1Sa 22: Background: Here insert 2Sa 23:13-17: David's 3 mighty
men and the pool of water. Psa 34 written here: "When he changed his appearance
before Achish, who drove him away..."
THE CAVE: Cp Heb 11:38.
ADULLAM: Heb "retreat", "resting place". Here David
composed Psa 57; 142. Cp Christ: without a true resting place or home or
security (Mat 8:20: Joh 7:53; 8:1).
HIS FATHER'S HOUSEHOLD: In Bethlehem (1Sa
16:1).
1Sa 22:2
ALL THOSE...: Here is the beginning of David's new
flock -- these were the "sheep" he was to protect from the beasts of
prey!
In the fulfillment of this Old Testament type, the New
Testament finds he poor of this world, "rich in faith", being called to follow
the LORD's anointed (1Co 1:26-29). "Come to me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest" (Mat 11:28,29). And they came, "outside the
camp, bearing the disgrace he bore" (Heb 13:13).
"What we know of David in this context, is that his family
heritage via a Canaanite and Moabite, had quite an impact on his view of God's
plan for Jew and Gentile. He seemed to appreciate better than any before or
after, the full import of the promise, 'in your seed shall ALL nations be
blessed.' His appreciation of his elevation to kingship over ALL Israel was
shown by his conquest of Jerusalem and the realization that he was its first
believing king since Melchizedek. David's proselytizing of Gentiles is quite
extraordinary and his second visit to Goliath's home town resulted in quite a
crop of faithful adherents to the Covenant. It also explains his building of a
tabernacle in Jerusalem with the ark as its only piece of furniture and why
James later (Acts 15) speaks of the rebuilding of the tabernacle of David (Amos
9) as being an indication of God's call to and purpose with Gentiles" (Ken
Chalmers).
IN DEBT: Had Saul given their lands and properties to
his henchmen?
ABOUT FOUR HUNDRED MEN: "Do not be afraid, little
flock..." (Luk 12:32).
1Sa 22:3
MIZPAH: A town not otherwise mentioned in the Bible.
prob west by southwest of Medeba in northern Moab.
IN MOAB: Note David's family connections with Moab,
through Ruth. The Philistines were now encamped at Bethlehem (2Sa 23:14), and
David's family could not safely return there (1Sa 22:1). Even in his sore
trials, David showed concern for his parents (cp Christ in Joh
19:26,27).
1Sa 22:5
DO NOT STAY IN THE STRONGHOLD. GO INTO THE LAND OF
JUDAH: 'Do not continue in hiding in Moab; return to your men!' Return to
the land of promise without fear (cp Abraham, Jacob, Joseph and Mary). God had
work for David in Judah: 1Sa 23.
FOREST: Or "city" (LXX). Hereth is unknown
today.
1Sa 22:6
SPEAR IN HAND: Illustrating his blood-thirsty
intentions, and the fact that he took the case of David very
personally.
1Sa 22:7
LISTEN, MEN OF BENJAMIN!: Stress on tribal loyalty:
they were not of Judah, as was David.
1Sa 22:8
WHEN MY SON MAKES A COVENANT WITH THE SON OF JESSE:
There was a league of friendship between the two, not a league of conspiracy
against Saul.
1Sa 22:12
SON OF AHITUB: A contemptuous address to the man 2nd in
rank in all of Israel.
1Sa 22:14
WHO OF ALL YOUR SERVANTS IS AS LOYAL AS DAVID...?:
Examples of faithfulness in service: Samuel (1Sa 3:20); David (1Sa 22:14); the
temple overseers (2Ki 12:15); the workers (2Ch 34:12); Hananiah (Neh 7:2);
Abraham (Neh 9:8); the treasurers (Neh 13:13); Daniel (Dan 6:4); Timothy (1Co
4:17); Epaphras (Col 1:7); Tychicus (Col 4:7); Onesimus (Col 4:9); Paul (1Ti
1:12); Moses (Heb 3:2,5); Gaius (3Jo 1:5); Jesus Christ (Rev 1:5); Antipas (Rev
2:13).