1 Sam. 22 David cometh to Adullam, where companies resort to him, 1 Sam. 22:1–2. He goeth to Mizpeh, and commendeth his parents to the king of Moab, 1 Sam. 22:3–4. Admonished by Gad, he returneth to Judah: Saul pursueth him; complaineth of his servants’ unfaithfulness, 1 Sam. 22:5–8.

The cave Adullam; a place of considerable strength, 2 Sam. 23:13, 1 Chron. 11:15, in the land of Judah, Josh. 15:21, Josh. 15:35, which being his own tribe, and the tribe to which God had first promised the kingdom, Gen. 49:10, he hoped for some protection and assistance there.

Every one that was in distress, through want, or oppression, or otherwise. Every one that was in debt. How could David receive and countenance such persons to the wrong of their creditors? Answ. 1.

Mizpeh of Moab; so called, to distinguish it from that Mizpeh, 1 Sam. 7:5. He said unto the king of Moab; partly because he was related to and descended from one of his people, Ruth 4:10; and partly because he was Saul’s enemy, 1 Sam. 14:47, and therefore more likely to be David’s friend.

Before the king of Moab; into his presence, that he might see them, and give them leave to dwell in his dominion. In the hold; either, 1. In Mizpeh of Moab, which was a very strong hold.

Abide not in the hold; do not shut up thyself in holes and holds. Get thee into the land of Judah; go and show thyself in the land of Judah, that thou mayst publicly put in thy claim to the kingdom after Saul’s death, and that thy friends may be invited and encouraged to appear on thy behalf.

In Ramah, i.e. in the territory of Gibeah, in or near (for so the Hebrew particle is oft used, as hath been showed) Ramah. Or, in the town of Gibeah—in a high place; for so the word Ramah unquestionably signifies; and so it is here rendered by some, both ancient and modern, interpreters.

Ye Benjamites; you that are of my own tribe and kindred, from whom David designs to translate the kingdom to another tribe, will he distribute profits and preferments amongst you Benjamites as I have done, and intend still to do? will he not rather prefer those of his own tribe before you?

My son hath made a league with the son of Jesse: this he suspected, partly from Jonathan’s passionate love for David, which he had formerly and constantly declared; and from his late discontent and departure from his father, mentioned 1 Sam.

See Poole “1 Sam. 21:7”.

He inquired of the Lord for him: this is not recorded 1 Sam. 21:0, and therefore some think that Doeg, to curry favour with Saul, feigned this; for it is certain David chargeth him with the sin of lying, Ps.

All his father’s house; of the house of Eli, which God had threatened to cut off, 1 Sam. 2:31.

Thou son of Ahitub; he shows his contempt and anger, that he would not vouchsafe to name him: See Poole “1 Sam. 20:27”.

He doth not determine the differences between Saul and David, nor affirm what David now was; but only declared what David had formerly been, both really, and in public fame and opinion.

Any thing, or, this thing, to wit, which thou now chargest me with, that I should assist David in any evil design against thee. Thy servant knew nothing of all this; or, of thy suspicion concerning him.

Choosing rather to offend the king, by disobeying his wicked and bloody command, than to offend God, by shedding the blood of such innocent and sacred persons.

Turn thou; or, go about, to wit, from man to man, till thou hast killed all. The Edomite; which is noted to wipe off the stain of this butchery from the Israelitish nation, and to show why he was so ready to do it, because he was one of that nation which had an implacable hatred against all…

He; either Saul, or Doeg, with the help of some others whom Saul appointed to that work. By this barbarous and bloody fact Saul thought to affright all his subjects from giving any countenance or assistance to David.

Abiathar, by his father’s death, was now high priest, Fled after David, to Keilah, 1 Sam. 23:6–7.

I knew it; his malice and ambition made me suspect that he would do it.

Because God will certainly preserve me to the kingdom which he hath promised; and I by his help will protect thee.