King James Version
The Book of 1 Samuel
Chapter 22
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Commentary
by G. Neil Armstrong
1 Samuel 22
In the very beginning of this chapter I noticed that when David had hidden himself from Saul, because the situation had gotten this far out of control, his brothers came to him. The very same Eliab, whose anger was kindled when David boasted loudly that Goliath ought not to be defying the God of Israel, came to David when trouble was at its peak with Saul. I suppose, in its own way, that the sons of Jesse had come to terms with the success that David had over the years as captain over a thousand. I am sure that there were many of such captains in Sauls army and that there were many thousands to lead into battle. David has hidden himself in a cave now and the least of the people, the discontented, the distressed and those who were in debt gathered together with David and he became captian over them. Now David has a small army of about four hundred men.
Sauls wickedness had gone so far that he found blame in even the priests of God, even all of them, not just Ahimelech and his house, but all the priests and their houses. None of Sauls men would do this unheard of task, so Saul turned to the little snitch Doeg( which isn't much different than "Dog") to have the priests murdered because none of them would betray David to Saul. I am glad that Abiathar was able to escape from this great slaughter. This Doeg will probably get what is comming to him and I hope it is written exactly how he comes to his demise.
Davids confidence is restored somewhat, if not completely, in that he invited Abiathar to stay with him in "safeguard". This implies that David is confident that he can and will protect Abiathar from the wrath of Saul. His army is only four hundred strong, and not all of them have experience with the sword, but David shows evidence that he is confident and that he is strong. This is common ground for David. He had become accustomed to leading an army. He has had only victory so far in battle. Now he has an army again, never mind that they are not all trained in battle or proved in armor. It is enough that they follow David and are loyal to him. David is a leader and he must lead.
We will find ourselves outside of our common ground, our familar territory, our comfort zone from time to time in our lives. We will not be comfortable in these times and will sometimes be disheartened and afraid. We will be sad and maybe feel all alone. Don't be discouraged because if we love God, He will make everything work out for the good. He will restore you to your right place, and the outcome will be greater than the first. Follow along with me in my Journey Through the Bible to see just how God will restore David and raise him up greater than he was before. God is good and His mercy will endure forever.
Sauls wickedness had gone so far that he found blame in even the priests of God, even all of them, not just Ahimelech and his house, but all the priests and their houses. None of Sauls men would do this unheard of task, so Saul turned to the little snitch Doeg( which isn't much different than "Dog") to have the priests murdered because none of them would betray David to Saul. I am glad that Abiathar was able to escape from this great slaughter. This Doeg will probably get what is comming to him and I hope it is written exactly how he comes to his demise.
Davids confidence is restored somewhat, if not completely, in that he invited Abiathar to stay with him in "safeguard". This implies that David is confident that he can and will protect Abiathar from the wrath of Saul. His army is only four hundred strong, and not all of them have experience with the sword, but David shows evidence that he is confident and that he is strong. This is common ground for David. He had become accustomed to leading an army. He has had only victory so far in battle. Now he has an army again, never mind that they are not all trained in battle or proved in armor. It is enough that they follow David and are loyal to him. David is a leader and he must lead.
We will find ourselves outside of our common ground, our familar territory, our comfort zone from time to time in our lives. We will not be comfortable in these times and will sometimes be disheartened and afraid. We will be sad and maybe feel all alone. Don't be discouraged because if we love God, He will make everything work out for the good. He will restore you to your right place, and the outcome will be greater than the first. Follow along with me in my Journey Through the Bible to see just how God will restore David and raise him up greater than he was before. God is good and His mercy will endure forever.
