Nob — A city of priests, where the tabernacle now was. Hither David resorted, for a supply of his necessities, which he supposed he might receive here, without danger of being betrayed into Saul's hands: and principally, that in this great distress, he might receive comfort and counsel from the Lord... [ Continue Reading ]
The king, &c. — This seems to be a plain lie extorted from him, by fear. But it was pernicious to all the priests there. Whence David afterwards declares his repentance for this sin of lying, Psalms 119:29. To such a place — To a certain place which it not convenient now to mention; because the whol... [ Continue Reading ]
There is, &c. — Here in the tabernacle: though doubtless he had other provisions is his house; but David was in great haste, and in fear of Doeg whom he saw, and knew and therefore would not stay 'till any thing could be fetched thence. There was a double impediment to the giving this bread to them;... [ Continue Reading ]
Three days — As long as the law required, Exodus 19:15. And so long David, and his men hid, it seems, hid themselves for fear of Saul, whereby they were kept both from women: and from food convenient for them. Vessels — That is, Either, Their garments, or other utensils for their journey. Or their b... [ Continue Reading ]
Detained — Not by force but by his choice; he fixed his abode there for that day; either because it was the sabbath — day; on which he might not proceed in his journey, or for the discharge of some vow. Before the Lord — That is, at the tabernacle. An Edomite — By birth, but he was proselyted to the... [ Continue Reading ]
Ephod — That is, behind that holy place allotted for the keeping of the sacred, or priestly garments; all which are here comprehended under the ephod; which, as the chief is put for all the rest. Here it was laid up as a sacred monument of God's power and goodness. None like it — Because it not only... [ Continue Reading ]
To Achish — A strange action; but it must be considered, that Saul's rage was so great, his power also, and diligence in hunting after him that he despaired of escaping any other way: and a desperate disease, produceth a desperate remedy. The king elect is here an exile: anointed to the crown, and y... [ Continue Reading ]
King of the land — Of Canaan. They call him king, either more generally for the governor, the most eminent captain and commander, or, as the king elect, the person designed to be king: for, by this time, the fame of Saul's rejection, and David's destination to the kingdom, was got abroad among the I... [ Continue Reading ]
Was afraid — Lest either their revenge or policy should prompt them to kill him. Perhaps he was the more apprehensive, because he wore Goliath's sword, which was probably well known at Gath. He now learned by experience what he afterward taught us, Psalms 118:9. It is better to trust in the Lord, th... [ Continue Reading ]
Mad men — It is highly probable, Achish was aware, that this madness was counterfeit. But being desirous to preserve David, he speaks as if he thought it real.... [ Continue Reading ]