Wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod - Rather, “in the cloak,” Goliath’s military cloak, which was part of the dedicated trophy. The ephod was naturally hung up where the high priest alone could get at it. read more
Achish king of Gath - It appears from the title that Psalms 34:0 was composed on this occasion. (See the note there.) Nothing can give a more lively impression of the straits to which David was reduced than the fact of his going to the country of the Philistines. read more
1 Samuel 21:8-9. The king’s business required haste He pretended to Ahimelech, that the reason why he had not brought his sword or any weapon with him was, because he had not time to go to his house; the king pressing him to go immediately about his business. Wrapped in a cloth behind the 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... read more
1 Samuel 21:10. David arose and fed to Achish A miserable condition, to be forced to flee to those for protection who were naturally his bitter enemies. For this was the city of Goliath whom he had slain, and whose sword he had now about him. But it must be considered that Saul’s rage was so great, and his power and diligence also in hunting after him, that he despaired of escaping any other way; and a desperate disease requireth a desperate remedy. Perhaps indeed he thought he should not... read more
Flight from Saul (21:1-15)The first place to which David fled was Nob, which, since the destruction of Shiloh, had become the city of priests (21:1). About this time a few personal servants joined him, according to an arrangement he had made with them earlier. David obtained food for himself and his men by deceiving Ahimelech the priest concerning the purpose of his journey. Unfortunately for him, and for Ahimelech and the other priests, he was seen by someone sympathetic to Saul (2-9).From Nob... read more
behold . Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 . read more
for fear of Saul = from the face of Saul. read more
DAVID'S IMMEDIATE FLIGHT TO ACHISH; KING OF GATH"And David rose and fled that day from Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath. And the servants of Achish said to him, "Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances,`Saul has slain his thousands,and David his ten thousands'"?And David took these words to heart, and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. So he changed his behavior before them, and feigned himself mad in their hand, and made marks... read more
1 Samuel 21:9. The sword of Goliath— It was the custom among the pagans to consecrate in their temples the spoils of their enemies; but it does not appear from the face of the history, that this sword of Goliath's had been consecrated as a religious trophy; and it might be left with Ahimelech to be forthcoming upon occasion: and that it was so, seems probable; for if it had been dedicated as a trophy, it would have been placed, trophy-like, in some conspicuous point of view; whereas this sword... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 21:10-15
Uncertain light. The facts are— 1 . In continued fear of Saul, David flees to the king of Gath. 2 . Being recognised as the conqueror of Goliath, he fears the consequences. 3 . To escape vengeance he feigns madness. 4 . Achish the king thereupon refuses to have him in his service. There is no evidence that David received any Divine direction through the high priest, but the reverse ( 1 Samuel 22:15 ). He appears to have been left to the exercise of his own judgment as to... read more