1 Samuel 23:6 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 23:1-6

Now we find why the prophet Gad (by divine direction, no doubt) ordered David to go into the land of Judah, 1 Sam. 22:5. It was that, since Saul neglected the public safety, he might take care of it, notwithstanding the ill treatment that was given him; for he must render good for evil, and therein be a type of him who not only ventured his life, but laid down his life, for those that were his enemies. I. Tidings are brought to David, as to the patron and protector of his country's liberties,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 23:6

And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah ,.... Either when he was there, or near the place: that he came down with an ephod in his hand ; not with a linen ephod on his back, which the priests in common wore, but the ephod with the Urim and Thummim in his hand, which was peculiar to the high priest; and his father the high priest being dead, it belonged to him, and therefore he took care to bring it with him; though the words may be literally... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 23:6

Came down with an ephod - I think this verse should come immediately after 1 Samuel 23:1 ; (note). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 23:6

When Abiathar … fled to David to Koilah, he came down with an ephod in his hand. Literally, "an ephod came down in his hand, and so, word for word, the Syriac. The object of this verse is to explain how it was that David (in 1 Samuel 23:2 and 1 Samuel 23:4 ) was able to inquire of Jehovah. The words to Keilah —Hebrew, Kelah-wards—do not mean that it was at Keilah that Abiathar joined David, but that he came in time to go thither with him. In 1 Samuel 22:20 it seems as if Abiathar... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 23:6-12

Misinterpretation and miscalculation. The facts are— 1 . The moral position of David at Keilah is strengthened by the presence of Abiathar with the ephod. 2 . Saul, believing David to be shut up in the city, prepares a force to lay siege to Keilah. 3 . David, aware of this, has recourse to the ephod, and asks through Abiathar whether Saul was really coming, and whether, in case he came, the men of Keilah would give him up to Saul. 4 . He receives an affirmative reply to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 23:6

1 Samuel 23:6. He came down with an ephod Rather, with the ephod, namely, the high-priest’s ephod, wherein were the Urim and Thummim. For Abiathar, being left, it is probable, to keep the sanctuary, while his father Ahimelech and the rest of the priests went to wait upon Saul, as soon as he heard of their slaughter he took this principal vestment of the high-priest, and carried it to David. Thus God, in the course of his providence, gave him an opportunity, while Doeg, the butcher,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 23:6

fled. Compare 1 Samuel 22:20 . This verse is the Figure of speech Hysteresis. App-6 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Samuel 23:6

DAVID WARNED BY GOD TO LEAVE KEILAH"When Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, he came down with an ephod in his hand. Now it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah. And Saul said, "God has given him into my hand; for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars." And Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. David knew that Saul was plotting evil against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 23:6

6. an ephod—in which was the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30). It had, probably, been committed to his care, while Ahimelech and the other priests repaired to Gibeah, in obedience to the summons of Saul. Exodus 28:30- :. SAUL'S COMING, AND TREACHERY OF THE KEILITES. read more