1 Samuel 22

1 Samuel 22:1

ADullam] A citie in the tribe of Judah, not far from Bethlehem; of which, there is mention, Joshua 12:15.

1 Samuel 22:2

was in debt] Heb. had a creditour.

discontented] Heb. bitter of soul.

1 Samuel 22:3

Mizpeh] A strong hold in the land of Moab.

king of Moab] For he expected from him the more favour, because he was Sauls enemy, Chap. 14. 47. Or, because Ruth the mother of Obed, Davids grand-father, was a Moabitish woman.

1 Samuel 22:4

the hold] That is, in Mizpeh, v. 3. in which the king of Moab had placed him.

1 Samuel 22:5

depart] Either because the king and his people were treacherous, or idolatrous, or because God would further try Davids faith, with many perills and tentations in his own countrey.

forest] Because in it were many hiding places.

1 Samuel 22:6

tree in Ramah] Or, grve in a high place; That is, within the territories of Ramah, neer to Gibeah, or in some hgh place within Gibeah. See Judg. 19. 13. Or thus, Saul was sitting in Gibeah under a grove in an high place.

1 Samuel 22:8

have conspired] This he speaketh out of jealousie and suspition, and not of certain knowledge. See Chap. 20. 23.

sheweth me] Heb. uncovereth mine ear.

1 Samuel 22:9

Deg] A court-sycophant, who applyeth his speech to the humour of his master, maliciously and slanderously traducing an innocent, Psal. 52. 1, 2.

set over] Or stood among the servants, as vers. 6.

1 Samuel 22:11

of Ahitub] See Chap. 14. 3.

the priests] Which were some of the remnant of Elies house that God threatned to cut off, Chap. 2. 31.

1 Samuel 22:12

son of Ahitub] He so calleth him, without any other title, by way of contumely and disgrace. So David the son of Jesse, v. 7. 13. in contempt.

Here I am] Heb. Behold me.

1 Samuel 22:14

goeth at thy bidding] As David told him, Chap. 21. 2. and he beleeved.

1 Samuel 22:15

begin to enquire] Have I not at other times also, when he had great affairs, consulted with the LORD for him?

be it far from me] To wit, that I should conspire with David against thee, as thou chargest me, v. 13.

of all this] That is, of any conspiracy or rebellion against thee.

lesse or more] Heb. little or great.

1 Samuel 22:17

footmen] Or, guard. Heb. the runners.

of the Lord] These words have an emphasis in them, shewing that Sauls malice extended to the LORD himself, because he favoured David, and had rejected him; and therefore slew his priests, seeing his rage could not reach to him.

their hand] That is, they favour and help him all they can in his conspiracy and rebellion.

1 Samuel 22:18

that did wear] That is, that did service in the tabernacle, which they performed in linen clothes, Exod. 28. 40, 42. See Chap. 2. 18.

1 Samuel 22:20

escaped] To wit, by Gods providence, who according to his promise preserved some of Elies house, Chapter 2. 33.

after David] And came to him when he was going to Keilah, Chap. 23. 6.

1 Samuel 22:22

I knew it] I thought, or my minde did misgive me, knowing Doegs malice, that it would fall out so.

occasioned] Seeing they all suffered for my sake, though sore against my will, and to my great grief.

1 Samuel 22:23

Abide thou with nie] That is, I will take thee into my protection.

my life] That is, I will venture my own life to preserve thine, and will be as carefull of thy safety, as of my own; so that he that will take away thy life, shall have mine also.