DAVID WENT TO NOB: Note David's desire, even in flight,
to see the tabernacle of the Lord (cp Psa 84:1,2,10; 42:3,4).
NOB: On Mt Olivet, northeast of city.
AHIMELECH: Apparent contradiction: Called Abiathar in
Mar 2:26. But consider these two genealogies: (a) Ahitub (1Sa 14:3) is father of
Ahimelech (1Sa 14:3; 22:20), who is father of Abiathar (1Sa 22:20); and (b)
Ahitub (2Sa 8:17) is father of Abiathar (2Sa 8:17; 1Ch 18:16), who is father of
Ahimelech (2Sa 8:17; 1Ch 18:16; 24:6). Both father and son have both names (WS
246).
TREMBLED WHEN HE MET HIM: He realized David was a
fugitive, and that it was dangerous to harbor him.
WHY ARE YOU ALONE? WHY IS NO ONE WITH YOU?: Not
completely true (cp v 4; Mat 12:3), but David's past reputation would seem to
warrant more men with him.
1Sa 21:2
David lies; and this lie brings death to several hundred
people (v 7; 1Sa 22:9...).
1Sa 21:3
The man anointed to be king, and master of great treasures,
has been reduced to a beggar!
1Sa 21:5
Alternative renderings: "And David answered the priest, and
said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days,
since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in
a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel"
(KJV).
1Sa 21:7
DOEG: "Fearful, timid". His name appears six times:
here; 1Sa 22:9,18,22; Psa 52 title. Perhaps Doeg is embittered by some enforced
detention at the hands of the priests -- some ceremonial defilement about which
he cares not at all. Later he eagerly kills these priests (1Sa 22:9).
1Sa 21:8
DON'T YOU HAVE A SPEAR OR SWORD HERE?: David fears Doeg
-- as he later states (1Sa 22:22).
THE KING'S BUSINESS: Cp Christ in Luk 2:49.
1Sa 21:9
Evidently the head of Goliath and his personal effects had all
been taken to Jerusalem, ie to Nob, next to Jerusalem (1Sa 17:54).
THERE IS NONE LIKE IT; GIVE IT TO ME: David, who had
once spurned the best of Hebrew weapons and armor, when offered by King Saul
(1Sa 17:39) now trusts in the equipment of a Philistine. How much had this
"incomparable" sword done for Goliath when he faced the young shepherd boy? Ct
1Sa 17:45,47.
1Sa 21:11
The Philistines appear to have more faith than David: 'Isn't
this the man who slew Goliath? Isn't he the real king of the land?'
THEIR DANCES: Heb "mecholah" -- the dances of Psa 52
subscription, written at this time. How differently David "dances"
now!
1Sa 21:13
SO HE PRETENDED TO BE INSANE: Did this really fool
Achish? Or did he release David, hoping he would foment civil war with Saul?
(Tes 43:305).
When mingling with the world, in places where we should not
be, do we hope not to be recognized for what we are -- ie Christians? Such
deception invariably fails: as for Abraham in Egypt, Peter at denial of
Jesus.
1Sa 21:15
AM I SHORT OF MADMEN?: Jewish tradition alleges that
the wife and daughter of Achish were mad (Tes 43:305).