1 Samuel 23
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Samuel 23
Wiersbe notes that "David paused to determine the will of God, a practice every leader needs to imitate, for it's easy for our own personal interests to get in the way of God's will." (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament) THOUGHT - Do you hear that wise advice President ________ of the USA? What if every major decision of the President were undertaken like David undertook this endeavor? Just wishing "In God We Trust" would be a real time practice! Don Anderson - At this particular time David didn't know anything of his great future except by faith. In fact, it didn't look too bright right now, but God was shaping his life. He was learning to look to the Lord. We too are going to share a throne with the King of Kings one day, but right now we have to live toward that day by faith. This is our training and preparation time TSK Note - 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. Saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" - How did David seek Him? The text does not say, but presumably by words in prayer. Alternatively he may have used the ephod as in 1Sa 23:9-11. One has to wonder what the outcome would have been had David inquired earlier "Shall I go to Nob for bread and weapons?" And the LORD (Jehovah - Yahweh) said to David, "Go and (launch) attack the Philistines and deliver (save, rescue) Keilah - Yahweh answers David affirmatively but exactly how He communicated is not stated. Clearly David is back on the straight and narrow path of holiness or otherwise God would not have answered for Psalm 66:18 says "If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear." THOUGHT- So God is "deaf" so to speak to our cries if we have unconfessed sin! Is God answering your prayers? Are you making sure you keep short accounts by frequent confession (1Jn 1:9+)? That is a good practice to assure that He even "hears" or listens to our prayers! Luis Palau makes an interesting observation: "If David had applied this same principle to his domestic life, how different his family history might have been. David committed his military decisions to the Lord but he neglected to consult God regarding marriage. He simply didn't pray about the women in his life. And that severely crippled his effectiveness for God. This has happened to many people, not just to David. People will pray about a job, a church, unsaved relatives, and the Sunday School lesson, but when it comes to choosing a girlfriend or a boyfriend, they think, That's my choice. God doesn't have to be involved, so they refuse or carefully neglect to speak to the Lord about this portion of their lives. In Proverbs we read, 'Above all that you guard, watch over your heart, for out of it are the sources of life' (Proverbs 4:23)." Pray First David inquired of the Lord. — 1 Samuel 23:2 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Samuel 23:1-5 When my husband and I supervise our son’s piano practice sessions, we begin by asking God to help us. We pray first because neither my husband nor I know how to play the instrument. Together, all three of us are coming to understand musical mysteries such as the meaning of “staccato” and “legato” and when to use the piano’s black keys. Prayer becomes a priority when we realize that we need God’s help. David needed God’s assistance in a dangerous situation as he considered fighting the Philistines in the city of Keilah. Before engaging in battle, “David inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’” (1 Sam. 23:2). God gave His approval. However, David’s men admitted that the enemy forces intimidated them. Before a single sword was lifted against the Philistines, David prayed again. God promised him the victory he later claimed (v.4). Dear God, please guide me as I walk through this life. Help me not to act only by my own wisdom, but to seek Your will in every situation. God wants us to pray before we do anything at all. 1 Samuel 23:3 But David's men said to him, "Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines?" BGT 1 Samuel 23:3 καὶ εἶπαν οἱ ἄνδρες τοῦ Δαυιδ πρὸς αὐτόν ἰδοὺ ἡμεῖς ἐνταῦθα ἐν τῇ Ιουδαίᾳ φοβούμεθα καὶ πῶς ἔσται ἐὰν πορευθῶμεν εἰς Κεϊλα εἰς τὰ σκῦλα τῶν ἀλλοφύλων εἰσπορευσόμεθα LXE 1 Samuel 23:3 And the men of David said to him, Behold, we are afraid here in Judea; and how shall it be if we go to Keila? Shall we go after the spoils of the Philistines? KJV 1 Samuel 23:3 And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? NET 1 Samuel 23:3 But David's men said to him, "We are afraid while we are still here in Judah! What will it be like if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?" CSB 1 Samuel 23:3 But David's men said to him, "Look, we're afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!" ESV 1 Samuel 23:3 But David's men said to him, "Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?" NIV 1 Samuel 23:3 But David's men said to him, "Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!" NLT 1 Samuel 23:3 But David's men said, "We're afraid even here in Judah. We certainly don't want to go to Keilah to fight the whole Philistine army!" NRS 1 Samuel 23:3 But David's men said to him, "Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?" NJB 1 Samuel 23:3 But David's men said to him, 'We are already afraid here in Judah; how much more, then, if we go to Keilah to fight the Philistine troops!' NAB 1 Samuel 23:3 But David's men said to him: "We are afraid here in Judah. How much more so if we go to Keilah against the forces of the Philistines!" YLT 1 Samuel 23:3 And David's men say unto him, 'Lo, we here in Judah are afraid; and how much more when we go to Keilah, unto the ranks of the Philistines?' GWN 1 Samuel 23:3 David's men told him, "We're afraid of staying here in Judah. How much more afraid do you think we'll be if we go to Keilah against the Philistine army?" Behold: 1Sa 23:15,23,26 Ps 11:1 Jer 12:5 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID'S MEN FEAR PHILISTINES But David's men said to him, "Behold, we are afraid here in Judah - Apparently they are still in the forest of Hereth (1Sa 22:5). They did not trust the LORD's instructions and thus were not eager to obey. Fear Can Cause Us to Question God’s Leading -- Paul Apple Gene Getz comments that "From a human perspective we can understand why these men were so fearful. First, they weren't first-class soldiers. In fact, they were classified "3-D" (Compare "4-F") -- Scripture records that 'Everyone who was in Distress, and everyone who was in Debt, and everyone who was Discontented (1Sa 22:2 - gathered to join David in the cave of Adullam.'" (Borrow David: God's man in faith and failure) How much more then if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines - If you think we are afraid now, just charge us to go against the Philistines and you will see real fear! This is not a good attitude with which to enter battle. NLT paraphrases their intent = "We certainly don't want to go to Keilah to fight the whole Philistine army!" 1 Samuel 23:4 Then David inquired of the LORD once more. And the LORD answered him and said, "Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand." BGT 1 Samuel 23:4 καὶ προσέθετο Δαυιδ ἐρωτῆσαι ἔτι διὰ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῷ κύριος καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτόν ἀνάστηθι καὶ κατάβηθι εἰς Κεϊλα ὅτι ἐγὼ παραδίδωμι τοὺς ἀλλοφύλους εἰς χεῖράς σου LXE 1 Samuel 23:4 And David enquired yet again of the Lord; and the Lord answered him, and said to him, Arise and go down to Keila, for I will deliver the Philistines into thy hands. KJV 1 Samuel 23:4 Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. NET 1 Samuel 23:4 So David asked the LORD once again. But again the LORD replied, "Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand." CSB 1 Samuel 23:4 Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: "Go at once to Keilah, for I will hand the Philistines over to you." ESV 1 Samuel 23:4 Then David inquired of the LORD again. And the LORD answered him, "Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand." NIV 1 Samuel 23:4 Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, "Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand." NLT 1 Samuel 23:4 So David asked the LORD again, and again the LORD replied, "Go down to Keilah, for I will help you conquer the Philistines." NRS 1 Samuel 23:4 Then David inquired of the LORD again. The LORD answered him, "Yes, go down to Keilah; for I will give the Philistines into your hand." NJB 1 Samuel 23:4 So David consulted Yahweh again and Yahweh replied, 'Be on your way; go down to Keilah, since I shall give the Philistines into your power.' NAB 1 Samuel 23:4 Again David consulted the LORD, who answered, "Go down to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your power." YLT 1 Samuel 23:4 And David addeth again to ask at Jehovah, and Jehovah answereth him, and saith, 'Rise, go down to Keilah, for I am giving the Philistines into thy hand.' GWN 1 Samuel 23:4 David asked the LORD again, and the LORD answered him. He said, "Go to Keilah. I'm giving you the power to defeat the Philistines." yet again: 1Sa 28:6 Jdg 6:39 for I will: Jos 8:7 Jdg 7:7 2Sa 5:19 2Ki 3:18 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID'S SECOND INQUIRY OF YAHWEH Then - Because of the hesitancy and trepidation of his men. David knows that soldiers entering battle afraid of the enemy is not a good recipe for victory. David inquired of the LORD once more - In light of the state of the fear in the hearts of his men, a second request is reasonable. Here we see the patience of God in helping work through our fears. And the LORD answered him and said, "Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand (yad - Lit - "hand" = give into hand is idiom that speaks of give over to another's power) - Now the LORD not just to go, but promised victory over the Philistines. This is a message that should calm the fear in the hearts of his men. It is also teaching his men that David depends on and trusts in the LORD of hosts. This is the old "giant slayer" they knew before. 1 Samuel 23:5 So David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines; and he led away their livestock and struck them with a great slaughter. Thus David delivered the inhabitants of Keilah. BGT 1 Samuel 23:5 καὶ ἐπορεύθη Δαυιδ καὶ οἱ ἄνδρες οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ εἰς Κεϊλα καὶ ἐπολέμησεν ἐν τοῖς ἀλλοφύλοις καὶ ἔφυγον ἐκ προσώπου αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀπήγαγεν τὰ κτήνη αὐτῶν καὶ ἐπάταξεν ἐν αὐτοῖς πληγὴν μεγάλην καὶ ἔσωσεν Δαυιδ τοὺς κατοικοῦντας Κεϊλα LXE 1 Samuel 23:5 So David and his men with him went to Keila, and fought with the Philistines; and they fled from before him, and he carried off their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter, and David rescued the inhabitants of Keila. KJV 1 Samuel 23:5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. NET 1 Samuel 23:5 So David and his men went to Keilah and fought the Philistines. He took away their cattle and thoroughly defeated them. David delivered the inhabitants of Keilah. CSB 1 Samuel 23:5 Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, drove their livestock away, and inflicted heavy losses on them. So David rescued the inhabitants of Keilah. ESV 1 Samuel 23:5 And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines and brought away their livestock and struck them with a great blow. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. NIV 1 Samuel 23:5 So David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah. NLT 1 Samuel 23:5 So David and his men went to Keilah. They slaughtered the Philistines and took all their livestock and rescued the people of Keilah. NRS 1 Samuel 23:5 So David and his men went to Keilah, fought with the Philistines, brought away their livestock, and dealt them a heavy defeat. Thus David rescued the inhabitants of Keilah. NJB 1 Samuel 23:5 So David and his men went to Keilah and fought the Philistines and carried off their cattle and inflicted a great defeat on them. Thus David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. NAB 1 Samuel 23:5 David then went with his men to Keilah and fought with the Philistines. He drove off their cattle and inflicted a severe defeat on them, and thus rescued the inhabitants of Keilah. YLT 1 Samuel 23:5 And David goeth, and his men, to Keilah, and fighteth with the Philistines, and leadeth away their cattle, and smiteth among them -- a great smiting, and David saveth the inhabitants of Keilah. GWN 1 Samuel 23:5 David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines, drove off their livestock, and decisively defeated them. So David rescued the people who lived in Keilah. 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Motley Men Growing into Mighty Men of David! DAVID OBEYS AND DEFEATS THE ENEMY So - This conjunction means "and for this reason" or "therefore" and speaks of David and his men's trust in and obedience to the Word of the LORD (now that David had brought a second word from the LORD, a word of sure victory) David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines - The men followed David and obeyed Yahweh, traveling about 10 miles from the forest of Hereth to the city of Keilah where they engaged the Philistine contingent. When the child of God is in the will of God, he may expect the help of God. -- Warren Wiersbe and he led away their livestock and struck them with (heavy losses) a great slaughter - Obedience brought blessing, like it always does! (Are you obeying?) The result of their obedience was victory over a strong and fearful enemy. Isn't that always God's formula for the blessed life? The livestock presumably was spoil David now took from the Philistines (David's little band would have prime rib tonight!) THOUGHT - This verse sounds out a vital Biblical truth like a broken record repeating the same song "Trust and Obey for there is no other way to be happy (blessed) in Jesus than to TRUST AND OBEY!" Thus David delivered the inhabitants of Keilah - Note the juxtaposition of man's responsibility (David delivered) and God's sovereignty, provision and power (I will give the Philistines into your hand) This is an illustration of the "Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible. The effects of this victory would be to increase David's faith in the promises of Yahweh and would increase the trust and loyalty the men would have for David as their leader. This is also evidence that even though he had gone to King Achish, a Philistine, his true loyalty was to the people of Israel. 1 Samuel 23:6 Now it came about, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand. BGT 1 Samuel 23:6 καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ φυγεῖν Αβιαθαρ υἱὸν Αβιμελεχ πρὸς Δαυιδ καὶ αὐτὸς μετὰ Δαυιδ εἰς Κεϊλα κατέβη ἔχων εφουδ ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ LXE 1 Samuel 23:6 And it came to pass when Abiathar the son of Achimelech fled to David, that he went down with David to Keila, having and ephod in his hand. KJV 1 Samuel 23:6 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand. NET 1 Samuel 23:6 Now when Abiathar son of Ahimelech had fled to David at Keilah, he had brought with him an ephod. CSB 1 Samuel 23:6 Abiathar son of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah, and he brought an ephod with him. ESV 1 Samuel 23:6 When Abiathar the son of Ahimelech had fled to David to Keilah, he had come down with an ephod in his hand. NIV 1 Samuel 23:6 (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod down with him when he fled to David at Keilah.) NLT 1 Samuel 23:6 Now when Abiathar son of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah, he brought the ephod with him. NRS 1 Samuel 23:6 When Abiathar son of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah, he came down with an ephod in his hand. NJB 1 Samuel 23:6 When Abiathar son of Ahimelech took refuge with David, he went down to Keilah with the ephod in his hand. NAB 1 Samuel 23:6 Abiathar, son of Ahimelech, who had fled to David, went down with David to Keilah, taking the ephod with him. YLT 1 Samuel 23:6 And it cometh to pass, in the fleeing of Abiathar son of Ahimelech unto David, to Keilah, an ephod came down in his hand. GWN 1 Samuel 23:6 When Ahimelech's son Abiathar fled to David at Keilah, Abiathar brought a priestly ephod with him. when Abiathar: 1Sa 22:20 an ephod: 1Sa 14:3,18,36,37 Ex 28:30,31 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Samuel 30:7-8 Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Please bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. 8 David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?” And He said to him, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all.” Ephod is outer garment held by shash & covering blue robe (Urim & Thummim - square over his chest) ABIATHAR FLED WITH THE EPHOD Now it came about, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah, that he came down with an ephod (epod) in his hand - Abiathar though surely fearful of Doeg's sword was resourceful and thus carried off from Nob an ephod that represented to David the divine presence, and was used by him to inquire of the will of the Lord (1Sa 23:9; 1Sa 30:7–8). Ephod (0646) epod is a masculine noun that means something girt, a sacred vestment was made by a skilled workman and worn originally by the high priest (Ex. 28:4) and was embroidered with divers colours. Afterwards it was worn by the ordinary priest (1Sa 22:18), and characteristic of his office (1Sa 2:18, 28; 14:3). From the historical books we learn that ephods were worn by persons other than the high priest and was even worn by David (2Sa 6:14). It was made of fine linen, and consisted of two pieces, which hung from the neck, and covered both the back and front, above the tunic and outer garment (Ex. 28:31), an apron-like garment suspended from shoulder straps that draped over the robe and extended from the chest down to the thighs (Ex 28:4, 6–14, 25–28; 29:5; 39:2–7). Gideon made an ephod which was an idolatrous cultic object (Jdg 8:27) In Hos 3:4 it is one of the sacred items the sons of Israel will lose access to for a period of time (because of disobedience). The breastplate, with the Urim and Thummim, was attached to the ephod. The ephod in some contexts was clearly associated with the presence of God or those who had a special relationship with God and as in 1Sa 23:9 was in some way a source of divine guidance, New Bible Dictionary - A sacred vestment originally worn by the high priest and made of “gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of a skilled craftsman” (Exod 28:6–14; 39:2–7). It was held together front and back by two shoulder pieces at the top and a girdle band around the waist. On each shoulder piece was an onyx stone engraved with six names of the tribes of Israel. Attached to the ephod by chains of pure gold was a breastplate containing twelve precious stones. The blue robe of the ephod was worn underneath, having a hole for the head and extending to the feet, with a hem alternating with gold bells and pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet (28:31–35; 39:22–26). NAVE's summary - A sacred vestment worn by the high priest. Described, Ex. 28:6-14, 31-35; 25:7.Making of, Ex. 39:2-26. Breastplate attached to, Ex. 28:22-29. Worn by Aaron, Ex. 39:5. Used as an oracle, 1Sa 23:9, 12; 30:7, 8. An inferior, was worn by the common priests, 1Sa 22:18; by Samuel, 1Sa 2:18; David, 2Sa 6:14. It was called Coat, Ex. 28:40; 29:8; 39:27; 40:14; Lev. 8:13; 10:5. Made by Gideon, became an idolatrous snare to Israel, Judg. 8:27; 17:5; 18:14. Prophecy concerning the absence of the Ephod from Israel, Hos. 3:4. Theodore Epp - BEWARE OF CIRCUMSTANCES! 1 Samuel 23:6-14 We learn from this chapter that people who intend evil can also speak of the Lord and His work in a very pious way. Saul was told that David had delivered Keilah, and he said, "God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars" (1 Sam. 23:7). This was Saul speaking, a man who had been so disobedient to God that the Spirit of God had departed from him. He was a man who, no matter how he prayed, received no answer from God because his heart was not right toward God. Yet here he was saying that God had delivered David into his hands. We must always be careful of our interpretation of circumstances. On a number of occasions I have counseled with different persons who were very obviously following a selfish path. Their one strong argument was that the circumstances favored the course they wanted to take; but it was obvious to me, at least, that they were viewing circumstances in a false light. I was able to check the subsequent history of some of these people and found them miserable in heart with no joy in the Lord. If our wills are not wholly submitted to the Lord, we are bound to misinterpret the circumstances around us. "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. 16:25). QUESTION - Who was Abiathar in the Bible? ANSWER - Along with Zadok, Abiathar served as one of the chief priests during David’s reign as king. Abiathar’s name means “father of excellence” or “father of abundance” in Hebrew. Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech, who served as a priest at Nob (1 Samuel 21:1; Mark 2:26) until he and the other priests were murdered by King Saul (1 Samuel 21:1–19). Being the only son of Ahimelech to escape the massacre at Nob, Abiathar fled to David and was promised protection by the future king (1 Samuel 21:20–23). Because Abiathar served David and acted as priest for all of David’s men in hiding, he was made high priest along with Zadok once David began his reign as king (1 Chronicles 15:11). This was a natural role for him to take on, as he had kept the ephod and administered the Urim and Thummin when David sought direction from the Lord (1 Samuel 23:6; 30:7). When Absalom rebelled against his father and attempted to usurp the throne, Abiathar remained loyal to David. Abiathar was among those who fled the capital city with David (2 Samuel 15:24). Zadok and the Levites carried the ark of the covenant, “and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city” (2 Samuel 15:24). Although David admired the loyalty and faithfulness of the priests, he ordered them to return to the city with the ark. This proved helpful because they were then able to send word to David about Absalom’s plans (2 Samuel 15:27–29; 17:15–16). David was restored to his throne and Abiathar to his priestly office. Things changed as David’s son Solomon took the throne. Abiathar was not loyal to the new king. Adonijah, another one of David’s sons, put himself forward as king with the help of Joab (one of David’s nephews) and Abiathar (1 Kings 1:5, 7). Once the threat from Adonijah was neutralized, King Solomon dealt with the conspirators. One of Solomon’s actions was to remove Abiathar from the priestly office. This fulfilled the Lord’s word of judgment over Eli and his descendants, which impacted Abiathar since he was related to Eli (1 Samuel 3:12–14; 1 Kings 2:27). It was only because of the priest’s loyal service to David that Solomon did not kill him. Solomon told Abiathar, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. You deserve to die, but I will not put you to death now, because you carried the ark of the Sovereign LORD before my father David and shared all my father’s hardships” (1 Kings 2:26). Zadok replaced Abiathar as priest under Solomon (1 Kings 2:35). Abiathar lived most of his life in faithful service to the Lord, but he did not finish well. Instead of siding with the rightful king of Israel (2 Samuel 7:12; 1 Kings 1:17), Abiathar assisted one of David’s rebellious sons who desired to rule. He allowed earthly matters to become his focus, which cost him the priestly office. Like Abiathar, we can easily get caught up in worldly schemes and lose sight of God’s plan. Rather than seeking our own way or chasing what seems politically expedient, we should seek to faithfully follow God. Then, when our time on earth is done, we can state with the apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7NLT). GotQuestions.org 1 Samuel 23:7 When it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah, Saul said, "God has delivered him into my hand, for he shut himself in by entering a city with double gates and bars." BGT 1 Samuel 23:7 καὶ ἀπηγγέλη τῷ Σαουλ ὅτι ἥκει Δαυιδ εἰς Κεϊλα καὶ εἶπεν Σαουλ πέπρακεν αὐτὸν ὁ θεὸς εἰς χεῖράς μου ὅτι ἀποκέκλεισται εἰσελθὼν εἰς πόλιν θυρῶν καὶ μοχλῶν LXE 1 Samuel 23:7 And it was told Saul that David was come to Keila: and Saul said, God has sold him into my hands, for he is shut up, having entered into a city that has gates and bars. KJV 1 Samuel 23:7 And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars. NET 1 Samuel 23:7 When Saul was told that David had come to Keilah, Saul said, "God has delivered him into my hand, for he has boxed himself into a corner by entering a city with two barred gates." CSB 1 Samuel 23:7 When it was reported to Saul that David had gone to Keilah, he said, "God has handed him over to me, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with barred gates." ESV 1 Samuel 23:7 Now it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah. And Saul said, "God has given him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars." NIV 1 Samuel 23:7 Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, and he said, "God has handed him over to me, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and bars." NLT 1 Samuel 23:7 Saul soon learned that David was at Keilah. "Good!" he exclaimed. "We've got him now! God has handed him over to me, for he has trapped himself in a walled town!" NRS 1 Samuel 23:7 Now it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah. And Saul said, "God has given him into my hand; for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars." NJB 1 Samuel 23:7 When word was brought to Saul that David had gone to Keilah he said, 'God has delivered him into my power: he has trapped himself by going into a town with gates and bars.' NAB 1 Samuel 23:7 When Saul was told that David had entered Keilah, he said: "God has put him in my grip. Now he has shut himself in, for he has entered a city with gates and bars." YLT 1 Samuel 23:7 And it is declared to Saul that David hath come in to Keilah, and Saul saith, 'God hath made him known for my hand, for he hath been shut in, to enter into a city of doors and bar.' GWN 1 Samuel 23:7 When Saul was told that David went to Keilah, Saul said, "God has delivered him into my hands. He has trapped himself by going into a city which has a gate with a double door held shut by a bar." God: 1Sa 23:14 24:4-6 26:8,9 Ps 71:10,11 shut: Ex 14:3 15:9 Jdg 16:2,3 Job 20:5 Lu 19:43,44 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL'S SPIES REVEAL DAVID IS IN KEILAH When it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah - Gibeah to Keilah is about an 18-19 mile trip. Saul undoubtedly had spies throughout the land to keep him apprised of David's whereabouts. Saul said, "God has delivered him into my hand - What a difference in perspective between a king rejected and a king anointed. David inquired of Yahweh and God answered that He would deliver the enemy into his hand. Saul killed 85 priests of the LORD and now presumes to think that these providential circumstances indicate that this same LORD had given David into his hand. Saul is clearly not in touch with the LORD and has no clue as to His will. THOUGHT - Can you see the principle in this section? Is Saul in the will of God? Of course not! Does Saul know God's will ("God has delivered him into my hand.") Of course not! So here is the timeless principle - If you are out of the will of God, you are ignorant of the ways of God! You can mark that one down in stone for future reference! See The Will Of God. Theodore Epp makes a great point - Saul said, 'God has delivered into my hand, for he is shut in by entering into a town that has gates and bars.' This was Saul speaking, a man who had been so disobedient to God that the Spirit of God had departed from him. We must always be careful of our interpretation of circumstances. If our wills are not wholly given over to the Lord, we are bound to misinterpret the circumstances surrounding us.' for he shut himself in by entering a city with double gates and bars - This description may indicate there was only a "front door" so to speak to the city with no "back door," no "escape hatch" for David! Saul thinks David has made a tactical blunder and these circumstances have entrapped and surely doomed him! Notice Saul's lack of gratitude that David had just defended one of Saul's cities! This man has a very dark heart! 1 Samuel 23:8 So Saul summoned all the people for war, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men. BGT 1 Samuel 23:8 καὶ παρήγγειλεν Σαουλ παντὶ τῷ λαῷ εἰς πόλεμον καταβαίνειν εἰς Κεϊλα συνέχειν τὸν Δαυιδ καὶ τοὺς ἄνδρας αὐτοῦ LXE 1 Samuel 23:8 And Saul charged all the people to go down to war to Keila, to besiege David and his men. KJV 1 Samuel 23:8 And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. NET 1 Samuel 23:8 So Saul mustered all his army to go down to Keilah and besiege David and his men. CSB 1 Samuel 23:8 Then Saul summoned all the troops to go to war at Keilah and besiege David and his men. ESV 1 Samuel 23:8 And Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. NIV 1 Samuel 23:8 And Saul called up all his forces for battle, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men. NLT 1 Samuel 23:8 So Saul mobilized his entire army to march to Keilah and besiege David and his men. NRS 1 Samuel 23:8 Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. NJB 1 Samuel 23:8 Saul called all the people to arms, to go down to Keilah and besiege David and his men. NAB 1 Samuel 23:8 Saul then called all the people to war, in order to go down to Keilah and besiege David and his men. YLT 1 Samuel 23:8 And Saul summoneth the whole of the people to battle, to go down to Keilah, to lay siege unto David and unto his men. GWN 1 Samuel 23:8 So Saul called together all the troops to go to war and blockade Keilah, where David and his men were. 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL SEEKS TO LAY SIEGE TO KEILAH So Saul summoned all the people (NIV - All his forces; NLT - his entire army; NET - mustered all his army) for war, to go down to Keilah to besiege (tsur; Lxx - sunecho - press in and around, hem in) David and his men - Note the adjective "all" indicating Saul is going for an all out attack against David, which he is sure will bring about his enemy's death. He is not going to send down a small raiding party but his entire army! He is thinking "I've got that slippery son of Jesse this time!" Saul will surround and lay siege to Keilah until he captures David. Surrounding the city would make it impossible for David to escape. Even if Saul could not fight his way into the city, he could lay a siege around it and starve David and his men until they were forced to surrender. Warren Wiersbe - So intense was Saul’s hatred that he did not thank God for David’s victory, but instead came to fight the victor himself. And the men of Keilah did not protect their deliverer; rather, they tried to turn him over to Saul! How wicked is the human heart untouched by the grace of God! (Borrow Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament ) Besiege (harass, attack) (06696) tsûr/sur has the basic meaning to enclose or to confine. It conveys the ideas of to lay siege, to secure, to tie up or bind (2Ki 5:23, Ezek 5:3, Dt 14:25), to surround. The most common meaning of tsûr is to lay siege, usually to a city, by surrounding it and cutting off its supplies. To “encircle and enclose a fortified area as an aggressive military strategy to defeat a city or nation.” The word does not necessarily denote an actual battle but emphasizes taking control of a city. For example, David's men besieged Rabbah (2Sa 11:1; 1Chr. 20:1); Nadab laid siege to Gibbethon (1Ki. 15:27) Omri to Tirzah (1Ki. 16:17). Saul attempted to surround David at Keilah (1Sa 23:8). The Assyrians under Ben-Hadad besieged Samaria (1Ki. 20:1; 2Ki. 6:24f). Shalmaneser V laid siege against Samaria (725BC 2Ki 18:9) which fell after three years (722 BC). Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem in 597 BC (2Ki. 24:11) and 588BC (Jer. 32:2; 37:5). Instructions to Israel regarding siege tactics appear in Dt. 20:12, 19. 2Sa 20:15 describes the strategy of building ramps to overtake a walled city. 1 Samuel 23:9 Now David knew that Saul was plotting evil against him; so he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod here." BGT 1 Samuel 23:9 καὶ ἔγνω Δαυιδ ὅτι οὐ παρασιωπᾷ Σαουλ περὶ αὐτοῦ τὴν κακίαν καὶ εἶπεν Δαυιδ πρὸς Αβιαθαρ τὸν ἱερέα προσάγαγε τὸ εφουδ κυρίου LXE 1 Samuel 23:9 And David knew that Saul spoke openly of mischief against him: and David said to Abiathar the priest, Bring the ephod of the Lord. KJV 1 Samuel 23:9 And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod. NET 1 Samuel 23:9 When David realized that Saul was planning to harm him, he told Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod!" CSB 1 Samuel 23:9 When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod." ESV 1 Samuel 23:9 David knew that Saul was plotting harm against him. And he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod here." NIV 1 Samuel 23:9 When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod." NLT 1 Samuel 23:9 But David learned of Saul's plan and told Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod and ask the LORD what he should do. NRS 1 Samuel 23:9 When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to the priest Abiathar, "Bring the ephod here." NJB 1 Samuel 23:9 David, however, was aware that Saul was plotting evil against him, and said to Abiathar the priest, 'Bring the ephod.' NAB 1 Samuel 23:9 When David found out that Saul was planning to harm him, he said to the priest Abiathar, "Bring forward the ephod." YLT 1 Samuel 23:9 And David knoweth that against him Saul is devising the evil, and saith unto Abiathar the priest, 'Bring nigh the ephod.' GWN 1 Samuel 23:9 When David learned that Saul was planning to harm him, he told the priest Abiathar, "Bring the ephod." David: Jer 11:18,19 Ac 9:24 14:6 23:16-18 Bring: 1Sa 23:6 1Sa 14:18 1Sa 30:7 Nu 27:21 Jer 33:3 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID FOREKNEW SAUL'S PLOT Now David knew that Saul was plotting evil against him - Forewarned is forearmed. Clearly David's knowledge here is not just Saul's usual evil toward him, but the knowledge that there is now a specific plan to take him out. How did David know? He may have heard from God. Or he may have had men loyal to him in Saul's court. Think about it -- if Saul was mustering his entire army, surely there was someone who loved David and would get the message to him some 18-19 miles away (only 1 day's journey by foot, even faster by horseback or mule). John
1 Samuel 23
Wiersbe - Do not expect everybody you help to appreciate what you have done. Do you appreciate what others have done for you?(Borrow With the Word) Arthur
1 Samuel 23
Wiersbe - It was important that David live, for it was he who would deliver Israel, establish the kingdom in glory, and become the father of Christ in the flesh (Ro. 1:3). Satan used Saul to seek to kill David, but God was too strong for the enemy. As long as David sought the mind of the Lord, God gave him protection and victory. (Borrow Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament ) Strongholds (04679)(metsad) means fastness, stronghold, fortress, and could be man-made or natural defenses that made it difficult for an enemy to access and would provide a place for refugees, etc. - "wilderness strongholds" - 1Sa 23:14, "strongholds at Horesh" - 1Sa 23:19 and "the strongholds of Engedi" - 1Sa 23:29. The righteous will have a refuge in "the impregnable (metsad) rock!" (Isa 33:16) 1 Chr. 11:7 - " David dwelt in the stronghold;(JERUSALEM) therefore it was called the city of David." Gilbrant - In Jdg. 6:2, this defensed area in the mountain is distinguished from caves that served the same purpose (Ezek. 33:27). Yet, as evidenced in the accounts of David hiding himself from Saul in strongholds located in the hilly wilderness of Judah, it is likely that such strongholds were caves. If these were not references to caves, then other natural elements of the land such as clefts, dense woods, ravines and boulders must be in view (see 1 Sam. 23:14, 19, 29; Isa. 33:16). The remaining references indicate a constructed fortress of some sort. After David had conquered the Jebusites who dwelt in Jerusalem (previously, Jebus), 1 Chr. 11:7 says that he "took up residence in the fortress, and so it was called the city of David" (NIV). The entire walled city here was called a stronghold. One final use of metsādh occurs in 1 Chr. 12:8, 16. While David was banished from the presence of Saul, warriors from the various tribes joined with him in established wilderness strongholds. (Complete Biblical Library) Metsad - 11x - impregnable(1), stronghold(3), strongholds(7). Jdg. 6:2; 1 Sam. 23:14; 1 Sam. 23:19; 1 Sam. 23:29; 1 Chr. 11:7; 1 Chr. 12:8; 1 Chr. 12:16; Isa. 33:16; Jer. 48:41; Jer. 51:30; Ezek. 33:27 Wilderness (04057) midbār means wilderness or desert, an open area of land which is sparsely populated and is generally dry in climate. The term applies to areas which are dry deserts as well as open grazing lands. Midbār is used to describe three types of country in general: pastureland (Joshua 2:22; Psalm 65:12; Jeremiah 23:10), uninhabited land (Dt. 32:10; Job 38:26; Pr 21:19; Jeremiah 9:1), and large areas of land in which oases or cities and towns exist here and there. The wilderness of Judah has at least a half-dozen cities in it. The wilderness of Jordan (the alluvial plain) contains cities, and the wilderness of Sinai has within it a number of oases. midbār is also used figuratively (Hosea 2:5; Jeremiah 2:31). The largest tracts called midbār are Sinai, the Negeb, the Jordan Valley, and the Arabian desert. Specific wilderness areas are: Beer-sheba (Genesis 21:14), Paran (Genesis 21:21; Numbers 10:12; Numbers 12:16; Numbers 13:3, 26; 1 Samuel 25:1), Sin (Exodus 16:1; Ex 17:1; Nu 33:11-12), Sinai (Numbers 1:19, etc; Exodus 19:1-2; Leviticus 7:38); Zin (Numbers 13:21 etc.; Deut. 32:51; Joshua 15:1), Bethaven (Joshua 18:12), Judah (Judges 1:16; Psalm 63 title), Ziph (1 Samuel 23:14; 1 Samuel 26:2), Maon (1 Samuel 23:24-25), Gibeon (2 Samuel 2:24), Damascus (1 Ki 19:15), Edom (2 Kings 3:8), Jeruel (2 Chron. 20:16) Shur (Exodus 15:22; Exodus 16:1; Numbers 1:19 etc.), Etham (Numbers 33:8), Kedemoth (Deut. 2:26), Tekoa (2 Chron. 20:20), Kadesh (Psalm 29:8; Psalm 63 title), and Egypt (Ezekiel 20:35). The wilderness is often described negatively as without grapes, fountains, pools of water, rivers, pleasant places—or as in a notable statement: "Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?" (Psalm 78:19). (Earl Kalland in TWOT - online) Uses of midbar in Samuel, Kings, Chronicles - 1Sa 4:8; 1Sa 13:18; 1Sa 17:28; 1Sa 23:14; 1Sa 23:15; 1Sa 23:24; 1Sa 23:25; 1Sa 24:1; 1Sa 25:1; 1Sa 25:4; 1Sa 25:14; 1Sa 25:21; 1Sa 26:2; 1Sa 26:3; 2Sa 2:24; 2Sa 15:23; 2Sa 15:28; 2Sa 16:2; 2Sa 17:16; 2Sa 17:29; 1 Ki. 2:34; 1 Ki. 9:18; 1 Ki. 19:4; 1 Ki. 19:15; 2 Ki. 3:8; 1 Chr. 5:9; 1 Chr. 6:78; 1 Chr. 12:8; 1 Chr. 21:29; 2 Chr. 1:3; 2 Chr. 8:4; 2 Chr. 20:16; 2 Chr. 20:20; 2 Chr. 20:24; 2 Chr. 24:9; 2 Chr. 26:10 Michael Andrus on Wilderness Experiences of David - The wilderness has many faces and takes many forms. We have seen at least six different kinds of trials in this short period of David's life–that of physical deprivation, fear and shame, difficult relationships, family responsibility, false guilt, and betrayal. The wilderness can be a difficult place–lonely, fearful, and threatening. But it can also be a wonderful experience, where the distractions of a busy life are minimal, where we are often alone with God, and where we find that the faith we say we believe really is true. When we accept grief and distress as faith's frequent companions, then our faith becomes our bedrock. And that bedrock births the authority to lead, which is, of course, God's plan all along. Gene Edwards writes of David's sufferings in a powerful fictional account called A Tale of Three Kings - A Study of Brokenness (borrow book). One of David's rebel band, now an old soldier, tells a questioning young man how David's rule started. The clearest memory I have of my king, when we lived in the caves, is that his was a life of submission.....David taught me losing, not winning. Giving, not taking. He showed me that the leader, not the follower, is inconvenienced. David shielded us from suffering; he did not mete it out////David had authority, but I don't think that fact ever occurred to him. We were six hundred no-goods with a leader who cried a lot. That's all we were! But that was a lot. I would rather be a no-good following a leader like David than to be a general in Saul's army. Edwards calls David “the greatest hymn writer and the greatest comforter of broken hearts this world shall ever know.” With a bowed head and a grateful heart, I thank God for the wilderness experiences of David, which help make my wilderness experiences tolerable and even profitable. G Campbell
1 Samuel 23
Wiersbe - Sad to say, Jonathan was never allowed to reign with David, for he was slain in battle with his father. The righteous often suffer because of the sins of others. (Borrow Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament ) Deffinbaugh: Jonathan is the Barnabas of the Old Testament. What great encouragers both these men are. In the Book of Acts, Barnabas starts out as the prominent leader, and Saul (the apostle Paul) is but a man whom Barnabas takes under his wing. As time passes, it becomes clear that God has chosen Paul to assume the dominant role. When this becomes evident, Barnabas joyfully accepts this fact and becomes Paul’s most loyal supporter. The same spirit is seen in Jonatha n. He is the king apparent, the descendant of Saul whom all expect to rule in his father’s place in time to come. Because of Saul’s sins, God rejects him as king and designates David as the next king. Jonathan realizes this and, like Barnabas in New Testam ent times, becomes David’s most loyal friend and supporter. When David is in danger and his spirit seems to wane, Jonathan makes his way to and through the wilderness to seek out his friend to encourage him. This he obviously does. (A Friend Indeed ) Winter points out, "Jonathan's strengthening of David was primarily in God. One might expect such encouragement to be the function of the prophet or the priest but the covenant between Jonathan and David had been a sacred vow. The flight of David was even worse than he had anticipated, and Jonathan's coming to him have him a great deal of reassurance. He was strengthened to know that Jonathan had not forgotten. This knowledge would be an immense boost to David's morale." Laney points out, "These verses record the last meeting between David and his loyal friend Jonathan. There in the wilderness at Horesh Jonathan sought out and encouraged David, assuring him that he would be the next king over Israel. Jonathan exemplifies the attitude of servanthood Paul encourages in Philippians 2:3-11. Although he knew his position as Saul's heir to the throne, Jonathan was content to take second place to God's anointed king, David. Before parting, the two friends renewed the covenant that had been made earlier. In Proverbs Solomon says, 'There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.' Jonathan was that kind of a friend." (Borrow First and Second Samuel) Here are some verses for strengthening us in the Lord - Isaiah 40:31 Philippians 4:13 Colossians 1:11 Psalm 27:14 Psalm 28:6, 7 Psalm 29:11 Psalm 46:1 Psalm 59:16 Psalm 105:3-5 Psalm 118:14 Psalm 138:3 Psalm 147:5 Lawrence Richards - Jonathan would have made a great and godly ruler. But his role in life was to be a great and godly friend. Few of us will achieve greatness in this life. But each of us can be the kind of friend who helps others find strength in God Encouraged in God Saul’s son Jonathan went to David . . . and helped him find strength in God. 1 Samuel 23:16 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Samuel 23:15–24 In 1925, Langston Hughes, an aspiring writer working as a busboy at a hotel, discovered that a poet he admired (Vachel Lindsey) was staying there as a guest. Hughes shyly slipped Lindsey some of his own poetry, which Lindsey later praised enthusiastically at a public reading. Lindsey’s encouragement resulted in Hughes receiving a university scholarship, furthering him on his way to his own successful writing career. A little encouragement can go a long way, especially when God is in it. Scripture tells of an incident when David was on the run from King Saul, who was trying “to take his life.” Saul’s son Jonathan sought David out “and helped him find strength in God. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel’ ” (1 Samuel 23:15–17). Jonathan was right. David would be king. The key to the effective encouragement Jonathan offered is found in the simple phrase “in God” (v. 16). Through Jesus, God gives us “eternal encouragement and good hope” (2 Thessalonians 2:16). As we humble ourselves before Him, He lifts us as no other can. How did someone provide special encouragement to you in your faith journey? What can you do to strengthen someone’s faith today? Loving God, there’s nothing like the encouragement You give. Please give me opportunities to help others find new strength in You. Friendship A friend loves at all times. — Proverbs 17:17 Today's Scripture: 1 Samuel 23:14-18 Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts. True friends seek a special kind of good for their friends: the highest good, which is that they might know God and love Him with all of their heart, soul, and mind. German pastor and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The aim of friendship is exclusively determined by what God’s will is for the other person.” Jonathan, David’s friend, is a sterling example of true friendship. David was in exile, hiding in the Desert of Ziph, when he learned that “Saul had come out to seek his life” (1 Sam. 23:15). Jonathan went to Horesh to find David. The significance of this scene lies in Jonathan’s intent: He helped David find strength in God or, as the text puts it, he “strengthened his hand [grip] in God” (v.16). That is the essence of Christian friendship. Beyond common interests, beyond affection, beyond wit and laughter is the ultimate aim of sowing in others the words of eternal life, leaving them with reminders of God’s wisdom, refreshing their spirit with words of His love, and strengthening their grip on God. Dear Lord, thank You for loving us. May Your love compel us to show love to others. Give us sensitivity to Your Spirit that we might know how to encourage them in their walk with You. A true friend is a gift from God and one who points us back to Him. My Friends And I Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. — 1 Samuel 18:3 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 23:15-18 John Chrysostom (347–407), archbishop of Constantinople, said this about friendship: “Such is friendship, that through it we love places and seasons; for as . . . flowers drop their sweet leaves on the ground around them, so friends impart favor even to the places where they dwell.” Jonathan and David illustrate the sweetness of a true friendship. The Bible records an intimate and immediate bond between them (1 Sam. 18:1). They kept their friendship alive by demonstrating their loyalty to each other (18:3; 20:16, 42; 23:18), as well as nurturing it by expressions of concern. Jonathan gave gifts to David (18:4) and watched out for him through many difficulties (19:1-2; 20:12-13). In 1 Samuel 23:16, we see the highest moment of their friendship. When David was a fugitive on the run from Jonathan’s father, “Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.” Friends help you find strength in God during the low points of life. Thank You, Lord, for the friends You’ve given me to love me in spite of my failures and weaknesses. Let me treat them as You treated Your friends. Bind us together in You and enable us to help one another. The glory of life is to love, not to be loved; to give, not to get; to serve, not to be served. 1 Samuel 23:17 Thus he said to him, "Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also." BGT 1 Samuel 23:17 καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτόν μὴ φοβοῦ ὅτι οὐ μὴ εὕρῃ σε ἡ χεὶρ Σαουλ τοῦ πατρός μου καὶ σὺ βασιλεύσεις ἐπὶ Ισραηλ καὶ ἐγὼ ἔσομαί σοι εἰς δεύτερον καὶ Σαουλ ὁ πατήρ μου οἶδεν οὕτως LXE 1 Samuel 23:17 And he said to him, Fear not, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be second to thee; and Saul my father knows it. KJV 1 Samuel 23:17 And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. NET 1 Samuel 23:17 He said to him, "Don't be afraid! For the hand of my father Saul cannot find you. You will rule over Israel, and I will be your second in command. Even my father Saul realizes this." CSB 1 Samuel 23:17 saying, "Don't be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. You yourself will be king over Israel, and I'll be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows it is true." ESV 1 Samuel 23:17 And he said to him, "Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this." NIV 1 Samuel 23:17 "Don't be afraid," he said. "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this." NLT 1 Samuel 23:17 "Don't be afraid," Jonathan reassured him. "My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father, Saul, is well aware." NRS 1 Samuel 23:17 He said to him, "Do not be afraid; for the hand of my father Saul shall not find you; you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be second to you; my father Saul also knows that this is so." NJB 1 Samuel 23:17 'Do not be afraid,' he said, 'for my father Saul's hand will not reach you. You are to reign over Israel, and I shall be second to you. Saul my father is himself aware of this.' NAB 1 Samuel 23:17 He said to him: "Have no fear, my father Saul shall not lay a hand to you. You shall be king of Israel and I shall be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this." YLT 1 Samuel 23:17 and saith unto him, 'Fear not, for the hand of Saul my father doth not find thee, and thou dost reign over Israel, and I am to thee for second, and also so knoweth Saul my father.' GWN 1 Samuel 23:17 "Don't be afraid," he told David, "my father Saul won't find you. You will rule Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this." Do not be afraid Isa 41:10,14 Heb 13:6 will not: Job 5:11-15 Ps 27:1-3 46:1,2 91:1,2 Pr 14:26 Isa 54:17 will be: Lu 12:32 I will be: Pr 19:21 Ac 28:16 Ro 15:24 Saul: 1Sa 20:31 24:20 Ac 5:39 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries FEAR NOT FOR YOU WILL BE KING Thus he said to him, "Do not be afraid - He does not just say "buckle up, buttercup" get a grip, man up. He gives David real reasons to not be afraid. because the hand of Saul my father will not find you - First Jonathan functions like a prophet giving this promise that Saul would not find David. Now we know that later they did see each other, but Saul never found David in the sense that he might ambush him or kill him. and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you - Secondly, Jonathan, the crown prince, definitely states it is David who will be the king, again in the form of a prophetic promise. Vance Havner - The rarest man in the orchestra of God is the saint who knows how to play second fiddle. and Saul my father knows that also - Finally, Jonathan reassures that even the one seeking to kill him knows that it is David who will be the next king. David Roper - Friendship entails telling another what we ourselves have come to know about God—nothing more and nothing less. As God teaches us new things about Himself we must give those truths away. Like Jonathan, who went to David at Horesh and “helped him find strength in God” (1 Samuel 23:16), a real friend is one who leaves another with a word that strengthens his grip on God. Befriending, then, is more than mere togetherness and small talk; it means sharing in one way or another what we’ve heard from God William Blaikie points out, "In such circumstances the cheering words of his friend and the warmth of his embrace must have come on David with infinite satisfaction. They were to him what the loving words of the dying thief were to the Savior amid the babble and blasphemy of Calvary. Who indeed does not see in the David of this time persevering in his work, under such fearful discouragements, under the treachery of men with hearts like Judas Iscariot, experiencing the worst treatment from some who he had benefitted already and from others who he was to benefit still more. Who can fail to see the type of Christ patiently enduring the cross at the hands and in the stead of the very men whom by His suffering He was to save and bless." (1 Samuel 23) 1 Samuel 23:18 So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD; and David stayed at Horesh while Jonathan went to his house. GT 1 Samuel 23:18 καὶ διέθεντο ἀμφότεροι διαθήκην ἐνώπιον κυρίου καὶ ἐκάθητο Δαυιδ ἐν Καινῇ καὶ Ιωναθαν ἀπῆλθεν εἰς οἶκον αὐτοῦ LXE 1 Samuel 23:18 So they both made a covenant before the Lord; and David dwelt in Caene, and Jonathan went to his home. KJV 1 Samuel 23:18 And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. NET 1 Samuel 23:18 When the two of them had made a covenant before the LORD, David stayed on at Horesh, but Jonathan went to his house. CSB 1 Samuel 23:18 Then the two of them made a covenant in the LORD's presence. Afterward, David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home. ESV 1 Samuel 23:18 And the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home. NIV 1 Samuel 23:18 The two of them made a covenant before the LORD. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh. NLT 1 Samuel 23:18 So the two of them renewed their solemn pact before the LORD. Then Jonathan returned home, while David stayed at Horesh. NRS 1 Samuel 23:18 Then the two of them made a covenant before the LORD; David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home. NJB 1 Samuel 23:18 And the two made a pact before Yahweh. David stayed at Horesh and Jonathan went home. NAB 1 Samuel 23:18 They made a joint agreement before the LORD in Horesh, where David remained, while Jonathan returned to his home. YLT 1 Samuel 23:18 And they make a covenant both of them before Jehovah; and David abideth in the forest, and Jonathan hath gone to his house. GWN 1 Samuel 23:18 Both of them made a pledge in the LORD's presence. David stayed in Horesh, and Jonathan went home. 1Sa 18:3 1Sa 20:12-17,42 2Sa 9:1 21:7 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Sa 18:3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 1 Sa 20:16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD require it at the hands of David’s enemies.” JONATHAN AND DAVID AGAIN CUT COVENANT So - So means "and for this reason" or "therefore." Jonathan is concluding his 3 reassuring statements (to encourage or strengthen the hand of David) in the previous passage with a "seal" of assurance that those statements are true. In the ancient world, the cutting of covenant was the most solemn, binding and intimate form of coming to agreement with another person. The two of them made (karath) a covenant (beriyth) before the LORD Jonathan renews the covenant in the presence of the Lord, thus reestablishing their relationship that will take precedence over every other tie or claim. Yes, Jonathan is Saul's son, but Jonathan attests through this solemn cutting of covenant that his loyalty is to David and not to Saul. Gulston says, "In a wood in the wilderness of Ziph Jonathan and David met for the last time. In the silence of a forest Jonathan poured out his words of reassurance. Brave prophetic words but some of the future was still veiled to Jonathan. He would not be there when triumph like a flood came in upon his friend. He would have played his matchless part in a unique drama, leaving his name to be forever synonymous with all that is loyal." And David stayed at Horesh while Jonathan went to his house - In the Desert of Ziph there was a place named Horesh which is a word that means forest, wooded area, where David was secluded and not out in the open. Vos writes "The town of Ziph was about 3 or 4 miles southeast of Hebron and the wilderness of Ziph was that part of the wilderness of Judea to the east of the town between Ziph and the Dead Sea. In ancient times there was in that desert and area known as Horesh, meaning 'thicket.' Evidently, the area was overgrown with brush wood, although no trace of these scrub trees exists today. Saul went home while David was in Horesh, but Jonathan heard where David was, and at great personal risk, located his beloved friend. Jonathan strengthened his hand in God, strengthened David's heart by his assurances and renewal of the covenant. There is no certainty from what is said that either Jonathan or Saul knew anything of David's anointing. What a magnificent person Jonathan must have been, and how great must have been his victory over natural feelings and ambitions. With calm assurance he could talk of his dearest friend taking over the kingdom he should have inherited. And in loving self-denial, he could request the second place in the kingdom. He had certainly learned to bow before what he believed to be the sovereign will of God with complete peace of mind. Once more, the two renewed the covenant by solemn oath, and they parted, never to see each other again on earth." (Borrow 1, 2 Samuel : Bible Study Commentary) Made (Cut [a covenant], cut off, destroy) (03772) karath literally means to cut, to cut off or to sever an object from its source or cut into parts and implies a violent action. For example, Zipporah "cut off her son’s foreskin." (Ex 4:25) or the Jews "cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes." (Nu 13:2-24, cf Dt 19:5, 20:19-20, Jdg 9:48-49, 1Sa 5:4, 17:51, 24:4-5,11, 31:9, 2Sa 10:4, 2Sa 20:22) In another literal use as punishment to Israel for breaking the Mosaic covenant (cf Dt 29:25, 31:16), God says He will "cut down (karath) your incense altars" (Lev 26:30, cf Jdg 6:25-26, cf 1Sa 28:9). A sacrificial animal was not to be offered if it was "cut" (karath) (Lev 22:24). Karath means "chewed" (cutting food with teeth) in Nu 11:33. Covenant (01285) berit/berith/beriyth means covenant, treaty, compact, agreement between two parties (first use in God's covenant with Noah - Ge 6:18, 9:9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17). As discussed more below beriyth describes a compact made by passing between pieces of flesh. Covenant is a solemn, binding arrangement between two parties and entails a variety of responsibilities, benefits and penalties depending on the specific covenant which is being studied. OT covenants were made between God and man (eg, God with Noah - Ge 6:18, with Abram - Ge 15:18) or between men (Abraham and Abimelech - Ge 21:27, Isaac and Abimelech - Ge 26:28, Jacob and Laban - Ge 31:44) Covenant can be summarized as follows… (1) Between two parties (sometimes equal, other times superior to inferior) -- (a) nations -- (peace) treaty, alliance of friendship (b) individuals -- a pledge or agreement with mutual obligations to each other (c) monarch and subjects (2Sa 3:21, 5:3, 1Chr 11:3) -- a constitution (d) God and man -- Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, New Covenants. TWOT adds that… Apart from blood ties the covenant was the way people of the ancient world formed wider relationships with each other The accounts of the relationship between David and Jonathan are the only unequivocal mention of a compact between two individuals in the Old Testament (1Sa 18:3; 20:8; 23:18). It is spoken of as “a covenant of the Lord” because the Lord witnessed the transaction and protected the legal order. (2) Accompanied by (a) signs (also witnesses, memorials, shared meals) (b) sacrifices, (c) solemn, binding oaths -- sealing the relationship with promises of blessing for keeping the covenant and curses for breaking the covenant (d) Sometimes with written document on which the words of the covenant, its terms in the form of promises and stipulations were spelled out, witnessed to, signed and sealed. Behm (TDNT) notes that in ancient times There is no firmer guarantee of legal security peace or personal loyalty than the covenant (e.g., Amos 1:9). (3) Is depicted in the idiomatic phrase "make (cut) a covenant" in which there is was a blood sacrifice as part of the covenant ritual. 1 Samuel 23:19 Then Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, "Is David not hiding with us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? BGT 1 Samuel 23:19 καὶ ἀνέβησαν οἱ Ζιφαῖοι ἐκ τῆς αὐχμώδους πρὸς Σαουλ ἐπὶ τὸν βουνὸν λέγοντες οὐκ ἰδοὺ Δαυιδ κέκρυπται παρ᾽ ἡμῖν ἐν Μεσσαρα ἐν τοῖς στενοῖς ἐν τῇ Καινῇ ἐν τῷ βουνῷ τοῦ Εχελα τοῦ ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Ιεσσαιμουν LXE 1 Samuel 23:19 And the Ziphites came up out of the dry country to Saul to the hill, saying, Behold, is not David hidden with us in Messara, in the narrows in Caene in the hill of Echela, which is on the right of Jessaemon? KJV 1 Samuel 23:19 Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? NET 1 Samuel 23:19 Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, "Isn't David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh on the hill of Hakilah, south of Jeshimon? CSB 1 Samuel 23:19 Some Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, "David is hiding among us in the strongholds in Horesh on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon. ESV 1 Samuel 23:19 Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, "Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, which is south of Jeshimon? NIV 1 Samuel 23:19 The Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, "Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hakilah, south of Jeshimon? NLT 1 Samuel 23:19 But now the men of Ziph went to Saul in Gibeah and betrayed David to him. "We know where David is hiding," they said. "He is in the strongholds of Horesh on the hill of Hakilah, which is in the southern part of Jeshimon. NRS 1 Samuel 23:19 Then some Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, "David is hiding among us in the strongholds of Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, which is south of Jeshimon. NJB 1 Samuel 23:19 Some men from Ziph then went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, 'Look, David is hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the Hill of Hachilah to the south of the wastelands. NAB 1 Samuel 23:19 Some of the Ziphites went up to Saul in Gibeah and said, "David is hiding among us, now in the refuges, and again at Horesh, or on the hill of Hachilah, south of the wasteland. YLT 1 Samuel 23:19 And the Ziphites go up unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, 'Is not David hiding himself with us in fortresses, in the forest, in the height of Hachilah, which is on the south of the desolate place? GWN 1 Samuel 23:19 Then the men of Ziph went to Saul in Gibeah. They said, "David is hiding with us in fortified camps at Horesh on the hills of Hachilah, south of Jeshimon. the Ziphites: 1Sa 22:7,8 26:1 Ps 54:1 *title Ps 54:3,4 Pr 29:12 Hachilah: Calmet states, that Hachilah was a mountain about ten miles south of Jericho, where Jonathan Maccabeus built the castle of Massada, west of the Dead Sea, and not far from En-gedi. 1Sa 26:1,3 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. 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Psalm 54:1-7 For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul (ALSO A SECOND TIME - 1Sa 26:1-5) , “Is not David hiding himself among us?” -- see Psalm 54 and Spurgeon's comments below. ZIPHITES' TREACHERY INFORMING SAUL OF DAVID'S LOCATION Then Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, "Is David not hiding with us in the strongholds (metsad) at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon (means waste, wilderness, desert) - This is a sad passage for 3 reasons - (1) Ziphites were from same tribe as David, the tribe of Judah! (2) Ziph was actually a grandson of the godly and courageous warrior Caleb. (3) Of course, saddest is the fact that David had delivered the Ziphites from the Philistines and now they "show their appreciation" by betraying their deliverer! So much for family loyalty and gratitude! In fact, the tragic irony is that David was paid back with evil for doing what Saul should have done (deliver the Ziphites) which paints Saul's heart an even darker shade of black! See Ps 54 below, which is David's psalm when the Ziphites betrayed him, Ps 54:1-3 reflecting his petitions for deliverance and Ps 54:4-7 thanking God for His answer. In these verses David is betrayed once again, and now it is worse than before because he is betrayed by his own tribe. The people of Ziph reveal David’s hideout to Saul, but David still escaped. Jeshimon - The sterile plateau to which David went in fleeing from Saul. It was near Ziph and Maon, SE of Hebron. It refers to the eastern section of the Judean hills, which stretch toward the Dead Sea. For most of the year it is bare of vegetation. Its chalky hills have always been the home of outlaws (1 Sam 23:19, 24; 26:1, 3). (New Bible Dictionary) “In the OT the wilderness of Judea is called the Jeshimon, a word meaning devastation, and no term can better suit its haggard and crumbling appearance. It covers some thirty-five miles by fifteen … short bushes, thorns, and succulent creepers were all that relieved the brown and yellow barrenness of the sand, the crumbling limestone, and scattered shingle. Such is Jeshimon, the wilderness of Judea. It carries the violence and desolation of the Dead Sea Valley right up to the heart of the country, to the roots of the Mount of Olives, to within two hours of the gates of Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem” (Smith, Hist. Geog.). (Borrow The new Unger's Bible dictionary ) Cyril
1 Samuel 23
Wiersbe - Saul was still manipulating people by making them feel sorry for him (1Sa 23:21; 22:8), and this combination of building personal pity and wielding ruthless power seemed to be working. But Saul's character was deteriorating very quickly, while the Lord was molding David into a courageous man of God. (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament) 1 Samuel 23:22 "Go now, make more sure, and investigate and see his place where his haunt is, and who has seen him there; for I am told that he is very cunning. BGT 1 Samuel 23:22 πορεύθητε δὴ καὶ ἑτοιμάσατε ἔτι καὶ γνῶτε τὸν τόπον αὐτοῦ οὗ ἔσται ὁ ποὺς αὐτοῦ ἐν τάχει ἐκεῖ οὗ εἴπατε μήποτε πανουργεύσηται LXE 1 Samuel 23:22 Go, I pray you, and make preparations yet, and notice his place where his foot shall be, quickly, in that place which ye spoke of, lest by any means he should deal craftily. KJV 1 Samuel 23:22 Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly. NET 1 Samuel 23:22 Go and make further arrangements. Determine precisely where he is and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning. CSB 1 Samuel 23:22 Go and check again. Investigate and watch carefully where he goes and who has seen him there; they tell me he is extremely cunning. ESV 1 Samuel 23:22 Go, make yet more sure. Know and see the place where his foot is, and who has seen him there, for it is told me that he is very cunning. NIV 1 Samuel 23:22 Go and make further preparation. Find out where David usually goes and who has seen him there. They tell me he is very crafty. NLT 1 Samuel 23:22 Go and check again to be sure of where he is staying and who has seen him there, for I know that he is very crafty. NRS 1 Samuel 23:22 Go and make sure once more; find out exactly where he is, and who has seen him there; for I am told that he is very cunning. NJB 1 Samuel 23:22 Go and make doubly sure, find out exactly what place he frequents, for I have been told that he is very cunning. NAB 1 Samuel 23:22 Go now and make sure once more! Take note of the place where he sets foot" (for he thought, perhaps they are playing some trick on me). YLT 1 Samuel 23:22 go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his foot is; who hath seen him there? for one hath said unto me, He is very subtile. GWN 1 Samuel 23:22 Please make more plans, and watch where he goes. Who has seen him there? I'm told he's very clever. haunt is: Heb. foot shall be, Job 5:13 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL'S INSTRUCTION TO THE TREACHEROUS ZIPHITES Go now, make more sure, and investigate and see his place where his haunt is, and who has seen him there; for I am told that he is very cunning (clever, crafty) - NIV - "Find out where David usually goes and who has seen him there." Saul issues 4 commands which essentially is calling the Ziphites to act like a criminal casing a house before the house is vandalized. They are to case out David's hideout. 1 Samuel 23:23 "So look, and learn about all the hiding places where he hides himself and return to me with certainty, and I will go with you; and if he is in the land, I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah." BGT 1 Samuel 23:23 καὶ ἴδετε καὶ γνῶτε καὶ πορευσόμεθα μεθ᾽ ὑμῶν καὶ ἔσται εἰ ἔστιν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς καὶ ἐξερευνήσω αὐτὸν ἐν πάσαις χιλιάσιν Ιουδα LXE 1 Samuel 23:23 Take notice, then, and learn, and I will go with you; and it shall come to pass that if he is in the land, I will search him out among all the thousands of Juda. KJV 1 Samuel 23:23 See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah. NET 1 Samuel 23:23 Locate precisely all the places where he hides and return to me with dependable information. Then I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will find him among all the thousands of Judah." CSB 1 Samuel 23:23 Look and find out all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with accurate information, and I'll go with you. If it turns out he really is in the region, I'll search for him among all the clans of Judah." ESV 1 Samuel 23:23 See therefore and take note of all the lurking places where he hides, and come back to me with sure information. Then I will go with you. And if he is in the land, I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah." NIV 1 Samuel 23:23 Find out about all the hiding places he uses and come back to me with definite information. Then I will go with you; if he is in the area, I will track him down among all the clans of Judah." NLT 1 Samuel 23:23 Discover his hiding places, and come back when you are sure. Then I'll go with you. And if he is in the area at all, I'll track him down, even if I have to search every hiding place in Judah!" NRS 1 Samuel 23:23 Look around and learn all the hiding places where he lurks, and come back to me with sure information. Then I will go with you; and if he is in the land, I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah." NJB 1 Samuel 23:23 Take careful note of all the hiding places where he lurks, and come back to me when you are certain. I shall then come with you and, if he is in the country, I shall track him down through every clan in Judah!' NAB 1 Samuel 23:23 "Look around and learn in which of all the various hiding places he is holding out. Then come back to me with sure information, and I will go with you. If he is in the region, I will search him out among all the families of Judah." YLT 1 Samuel 23:23 And see and know of all the hiding-places where he hideth himself, and ye have turned back unto me prepared, and I have gone with you, and it hath been, if he is in the land, that I have searched him out through all the thousands of Judah.' GWN 1 Samuel 23:23 Watch and learn about all the hiding places where he may be hiding, and come back to me with the facts. Then I'll go with you, and if he's in the country, I'll search for him among all the families of Judah." learn about all the hiding places: Mk 14:1,10,11 Joh 18:2,3 I will search: 2Sa 17:11-13 1Ki 18:10 Pr 1:16 Ro 3:15,16 the thousands: Nu 10:36 Mic 5:2 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries LOOK AND LEARN WHERE DAVID HIDES So look, and learn about all the hiding places where he hides himself and return to me with certainty, and I will go with you - NLT = "Discover his hiding places, and come back when you are sure. Then I'll go with you" NET = "Locate precisely all the places where he hides and return to me with dependable information" Saul gives his final instructions to the Ziphites in preparation for his trip but wants to make sure they are absolutely sure of where David is hiding. and if he is in the land, I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah - CSB = "If it turns out he really is in the region, I'll search for him among all the clans of Judah" NIV = "I will track him down among all the clans of Judah" Saul was determined to find David and confident that he would succeed. 1 Samuel 23:24 Then they arose and went to Ziph before Saul. Now David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. BGT 1 Samuel 23:24 καὶ ἀνέστησαν οἱ Ζιφαῖοι καὶ ἐπορεύθησαν ἔμπροσθεν Σαουλ καὶ Δαυιδ καὶ οἱ ἄνδρες αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ τῇ Μααν καθ᾽ ἑσπέραν ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Ιεσσαιμουν LXE 1 Samuel 23:24 And the Ziphites arose, and went before Saul: and David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, westward, to the right of Jessaemon. KJV 1 Samuel 23:24 And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon. NET 1 Samuel 23:24 So they left and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the desert of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. CSB 1 Samuel 23:24 So they went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the wilderness near Maon in the Arabah south of Jeshimon, ESV 1 Samuel 23:24 And they arose and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. NIV 1 Samuel 23:24 So they set out and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the Desert of Maon, in the Arabah south of Jeshimon. NLT 1 Samuel 23:24 So the men of Ziph returned home ahead of Saul.Meanwhile, David and his men had moved into the wilderness of Maon in the Arabah Valley south of Jeshimon. NRS 1 Samuel 23:24 So they set out and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. NJB 1 Samuel 23:24 Setting off they went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Meanwhile, David and his men were in the desert of Maon, in the plain to the south of the wastelands. NAB 1 Samuel 23:24 So they went off to Ziph ahead of Saul. At this time David and his men were in the desert below Maon, in the Arabah south of the wasteland. YLT 1 Samuel 23:24 And they rise and go to Ziph before Saul, and David and his men are in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain, at the south of the desolate place. GWN 1 Samuel 23:24 They left for Ziph ahead of Saul. David and his men were in the desert of Maon, in the plains south of Jeshimon. Maon: 1Sa 25:2 Jos 15:55 the south: 1Sa 23:19 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries The hill at Tell Maon ZIPHITES RETURN HOME FROM SAUL DAVID HEADS FOR MAON Then they arose and went to Ziph before Saul - Ziphites return home after conferring and conspiring with King Saul against David. Now David and his men were in the wilderness (midbār; Lxx = eremos) of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon (waste, wilderness, desert, desolate place) - See #12 on the map above for location of wilderness of Maon. which is about 6-8 miles south of Ziph. Maon (habitation) = a town in the tribe of Judah, about 7 miles south of Hebron, which gave its name to the wilderness, the district round the conical hill on which the town stood. Here David hid from Saul, and here Nabal had his possessions and his home (1Sa 23:24, 25; 25:2). "Only some small foundations of hewn stone, a square enclosure, and several cisterns are now to be seen at Maon. Are they the remains of Nabal's great establishment?" The hill is now called Tell Maon. The name of Maon still exists in Main , a lofty conical hill (shown in picture above), south of and about seven miles distant from Hebron. In this district, the wilderness of Maon, David was hiding when his whereabouts was betrayed to Saul by the men of Ziph (1 Sam 23:24 f), and only a timely raid by the Philistines delivered him out of that monarch's hands (1Sa23:27 ff). 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 (1Sa 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. Wikipedia (see gallery at bottom of page for multiple pictures of Maon) - Tell Maon (Arabic: Khirbet Ma'in[1][2]) was a biblical town in the Hebron Hills, formerly known simply as Maon (Hebrew: מעון), rising 863 metres (2,831 ft) above sea level. The town, now a ruin, is mentioned in the Book of Joshua (Joshua 15:55 and the Books of Samuel (1 Samuel 25:2). It is located about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) southeast of Yatta. 1 Samuel 23:25 When Saul and his men went to seek him, they told David, and he came down to the rock and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard it, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon. BGT 1 Samuel 23:25 καὶ ἐπορεύθη Σαουλ καὶ οἱ ἄνδρες αὐτοῦ ζητεῖν αὐτόν καὶ ἀπήγγειλαν τῷ Δαυιδ καὶ κατέβη εἰς τὴν πέτραν τὴν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ Μααν καὶ ἤκουσεν Σαουλ καὶ κατεδίωξεν ὀπίσω Δαυιδ εἰς τὴν ἔρημον Μααν LXE 1 Samuel 23:25 And Saul and his men went to seek him: and they brought word to David, and he went down to the rock that was in the wilderness of Maon: and Saul heard, and followed after David to the wilderness of Maon. KJV 1 Samuel 23:25 Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon NET 1 Samuel 23:25 Saul and his men went to look for him. But David was informed and went down to the rock and stayed in the desert of Maon. When Saul heard about it, he pursued David in the desert of Maon. CSB 1 Samuel 23:25 and Saul and his men went to look for him. When David was told about it, he went down to the rock and stayed in the Wilderness of Maon. Saul heard of this and pursued David there. ESV 1 Samuel 23:25 And Saul and his men went to seek him. And David was told, so he went down to the rock and lived in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. NIV 1 Samuel 23:25 Saul and his men began the search, and when David was told about it, he went down to the rock and stayed in the Desert of Maon. When Saul heard this, he went into the Desert of Maon in pursuit of David. NLT 1 Samuel 23:25 When David heard that Saul and his men were searching for him, he went even farther into the wilderness to the great rock, and he remained there in the wilderness of Maon. But Saul kept after him in the wilderness. NRS 1 Samuel 23:25 Saul and his men went to search for him. When David was told, he went down to the rock and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. When Saul heard that, he pursued David into the wilderness of Maon. NJB 1 Samuel 23:25 When Saul and his men set out in search, David was told and went down to the gorge running through the desert of Maon. NAB 1 Samuel 23:25 When Saul and his men came looking for him, David got word of it and went down to the gorge in the desert below Maon. Saul heard of this and pursued David into the desert below Maon. YLT 1 Samuel 23:25 And Saul and his men go to seek, and they declare to David, and he goeth down the rock, and abideth in the wilderness of Maon; and Saul heareth, and pursueth after David to the wilderness of Maon. GWN 1 Samuel 23:25 When Saul and his men came to look for him, David was told the news. So he went to his mountain stronghold in the desert of Maon. Saul heard about it and pursued David into the desert of Maon. the rock, 1Sa 23:28 Jdg 15:8 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID INFORMED OF SAUL'S SEEKING When Saul and his men went to seek him, they told (informed) David, and he came down to the rock and stayed in the wilderness of Maon - See #12 on the map above. David comes to the rock which would soon receive the name "Slippery Rock" (See 1Sa 23:28). When we find ourselves in desperate situations we learn more about God. And when Saul heard it, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon - Saul is hot on his trail and obviously has superior numbers to David's men. 1 Samuel 23:26 Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain; and David was hurrying to get away from Saul, for Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men to seize them. BGT 1 Samuel 23:26 καὶ πορεύονται Σαουλ καὶ οἱ ἄνδρες αὐτοῦ ἐκ μέρους τοῦ ὄρους τούτου καὶ ἦν Δαυιδ καὶ οἱ ἄνδρες αὐτοῦ ἐκ μέρους τοῦ ὄρους τούτου καὶ ἦν Δαυιδ σκεπαζόμενος πορεύεσθαι ἀπὸ προσώπου Σαουλ καὶ Σαουλ καὶ οἱ ἄνδρες αὐτοῦ παρενέβαλον ἐπὶ Δαυιδ καὶ τοὺς ἄνδρας αὐτοῦ συλλαβεῖν αὐτούς LXE 1 Samuel 23:26 And Saul and his men go on one side of the mountain, and David and his men are on the other side of the mountain: and David was hiding himself to escape from Saul: and Saul and his men encamped against David and his men, in order to take them. KJV 1 Samuel 23:26 And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them. NET 1 Samuel 23:26 Saul went on one side of the mountain, while David and his men went on the other side of the mountain. David was hurrying to get away from Saul, but Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men so they could capture them. CSB 1 Samuel 23:26 Saul went along one side of the mountain and David and his men went along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away from Saul, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. ESV 1 Samuel 23:26 Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. And David was hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them, NIV 1 Samuel 23:26 Saul was going along one side of the mountain, and David and his men were on the other side, hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his forces were closing in on David and his men to capture them, NLT 1 Samuel 23:26 Saul and David were now on opposite sides of a mountain. Just as Saul and his men began to close in on David and his men, NRS 1 Samuel 23:26 Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. David was hurrying to get away from Saul, while Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. NJB 1 Samuel 23:26 Saul and his men proceeded along one side of the mountain, David and his men along the other. David was hurrying to escape from Saul, while Saul and his men were trying to cross over to David and his men's side, to capture them, NAB 1 Samuel 23:26 As Saul moved along one rim of the gorge, David and his men took to the other. David was in anxious flight to escape Saul, and Saul and his men were attempting to outflank David and his men in order to capture them, YLT 1 Samuel 23:26 And Saul goeth on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain, and David is hastened to go from the face of Saul, and Saul and his men are compassing David and his men, to catch them. GWN 1 Samuel 23:26 Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men went on the other side of the mountain. David was hurrying to get away from Saul, and Saul and his men were going around the mountain toward David and his men, trying to capture them. David was hurrying: 1Sa 19:12 20:38 2Sa 15:14 17:21,22 Ps 31:22 to get away: 2Ch 20:12 Ps 17:9,11 22:12,16 118:11-13 140:1-9 2Co 1:8 Rev 20:9 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A VERY CLOSE CALL AT THE MOUNTAIN Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain - David and Saul were separated by a mountain. Who created that mountain? Once again even before David was born, God had prepared a place of separation and protection! And David was hurrying to get away from Saul, for Saul and his men were surrounding David and his men to seize them - NAB = "David was in anxious flight to escape Saul, and Saul and his men were attempting to outflank David and his men in order to capture them." 1 Samuel 23:27 But a messenger came to Saul, saying, "Hurry and come, for the Philistines have made a raid on the land." BGT 1 Samuel 23:27 καὶ ἄγγελος πρὸς Σαουλ ἦλθεν λέγων σπεῦδε καὶ δεῦρο ὅτι ἐπέθεντο οἱ ἀλλόφυλοι ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν LXE 1 Samuel 23:27 And there came a messenger to Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come hither, for the Philistines have invaded the land. KJV 1 Samuel 23:27 But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land. NET 1 Samuel 23:27 But a messenger came to Saul saying, "Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!" CSB 1 Samuel 23:27 Then a messenger came to Saul saying, "Come quickly, because the Philistines have raided the land!" ESV 1 Samuel 23:27 a messenger came to Saul, saying, "Hurry and come, for the Philistines have made a raid against the land." NIV 1 Samuel 23:27 a messenger came to Saul, saying, "Come quickly! The Philistines are raiding the land." NLT 1 Samuel 23:27 an urgent message reached Saul that the Philistines were raiding Israel again. NRS 1 Samuel 23:27 Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, "Hurry and come; for the Philistines have made a raid on the land." NJB 1 Samuel 23:27 when a messenger came to Saul and said, 'Come at once, the Philistines have invaded the country.' NAB 1 Samuel 23:27 when a messenger came to Saul, saying, "Come quickly, because the Philistines have invaded the land." YLT 1 Samuel 23:27 And a messenger hath come in unto Saul, saying, 'Haste, and come, for the Philistines have pushed against the land.' GWN 1 Samuel 23:27 Then a messenger came to Saul and said, "Come quickly! The Philistines are raiding the country." there came: Ge 22:14 De 32:36 2Ki 19:9 Ps 116:3 the Philistines: 2Ki 19:9 Rev 12:16 invaded: Heb. spread themselves upon, 1Ch 14:13 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A STRATEGIC TERM OF CONTRAST! But - (term of contrast - marks a change of direction) - This but is one of those little "hinge" words that opened a big door. In this case but marked a literal change of direction for Saul's army which was in process of surrounding David's small army. This is a "but" that would change the history of Israel and for that matter the history of the entire world for out of the loins of David, would eventually come the "Son of David," the Messiah and Savior of the world. a messenger came to Saul, saying, "Hurry and come, for the Philistines have made a raid on the land - The messenger saved the day for David. But why did he come to Saul? Because God providentially timed a Philistine raid to distract Saul and cause him to make a change of plans. God had said David would be the next king and God's prophecies are always perfectly fulfilled, in this case clearly with providential provision of Philistine pressure on Saul! 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape. BGT 1 Samuel 23:28 καὶ ἀνέστρεψεν Σαουλ μὴ καταδιώκειν ὀπίσω Δαυιδ καὶ ἐπορεύθη εἰς συνάντησιν τῶν ἀλλοφύλων διὰ τοῦτο ἐπεκλήθη ὁ τόπος ἐκεῖνος Πέτρα ἡ μερισθεῖσα LXE 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul returned from following after David, and went to meet the Philistines: therefore that place was called The divided Rock. KJV 1 Samuel 23:28 Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth. NET 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul stopped pursuing David and went to confront the Philistines. Therefore that place is called Sela Hammahlekoth. CSB 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to engage the Philistines. Therefore, that place was named the Rock of Separation. ESV 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape. NIV 1 Samuel 23:28 Then Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why they call this place Sela Hammahlekoth. NLT 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul quit chasing David and returned to fight the Philistines. Ever since that time, the place where David was camped has been called the Rock of Escape. NRS 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul stopped pursuing David, and went against the Philistines; therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape. NJB 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to oppose the Philistines. That is why the place is called the Gorge of Separations. NAB 1 Samuel 23:28 Saul interrupted his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. This is how that place came to be called the Gorge of Divisions. YLT 1 Samuel 23:28 And Saul turneth back from pursuing after David, and goeth to meet the Philistines, therefore they have called that place 'The Rock of Divisions.' GWN 1 Samuel 23:28 Saul gave up pursuing David and went to fight the Philistines. So that place was called Slippery Rock. Rock of Escape: 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. 1Sa 23:28 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL MAKES A COURSE CORRECTION AT "SLIPPERY ROCK" So - So means "for this reason," or "therefore." Based on the urgent news of a Philistine raid (the reason) Saul made a course correction so to speak. No matter what men may do, God works out His purposes, and His providence does not fail. -- Warren Wiersbe Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines - Saul was headed to kill David, but events necessitated he must head to kill Philistines. Therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape - “Sela Hammahlekoth,” “rock of parting”. YLT = 'The Rock of Divisions.' GWN = "Slippery Rock" CSB = "Rock of Separation." This region would be where David would have an encounter with Nabal and Abigail (1Sa 25:1-3). Warren Wiersbe - To commemorate this great escape, the Jews called the place "Sela Hammahlekoth," which means "the rock of parting." The Hebrew carries the idea of "a smooth rock" and therefore "a slippery rock," in other words, "the rock of slipping away." David quickly moved from Maon to Engedi, next to the Dead Sea, a place of safety with an ample water supply. (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament) Bob Roe - They commemorated it. That says something about David and his me n's view of their own resources as adequate. They memorialized that place as a worship act to their God, as an altar like Abraham. As Abraham trekked through the land, wherever God appeared to him, he erected an altar. David and his men knew who got them out of that mess, YHWH, and they called it the Rock of Escape, literally "the Rock of Slipperies." They slipped away from Saul. (1 Samuel 23 David in the Wilderness of Maon) NET NOTE - The name הַמַּחְלְקוֹת סֶלַע (Sela Hammakhleqoth) probably means “Rock of Divisions” in Hebrew, in the sense that Saul and David parted company there (cf. NAB “Gorge of Divisions”; TEV “Separation Hill”). This etymology assumes that the word derives from the Hebrew root II חלק (khlq, “to divide”; HALOT 322 s.v. II חלק). However, there is another root I חלק, which means “to be smooth or slippery” (HALOT 322 s.v. I חלק). If the word is taken from this root, the expression would mean “Slippery Rock.” TSK on Sela Hammahlekoth (NIV) - That is, the rock of divisions, because, says the Targum, "the heart of the king was divided to go hither and thither." 1 Samuel 23:29 David went up from there and stayed in the strongholds of Engedi. BGT 1 Samuel 24:1 καὶ ἀνέβη Δαυιδ ἐκεῖθεν καὶ ἐκάθισεν ἐν τοῖς στενοῖς Εγγαδδι LXE 1 Samuel 23:29 And David rose up from thence, and dwelt in the narrow passes of Engaddi. KJV 1 Samuel 23:29 And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi. NET 1 Samuel 23:29 Then David went up from there and stayed in the strongholds of En Gedi. CSB 1 Samuel 23:29 From there David went up and stayed in the strongholds of En-gedi. ESV 1 Samuel 23:29 And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of Engedi. NIV 1 Samuel 23:29 And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi. NLT 1 Samuel 23:29 David then went to live in the strongholds of En-gedi. NRS 1 Samuel 23:29 David then went up from there, and lived in the strongholds of En-gedi. NJB 1 Samuel 24:1 From there David went up and installed himself in the strongholds of En-Gedi. NAB 1 Samuel 24:1 David then went up from there and stayed in the refuges behind Engedi. YLT 1 Samuel 23:29 And David goeth up thence, and abideth in fortresses at En-gedi. GWN 1 Samuel 23:29 From there David went to stay in the fortified camps of En Gedi. 1Sa 24:1 Ge 14:7 Jos 15:62 2Ch 20:2 Song 1:14 Eze 47:10 1 Samuel 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries David Falls at En-Gedi DAVID DEPARTS FOR ENGEDI David went up from there and stayed in the strongholds (metsad) of Engedi ("spring of a kid") - See #13 on the map above and lies about 12 miles to the northeast from Maon on the shores of the Dead Sea. TSK - 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. TECHNICAL NOTE - NET NOTE - Beginning with 1Sa 23:29, the verse numbers through 24:22 in the English Bible differ from the verse numbers in the Hebrew text (BHS), with 23:29 ET = 24:1 HT, 24:1 ET = 24:2 HT, 24:2 ET = 24:3 HT, etc., through 24:22 ET = 24:23 HT. With 25:1 the verse numbers in the ET and HT are again the same. Don Anderson summarizes this chapter - There are three things that really stand out in this particular chapter 1. GOD'S ABUNDANT PROVISION FOR OUR NEEDS 2. THE BLESSING OF STEADFAST FRIENDS 3. GOD'S GOOD PROVIDENCES Howard Vos - ENGE´DI (en-geʹdi; “fountain of the wild goat”). A town, also called the city of palm trees (i.e., Hazazon-tamar, Gen. 14:7; 2 Chron. 20:2), and wilderness situated about thirty miles SE of Jerusalem, on the W shore of the Dead Sea. It is full of rocks and caves (1 Sam. 23:29; Ezek. 47:10). The source of the spring from which it derives its name is on the side of the mountain about six hundred feet above the sea. (ED Note - all 6 uses - Jos. 15:62; 1 Sam. 23:29; 1 Sam. 24:1; 2 Chr. 20:2; Song. 1:14; Ezek. 47:10) It is a fertile place and most suitable for refuge. The strongholds of David (23:29; 24:22) must have been situated by the water, and the cave is described as being below them. It was immediately after an assault upon the “Amorites, who lived in Hazazon-tamar,” that the five Mesopotamian kings were attacked by the rulers of the plain of Sodom (Gen. 14:7; cf. 2 Chron. 20:2). Saul was told that David was in the “wilderness of Engedi,” and he took “three thousand chosen men from all Israel, and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats” (1 Sam. 24:1–4). At a later period Engedi was the gathering place of the Moabites and Ammonites who went up against Jerusalem and fell in the valley of Beracah (2 Chron. 20:2, 26). The vineyards of Engedi were celebrated by Solomon (Song of Sol. 1:14), its balsam by Josephus, and its palms by Pliny. At Tell el-Jurn, just S of the springs of Engedi, Benjamin Mazar led a Hebrew University and Israel Exploration Society dig from 1961 to 1965. He found no evidence of occupation in the time of David, but that is not surprising because the area probably was quite wild when David and his band hid there. Five periods of occupation were uncovered on the tell, dating from the last days of the Judean kingdom to the Roman-Byzantine period. A large fort stood in the middle of the city during the Hasmonean (Maccabean) period (Stratum III) and again in Herodian-Roman days (Stratum II). This latter city and fort were burned about the time of the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The place was again occupied during the Roman-Byzantine period. Mazar also excavated a Chalcolithic worship center (c. 3500 B.C.) just N of the spring of Engedi. (Borrow The new Unger's Bible dictionary ) PSALM 54 For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Is not David hiding himself among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, And vindicate me by Your power. 2 Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth. 3 For strangers have risen against me And violent men have sought my life; They have not set God before them. Selah. 4 Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul. 5 He will recompense the evil to my foes; Destroy them in Your faithfulness. 6 Willingly I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks to Your name, O LORD, for it is good. 7 For He has delivered me from all trouble, And my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies. Title. To the Chief Musician on Neginoth. The music was to be that of stringed instruments. Variety is to be studied in our tunes, and in all other matters relating to sacred song. Monotony is often the death of congregational praise. Providence is varied, and so should our recording songs be. Maschil. We are to learn and to teach by what we sing. Edification must not be divorced from psalmody. A Psalm of David. David's productions were as plentiful as they are profitable. His varied life was for our benefit, for from it we derive these hymns, which at this hour are as fresh and as precious as when he wrote them. When the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? To curry favour with Saul they were guilty of gross inhospitality. What cared they what innocent blood was shed so that they earned the graceless monarch's smile! David came quietly among them, hoping for a little rest in his many flights, but they deserted him in his solitary abode, and betrayed him. He turns to God in prayer, and so strong was his faith that he soon sang himself into delightful serenity. Divisions. From Psalms 54:1-3, where the Selah makes a pause for us, the psalmist pleads with God, and then in the rest of the song, laying aside all doubt, he chants a hymn of joyful triumph. The vigour of faith is the death of anxiety, and the birth of security. EXPOSITION Ver. 1. Save me, O God. Thou art my Saviour; all around me are my foes and their eager helpers. No shelter is permitted me. Every land rejects me and denies me rest. But thou, O God, wilt give me refuge, and deliver me from all my enemies. By thy name, by thy great and glorious nature. Employ all thine attributes for me. Let every one of the perfections which are blended in thy divine name work for me. Is not thine honour pledged for my defence? And judge me by thy strength. Render justice to me, for none else will or can. Thou canst give me efficient justice, and right my wrongs by thine omnipotence. We dare not appeal to God in a bad cause, but when we know that we can fearlessly carry our cause before his justice we may well commit it to his power. EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS Title. From the inscription, learn, 1. Particular straits and particular deliveries should be particularly remarked: as David here remembereth the danger he was in by the treachery of the Ziphims. 2. Mighty men will find readily more friends in an evil cause, than the godly do find in a good cause: as Saul has the Ziphims to offer their service to his cruelly, when David was in straits. 3. The wicked are very hearty to do an ill turn, and glad to find occasion of it. "Doth not David, "saith they, "hide himself with us?" as if this had been good and blessed news. David Dickson (1583-1662), in "A Brief Explication upon the Psalms." Whole Psalm. The church has taken a clear view in appointing this as one of the Psalms in commemoration of the passion of Jesus. It is seen with greatest effect as a simple prophecy of Christ. Read thus, it is very plain and intelligible; requiring little more than the first idea to exhibit a perfect correspondence with the life and feelings of the Messiah. William Hill Tucker, in "The Psalms... with Notes, "1840. Whole Psalm. In the first three verses, David being sought for by his enemies, prays against them. That was his course, he always began his conflict with God, contending and wrestling with him for a blessing and assistance. He durst not lift up his hands even against the enemies of God (yet what durst not David do?) till he had first lifted them up in humble supplication to the Lord his strength. "Who taught his hands to war, and his fingers to fight." Psalms 144:1. This being done, his courage breaks out like lightning, he doubts not of slaying his thousands and ten thousands. So in the fourth and fifth verses, he becomes his own prophet, promising himself victory. For who can resist him who hath Omnipotence for his second? Or how can any enemy maintain a fight against that captain who hath beforehand defeated and broken their forces by his prayers? assured his conquest before he puts on his armour? Then in the last verses, David concludes where he began, thankfully acknowledgeth God's goodness in his deliverance, and the dissipation of his enemies, obliging himself to a return of dutiful affectionate service, in consideration of so great mercies received. J. Dolben, in a Thanksgiving Sermon, 1665. Whole Psalm. Blessed Redeemer! give me grace to eye thee, and to call to my recollection thine exercises amidst the false friends and open foes, which in the days of thy flesh surrounded thee. Lord! help me so to consider thee, who didst endure such a contradiction of sinners against thyself, that I may not be weary and faint in mind. And while the Ziphims of the present hour harass and distress me, and would deliver my soul up into the hand of the enemy: oh! for grace to be looking unto thee, and deriving strength from thee, that I may discover thy gracious hand delivering me out of all my troubles, and making me more than conqueror in thy strength, and in the power of thy might. Robert Hawker, D.D., 1753-1827. Ver. 1. Save me, O God. As David was at this time placed beyond the reach of human assistance, he must be understood as praying to be saved by the name and the power of God, in an emphatic sense, or by these in contradistinction to the usual means of deliverance. Though all help must ultimately come from God, there are ordinary methods by which he generally extends it. When these fail, and every earthly stay is removed, he must then take the work into his own hands. It was such a situation that David here fled to the saints' last asylum, and sought to be saved by a miracle of divine power. John Calvin. Ver. 1. Judge me by thy strength, or power, i.e., determine, decide my cause by thy mighty power. Saul, in the cause between him and David, was resolved to end it by force only, and to arbitrate in no other way than by a javelin, a sword, or his forces. The psalmist well knew that Saul, in this respect, would be too hard for him; and therefore applies for protection and justice to one whose power he knew was infinitely superior to his adversaries, and who, he was assured, could and would defend him. Samuel Chandler (1693-1766), in "A Critical History of the Life of David." HINTS TO THE VILLAGE PREACHER Ver. 1. In the deliverance of the saints the honour and power of God are concerned. I. Their failure would dishonour both. II. Their salvation glorifies both. III. Both are immutable, therefore we have a sure plea at all times. WORK UPON THE FIFTY-FOURTH PSALM In CHANDLER'S "Life of David, "pp. 152-4, there is an Exposition of this Psalm. EXPOSITION Ver. 2. Hear my prayer, O God. This has ever been the defence of saints. As long as God hath an open ear we cannot be shut up in trouble. All other weapons may be useless, but all prayer is evermore available. No enemy can spike this gun. Give ear to the words of my mouth. Vocal prayer helps the supplicant, and we keep our minds more fully awake when we can use our tongues as well as our hearts. But what is prayer if God hear not? It is all one whether we babble nonsense or plead arguments if our God grant us not a hearing. When his case had become dangerous, David could not afford to pray out of mere custom, he must succeed in his pleadings, or become the prey of his adversary. EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS Ver. 2. (second clause). Let the words of my mouth with which I have defended my cause, be pleasing and acceptable to thee. For in this way can prayers and words of the mouth be correctly distinguished, unless any one should wish simply to understand by them prayers uttered by the mouth; but, as I have said, the phrase is more emphatic. Hermann Venema, 1697-1787. HINTS TO THE VILLAGE PREACHER Ver. 2. Our main concern in prayer. I. What is meant by God's hearing prayer. II. How we may know that he has done so. III. What is to be done when this is doubtful. IV. What is due to him when the hearing is given. EXPOSITION Ver. 3. For strangers are risen up against me. Those who had no cause for ill will had gone against him; persons to whom he could have given no offence, for they were strangers to him. They were aliens to his God also, and should these be allowed to worry and destroy him. A child may well complain to his father when strangers come in to molest him. What right have they to interfere? Let them leave off meddling and mind their own concerns. And oppressors seek after my soul. Saul, that persecuting tyrant, had stamped his own image on many more. Kings generally coin their own likeness. He led the way, and others followed seeking David's soul, his blood, his life, his very existence. Cruel and intense were they in their malice, they would utterly crush the good man; no half measure would content them. They have not set God before them. They had no more regard for right and justice than if they knew no God, or cared for none. Had they regarded God they would not have betrayed the innocent to be hunted down like a poor harmless stag. David felt that atheism lay at the bottom of the enmity which pursued him. Good men are hated for God's sake, and this is a good plea for them to urge in prayer. Selah. As if he said, "Enough of this, let us pause." He is out of breath with indignation. A sense of wrong bids him suspend the music awhile. It may also be observed, that more pauses would, as a rule, improve our devotions: we are usually too much in a hurry: a little more holy meditation would make our words more suitable and our emotions more fervent. EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS Ver. 3. Strangers: aliens to his truth, men who from unbelief have estranged themselves from all lot and portion in his covenants --oppress and persecute. William Hill Tucker. Ver. 3. (first clause). The Chaldee interpreter reads, proud men, instead of strangers, a reading which also is found in eight of Kennicott's Codices. So also Psalms 86:14. William Walford, in "The Book of Psalms. A New Translation, " etc., 1837. Ver. 3. (first clause). There is a great mistake made by rendering the word oyrz (zarim) strangers. The Ziphites surely were Israelites, and not strangers. The fact is this, that word is taken from hrz (zarah) the primary meaning of which is "to scatter, "to "disperse, "also "to sift, "as grain. Hence it signifies, likewise figuratively, to sift a matter, to investigate, to search out, to trace out. So here, David complains of the new and dangerous enemies he had got in the Ziphites, who became Saul's spies. When he pleads, therefore, for deliverance, saying, "Save me, O God, " etc., he describes the danger he was in: For spies have risen against me. Benjamin Weiss, in "New Translation, Exposition, and Chronological Arrangement of the Psalms, "1858. Ver. 3. Oppressors seek after my soul; i.e., my life at least; my soul also they would destroy, if it lay in their power, as the Papists delivered up John Huss to the devil. John Trapp, 1611-1662. Ver. 3. Selah. See "Treasury of David", Vol. 1, pp. 25,29,346,382; and Vol. 2, pp. 249-252. HINTS TO THE VILLAGE PREACHER Ver. 3. Strange trials. I. They are not altogether strange. 1. Not so to God. 2. Not so in the history of the church. 3. Not so to the provisions of grace wherein they are anticipated. II. Wherein they are strange. 1. They reveal God anew. 2. Endear forgotten promises. 3. Train unused graces. 4. Being new praises, etc. Ver. 3. (last clause). The root of sin: if they remembered his authority they dared not, if they tasted his love they would not, if they were conformed to his nature they could not. EXPOSITION Ver. 4. Behold, God is mine helper. He saw enemies everywhere, and now to his joy as he looks upon the band of his defenders he sees one whose aid is better than all the help of men; he is overwhelmed with joy at recognizing his divine champion, and cries, ED: SEE Jehovah Ezer: The LORD our Helper: Behold. And is not this a theme for pious exultation in all time, that the great God protects us, his own people: what matters the number or violence of our foes when HE uplifts the shield of his omnipotence to guard us, and the sword of his power to aid us? Little care we for the defiance of the foe while we have the defence of God. The Lord is with them that uphold my soul. The reigning Lord, the great Adonai is in the camp of my defenders. Here was a greater champion than any of the three mighties, or than all the valiant men who chose David for their captain. The psalmist was very confident, he felt so thoroughly that his heart was on the Lord's side that he was sure God was on his side. He asked in the first verse for deliverance, and here he returns thanks for upholding: while we are seeking one mercy which we have not, we must not be unmindful of another which we have. It is a great mercy to have some friends left us, but a greater mercy still to see the Lord among them, for like so many cyphers our friends stand for nothing till the Lord sets himself as a great unit in the front of them. EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS Ver. 4. Behold, says he, I produce a certain fact, well known, demonstrated by a new proof, and worthy of all attention; for the particle behold, contains this breadth of meaning. Hermann Venema. Ver. 4. Christ sees with the utmost clearness, that God will be his own helper, and of them--the disciples and believers-- that uphold his soul. In the same moment, does he foresee the destruction of his enemies. He views, in thought, the armies of Titus, the fall of the Jewish nation, and the dispersion of the remnant. He beholds the avenging hand of God, stretched in fury over the destroyers. William Hill Tucker. Ver. 4. (second clause). Such as take part with the persecuted saints, God will take part with them! The Lord is with them that uphold my soul. David Dickson. Ver. 4-5. He is assured of help to himself and to his friends, and of vengeance to his enemies. Whence learn, 1. Fervent prayer hath readily a swift answer, and sometimes wonderfully swift, even before a man have ended speech, as here David findeth in experience. Behold, saith he, God is my helper. 2. The sight of faith is very clear and piercing through all clouds when God holds forth the light of his Spirit unto it, it can demonstrate God present in an instant; ready to help in greatest straits: Behold, God is my helper. 3. There is more joy in God's felt presence than grief in felt trouble; for, Behold, God is mine helper, was more comfortable to David than his friends' unkindness, and strangers' malice was grievous. David Dickson. HINTS TO THE VILLAGE PREACHER Ver. 4. A theme for wonder. 1. At his unmerited grace, that he should side with me. 2. At his gracious power, for who can resist him? 3. At his practical help, for he has upheld my soul. EXPOSITION Ver. 5. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies. They worked for evil, and they shall have their wages. It cannot be that malice should go unavenged. It were cruelty to the good to be lenient to their persecutors. It is appointed, and so it must ever be, that those who shoot upward the arrows of malice shall find them fall upon themselves. The recoil of their own gun has often killed oppressors. Cut them off in thy truth. Not in ferocious revenge is this spoken, but as an Amen to the sure sentence of the just Judge. Let the veracity of thy threatenings be placed beyond dispute, the decree is right and just, let it be fulfilled. It is not a private desire, but the solemn utterance of a military man, a grossly injured man, a public leader destined to be a monarch, and a man well trained in the school of Moses, whose law ordains eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS Ver. 4-5. See Psalms on "Psalms 54:4" for further information. Ver. 5. Cut them off. He desires that God would destroy them with a death dealing blow, which is the force the word tmu contains; its primitive sense is to be silent, to keep silence, whence it is transferred to a stroke penetrating deeply and striking fatally, such as is called a silent blow, opposed to a sounding one, which is wont to rebound and not pierce deeply. Hermann Venema. HINTS TO THE VILLAGE PREACHER None. EXPOSITION Ver. 6. I will freely sacrifice unto thee. Spontaneously will I bring my freewill offerings. So certain is he of deliverance that he offers a vow by anticipation. His overflowing gratitude would load the altars of God with victims cheerfully presented. The more we receive, the more we ought to render. The spontaneousness of our gifts is a great element in their acceptance; the Lord loveth a cheerful giver. I will praise thy name, O Lord. As if no amount of sacrifice could express his joyful feelings, he resolves to be much in vocal thanksgiving. The name which he invoked in prayer (Psalms 54:1), he will now magnify in praise. Note how roundly he brings it out: O Jehovah. This is ever the grand name of the revealed God of Israel, a name which awakens the most sublime sentiments, and so nourishes the most acceptable praise. None can praise the Lord so well as those who have tried and proved the preciousness of his name in seasons of adversity. The psalmist adds, for it is good, and surely we may read this with a double nominative, God's name is good, and so is his praise. It is of great use to our souls to be much in praise; we are never so holy or so happy as when our adoration of God abounds. Praise is good in itself, good to us, and good to all around us. If David's enemies are described in Psalms 54:3 as not setting God before them, he here declares that he is of a different mind from them, for he resolves to have the Lord in perpetual remembrance in his sacrifices and praises. EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS Ver. 6. I will freely sacrifice unto thee. He would sacrifice freely: by which he does not allude to the circumstance, that sacrifices of thanksgiving were at the option of worshippers, but to the alacrity and cheerfulness with which he would pay his vow when he had escaped his present dangers. John Calvin. HINTS TO THE VILLAGE PREACHER Ver. 6. We should sacrifice voluntarily, liberally, joyfully, continuously, with pure motive. Ver. 6. The goodness of praising the good name. EXPOSITION Ver. 7. For he hath delivered me out of all trouble. Up to that time deliverance had come, and for that danger also he felt that rescue was near. David lived a life of dangers and hair breadth escapes, yet he was always safe. In the retrospect of his very many deliverances he feels that he must praise God, and looking upon the mercy which he sought as though it were already received, he sang this song over it-- "And a new song is in my mouth, To long loved music set, Glory to thee for all the grace I have not tasted yet." Out of all trouble our covenant God is pledged to bring us, and therefore even now let us uplift the note of triumph unto Jehovah, the faithful preserver of them that put their trust in him. Thus far have we proved his promise good; he changes not, and therefore in all the unknown future he will be equally our guardian and defence, "showing himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." And mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies. He knew that yet he should look on his haughty foes, gazing down on them in triumph as now they looked on him in contempt. He desired this as a matter of justice, and not of personal pique. His righteous soul exulted because he knew that unprovoked and gratuitous malice would meet with a righteous punishment. Could we keep out of our hearts all personal enmity as fully as the psalmist did in this Psalm, we might yet equally feel with him a sacred acquiescence and delight in that divine justice which will save the righteous and overthrow the malicious. In closing, let us trust that if we are as friendless as this man of God, we may resort in prayer as he did, exercise the like faith, and find ourselves ere long singing the same joyous hymn of praise. EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS Ver. 7. Mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies. Or, mine eye hath looked upon mine enemies; that is, he was able to meet them without terror. Samuel Davidson, D.D., 1852. Ver. 7. The reader will note that the words his desire are supplied by our translators, and are not in the original text. C. H. S. HINTS TO THE VILLAGE PREACHER Ver. 7. (first clause). The exclamation of the newly pardoned penitent, the cry of the delivered saint, the song of the ripe Christian, the shout of the glorified believer.