1 Samuel 28

1 Samuel 28:1

Took him, &c. - By which it appears, that before this David had not his constant residence at court.

1 Samuel 28:4

Went - Upon military expeditions, of which that word is often used.

1 Samuel 28:9

The evil spirit, &c. - His fits of frenzy returned upon him. The very next day after he conceived envy at David, the evil spirit was permitted by God to seize him again. Such is the fruit of envy and uncharitableness. Prophesied - That is, he used uncouth gestures, and signs, as the prophets often did.

1 Samuel 28:10

And Saul cast the javelin - Being now quite under the power of that evil spirit. Twice - Once now, and another time upon a like occasion, chap.19:10.

1 Samuel 28:11

Afraid - Lest as he had gained the favour of God and of all the people, he should also take away his kingdom.

1 Samuel 28:12

Removed him from him - From his presence and court; which he did, because he feared lest David should find an opportunity to kill him, as he had designed to kill David; because his presence now made him more sad than ever his musick made him chearful: and principally, that hereby he might expose him to the greatest hazards.

1 Samuel 28:17

What is my life - How little is my life worth, that by the exposing of that to some hazard, I should purchase a king’s daughter! In these expressions David sheweth not only his humility, but also his wisdom, in discovering so deep a sense of his own meanness, that Saul might see how far he was from aspiring at the kingdom.

1 Samuel 28:18

Adriel - The son of Bar - zillai, as he is called, 2 Samuel 21:8. This was an act of great injustice; and accordingly this marriage was accursed by God, and the children begotten in it, were, by God’s appointment cut off, 2 Samuel 21:8,9.

1 Samuel 28:25

The days - That is, the time allowed by Saul to David for the execution of this exploit.