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Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 21:7

7. Doeg, an Edomite—who had embraced the Hebrew religion. detained before the Lord—at the tabernacle, perhaps, in the performance of a vow, or from its being the Sabbath, which rendered it unlawful for him to prosecute his journey. the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul—Eastern monarchs anciently had large possessions in flocks and herds; and the office of the chief shepherd was an important one. :-. HE TAKES GOLIATH'S SWORD. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 21:9

9. sword of Goliath—(See on 1 Samuel 21:1). behind the ephod—in the place allowed for keeping the sacred vestments, of which the ephod is mentioned as the chief. The giant's sword was deposited in that safe custody as a memorial of the divine goodness in delivering Israel. There is none like that—not only for its size and superior temper, but for its being a pledge of the divine favor to him, and a constant stimulus to his faith. 1 Samuel 21:1- :. AT GATH HE FEIGNS HIMSELF MAD. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 21:10

10. David . . . fled . . . to Achish the king of Gath—which was one of the five principalities of the Philistines. In this place his person must have been known, and to venture into that country, he their greatest enemy, and with the sword of Goliath in his hand, would seem to have been a perilous experiment; but, doubtless, the protection he received implies that he had been directed by the divine oracle. Achish was generous ( :-). He might wish to weaken the resources of Saul, and it was... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 21:1-9

David’s flight to Nob 21:1-9Nob stood one and one-half miles northeast of Jerusalem and two and one-half miles southeast of Gibeah. It stood on what is now called Mt. Scopus. There Ahimelech served as high priest. Priestly activity, and evidently the tabernacle, were now there (cf. 1 Samuel 17:54). It is significant that David’s first place of refuge was among God’s chosen representatives on earth. He wanted to get help from the Lord through them (cf. 1 Samuel 22:10) as he had done in the past... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 21:1-15

1. David’s initial movements chs. 21-22"The two chapters comprise a literary unit of three sections arranged in chiastic order. Chapters 1 Samuel 21:1-9 and 1 Samuel 22:6-23 are concerned with the priestly compound at Nob in Benjamin while the central section (1 Samuel 21:10 to 1 Samuel 22:5) summarizes David’s flight to Gath in Philistia, Adullam in Judah, and Mizpah in Moab." [Note: Youngblood, p. 727.] read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 21:10-15

David’s flight to Gath 21:10-15David’s next refuge also proved to be insecure. It is a mystery why he sought refuge with Goliath’s sword in that giant’s hometown. As Chuck Swindoll once said, David would have been as conspicuous in Gath as Dolly Parton in a convent. Evidently he thought he would be welcome in Gath since he was fleeing from Saul. Perhaps he went there since Achish was an enemy of Saul’s, as David was. The people identified David at once and called him Israel’s king (1 Samuel... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 21:1-15

The Flight of DavidDavid first of all flees to Nob, where Ahimelech supplies him with food and gives him the sword of Goliath. He next takes refuge with Achish at Gath.1. Nob] see on 1 Samuel 17:54. Alone] He had no escort or retinue.3. Better, ’Now, therefore, what is under thine hand? Five loaves? Give them into mine hand.’4. Hallowed bread] i.e. the shewbread. It was removed every sabbath and fresh loaves substituted.5. Better, ’of a truth women have been kept from us as is usual, when I go... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 21:7

(7) A certain man.—Among the personages who surround Saul in the Bible story appears incidentally the keeper of the royal mules, and chief of the household slaves, the “Comes stabuli,” “the constable of the king,” as appears in the later monarchy. “He is the first instance of a foreigner employed in a high function in Israel, being an Edomite, or Syrian, of the name of Doeg—according to Jewish tradition, the steward who accompanied Saul in his pursuit after the asses, who counselled him to send... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 21:8

(8) Spear or sword?—We may well suppose to what David pointed when he made his request—the famous sword, the trophy of the combat which had for ever made his name illustrious. In the first flush of gratitude to the invisible One who had stood by him in the hour of peril, he had doubtless taken and presented to the sanctuary guardians, as an offering to be kept for ever, a memorial of the victory of Israel over the uncircumcised; but now, in his hour of need and humiliation, he needed all the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 21:9

(9) The sword of Goliath the Philistine.—It was in safe guardianship, that trusty sword of the mightiest of the Philistines, stained perhaps with the blood of the brave but unworthy priests, Hophni and Phineas, the sons of Eli, whom Goliath was believed to have slain in the fatal battle when the Ark was taken, and the power of Israel shattered for many a long year. It was wrapped up and lying in a place of honour behind the sacred ephod with the Urim and Thummim—wrapped up, it has been... read more

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