1 Samuel 23

1 Samuel 23:1

THen] Whilest David abode in the forest of Hareth, Chap. 22. 5.

Keilah] A city in the tribe of Judah, ?Joshua 15:44.

threshing-floors] To wit, of the corn that was brought into, and beaten out in them.

1 Samuel 23:2

enquired] That is, either by the Prophet Gad, who was with him, Chap. 22. 5. Or by Abiathar coming to him, when he was going to Keilah.

1 Samuel 23:3

afraid here] To wit, of Saul, though we lie hid in the forest, and how much more cause of fear shall we have when the Philistines our enemies are before us, and Saul pursuing after us.

1 Samuel 23:4

yet again] Not as doubting himself of the truth of Gods first answer, but to satisfie his followers who were in fear.

1 Samuel 23:6

fled to David to Keilah] Chap. 22. 20.

an ephod] With the brest-plate, in which were the Urim and Thummim, that he might ask counsell of the LORD as occasion required, Exodus 28:30.

1 Samuel 23:11

deliver me] To wit, if I stay here.

1 Samuel 23:12

deliver] Heb. shut up.

They will] To wit, if thou stayest still among them.

1 Samuel 23:13

he forbare] That is, he desisted to prosecute his purpose.

1 Samuel 23:14

in a mountain] Which was neer to Idumea, Josh. 15. 21, 24. In which were many steep mountains, and clifts of rocks, Obad. 3.

Ziph] There were two cities of this name, one spoken of Jos 15:24. the other neer the wildernesse of Maon, mentioned Joshua 15:55. which is here meant. Of these Ziphites, David complaineth, Psal. 54.

every day] That is, as long as he stayed in the land, 1 Samuel 27:4.

1 Samuel 23:15

David saw] Had intelligence by his spies and friends.

1 Samuel 23:16

and strengthened] That is, comforted him and strengthned his faith, by putting him in minde of Gods promises, v. 17.

1 Samuel 23:17

the hand] That is, the power of my father shall not reach unto thee to do thee any hurt.

and thou] Or, but thou shalt be king.

my father knoweth] Remembring Samuels words, Chapter 15. 28. and seeing Gods favour towards thee, in thy good successe and continuall preservation, Chapter 20. 30, 31. and 24. 20.

1 Samuel 23:18

made] That is, renewed and confirmed their covenant before made, Chap. 18. 3. and 20. 16.

1 Samuel 23:19

Doth not David] That is, know surely that he hath hid himself.

on the south] Heb. on the right hand.

Jeshimon] Or, the wildernesse.

1 Samuel 23:21

Blessed] In his hypocrisie he maketh shew of religion to incourage therein them treason and treachery.

1 Samuel 23:22

haunt is] Heb. foot shall be.

very subtilly] And therefore will deceive you, and escape out of your hands, if you be not very circumspect.

1 Samuel 23:23

of all the lurking] Or of the certain place.

1 Samuel 23:24

before Saul] As his guides to bring him to David.

1 Samuel 23:25

came down] To wit, from the hill Hachilah where he had hid himself.

of Maon] Which was also in the tribe of Judah, Joshus 15. 55.

1 Samuel 23:27

invaded the land] Heb. spread themselves upon, &c.

1 Samuel 23:28

Sela-hammahlekoth] That is, the rock of divisions; So called, because Saul there was forced to leave David, and to make head against the Philistines.