1 Samuel 23:16 NIV

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

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 23:16

16, 17. Jonathan went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God—by the recollection of their mutual covenant. What a victory over natural feelings and lower considerations must the faith of Jonathan have won, before he could seek such an interview and give utterance to such sentiments! To talk with calm and assured confidence of himself and family being superseded by the man who was his friend by the bonds of a holy and solemn covenant, could only have been done by one who,... 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 23:16

(16) And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David.—Some have wished to show that the account of the last interview between the friends really belongs to the secret meeting between David and Jonathan recounted in 1 Samuel 20:0, and that it has got transposed; but such a view is quite untenable, for the narrative here is circumstantial, and even mentions the scene of the interview—“the wood,” or, less probable, the town named “Horesh.” The expression “strengthened his hand in God” is added by... 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

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 23:1-29

David remains devoted to his people Israel. It is disturbing to him to hear that the Philistines were fighting against Keilah and robbing grain from the threshing floors. Saul shows no concern for the welfare of these persecuted Israelites, but David enquires of the Lord as to whether he should attack the Philistines and save Keilah. The Lord's answer is definite and clear: they spoke of being afraid even where they were in hiding: how much more if they came into open warfare with the... read more

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 23:1-29

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 23:16

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 23:1-29

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 23:15-18

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 23:15-23

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 23:1-29

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 23:16

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 23:1-29

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Samuel 23:1-29

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 23:1-29

Group of Brands