E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 23:18
covenant . Some codices, with two early printed editions, add "in a wood". read more
撒母耳记上 23:17-18 Cunpss
E.W. Bullinger
Thomas Coke
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 23:17-18
1 Samuel 23:17-18. And I shall be next unto, &c.— i.e. "The "next person to thee in thy kingdom." And they too made a covenant before the Lord; that is, solemnly renewed the covenant which they had formerly made. Jonathan's conduct in this remarkable transaction appears truly disinterested, generous, and great. He could not now be ignorant of David's destination to the throne of Israel by the will of God, and knew that nothing could prevent his succession to it, as God had appointed it. In... read more
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 23:1-29
2. Saul’s pursuit of David ch. 23The literary spotlight now moves back from Saul to David and his activities."We have just witnessed how Saul, in an outburst of rage, became responsible for the destruction of the priestly city of Nob. In ch. 23, David, even while on the run from Saul, is shown saving a city from Philistine attack." [Note: Gordon, I & II Samuel . . ., p. 175.] read more
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 23:15-18
Jonathan’s encouragement of David 23:15-18The town of Ziph was 12 miles southeast of Keilah, and the wilderness of Ziph was near the town. Ziph stood in the wilderness area of Judah whereas Keilah was in the more hospitable Shephelah. The sites of Horesh (1 Samuel 23:15) and Hachilah (1 Samuel 23:19) are not certain.Jonathan risked his own safety to encourage his friend again. God had used Abiathar to encourage David recently in Keilah (1 Samuel 23:6). Jonathan encouraged David "in God" (cf. 1... read more
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 23:15-23
David in the wilderness of Ziph 23:15-23David had sought and received divine guidance and had succeeded at Keilah (1 Samuel 23:1-14). Now Saul sought and received human guidance and failed near Ziph (1 Samuel 23:15-23). Jonathan visited David to encourage his friend in this wilderness, but David had to flee again because the inhabitants of Ziph also threatened to betray him. read more
John Dummelow
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 23:1-29
David delivers Keilah and afterwards retires to the Wilderness of Ziph and maon6. With an ephod in his hand] This is inserted to explain how it was that David was able to enquire of the Lord: see on 1 Samuel 14:18.9. Secretly practised] RV ’devised.’ There was no secrecy about Saul’s methods.14. Ziph] identified with Tell Zif, a rounded hill, 4 m. SE. of Hebron. 15. In a wood] RM ’in Horesh.’ But the true rendering is doubtful. If a proper name, it was more probably a mountain than a wood (cp.... read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 23:17
(17) And I shall be next unto thee.—To us—who read a few pages on in the record of these times how this same generous, loving friend found a grave on Mount Gilboa instead of a home with David, whom he admired with so ungrudging an admiration—these words of Jonathan possess a pathetic interest of their own. That brave, romantic career was nearly run when he met David for the last time in the woods of Ziph. As far as we can judge, if Jonathan had lived he would have certainly ceded any rights he... read more
William Nicoll
Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 23:1-29
CHAPTER XXX.DAVID AT KEILAH, ZIPH, AND MAON.1 Samuel 23:1-29.THE period of David’s life shortly sketched in this chapter, must have been full of trying and exciting events. If we knew all the details, they would probably be full of romantic interest; many a tale of privation, disease, discomfort, on the one hand, and of active conflicts and hair-breadth escapes on the other. The district which he frequented was a mountainous tract, bordering on the west coast of the Dead Sea, and lying exposed... read more
Arno Clemens Gaebelein
Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Samuel 23:1-29
CHAPTER 23 1. The victory over the Philistines at Keilah (1 Samuel 23:1-13 ) 2. In the wilderness of Ziph (1 Samuel 23:14-26 ) 3. Saul’s return (1 Samuel 23:27-29 ) Keilah was about six miles southeast of Adullam. David heard of the invasion of the Philistines that they were fighting against this walled city. And he inquired of the Lord, through Abiathar, who had an ephod (verse 6). David’s inquiry of the Lord shows the man of faith in his submission to the Lord. He had his lapses, but... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 23:1-29
Saul’s fierce hunt (23:1-24:22)Since Abiathar had brought with him the high priest’s ephod (containing the Urim and Thummim), David was able to ask and receive God’s direct guidance. God’s first direction was to rescue the Israelite town of Keilah from the raiding Philistines (23:1-6). As soon as he had defeated the Philistines, David withdrew from Keilah. He knew that Saul’s army was larger and better equipped than his. He knew also that he could not trust the people of Keilah to stand with... read more