1Sa 31:1

1Sa 31: Saul’s divine commission had been to save Israel from the Philistines (1Sa 9:16). But ironically he dies at their hand — such is the measure of his failure.

“The sad story of a king who commenced so well, is concluded. Israel’s forces had been led by his foolish, suicidal actions to Gilboa, under challenge from the Philistine camp. With complete abandonment, Saul sought the advice of a witch at Endor, beyond the Philistine lines, but received no answer of peace. Instead, she confirmed his folly, and sent him to his death. In this the witch returned the judgments upon Saul that he had earlier, obediently, executed according to the law of God against witches. But Saul took the whole nation into despair, as he stood for the last time with his son Jonathan on the hills of Gilboa. It was the final act in a life of tragic drama: forty years of misrule came to an end. The former valiant king stood with his armour-bearer in a last, desperate action. If Saul’s armor-bearer was Doeg, then they both fell by the same sword as slew the priests of Nob. So, again, the Philistines stood in triumph, a symbol of mankind’s rebellion against God. But in the death of Saul would be accomplished the life of David. Shortly, he would be elevated to the monarchy, and commence a different reign from the former forty years. In this is a type of the conquest of Christ over the sin-power; first in himself at Golgotha; finally in his people redeemed from the misrule of Saul” (GEM).

1Sa 31:2

Saul’s sons all die, to make way for David to assume kingship (cp Samuel’s words in 1Sa 28:19).

ABINADAB: Prob the same as Ishvi in 1Sa 14:49.

1Sa 31:4

Saul killed himself — the Amalekite lied (2Sa 1:10).

1Sa 31:6

ALL HIS MEN: Prob all his special bodyguard — except for Abner, who survived.

1Sa 31:9

Vv 9,10: Cp death of Goliath: 1Sa 17:54; 21:9. “God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them” (Psa 53:5).

1Sa 31:10

BETH SHAN: In this area lies the 263 ft high tell of Beth-shean, one of the oldest cities in Bible Lands. The remains of 20 layers of settlement have been found going back more than three thousand years BC. The Israelites failed to conquer the city in Joshua’s time (Jos 17:16; Jdg 1:27), and the fortified town was still under Philistine control in the time of Saul, the first king of Israel. When Saul and his sons were slain in battle their bodies were hung on the walls of this city by the victors (1Sa 31:6-13). Beth-shean is included in the cities of Solomon’s kingdom (1Ki 4:12). When the Greek empire dominated the area the city was known as Scythopolis. Pliny, the Roman author (1st cent AD) mentions the city in his writings. It was one of the cities in the Roman province of Decapolis which was visited by Jesus (Mar 7:31). The city was further developed by the Romans and all around the ancient tell the archaeologists are busy uncovering this large city that was devastated by an earthquake. A recent find is a mosaic featuring the portrait of a zebra, an animal not found in Israel.

1Sa 31:11

THE PEOPLE OF JABESH GILEAD: Was Saul descended from one of the 400 virgins of Jabesh Gilead who were given to the Benjamites (Jdg 21:8-12…)? Saul had rescued their city from the Ammonites (1Sa 11).

1Sa 31:12

WHERE THEY BURNED THEM: Fear of infection? Amo 6:10.

1Sa 31:13

THEIR BONES: These bones, later removed by David to land of Benjamin (2Sa 2:12-14).

Author: Possibly Samuel, Nathan and Gad (see 1Ch 29:29).

Period: c 1100 BC (the birth of Samuel) to c 970 (the close of David’s reign).

Title: In the original Heb text, 1 and 2 Samuel are counted as one book called “Samuel.” In the LXX, the book was divided into two due to the length of the scrolls then in use. In the Greek OT, the Books of Samuel are referred to as the First and Second Books of Kingdoms. The Latin Vulgate entitles the same books the First and Second Books of Kings.

Summary: 1 Samuel is the first of two historical books that illustrate Israel’s transition from a loose confederation of tribes to a strong and united nation. It portrays the anointing of the first king of Israel, Saul, by the prophet Samuel. It then recounts the degenerating reign of Saul and his loss of the throne to David, a man after God’s own heart. 2 Samuel begins with the death of Saul and the ascension of David to the throne. The rest of the book records military conquests and political intrigues during David’s reign. It concludes with the blessing of Solomon by David.

Key verses:

“We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles” (1Sa 8:19-20).

“When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2Sa 7:12-13).

OUTLINE

1. David, king of Hebron (2Sa 1-4)

1. David mourns for Saul and Jonathan (2Sa 1:1-27)
2. David is anointed king of Judah (2Sa 2:1-7)
3. Ishbaal king of Israel (2Sa 2:8-11)
4. The battle of Gibeon (2Sa 2:12-32)
5. Abner defects to David (2Sa 3:1-21)
6. Abner Is killed by Joab (2Sa 3:22-39)
7. Ishbaal is assassinated (2Sa 4:1-12)

2. David, king at Jerusalem (2Sa 5-10)

1. David is anointed king of all Israel (2Sa 5:1-5)
2. Jerusalem is made capital of the united kingdom (2Sa 5:6-16)
3. Philistine attack is repulsed (2Sa 5:17-25)
4. David brings the ark to Jerusalem (2Sa 6:1-23)
5. God’s covenant with David (2Sa 7:1-17)
6. David’s prayer (2Sa 7:18-29)
7. David’s wars (2Sa 8:1-14)
8. David’s officers (2Sa 8:15-18)
9. David’s kindness to Mephibosheth (2Sa 9:1-13)
10. The Ammonites and Arameans are defeated (2Sa 10:1-19)

3. David’s personal life (2Sa 11; 12)

1. David commits adultery with Bathsheba (2Sa 11:1-13)
2. David has Uriah killed (2Sa 11:14-27)
3. Nathan condemns David (2Sa 12:1-15)
4. Bathsheba’s child dies (2Sa 12:16-23)
5. Solomon is born (2Sa 12:24-25)
6. The Ammonites are crushed (2Sa 12:26-31)

4. Trouble in David’s court (2Sa 13-20)

1. Amnon and Tamar (2Sa 13:1-22)
2. Absalom avenges the violation of his sister (2Sa 13:23-39)
3. Absalom returns to Jerusalem (2Sa 14:1-24)
4. David forgives Absalom (2Sa 14:25-33)
5. Absalom usurps the throne (2Sa 15:1-12)
6. David flees from Jerusalem (2Sa 15:13-31)
7. Hushai becomes David’s spy (2Sa 15:32-37)
8. David’s adversaries (2Sa 16:1-4)
9. Shimei curses David (2Sa 16:5-14)
10. The counsel of Ahithophel (2Sa 17:1-4)
11. The counsel of Hushai (2Sa 17:5-14)
12. Hushai warns David to escape (2Sa 17:15-29)
13. The defeat and death of Absalom (2Sa 18:1-18)
14. David hears of Absalom’s death (2Sa 18:19-32)
15. David mourns for Absalom (2Sa 19:1-8)
16. David is recalled to Jerusalem (2Sa 19:9-18)
17. David’s mercy to Shimei (2Sa 19:19-23)
18. David and Mephibosheth meet (2Sa 19:24-30)
19. David’s kindness to Barzillai (2Sa 19:31-43)
20. The rebellion of Sheba (2Sa 20:1-26)

5. Appendix (2Sa 21-24)

1. David avenges the Gibeonites (2Sa 21:1-14)
2. Exploits of David’s men (2Sa 21:15-22)
3. David’s song of thanksgiving (2Sa 22:1-51)
4. The last words of David (2Sa 23:1-7)
5. David’s Mighty Men (2Sa 23:8-39)
6. David’s census of Israel and Judah (2Sa 24:1-9)
7. Judgment on David’s sin (2Sa 24:10-17)
8. David’s altar on the threshing floor (2Sa 24:18-25)

2Sa 1:1

See Lesson, Josh–Samuel, typical history.

See Lesson, 1Sa / 2Sa, overview.

2Sa: “The book of David’s reign covers a period of forty years. David was 30 when he commenced to reign (2Sa 4:5). It is generally believed that Samuel wrote 1Sa 1-24, and the balance was the work of Nathan and Gad (1Ch 29:29,30). The record of David’s triumph comprises 2Sa 1-10. 2Sa 1-4 deals with David as king over Judah at Hebron. 2Sa 5-10, including civil war for 7 years, records the events when David ruled as king over Israel in Jerusalem. The second section outlines David’s troubles: 2Sa 13-24. 2Sa 11,12 outlines David’s sin. 2Sa 13-18: David’s family troubles, from Amnon’s sin to Absalom’s revolt. 2Sa 19-24 outlines David’s national troubles, from Sheba’s revolt to the judgment of pestilence.

“It is a dramatic account of the rise, fall and rise again of Israel’s greatest king, the man after God’s own heart. The tender compassion, the fervent spirit, the godly attitude, are all contained within the record, and when blended with the Psalms, there is seen the whole man; a man acquainted with grief, tribulation and failure, and yet a man who manifests the true spirit of repentance and of fulness of love for the things of the Spirit. It is a record borne out of a true spiritual, godly friendship: that of his great friend Jonathan. No wonder the first ch records ‘The Lamentation of the Bow’, and concludes with the special testimony to his friend: 2Sa 1:25-27. It was a friendship which united two men upon the basis of the Truth; a mutual recognition of Yahweh’s purpose, and a willingness to merge themselves to the honour of the divine Will” (GEM).

2Sa 1: “At long last, the man who had hounded David from pillar to post around Israel and indeed had driven him from Israel, was dead. He was the man who had made family life for David impossible. It is likely that David never again saw his mother and his father after he joined Saul’s court. He was hounded out of Israel, and the most frightful impact on this faithful man was his lament to Saul, ‘You have driven me from the heritage of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods!’ His life hung on a thread on more than one occasion and he had been mercilessly harassed and ill-treated by Yahweh’s anointed. Saul’s death might have been an occasion for joy and relief. It might have been time to allow the huge grudge against Saul to be lifted. It might have been time to reward a bragging Amalekite. At last, life could return to normal.

“But instead… what a lament! ‘The beauty of Israel is slain upon the high places! How are the mighty fallen!.. Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. Lovely? Pleasant? Saul???’ David’s magnanimity and love for one who had harassed, threatened and sought to kill him for so long is breathtakingly beautiful and immensely moving. He loved one who was undeserving of his love. In the face of condemnation, evil talk and murderous intent, David was not easily provoked and answered not a word. His love covered a multitude of sins.

“A fitting example of his greater Son. And a fitting reminder too of what it means to be a man or woman after God’s own heart” (KC).

2Sa 1:2

A MAN ARRIVED FROM SAUL’S CAMP: Cp the messenger at Shiloh when ark was captured: 1Sa 4:12.

2Sa 1:6

I HAPPENED TO BE ON MOUNT GILBOA: How does one “happen to be” in the midst of a fierce battle? Clearly this is a fabrication; he is more likely a “vulture”, or robber of corpses.

2Sa 1:10

This account contradicts 1Sa 31:4,5. This man is lying, thinking to curry David’s favor (2Sa 4:10).

AND I TOOK THE CROWN THAT WAS ON HIS HEAD: Saul had been commanded to exterminate the Amalekites (1Sa 15:8-26). Now one of the them removes his royal crown. How ironic!

2Sa 1:11

AND ALL HIS MEN: The men showed the same sentiment as their leader.

2Sa 1:12

JONATHAN… HOUSE OF ISRAEL: Twofold mourning: for the true saints and for the nation of Israel.

2Sa 1:13

THE SON OF AN ALIEN, AN AMALEKITE: But prob one living in Israel, who presumably served the Lord and His Anointed (v 14).

2Sa 1:14

David could not be an accomplice to such a deed.

2Sa 1:16

YOUR BLOOD BY ON YOUR OWN HEAD: ‘May the blood you have shed be on you too!’

2Sa 1:17

Vv 17-27: David’s authentic grief: “Love your enemy”. His allegiance to the LORD’s Anointed. Cp Jesus, who wept over the Jerusalem that was about to crucify him (Mat 23:37-39). (But note also that the song begins and ends esp with Jonathan.)

2Sa 1:18

THIS LAMENT OF THE BOW: Not “the use of the bow” (as in KJV).

THE BOOK OF JASHAR: Cp Jos 10:13. A poetic book of Israel’s history. “Jashar” = Israel (cp Jeshurun: Deu 32:15).

2Sa 1:19

HOW: Heb “eyek”: an interjection of sorrow, surprise. Sw vv 25,27; Lam 1:1; 2:1; 4:1.

2Sa 1:21

See Lesson, Double negative, Hebrew.

DEFILED: “Cast away” or “rejected”, as many soldiers fled away in disgrace.

NO LONGER RUBBED WITH OIL: Not greased with oil in preparation for battle. And, by implication, Saul himself — once anointed by Samuel — now no longed the Anointed of the LORD.

2Sa 1:23

LOVED: Heb “ahab”.

GRACIOUS: Heb “nayim”: beautiful, sweet (cp v 26).

2Sa 1:24

O DAUGHTERS OF ISRAEL: Who would go out to welcome home the warriors.

2Sa 1:26

YOUR LOVE FOR ME WAS WONDERFUL: Jonathan’s wonderful self-denial and loyalty to the Lord’s new Anointed, David, when he might have himself expected to have a throne: 1Sa 18:1,3,4. “He must increase; I must decrease” (cp Joh 3:29,30).

MORE WONDERFUL THAN THAT OF WOMEN: “David’s further statement that Jonathan’s ‘love’ for him was ‘more wonderful than that of women,’ although occasionally (and perversely) understood in a homosexual sense, should rather be understood to have covenantal connotations, ‘love’ in such contexts meaning ‘covenantal/political loyalty’ (see comment on 1Sa 18:1-4…). Indeed, the Hebrew word for ‘love’ is translated ‘friendship’ in a similar context (Psa 109:4-5).

“The Hebrew roots underlying the words ‘dear’ and ‘love’ in v 26 are repeated from v 23 but in reverse order (‘loved and gracious’). ‘The first word bespeaks physical attraction, a trait [Jonathan] shared with David himself (cf 1Sa 16:12). The second word expresses an elemental devotion, a devotion he shared distinctively with David. Taken together the two words articulate a peculiar and precious bonding with David’ (Brueggemann)” (EBC).

2Sa 2:1

DAVID INQUIRED OF THE LORD: Urim and Thummim (Num 27:21; 1Sa 23:6,9; 30:7,8).

2Sa 2:5

Concern for Saul, the LORD’s Anointed. Also, an astute political move.

2Sa 2:8

ABNER… HAD TAKEN ISH-BOSHETH…: Ish-bosheth is only a weak puppet; Abner is the real power.

ISH-BOSHETH: Ish-Bosheth is a Hebrew name meaning “man of shame.” Comparison of several Old Testament passages indicates that this man was referred to under several names. In 1Sa 14:49 the name is probably Ishvi (ASV) or Ishui (KJV), unless this is another name for Abinadab (1Sa 31:2). In 2Sa 2:8 the name is Ishbosheth. In 1Ch 8:33 it is Esh-baal, a compound which was probably the original name. Some think the name was intended to exalt Yahweh as Lord (or ‘baal’), but was changed to Ishbosheth (as apparently happened with “Jerubbaal” of Jdg 6:32, altered to Jerub-Besheth of 2Sa 11:21) when the story of his shameful murder was related (2Sa 4:1-12), in order to make it refer prophetically to the manner of his death.

2Sa 2:9

Abner worked his way southward until his dominion touched that of David. Now some conflict was inevitable (vv 12,13).

2Sa 2:10

TWO YEARS: The gradual acquisition of power for 5 1/2 years explains discrepancy between 2 and 7 1/2 (v 11).

2Sa 2:11

God often works very gradually; we must learn to wait!

2Sa 2:12

ABNER… LEFT MAHANAIM AND WENT TO GIBEON: Certainly with some purpose of aggression.

2Sa 2:13

ZERUIAH: One of David’s sisters (1Ch 2:16).

2Sa 2:14

Do we enjoy “skirmishes” with our brethren? The outcome of such an enterprise can scarcely if even be good.

Either a skirmish, mock-fight, “play”, or “sport” (as LXX implies). Or a fight by champion — rather than a general war between the 2 whole armies: “A general engagement of troops could… be avoided by the substitution of a contest of teams of champions. It appears that such was the case with the two teams of twelve men each who fought for David and Ishbaal at the pool of Gibeon” (EBC).

2Sa 2:16

But passions become inflamed on both sides, and the war escalates. (If we sanction strife, we will suffer for it: cp Gal 5:15.)

2Sa 2:21

Prob the young Asahel got “carried away” when he should have accepted the results of the “skirmish”.

…STRIP HIM OF HIS WEAPONS: Abner hoped that the armor only would be enough to appease the young man.

2Sa 2:23

THE BUTT OF HIS SPEAR: Abner did not wish to kill Asahel — or else this was a defensive maneuver while fleeing.

2Sa 3:1

2Sa 3: “Antagonism between the houses of Saul and David continued; irritating, annoying, fretful conflicts, but inevitably the house of Saul waxed weaker, for God was with David. Established in Hebron (the south), David’s power and influence was becoming more evident. The birth of his sons was evidence of his accepted status amongst his followers…

“Meanwhile Ishbosheth alienated Abner (vv 6-11). Abner had made himself indispensable to the cause of the house of Saul. He saw that Ishbosheth lacked the necessary qualities of true leadership, and so long as he remained in the standing of king, the cause was lost. He therefore took steps to supersede him by marrying Rizpah, and obtaining rulership for himself, thus causing a rift within the house of Saul. Abner’s treachery (v 12) demonstrated the sad case of those who plot against the righteous. To secure his position in Judah, David demanded the return of Michal (vv 13-16).

“However distressing the circumstances, it was important that David strengthen his position, and to do that he could not leave a princess in the possession of a man who might, in her right as daughter of Saul, make pretensions to the throne. She was David’s lawful wife, and not that of Phaltiel, and to have her restored to him at this time would demonstrate to the followers of Saul, the strength of his claim to the power and the weakness of the opposition. The beginnings of the reign of David, though involved in changing circumstances, soon became recognised by all Israel” (GEM).

WAR… A LONG TIME: An extended “cold war”.

2Sa 3:2

More wives for David: ct Deu 17:17.

2Sa 3:3

GESHUR: A small Aramean kingdom or city-state located in what is now Jaulan (NT period Gaulanitis), in the nw sector of Bashan. Mentioned several times in the story of Absalom (2Sa 3:3; 13:37; 14:23,32; 15:8), as Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, its king, was the mother of Absalom (cp 1Ch 3:2). Absalom fled to that country after killing Amnon. The kingdom was apparently later absorbed into the larger Aramean kingdom of Damascus.

2Sa 3:7

WHY DID YOU SLEEP WITH MY FATHER’S CONCUBINE?: In effect, Abner was laying claim to the throne of Saul (cp 2Sa 12:8; 16:22; 1Ki 2:22).

2Sa 3:9

‘If you doubt me, then I WILL change sides!’

2Sa 3:16

The whole nation, in seeing Abner’s and Ishbosheth’s compliance with David’s wish, would realize his increased strength.

BAHURIM: Poss the last town in Ishbosheth’s Benjamite “kingdom”. A highway village east of Olivet. Here Shimei cursed David (2Sa 16:5; 19:16; 1Ki 2:8), and Jonathan and Ahimaaz hid in the well of a man in Bahurim (2Sa 17:18).

2Sa 3:17

FOR SOME TIME YOU HAVE WANTED TO MAKE DAVID YOUR KING: Even in northern Israel, there was a strong party which had always favored David for king (2Sa 5:2).

2Sa 3:22

A RAID: Prob a foray to gather supplies.

2Sa 3:26

THE WELL OF SIRAH: Hebron itself was a city of refuge (Jos 20:7), but the well was 3 mi away.

2Sa 3:27

TO AVENGE THE BLOOD OF HIS BROTHER ASAHEL: Publicly proclaiming his right to do as an avenger of blood. But this was wrong: Joab “shed the blood of war in peace’ (1Ki 2:15). Another reason for Joab’s action: he wanted to protect his position as first in command.

2Sa 3:29

LEANS ON A CRUTCH: Or “works a spindle”, lowly work for a man.

2Sa 3:39

I AM WEAK: David had recently conferred with Abner, and thus Abner’s murder was an insult to David’s authority.

2Sa 4:1

2Sa 4: “The trauma of establishing the throne of David on the background of Saul’s reign is very clearly revealed in the opening chapters of 2Sa. Bloodshed, violence, intrigue and murder were prevalent, as the families of Saul and David became entrenched in combat. Hebron became the capital of Judah for seven years, while the northern tribes endeavoured to establish their unity. 2Sa 4 records the murder of Ishbosheth… followed by David’s judgment and punishment of the murderers” (GEM).

Prob Ishbosheth thought that Abner was still loyal, and that his outburst (2Sa 3:8-10) was only a temporary fit of temper. Ishbosheth depended wholly on Abner.

2Sa 4:6

WHEAT: That is, provisions for troops.

2Sa 4:7

BY WAY OF THE ARABAH: Through the Jordan Valley from Mahanaim down to Hebron.

2Sa 4:9

WHO HAS DELIVERED ME OUT OF ALL TROUBLE: God had always delivered David; he did not need the help of wicked men.

“The more things collapse around us, and in our affairs, the more important closeness to God is, and the more important it is realized to be, if we are of the right mind. This is the blessing of adversity. This is why Paul ‘rejoiced in sufferings’ [Rom 5:3] and James ‘counted it all joy when he fell into divers temptations’ [Jam 1:2]” (GVG).

2Sa 4:11

INNOCENT: Not necessarily “righteous” (as KJV), although poss repentant.

2Sa 4:12

BY THE POOL IN HEBRON: At a place of public resort — as a proclamation.

1Sa 28:1

1Sa 28: “The man [Saul, whom] David honoured as ‘Yahweh’s Anointed’ had a vacillating life, reaching great heights and depths in his pitiful path of duty. But now Saul’s experiences provide a closing tragic chapter in a life of failure. It is the rush of a desperate man unable to see the way to redeem himself, and to obtain the divine blessing. He becomes clouded in personal despondency, and seeks the folly of a witch’s deception. Having by his own confession ‘played the fool’ (1Sa 26:21), Saul now reaps the result of such actions. It is against the background of national distress. So: [1] War is declared: vv 1,2. [2] Saul’s dilemma: vv 3-6. [3] Saul’s tragic mission: vv 7-14. [4] Saul’s fate foreshadowed: vv 15-20. [5] The woman ministers to Saul’s need: vv 21-25.

“It was a fearful journey that dark night as Saul went beyond the Philistine camp in his urgent need for some solution. The Philistines were encamped in Shunem, directly between Gilboa and Endor. Such a visit under such conditions was perilous in the extreme, and nothing could have induced Saul to venture thither, but the agony of despair and complete despondency. But if he left in agony, how great was his despair as he returned to take up his post with his worst fears confirmed. Yahweh had closed His ears to the king; whilst Saul turns to a witch of Endor — a woman whose occupation was anathema to the divine righteousness. Saul was governed by a false idea of religion. Like Cain he sought to frustrate the wisdom of Yahweh, and in so doing not only found the depths of misery, but faced the day of his death” (GEM).

1Sa 28:2

I WILL MAKE YOU MY BODYGUARD FOR LIFE: Lit “the keeper of my head” (as AV). Double meaning, as it turns out: Just like David had “kept” Goliath’s head!

1Sa 28:6

HE INQUIRED OF THE LORD: What looks to be a contradiction may be explained by recourse to the meaning of the underlying Hebrew words. In 1Ch 10:14, we are told that Saul “did NOT inquire of the LORD”, whereas in 1Sa 28:6, we are told that he DID “inquire”. The explanation is fairly simple: (1) The word translated “inquire” in 1Ch 10:14 is “darash”, which signifies “to follow after, and especially to worship”. (2) The word translated “inquire” in 1Sa 28:6 is “shaal”, which signifies “to request, or (even) to demand” (incidentally, it is related to the meaning of the name “Saul”). So, Saul did “inquire” of the LORD in making requests or demands (1Sa 28:6), but he did NOT “inquire” of the LORD in the sense of truly seeking after Him (1Ch 10:14)! (However, Saul DOES “seek out diligently”… the Hebrew “darash”… the witch of Endor: 1Sa 28:7!)

THE LORD DID NOT ANSWER HIM: God does not answer one “in covenant” (here). And He does answer one not “in covenant” (Act 10:4).

1Sa 28:7

A literal interpretation? Difficulties:

•         Would God answer Saul by a means which His own Law forbids (Deu 18:10-12)? Cp Exo 22:18.
•         Saul is condemned for this very action (1Ch 10:13).

Or… a fake spiritualistic séance?:

1. Saul would have been easily recognized, being so tall (1Sa 9:2).
2. In promising no punishment (v 10), Saul would have identified himself.
3. Saul saw nothing (vv 12-14).
4. “An old man wearing a robe is coming up” (v 14): And this was all it took for Saul to believe it was Samuel!
5. What about the “prophecy” of Saul’s death?: An easy inference, from Samuel’s prophecy of 1Sa 15, and Saul’s evident loss of morale in face of Philistine attack.

1Sa 28:15

DISQUIETED: The word is used of awakening — in this case awakening from the “sleep” of death: Job 3:17; Ecc 9:5,10; Joh 11:11,24,25,44.

1Sa 28:19

TOMORROW YOU AND YOUR SONS WILL BE WITH ME: Where would they all be, to be together?

1Sa 29:2

This is surely a possibility to consider: did David really hope to go into battle alongside the Philistines, and then turn against them — making another show of loyalty to Saul (TMD 78)? The Philistine commanders certainly thought so (v 4)!

If this were the case, then — providentially — God did not allow this, because He knew that Saul and his army were to be defeated, and it would not be good if David were to be associated with them in that day.

If Achish had allowed David to remain, can we suppose he would have been faithful to Achish (and the Philistines) and fight against Israel? Or would he have done — as the lords of the Philistines said — and joined with Saul against the Philistines in battle? I would guess that he would have used the occasion to turn against the Philistines and fight for Saul and Israel. But, either way, God prevented him from being in such a situation… in fact, He sees that David is sent far away from the battle, because either alternative was not the best for David: (1) Fighting against Saul was unacceptable; the sort of thing David had never done before, and which he had gone to great lengths to avoid, even when Saul sought his life — Saul was after all the LORD’s Anointed. (2) Switching sides to fight for Saul and against the Philistines would have placed him on the “wrong side” too, in that God seems to have determined that Saul and his house would fall in battle; this was His plan, to open the way for David to assume the throne for which he was intended. And David, being there personally, would only cause problems.

When you think about it, it seems to me this is a lot like the political quandary that Christadelphians face all the time: i.e., “So why DON’T you vote in such-and-such elections? Surely you can see that Party X and its candidates are better/more righteous/more suitable in God’s sight than Party Y and its candidates.” And the answer — at least, AN answer — would be: “Even if Party X — like Saul — is ‘better’ than Party Y — the Philistines — that doesn’t necessarily mean that God wants Party X — or Saul — to win out this time! So I take no position on this matter, and leave it to God to work out in His own way.”

1Sa 29:6

AS SURELY AS THE LORD LIVES: The name of David’s God is prob used only as a courtesy.

Ct the honesty of Achish with David’s answer (v 8).

1Sa 29:8

David plays a part to the last. Another deception, as in 1Sa 27:10-12.

1Sa 29:10

ALONG WITH YOUR MASTER’S SERVANTS WHO HAVE COME WITH YOU: Day by day, more of Saul’s men are falling away to David (cp 1Ch 12:19-22). Knowledge of this would arouse Philistine suspicions.

1Sa 30:1

The crisis has finally come for David and Saul and Jonathan and Israel and the Philistines. But David was sent away — out of the arena altogether — by God’s providence.

REACHED ZIKLAG ON THE THIRD DAY: From Aphek to Ziklag, 25 miles per day.

NOW THE AMALEKITES HAD RAIDED THE NEGEV AND ZIKLAG: Their spies had prob seen David and his men leaving Ziklag unprotected. This was done to avenge David’s previous attacks (1Sa 27:8).

See Lesson, Amalek.

1Sa 30:4

Assuming wives and children were all dead.

1Sa 30:8

DAVID INQUIRED OF THE LORD: Urim and thummim. Ct Saul’s seeking after witches and sorcery (1Sa 28).

1Sa 30:9

Tracking such a large company (with great herds) would have been quite simple.

TO THE BESOR RAVINE: Another 12 miles sw of Ziklag (cp v 1), all on the same day!

1Sa 30:11

Vv 11-13: Ct David’s kindness with the Amalekite’s ruthlessness (v 13).

1Sa 30:15

The Egyptian slave knew where the Amalekites were headed; so now he could show them a shortcut?

1Sa 30:17

DUSK: Or “dawn” (sw Job 7:4; Psa 110:147) (NEB). So David and his men rested a few hours before attacking.

EVENING: Afternoon, beginning of the declining of the sun.

1Sa 30:23

WHAT THE LORD HAS GIVEN US: David only sees the true, divine perspective.

1Sa 30:24

(A) Every man received his own goods. (B) A special “bonus” for the victorious 400? Or not? (C) A large part of excess spoils sent to the previously loyal villages of Judah (vv 26-31).

THE MAN WHO STAYED WITH THE SUPPLIES: A diplomatic concession: they HAD been tired.

ALL WILL SHARE ALIKE: The point of Christ’s parable in Mat 20:1-16.

1Sa 30:30

BOR ASHAN: Or “Beer-sheba” (LXX).

1Sa 30:31

Ct David’s victory with Saul’s defeat (1Sa 31).

1Sa 26:1

1Sa 26: “Betrayed by men of his own tribe, David returns Saul good for evil, as he meets him for the last time. Reconciliation is effected, but David refuses an offer by the king to return to his former position of favour. David realises the impossible situation that would occur under such circumstances, and rested in the Hand of Providence for guidance. It was at that time that the Ziphites incite Saul against David (1Sa 26:1-4), but Saul found himself in David’s power (vv 5-12). Knowing the country, David had the advantage over Saul and could watch him without being discovered. It was a time of trial, and David could have easily taken the opportunity to dispose of his constant enemy. But he was guided by a mature principle: Saul was Yahweh’s Anointed, and as such David had no right to destroy him (cp v 9). Saul had no such scruples, although he knew that God had appointed David to succeed him. Then David reproved Abner (vv 13-16). How startled Saul’s army must have been as David’s voice rang out in the stillness of the night with his cutting taunts at the expense of Abner. David reproves Saul (vv 17-20), and a reconciliation is effected (vv 21-25). This was the last time David and Saul met” (GEM).

1Sa 26:4

‘Do not believe the worst about your enemies until they PROVE it.’

1Sa 26:6

“I’LL GO WITH YOU,” SAID ABISHAI: “The righteous are as bold as a lion” (Pro 28:1).

1Sa 26:7

WITH HIS SPEAR STUCK IN THE GROUND: “In an Arab encampment, this marks the sheik’s tent” (StrScr 46).

LYING ASLEEP: A supernatural sleep (v 12). This occasion was much more marked than that of 1Sa 24:4-6 — being evidently “from the Lord”. Thus it would be a sorer trial.

1Sa 26:9

DON’T DESTROY HIM!: Cp “Al taschith” (Destroy not) Pss: Psa 56; 57; 58; 74. The mercy David showed the LORD’s anointed was later shown by God to him (David) as the LORD’s anointed.

WHO CAN LAY A HAND ON THE LORD’S ANOINTED AND BE GUILTLESS?: Such an act would be sin, and moreover unnecessary (v 10).

1Sa 26:12

SO DAVID TOOK THE SPEAR: The theft of the spear would remind Saul of what he tried to do with it — more than once.

1Sa 26:18

WHAT WRONG AM I GUILTY OF?: “Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?” (Joh 8:46; cp Joh 18:23).

1Sa 26:19

IF THE LORD HAS INCITED YOU AGAINST ME: This is always a possibility to consider when one suffers at the hands of others. Cp David with Shimei (2Sa 16:10).

THEY HAVE NOW DRIVEN ME FROM MY SHARE IN THE LORD’S INHERITANCE, AND HAVE SAID, ‘GO, SERVE OTHER GODS’: David’s sad words here demonstrate that his greatest sense of loss in exile was not that of his personal comfort or material prosperity, but rather his opportunity for fellowship with God. By making him an outcast, as they did at the behest of Saul, his countrymen were cutting him off from the tabernacle and the altar, and ‘suggesting’ that he serve other gods. In our zeal to do right, our ecclesias should consider whether their treatment of offenders might not have the same effect. It is impossible to justify the ‘middle-of-the-road’ course in a matter of disfellowship — that is, to ‘separate’ or ‘withdraw’ while still attaching no taint of moral judgment. For an ecclesia to practice excommunication, while holding out no realistic possibility of refellowship, is in effect to tell the brother or sister involved, ‘Go, serve other gods!’ How many righteous “Davids” have been so treated?

1Sa 26:20

A FLEA: Insignificant, worthless.

AN ONE HUNTS A PARTRIDGE IN THE MOUNTAINS: Falcons are used in the east to hunt partridges (LB 209). Partridges offer no resistance (as David).

1Sa 26:21

THEN SAUL SAID, “I HAVE SINNED”: // “I have sinned,” Judas said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood” (Mat 27:4).

I HAVE SINNED: There is a radical distinction between natural regret and God-given repentance. The flesh can feel remorse, acknowledge its evil deeds, and be ashamed of itself. However, this sort of disgust with past actions can be quickly shrugged off, and the individual can soon go back to his old wicked ways. None of the marks of true repentance described in 2Co 7:11 are found in his behavior. Out of a list of 11 men in the Bible who said, “I have sinned,” poss only five actually repented. They were David (2Sa 12:13; 24:10; 1Ch 21:8; Psa 41:4), Nehemiah (Neh 1:6), Job (Job 42:5,6), Micah (Mic 7:9), and the prodigal son (Luk 15:18). The other (poss less sincere) instances? Pharaoh in Exo 9:27; 10:16; Balaam in Num 22:34; Achan in Jos 7:20; Saul in 1Sa 15:24,30; 26:21; Shimei in 2Sa 19:20; Judas in Mat 27:4.

1Sa 26:22

David does not trust Saul. He knows that Saul, though apparently repentant, will “” (Jam 1:23,24).

1Sa 26:24

Note: David does NOT say, ‘May YOU value my life…” He trusts in God alone.

1Sa 26:25

Saul’s very last words to David.