1 Samuel 21:2

1 Samuel 21:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission or charge. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place.

King James Version KJV

And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed my servants to such and such a place.

American Standard Version ASV

And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know anything of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed the young men to such and such a place.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And David said to Ahimelech the priest, The king has given me orders and has said to me, Say nothing to anyone about the business on which I am sending you and the orders I have given you: and a certain place has been fixed to which the young men are to go.

Free Bible Version FBV

“The king has given me an assignment,” David replied. “He told me ‘Nobody must know anything about the assignment I have sent you to do.’ As for my men, I've told them where to meet me.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Dauid saide to Ahimelech the Priest, The King hath commanded mee a certaine thing, and hath sayd vnto me, Let no man know whereabout I sende thee, and what I haue commanded thee: and I haue appointed my seruants to such and such places.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And David saith to Ahimelech the priest, 'The king hath commanded me a matter, and he saith unto me, Let no man know anything of the matter about which I am sending thee, and which I have commanded thee; and the young men I have caused to know at such and such a place;

World English Bible WEB

David said to Ahimelech the priest, “The king has commanded me to do something, and has said to me, ‘Let no one know anything about the business about which I send you, and what I have commanded you. I have sent the young men to a certain place.’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And David said to Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said to me, Let no man know any thing of the business about which I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed my servants to such and such a place.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And David said to Achimelech the priest: The king hath commanded me a business, and said: Let no man know the thing for which thou art sent by me, and what manner of commands I have given thee: and I have appointed my servants to such and such a place.

Translation for Translators T4T

David deceived Ahimelech by replying, “The king sent me. But he does not want anyone to know anything about what he sent me to do. I have told my men where they should meet me.

Plain English Version PEV

David told a lie. He said, “Saul sent me to do a secret job for him. I can’t tell you about it. I told my soldiers to go ahead of me, and to meet me at another place.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 21:2

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 21:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּבֹ֤א דָוִד֙ נֹ֔בֶ/ה אֶל אֲחִימֶ֖לֶךְ הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן וַ/יֶּחֱרַ֨ד אֲחִימֶ֜לֶךְ לִ/קְרַ֣את דָּוִ֗ד וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ל/וֹ֙ מַדּ֤וּעַ אַתָּה֙ לְ/בַדֶּ֔/ךָ וְ/אִ֖ישׁ אֵ֥ין אִתָּֽ/ךְ

וַ/יָּבֹ֤א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

נֹ֔בֶ/ה Nôb H5011 Nob N-proper | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

אֲחִימֶ֖לֶךְ ʼĂchîymelek H288 Ahimelech N-proper

הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-ms

וַ/יֶּחֱרַ֨ד chârad H2729 to tremble Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֲחִימֶ֜לֶךְ ʼĂchîymelek H288 Ahimelech N-proper

לִ/קְרַ֣את qârâʼ H7122 to encounter Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

דָּוִ֗ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

ל/וֹ֙ Prep | Suff

מַדּ֤וּעַ maddûwaʻ H4069 why? Part

אַתָּה֙ ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

לְ/בַדֶּ֔/ךָ bad H905 alone Prep | N-ms | Suff

וְ/אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-ms

אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 nothing Part

אִתָּֽ/ךְ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 21:2

וַ/יָּבֹ֤א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

דָוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

נֹ֔בֶ/ה Nôb H5011 "Nob" N-proper | Suff

Nob was a priestly city in ancient Palestine, located near Jerusalem in the territory of Benjamin. It was situated on a high place, which is how it got its name.

Definition: § Nob = "high place" a priestly city in the Benjamin situated on some eminence north but near Jerusalem

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Nob. See also: 1 Samuel 21:2; 1 Samuel 22:19; Isaiah 10:32.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

אֲחִימֶ֖לֶךְ ʼĂchîymelek H288 "Ahimelech" N-proper

Ahimelech was a priest and a friend of King David, who helped him when he was in need. He was tragically murdered by Doeg at the command of King Saul. His name means 'my brother is king'.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Also named: a.vi.me.lekh (אֲבִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0040J) § Ahimelech = "my brother is king" or "brother of Melek" 1) a priest murdered by Doeg at Saul's command, for supposedly assisting David 2) a Hittite warrior under David

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Ahimelech. See also: 1 Samuel 21:2; 1 Samuel 23:6; Psalms 52:2.

הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-ms

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

וַ/יֶּחֱרַ֨ד chârad H2729 "to tremble" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to tremble with fear or anxiety, like when the Israelites trembled at Mount Sinai. It can also mean to hasten or be careful. In the Bible, it appears in Exodus and other books.

Definition: 1) to tremble, quake, move about, be afraid, be startled, be terrified 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tremble, quake (of a mountain) 1a2) to tremble (of people) 1a3) to be anxiously careful 1a4) to go or come trembling (with prep) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to tremble 1b2) to drive in terror, rout (an army)

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: be (make) afraid, be careful, discomfit, fray (away), quake, tremble. See also: Genesis 27:33; Isaiah 17:2; Isaiah 10:29.

אֲחִימֶ֜לֶךְ ʼĂchîymelek H288 "Ahimelech" N-proper

Ahimelech was a priest and a friend of King David, who helped him when he was in need. He was tragically murdered by Doeg at the command of King Saul. His name means 'my brother is king'.

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Ahimelech. See also: 1 Samuel 21:2; 1 Samuel 23:6; Psalms 52:2.

לִ/קְרַ֣את qârâʼ H7122 "to encounter" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This word means to encounter or meet someone, either by chance or on purpose. It can describe a friendly meeting or a hostile one. In Exodus, the Israelites encountered God on Mount Sinai.

Definition: : meet 1) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: befall, (by) chance, (cause to) come (upon), fall out, happen, meet. See also: Genesis 42:4; 1 Samuel 17:48; Isaiah 51:19.

דָּוִ֗ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

ל/וֹ֙ "" Prep | Suff

מַדּ֤וּעַ maddûwaʻ H4069 "why?" Part

This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.

Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.

אַתָּה֙ ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

לְ/בַדֶּ֔/ךָ bad H905 "alone" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.

Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars

Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.

וְ/אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

אִתָּֽ/ךְ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 21:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 21:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 21:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 21:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:2
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:2
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:2
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 21:2
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 21:2
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:2
Sermons on 1 Samuel 21:2

Context — David Takes the Consecrated Bread

1Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And when Ahimelech met David, he trembled and asked him, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?”

2“The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission on which I am sending you. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place.

3Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever can be found.” 4“There is no common bread on hand,” the priest replied, “but there is some consecrated bread—provided that the young men have kept themselves from women.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Galatians 2:12	For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, for fear of those in the circumcision group.
2	Colossians 3:9	Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices,
3	1 Samuel 22:22	Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that Doeg the Edomite was there that day, and that he was sure to tell Saul. I myself am responsible for the lives of everyone in your father’s house.
4	1 Kings 13:18	Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” The old prophet was lying to him,
5	Genesis 27:24	Again he asked, “Are you really my son Esau?” And he replied, “I am.”
6	Genesis 27:20	But Isaac asked his son, “How did you ever find it so quickly, my son?” “Because the LORD your God brought it to me,” he replied.
7	1 Samuel 19:17	And Saul said to Michal, “Why did you deceive me like this? You sent my enemy away and he has escaped!” Michal replied, “He said to me, ‘Help me get away, or I will kill you!’”
8	Psalms 119:29	Remove me from the path of deceit and graciously grant me Your law.

1 Samuel 21:2 Summary

In this verse, David is trying to get help from Ahimelech the priest without telling him the whole truth about why he needs it. David says the king gave him a mission, but that's not exactly what's going on. He's actually running away from King Saul, who wants to hurt him, as we see in 1 Samuel 18:11. This shows that even people who love God, like David, can face very tough situations and have to make hard choices, just like we do today, and we can learn from their examples and the biblical teachings, such as in Psalm 23:4, which reminds us of God's presence and guidance in times of trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David tell Ahimelech that the king had given him a mission?

David told Ahimelech this to avoid raising suspicion about his true intentions, as he was actually fleeing from King Saul, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:1, and he needed help from the priest without revealing his situation.

Was David's statement to Ahimelech the truth or a deception?

David's statement to Ahimelech was not entirely truthful, as he was not on a mission from the king, but rather trying to protect himself from King Saul's pursuit, which shows the difficult situations David faced and the moral dilemmas he had to navigate, similar to the challenges faced by believers today, as in Proverbs 22:1, which reminds us of the importance of a good name and reputation.

What does this verse reveal about David's relationship with his young men?

This verse indicates that David had a level of trust and authority with his young men, as he was able to direct them to meet him at a certain place, demonstrating his leadership skills and the loyalty of those who followed him, much like the relationship between Jesus and His disciples, as seen in Matthew 4:18-22.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of David's life and the biblical narrative?

This verse is part of the larger story of David's fleeing from King Saul and his eventual rise to the throne of Israel, as prophesied in 1 Samuel 16:13, which sets the stage for the rest of 1 Samuel and the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings, highlighting God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people, as promised in Genesis 12:2-3 and fulfilled in the life of David and the history of Israel.

Reflection Questions

What are some times in your life when you have had to make difficult decisions or navigate challenging situations, and how did you respond?
How does David's experience in this verse relate to your own experiences of feeling alone or pursued, and what comfort or guidance can you derive from his story?
In what ways can you identify with David's need for discretion and protection, and how can you apply the lessons from this verse to your own life and relationships?
What does this verse teach you about the importance of honesty and integrity in your relationships, and how can you cultivate these qualities in your own interactions with others?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 21:2

And David said unto Ahimelech the priest,.... In reply to his question, and to account for such an appearance he made without an equipage: the king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 21:2

And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:2

The king hath commanded me a business: this seems to be a plain lie, extorted from him by fear and necessity. But as it was officious for himself, so it was pernicious to all the priests there. Whence David afterwards declares his repentance for this sin of lying, . To such and such a place; to a certain place which is not material nor convenient now to mention, because the whole business requires concealment.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:2

1 Samuel 21:2 And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed [my] servants to such and such a place.Ver. 2. The king hath commanded me a business.] Here David uttereth two lies in a breath, - as before him Jacob had done three, though lying be a blushful sin, - whereunto he addeth another lie, and all deliberate. The like he doth to Achish, king of Gath. If the best man’ s faults were written in his forehead, it would make him pull his hat over his eyes, saith the proverb. Some go about to excuse David’ s lying here: but that cannot be. The consequents of it were very sad, viz., that bloody massacre of the priests, and all the inhabitants of Nob, which he could not but foresee and suspect, when he saw Doeg - that flatter - present, and afterwards it made his soul melt for very heaviness, whilst he bewailed it, and begged pardoning and prevailing grace.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:2

(2) The king hath commanded me.—This is one of the sad episodes in a glorious life. Overwhelmed with dismay at his sudden fall, home and wife, friends and rank, all had been taken from him, and he who had been on the very steps of the throne, the darling of the people, strangely successful in all that he had up to this time put his hand to, was now a proscribed exile, flying for his life. These things must plead as his excuse for his falsehood to Ahimelech, and his flight to and subsequent behaviour among the hereditary enemies of his race, the Philistines. But here, as in so many places, the Holy Spirit who guided the pen of the compiler of this true history could not lie, but fearlessly tells the repulsive truth which must ever be deeply damaging to the favourite hero of Israel. “The Holy Spirit is become the chronicler of men’s foolish, yea, sinful actions. He has narrated the lies of Abraham, the incest of Lot, the simulation of the man after God’s heart.”—Lange.I have appointed my servants.—This portion of his words to Ahimelech was, no doubt, strictly true. It is unlikely that one in the high position of David at the court of Saul, possessing, too, such powers over men’s hearts, would be allowed to go even into exile without any friends or attendants. Those alluded to here probably joined him soon after his parting with Jonathan. Our Lord, in Mark 2:25-26, speaks of the priest giving the shewbread to David and to those that were with him, when both he and they that were with him were an hungred.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:2

Verse 2. The king hath commanded me a business] All said here is an untruth, and could not be dictated by the Spirit of the Lord; but there is no reason to believe that David was under the influence of Divine inspiration at this time. It is well known that from all antiquity it was held no crime to tell a lie, in order to save life. Thus Diphilus: - Ὑπολαμβανωτοψευδοςεπισωτηριᾳ Λεγομενον, ουδενπεριποιεισθαιδυσχερες. "I hold it right to tell a lie, in order to procure my personal safety; nothing should be avoided in order to save life." A heathen may say or sing thus; but no Christian can act thus, and save his soul, though he by doing so may save his life.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 21:2

2. The king, &c.] Again David has, recourse to a lie. See 1 Samuel 20:6, and note on 1 Samuel 19:17. The consequences of it were disastrous. my servants] The young men, as in 1 Samuel 21:4. The words are David’s own, not the continuation of Saul’s directions. They were probably true. He must have had friends at court who were prepared to share his flight, and with whom he had made arrangements for a rendezvous.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 21:2

A fresh instance of David’s unscrupulous readiness of invention (compare 1 Samuel 20:6).

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 21:2

2. The king hath commanded me a business — The statements of David in this verse, and the addition, in 1 Samuel 21:8, that the king’s business required such haste that he thought not to bring his

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