1 Samuel 22:23

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 22:20-23

Here is, 1. The escape of Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, out of the desolations of the priests? city. Probably when his father went to appear, upon Saul's summons, he was left at home to attend the altar, by which means he escaped the first execution, and, before Doeg and his bloodhounds came to Nob, he had intelligence of the danger, and had time to shift for his own safety. And whither should he go but to David? 1 Sam. 22:20. Let those that suffer for the Son of David commit the keeping of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 22:23

Abide thou with me, fear not ,.... He appeared to be in a fright; which is not to be wondered at, as not knowing what to do, and where to go and provide for his safety; when, to allay his fears, and make him easy, David invites and encourages him to stay with him, and not be afraid of Saul, nor any other: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life ; or, as Kimchi observes, it may be interpreted, "my life he seeks who seeks thy life"; we are in the same circumstances, and have the same... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 22:23

He that seeketh my life seeketh thy life - The enmity of Saul is directed against thee as well as against me, and thou canst have no safety but in being closely attached to me; and I will defend thee even at the risk of my own life. This he was bound in duty and conscience to do. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 22:17-23

The tragedy at Nob. The facts are— 1 . Saul commands his guards to slay the priests of Nob, but they refuse. 2 . Thereupon he commands Doeg to effect their death, who slays eighty-five priests, and procures the destruction of the entire city. 3 . Abiathar, escaping to David, makes known to him what has happened. 4 . David perceives that his presence at Nob was the occasion of this sad calamity, and admits that he feared the course Doeg would take. 5 . He encourages... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 22:18-23

Massacre and safeguard. The tragic interest of this passage groups itself about four men: I. SAUL AND HIS MAD TYRANNY . How much allowance may be made for actual insanity in the king God only knows. But it must not be forgotten that the disorder of his mind was largely due to his own indulgence of fierce and arrogant passions, and his wilful refusal to obey the commands of the Lord and the guidance of his prophet. He had now become quite furious in his jealousy of David and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 22:20-23

Abiathar escaped. Probably he was left in charge of the sanctuary when Ahimelech and the rest were summoned into the king's presence, and on news being brought of Saul's violence, at once made his escape, Naturally, as representing a family who, though originally Saul's friends, had suffered so much for David, he was kindly received, and a friendship commenced which lasted all David's life; but, taking at last Adonijah's side, he was deprived by Solomon of the high priesthood, and sent into... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 22:23

The characteristic generosity of David’s disposition breaks out in these words. He never forgot a friend. (Compare 2 Samuel 1:26; 2 Samuel 9:1, etc.) David acknowledges that Saul’s enmity against Abiathar is the consequence of his enmity against himself, and therefore David makes common cause with him. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 22:1-23

A fighting unit (22:1-23)David found a hiding place in the barren regions of Adullam. Here he was joined by his family, who had fled to escape the hate and revenge of Saul (22:1; see Psalms 57:0; Psalms 63:0; Psalms 142:0). Knowing this hard life would be too much for his aged parents, he left them in the care of the king of Moab, and returned to his home territory of Judah. By now a crowd of four hundred, mainly outlaws and discontented people, had joined David, and he soon built these into a... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 22:23

life = soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 . read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 22:6-23

Saul’s slaughter of the priests 22:6-23The writer’s attention focused next on Saul’s activities. He used the literary device of focusing on David, then on Saul, then on David, etc. He used the same technique in chapters 1-3 with Samuel and Eli’s sons to contrast Samuel’s goodness with the wickedness of Hophni and Phinehas. The same purpose is in view in chapters 21-31 with David and Saul.Saul was aware that some in his army, apparently even some of his tribal kinsmen from Benjamin, had deserted... read more

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