1 Samuel 21

Chapter Summary

In 1 Samuel 21, David flees from Saul and goes to Nob, where he meets Ahimelech the priest. David asks Ahimelech for food and a sword, and Ahimelech gives him the bread of the Presence and the sword of Goliath. David then goes to Gath, where he pretends to be insane to escape from King Achish. Meanwhile, Doeg the Edomite tells Saul about Ahimelech's encounter with David, leading to the slaughter of the priests of Nob. This chapter showcases David's faith and resourcefulness in the face of persecution, as well as God's providential care for him. Key verses include 1 Samuel 21:1-6, where David receives help from Ahimelech, and 1 Samuel 21:10-15, where David escapes from Gath by feigning madness.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Samuel, which describes the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy in Israel. The chapter follows David's flight from Saul and precedes his establishment as king over Judah. The events in this chapter are significant because they illustrate David's faith and trust in God, as well as God's providential care for him, even in the face of persecution and danger. The chapter also sets the stage for the eventual establishment of David as king, highlighting God's sovereignty and faithfulness to his people.

Heart Application

As believers, we can learn from David's example to trust in God's provision and protection, even in times of uncertainty and danger. We can apply this truth to our own lives by seeking refuge in God's presence, trusting in his sovereignty, and receiving spiritual nourishment through his Word. By doing so, we can experience God's peace and comfort, knowing that he is always with us and working all things together for our good.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of David's flight from Saul and his encounter with Ahimelech the priest. David receives the bread of the Presence and the sword of Goliath, symbolizing God's presence and provision for him. The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, even in times of danger and uncertainty. As seen in 1 Samuel 21:1-6, David's trust in God is evident in his actions and decisions.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord will provide for his people, even in the most unlikely of circumstances. David's reception of the bread of the Presence and the sword of Goliath demonstrates God's care for his servants, even when all seems lost.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The slaughter of the priests of Nob serves as a warning to us about the dangers of jealousy and pride. We must beware of allowing these sins to take root in our hearts, lest we suffer the same consequences as Saul.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. David's Encounter with Ahimelech (1 Samuel 21:1-9) — David receives the bread of the Presence and the sword of Goliath, demonstrating God's provision and protection for him.
2. David's Escape from Gath (1 Samuel 21:10-15) — David feigns madness to escape from King Achish, showcasing his resourcefulness and trust in God's protection.
3. The Slaughter of the Priests (1 Samuel 21:16-23) — The tragic event that occurs as a result of Doeg's report to Saul, highlighting the severe consequences of sin and the importance of trusting in God's justice and righteousness.
4. God's Providence and Care (1 Samuel 21:1-23) — The chapter as a whole demonstrates God's providential care for David, even in the face of persecution and danger.
5. Conclusion and Application (1 Samuel 21:1-23) — The chapter concludes by highlighting the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, with applications for believers today.

Core Doctrines

Providence

This chapter teaches that God is actively involved in the lives of his people, providing for their needs and protecting them from harm. As seen in 1 Samuel 21:1-6, God provides for David through Ahimelech.

Trust

The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, even in times of uncertainty and danger. David's trust in God is evident in his actions and decisions, such as when he receives the bread of the Presence and the sword of Goliath.

Sin and Consequences

The slaughter of the priests of Nob serves as a warning about the dangers of sin and the importance of obeying God's commands. As seen in 1 Samuel 21:16-23, the consequences of sin can be severe and far-reaching.

Faith

David's faith in God is evident throughout the chapter, as he seeks refuge in God's presence and trusts in his provision and protection. This faith is an example for believers today, who can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and care for them.

Lessons from 1 Samuel 21

1. Trust in God's Provision — David's reception of the bread of the Presence and the sword of Goliath demonstrates God's care for his servants, even in times of need.
2. The Dangers of Sin — The slaughter of the priests of Nob serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and the importance of obeying God's commands.
3. Faith in the Face of Danger — David's faith in God is evident throughout the chapter, as he seeks refuge in God's presence and trusts in his provision and protection.
4. God's Providence and Care — The chapter as a whole demonstrates God's providential care for David, even in the face of persecution and danger.
5. Application and Conclusion — The chapter concludes by highlighting the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, with applications for believers today.

Themes from 1 Samuel 21

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, even in times of uncertainty and danger.
2. The Consequences of Sin — The slaughter of the priests of Nob serves as a warning about the dangers of sin and the importance of obeying God's commands.
3. Faith and Obedience — David's faith in God is evident throughout the chapter, as he seeks refuge in God's presence and trusts in his provision and protection.
4. God's Providence and Care — The chapter as a whole demonstrates God's providential care for David, even in the face of persecution and danger.
5. Application and Conclusion — The chapter concludes by highlighting the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, with applications for believers today.

Questions for Meditation

1. What can we learn from David's example about trusting in God's provision and protection?
2. How does the chapter illustrate the consequences of sin and the importance of obeying God's commands?
3. What role does faith play in David's decisions and actions throughout the chapter?
4. How can we apply the truths from this chapter to our own lives, especially in times of uncertainty and danger?
5. What does the chapter reveal about God's character and his relationship with his people?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on 1 Samuel 21

	Sermon	Description
	Trapped by Fear by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of facing death and how it tested his trust in the Lord. He recounts a situation where someone aimed a gun at him, but it t
	Learning the Fear of God (Telugu) by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of fearing God and turning away from sin, drawing insights from the book of Job as the first book written by God in the Bible. It highlights t
	(1 Samuel) God Helps the Undeserving by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having accurate maps in our lives. He gives examples of tragic events caused by inaccurate maps, such as a pilot crashing in
	David Protected by the Priest by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of David and his interactions with Saul and Jonathan. David is hiding from Saul, who is seeking to kill him, and seeks refuge
	David (2.9.1986) by Peter Maiden	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unexpected nature of falling into sin. He shares a personal story of an elder from a committed church who recently left his family for a y
	God Is Still Faithful by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes that despite David's moment of unfaithfulness when he sought refuge in Gath, God remained faithful to His promises and purpose for David's life. Anointed
	Superpowers in Conflict by Denis Lyle	Denis Lyle preaches on the prophetic vision in Daniel 8, highlighting the conflict between two great world powers, the Medo-Persian Empire symbolized by a ram and the Greek Empire
	Pray Ye Therefore by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes the transformative power of prayer in advancing missionary work, urging believers to pray earnestly for the Lord to send laborers into His harvest. He highl

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 21

In this chapter, we see the Lord's providential care for David, even in the face of persecution and danger. David's trust in God's sovereignty and provision is evident throughout the chapter, as he seeks refuge in God's presence and trusts in his protection. The slaughter of the priests of Nob serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and the importance of obeying God's commands. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.' This chapter reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, even in times of uncertainty and danger, and of the severe consequences of sin and disobedience to God's commands. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?