David spares Saul's life in the cave at En-gedi This narrative and that in ch. 26 are regarded by some commentators as different accounts of the same event. See Note VII. p. 243, and the notes on ch. 26. Psalms 57, 142 are referred by their titles to the time when David fled from Saul in the cave;... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Samuel 24:2. _upon the rocks of the wild goats_ On precipitous cliffs scarcely accessible except to the ibex and chamois. Wild goats and antelopes still abound on the heights above Ain-Jidy.... [ Continue Reading ]
_the sheepcotes by the way_ Sheepfolds are still formed in the East by building a wall of loose stones round the mouth of a cave, which serves for shelter in case of bad weather. See _The Land and the Book_, p. 603. _to cover his feet_ An euphemism for performing the necessities of nature. _remain... [ Continue Reading ]
_of which the Lord said_ David may have received from Samuel and Gad assurances of his ultimate deliverance from Saul's persecutions, which his followers interpret in their own way. Cp. 1 Samuel 23:17; 1 Samuel 25:28-30. _the skirt_ See on 1 Samuel 25:27. He wished to have some proof to convince Sa... [ Continue Reading ]
_David's heart smote him_ David's conscience reproached him for offering even so slight an indignity to the king.... [ Continue Reading ]
_stayed_ Lit. TORE, or LASHED: a strong expression. Vulg. "confregit viros suos sermonibus.... [ Continue Reading ]
_stooped_, &c. Better, BOWED HIMSELF WITH HIS FACE TO THE GROUND AND DID OBEISANCE. The usual Oriental gesture of reverence to a king or superior is described. See on 1 Samuel 20:41. Cp. 1 Kings 1:16; 1 Kings 1:31.... [ Continue Reading ]
David pleads his innocence 9. _men's words_ Calumniators like "Cush the Benjamite," against whom Psalms 7 is directed, strove to inflame Saul's mind against David. That Psalm has been with much probability referred to this period of his life. David's protestation of innocence in 1 Samuel 24:3 of th... [ Continue Reading ]
_my father_ The address of respect and affection. Cp. 2 Kings 5:13; 2 Kings 6:21. _evil_ The same word as that rendered "thy hurt" in 1 Samuel 24:9. _my soul_ i.e. my life.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wickedness_, &c. A man's character is known by his actions. If I were wicked at heart, I should have shewn it by killing you. Cp. Matthew 7:16-20. _but mine hand shall not be upon thee_ It is not clear whether this is part of the proverb or David's own utterance. In the first case the proverb is a... [ Continue Reading ]
_after a dead dog_, &c. "A dead dog, A SINGLE flea," express what is absolutely contemptible, harmless, and insignificant. A worthy object truly for an expedition of the King of Israel with his picked troops!... [ Continue Reading ]
_plead my cause_ Cp. Psalms 35:1 ff.; possibly written about this time. _deliver me out of thy hand_ Lit. _judge me out of thy hand_: give me my right, and set me free.... [ Continue Reading ]
Saul's momentary remorse 16. _my son David_ The old fatherly feeling revived. The generous loving heart of the old days had not yet utterly perished.... [ Continue Reading ]
_find his enemy_ Get him into his power. Cp. 1 Samuel 23:17; Psalms 21:8. _will he let him go well away_ A negative answer is of course to be supplied. "No: yet thou hast done so to me: wherefore, &c.... [ Continue Reading ]
_I know well_, &c. See note on 1 Samuel 28:9. And yet, knowing the Will of God, he resists it! _the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand_ A sad echo of Samuel's words to himself, "But now thy kingdom shall not be established" (1 Samuel 13:14).... [ Continue Reading ]
_Swear now_, &c] Saul pledges his successor not to follow the barbarous Oriental custom. See on 1 Samuel 20:14.... [ Continue Reading ]
_gat them up unto the hold_ Returned to the fastnesses of En-gedi. Experience had proved that Saul's repentance was not to be trusted.... [ Continue Reading ]