1 Samuel 22

1 the cave Adullam. (“The cave of Adullam,” R.V.) The French scholar and explorer, Clermont Ganneau identified this with ‘Aid-elem, a view which is supported by Sir G. A. Smith. It is about 12 miles from Bethlehem and looks down the Wady-es-Sunt (see note on ch. xvii. 2).

2 four hundred men. Some of these afterwards rose to eminent stations in David’s service (see 1 Chron. xi. 15, etc.). They were victims of oppression rather than lawless banditti. Many think that David wrote Psa. cxiii. about this time.

3. Mizpah of Moab. It is not stated why David particularly selected Moab as a place of shelter for his aged parents; but as Ruth, one of his ancestors, had been a Moabitess (see Ruth i. 22), some of his kindred might still exist in that country.

5 in the hold. One of the natural fortresses either in the land of Moab or in the south-east of Judah. The position and the name suggest the possibility that this may have been the site of the celebrated fort of Masada, the last in Judæa which yielded to the Romans.

6 under a tree in Ramah. Or, “under the tamarisk tree on the height,” where Saul had collected his immediate attendants.

8 all of you have conspired, etc. The consciousness of his own injustice had made Saul suspicious.

9 set over the servants. Or, “stood by the servants” (R.V.).

14 goeth at thy bidding. “Is taken into thy council” (R.V.).

15. Did I then begin, etc.? The meaning appears to be that this was no new thing, as he had inquired for others before, without ever being informed that it was wrong, or displeasing to the king.

17 footmen. Rather, “runners,” or “guard” (R.V.); persons who were accustomed to run before the king when he rode or drove. They formed a kind of guard of the palace (see 2 Chron. xii. 10), and were also employed, on extraordinary occasions, as couriers or “posts”: see viii. 11.

19. Nob, the city of the priests, smote he. This is a remarkable instance of the worst devices of the wicked being turned by God to the fulfilment of His own purposes. By Saul’s unparalleled cruelty, the Divine denunciation against Eli (ii. 31) was fulfilled. The fifty-second Psalm is supposed to refer to this event.