1 Samuel 26

1 Samuel 26:1

ZIphites] That is, the inhabitants of Ziph, in the tribe of Judah, Joshua 15:55.

came] That is, came again the second time to betray David, See Chap. 23. 19.

doth not David] That is, we know certainly that he doth.

1 Samuel 26:2

chosen men] That is, such as were the most skilfull and valiant.

1 Samuel 26:4

David therefore sent] Or thus, for David bad sent:

1 Samuel 26:5

Abner the son of Ner.] Chap. 14. 50. and 17. 55.

trench] Or, midst of his carriages, enclosed with his carriages, fearing lest David might in the night make some sudden attempt to surprise his person.

the people.] That is, his souldiers that came out with him,

1 Samuel 26:6

answered] Hebr. That is, said upn this occasion,

the Hittite] To wit, by nation; but now an Israelitish proslyte professing their religion.

Zerujah] To wit, Davids sister, who had three sons, Joab Abishai and Asahel, 1 Chronicles 2:16. still mentioned under her name, and not their father, as chiesly taking their honour from her, being Davids sister; and not her husband, who is unknown.

1 Samuel 26:8

delivered] Heb. shut up.

second time] That is, I will strike so sure, that I will kill him with one blow, so as there shall not need a second.

1 Samuel 26:10

Lord liveth] q. d, I will not smite nor suffer him to be smitten, but leave vengeance to God.

the Lord] That is, I will leave him to God, to do with him what he pleaseth, or when he pleaseth: but as for my self, I will have no hand in his death.

his day] That is, his appointed time to die a naturall death, Job 7:1. 14. 5.

1 Samuel 26:14

to the king] That is, who cryest so loud, that the king shall hear, and be disturbed of his rest.

1 Samuel 26:15

not kept] Or, not looked unto thy lord the king, when there came one, &c.

one of the people] That is, Abishai, or indefinitely, any one might have come and slain the king.

1 Samuel 26:16

worthy to die] Heb. the sons of doath.

and now see] That is, that I may not seem to accuse thee wrongfully, here are evidences of what I say.

1 Samuel 26:17

my son] Hereby it appeareth, that the hypocrite persecuted David against his own conscience, and contrary to his promise, Chap. 24. 20.

1 Samuel 26:19

accept an offering] Heb. smell; That is, that his anger may be appeased, and he made propitious by sacrifices for sin, offered unto him. Others thus, I am ready to dy, if I have deserved it, and to become a sacrifice to appease Gods displeasure.

from abiding] Heb. cleaving; That is, that I cannot be present at Gods service in his tabernacle; but am forced to wander from place to place.

in the inheritance] That is, among Gods peculiar people, who are his inheritance.

Go serve] That is, as much as lieth in them they have compelled me to idolatry, by forcing me to flee unto idolaters, and so to run my self into a totall apostasie, Psalms 120:5.

1 Samuel 26:20

let not my blood] q. d. The LORD who is present, and seeth my innocency, will not permit thee to shed my blood, and therefore do not attempt it.

a flea] Heb. one flea. See Chap. 24. 14, 15.

1 Samuel 26:21

was precious] That is, because thou hast spared me when I was in thy power, and perserved my life as a thing precious in thy sight.

1 Samuel 26:22

fetch it] He durst not trust him by going to him himself, seeing he had so often after shew of reconciliation, returned presently to his old practices.

1 Samuel 26:23

render] Or, and the Lord render; That is, recompense and reward, according to his gracious promise.

1 Samuel 26:24

eyes of the Lord] Who is able to preserve it, though thou again shouldest seek to take it away.

1 Samuel 26:25

great things] To wit, against thine and Gods enemies, or all things shall prosper in thy hand, according to thine own heart, and thou shalt be crowned with regall dignity.

to his place] That is, to Gibeah-Benjamin or Saul.