; for it is not probable that Saul would encumber his army with baggage in so rapid a pursuit, nor that so mountainous a country was practicable for waggons. It appears simply to mean here, the circular encampment (from {agal,} "round") which these troops formed, in the midst of which, as being the place of honour, Saul reposed. An Arab camp, D'Arvieux informs us, is always circular, when the disposition of the ground will permit, the prince being in the middle, and the troops at a respectful distance around him. Add to which, their lances are fixed near them in the ground all the day long, ready for action.
Hittite <02850> [Hittite.]
Abishai .................. Abishai <052> [to Abishai.]
Zeruiah <06870> [Zeruiah.]
down .............. down <03381> [Who will go.]
asleep <03463> [sleeping.]
God <0430> [God.]
delivered <05462> [delivered. Heb. shut up.]
necessary <08138> [the second time.]
extend <07971> [who can stretch.]
Lord lives ... Lord <02416 03068> [the Lord liveth.]
day <03117> [his day.]
down <03381> [he shall descend.]
extending <07971> [that I should.]
David <01732> [So David.]
deep sleep <08639> [a deep sleep.]
top <07218> [the top.]
David, by retiring to a place of safety before he called to Abner, seems to have manifested more distrust of Saul than he had done on a former occasion. Yet he desired that Saul and all Israel should be informed of his conduct at this time. Abner and his soldiers, by neglecting to guard Saul when he slept, had exposed his life, and merited to be treated as his enemies, though he confided in them as friends; for, although their sound sleep was undoubtedly supernatural, yet there might be a neglect of placing sentinels, arising from contempt of David's small company. Saul also deemed David his enemy, though he had before spared and protected his life.
came <0935> [there came.]
[worthy to die. Heb. the sons of death.]
Lord ............ Lord's <03068> [Lord's.]
voice ....... voice .......... voice <06963> [Is this thy.]
lord <0113> [Wherefore.]
done <06213> [what have I.]
lord <0113> [let my lord.]
incited <05496> [stirred.]
take delight <07306> [accept. Heb. smell.]
cursed <0779> [cursed.]
driven ... away <01644> [they have driven.]
united <05596> [abiding. Heb. cleaving. the inheritance.]
blood <01818> [let not my.]
king <04428> [the king.]
flea .... one <0259 06550> [a flea.]
{Parosh,} (in Arabic {borghooth,} Syriac, {poorthano,}) the well known little contemptible and troublesome insect, the flea, seems to be so called from its agility in leaping and skipping, from {para,} "free," and {raash,} "to leap, bound." David, by comparing himself to this insect, seems to import, that while it would cost Saul much pains to catch him, he would obtain but very little advantage from it.
partridge <07124> [a partridge.]
{Korai} certainly denotes the partridge, which is called in Arabic, {kir„a.} It seems to be so called from the cry or {cur} which it utters when calling its young.
sinned <02398> [I have sinned.]
harm <07489> [I will no.]
life <05315> [my soul.]
<07725> [render.]
willing ... extend <014 07971> [I would not.]
life ......... life <05315> [as thy life.]
deliver <05337> [let him deliver.]
rewarded <01288> [Blessed.]
without question ... successful <03201> [prevail.]
David ........ David ......... David <01732> [So David.]
David <01732> [A.M. 2946. B.C. 1058. An. Ex. Is. 433. And David.]
swept <05595> [I shall.]
This was a rash conclusion: God had caused him to be anointed king of Israel, and promised his accession to the throne, and had so often interposed in his behalf, that he was authorised to believe the very reverse.
swept <05595> [perish. Heb. be consumed. there is nothing.]
land <0776> [into the land.]
David <01732> [David.]
This measure of David's, in uniting himself to the enemies of his God and people, was highly blameable; was calculated to alienate the affections of the Israelites; and led to equivocation, if not downright falsehood.
six <08337> [the six.]
Achish <0397> [Achish.]
two <08147> [with his two.]
search <01245> [he sought.]
one ..... towns ................ city <05892 0259> [some town.]
Ziklag ........ Ziklag <06860> [Ziklag.]
Ziklag was at first given to the tribe of Judah, but was afterwards ceded to that of Simeon; but as it bordered on the Philistines, if they had ever been expelled, they had retaken it. Eusebius simply says it was situated in the south of Canaan.
length of time <04557> [the time. Heb. the number of days. a full year. Heb. a year of days.]
Geshurites <01651> [A.M. 2948. B.C. 1056. An. Ex. Is. 435. the Geshurites.]
Girzites <01511> [Gezrites. or, Gerzites.]
These people seem to be the Gerrhenians, (2 Mac 13:24) whose chief city, Gerrha, is mentioned by Strabo as lying between Gaza and Pelusium in Egypt.
Amalekites <06003> [the Amalekites.]
approach <0935> [as thou goest.]
man <0376> [left neither.]
camels <01581> [and the camels.]
<0408> [Whither, etc. or, Did you not make a road. And David.]
Negev ...... Negev ...... Negev <05045> [Against.]
David here meant the Geshurites, and Gezrites, and Amalekites, which people occupied that part of the country which lies to the south of Judah. But Achish, as was intended, understood him in a different sense, and believed that he had attacked his own countrymen. David's answer, therefore, though not an absolute falsehood, was certainly an equivocation intended to deceive, and therefore incompatible with that sense of truth and honour which became him as a prince, and a professor of true religion. From these, and similar passages, we may observe the strict impartiality of the Sacred Scriptures. They present us with the most faithful delineation of human nature; they exhibit the frailties of kings, priests, and prophets, with equal truth; and examples of vice and frailty, as well as of piety and virtue, are held up, that we may guard against the errors to which the best men are exposed.
Jeharmeel <03397> [the Jerahmeelites.]
Kenites <07017> [Kenites.]
tell <05046> [Lest.]
hated <0887> [utterly to abhor. Heb. to stink.]
Philistines <06430> [that the.]
Philistines <06430> [Philistines.]
go <03318> [thou shalt go.]
being .................. Then <03651> [Surely.]
Samuel <08050> [Samuel.]
removed <05493> [put away.]
Shunem <07766> [Shunem.]
Gilboa <01533> [Gilboa.]
was absolutely <03372> [he was afraid.]
inquired <07592> [enquired.]
dreams <02472> [by dreams.]
Urim <0224> [by Urim.]
prophets <05030> [by prophets.]
Find .... woman ......................... woman <01245 0802> [Seek me.]
medium ......................... medium <0178> [a familiar spirit.]
<03212> [that I may.]
Endor <05874> [En-dor.]
En-dor, a city of Manasseh, was situated in the plain of Jezreel; and Eusebius and Jerome inform us, that it was a great town in their days, four miles south from Mount Tabor, near Nain, towards Scythopolis. This agrees with Maundrell, who says, that not many miles eastward of Tabor, you see mount Hermon, at the foot of which is seated Nain and Endor; and Burckhardt says, that in two hours and a half from Nazareth, towards Scythopolis or Bisan, they came to the village of Denouny, near which are the ruins of Endor; where the witch's grotto is shewn.
disguised <02664> [disguised.]
Use ... ritual <07080> [I pray thee.]
up <05927> [bring me.]
<03772> [how he hath.]
trapping <05367> [wherefore.]
swore <07650> [sware.]
Saul ......... Saul <07586> [thou art Saul.]
god ... up <0430 05927> [gods ascending.]
appearance <08389> [What form is he of? Heb. What is his form? a mantle.]
disturbed <07264> [Why hast.]
troubled <03966> [I am sore.]
Philistines <06430> [the Philistines.]
God <0430> [God.]
answer <06030> [answereth.]
prophets <05030> [prophets. Heb. the hand of prophets. therefore.]
asking <07592> [Wherefore.]
enemy <06145> [and is become.]
has ...... prophesied <01696> [to him. or, for himself.]
The LXX. read [soi,] and the Vulgate {tibi,} to thee; which is the reading of five of Dr. Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., as well as both the Bibles printed at Venice in 1518, where we read {lecha,} "to thee," for {lo,} "to him;" and as the words are spoken to Saul, this seems to be evidently the correct reading.
has ...... prophesied <01696> [as he spake.]
hand <03027> [me. Heb. mine hand. thy neighbour.]
obey <08085> [obeyedst.]
Lord .............. Lord <03068> [hath the Lord.]
Lord ...................... Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
Tomorrow <04279> [and to-morrow.]
There is considerable diversity of opinion, both among learned and pious men, relative to this appearance to Saul. But the most probable opinion seems to be, that Samuel himself did actually appear to Saul, not by the power of enchantment, but by the appointment and especial mercy of God, to warn this infatuated monarch of his approaching end, that he might be reconciled with his Maker. There is not the smallest intimation of chicanery or Satanic influence given in the text; but on the contrary, from the plain and obvious meaning of the language employed, it is perfectly evident that it was Samuel himself, {Shemooel hoo,} as it is expressed in ver. 14. Indeed the very soul of Samuel seems to breathe in his expressions of displeasure against the disobedience and wickedness of Saul; while the awful prophetic denunciations which accordingly came to pass, were such as neither human nor diabolical wisdom could foresee, and which could only be known to God himself, and to those to whom he chose to reveal them.
quickly fell <05307 04116> [fell straightway. Heb. made haste and fell with the fullness of his stature. sore afraid.]
took <07760> [I have put.]
eat <0398> [I will.]
urged ....... gave in <06555 08085> [compelled him.]
well-fed calf <05695 04770> [a fat calf.]
Philistines <06430> [the Philistines.]
Aphek <0663> [Aphek.]
Jezreel <03157> [Jezreel.]
leaders <05633> [the lords.]
David <01732> [but David.]
David <01732> [Is not this David.]
These words seem to mark no definite time; and may be understood thus: "Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who has been with me for a considerable time?"
time ........... day ........ time <03117> [these days.]
found <04672> [found.]
Send ... man back .... return <0376 07725> [Make this fellow.]
The princes reasoned wisely, according to the common practice of mankind; and it was well for David that they were such good politicians: it was ordered by a gracious Providence that they refused to let David go with them to this battle, in which he must have been either an enemy to his country, or false to his friends and to his trust. Had he fought for the Philistines, he would have fought against God and his country; and had he in the battle gone over to the Israelites, he would have deceived and become a traitor to the hospitable Achish. God therefore delivered him from such disgrace; and by the same kind Providence he was sent back to rescue his wives, and the wives and children of his people, from captivity.
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
honest <03477> [thou hast.]
serving <03318> [thy going.]
found <04672> [I have not.]
leaders ..... reliable <02896 05633> [the lords favour, etc. Heb. thou art not good in the eyes of the lords.]
do <06213> [displease. Heb. do not evil in the eyes of the lords.]
done <06213> [But what have.]
presence <06440> [with. Heb. before. that I may not.]
angel <04397> [as an angel.]
leaders <08269> [the princes.]
Philistines .... Philistines <06430> [And the Philistines.]
Jezreel <03157> [Jezreel.]
Jezreel, or Esdr‘lon, was a city of Issachar, afterwards celebrated as the residence of the kings of Israel, delightfully situated in the extensive and fertile plain of the same name, which extends from Scythopolis or Bethshan on the east to mount Carmel on the west. Eusebius and Jerome inform us, that it was in their time a place of considerable consequence, lying between Scythopolis on the east and Legio on the west; and the latter (on Ho 1.) informs us that it was pretty near Maximianopolis. The Jerusalem Itinerary places it ten miles west from Scythopolis; and William of Tyre says it was called Little Gerinum in his time, and that there was a fine fountain in it, whose waters fell into the Jordan near Scythopolis. See ver. 1.
came <0935> [were come.]
third <07992> [on the third.]
This was the third day after he had left the Philistine army at Aphek, from which place, Calmet supposes, Ziklag was distant more than thirty leagues.
Amalekites <06003> [the Amalekites.]
kill anyone <04191 0376> [slew not.]
burned <08313> [burned.]
Then <05375> [lifted up.]
two wives .............. widow <08147 0802> [two wives.]
very <03966> [was greatly.]
men <05971> [the people.]
<04843> [grieved. Heb. bitter.]
David ....................... David <01732> [David.]
Abiathar .......... Abiathar <054> [Abiathar.]
inquired <07592> [enquired.]
saying .... pursue .......... said .... Pursue <0559 07291> [he answered him.]
hundred ........ hundred <03967> [for two hundred.]
exhausted <06296> [so faint.]
Wadi Besor <05158 01308> [the brook Besor.]
This brook or torrent, it is evident from the circumstances of the history, must be in the south-west part of Judea, and must empty itself into the Mediterranean Sea. In the more particular situation of it writers are not agreed. Some suppose it to be between Gaza and Rhinocorura; but Jerome places it between Rhinocorura and Egypt. It is supposed by some to be the same as the river of the wilderness, (Am 6:14,) and the river of Egypt, Jos 15:4.
gave ... bread <05414 03899> [gave him.]
<07307> [his spirit.]
three days ... three <07969 03117> [three days.]
master <0113> [my master.]
Though they had booty enough, and this poor sick slave might have been carried on an ass or a camel, yet they inhumanely left him to perish; but, in the righteous providence of God, this cruelty was the occasion of their destruction; whilst David's kindness to a perishing stranger and slave was the means of his success, and proved the truest policy.
Kerethites <03774> [the Cherethites.]
Calmet and others suppose that these people, who inhabited the same district as the Philistines, were the aborigines of the island of Crete, from which they derived their name.
Caleb <03612> [Caleb.]
A district in the south of Judea, in which were the cities of Kirjath-Arba or Hebron, and Kirjath-sepher, belonging to the family of Caleb.
burned <08313> [we burned.]
Swear <07650> [Swear.]
not .... or <05462 0518> [nor deliver.]
down <03381> [when he.]
eating <0398> [eating.]
<01419> [because of all.]
following <04283> [the next day. Heb. their morrow. and there.]
David ........................ David's plunder <01732 07998> [This is David's spoil.]
hundred <0582 03967> [two hundred men.]
approached <05066> [came near.]
asked <07592> [saluted them. Heb. asked them how they did.]
evil <07451> [wicked.]
<0582> [those. Heb. the men. Because.]
brothers <0251> [my brethren.]
Lord <03068> [which the Lord.]
protected <08104> [who hath.]
portion ................. portion <02506> [but as his part.]
This equitable edict was somewhat different from that which had so long obtained in Israel, and by which the spoil of the Midianites was divided: that related to the whole people: this only to the soldiers, some of whom went to battle, while others guarded the baggage.
remained <03427> [tarrieth.]
onward <04605> [forward. Heb. and forward.]
friends <07453> [to his friends.]
gift <01293> [present. Heb. blessing.]
Bethel <01008> [Beth-el.]
Probably not the celebrated city of this name, but Bethul a city of Simeon, (Jos 19:4,) supposed to be the same as Bethelia, mentioned by Sozomen as belonging to Gaza, well peopled, and having several temples remarkable for their structure and antiquity; and which Jerome says, in his life of Hilarion, was five short days' journey from Pelusium.
Ramoth Negev <07418 05045> [south Ramoth.]
A city of Simeon; so called to distinguish it from Ramoth Gilead beyond Jordan.
[Ramath. Jattir.]
Aroer <06177> [Aroer.]
Siphmoth <08224> [Siphmoth.]
Supposed to be the same with Shepham (Nu 34:10,) on the eastern borders of Canaan.
Eshtemoa <0851> [Eshtemoa.]
[Eshtemoh.]
Racal <07403> [Rachal.]
Supposed by Calmet to be the same as Hachilah.
Jerahmeelites <03397> [Jerahmeelites.]
The descendants of Jerahmeel son of Hezron, (1 Ch 2:9, 25-27,) who inhabited a district in the south of Judah.
Kenites <07017> [Kenites.]
These people inhabited a small tract west of the Dead Sea.
Hormah <02767> [Hormah.]
Bor Ashan <03565> [Chorashan.]
Probably the same as Ashan in Simeon, Jos 15:42; 19:7, which Eusebius says was sixteen miles west from Jerusalem.
Hebron <02275> [Hebron.]
