Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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1 Samuel
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 23
Overview:
David rescues
Keilah.
(1-6) God warns him to escape from
Keilah.
(7-13) Jonathan comforts
David.
(14-18) He is rescued
from
Saul By an invasion of the
Philistines.
(19-29)
1-6 When princes persecute
God's people, let them expect
vexation
On all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is
to let
God's
Church be quiet in it: if
Saul fight against
David,
the
Philistines fight against his country.
David considered
himself the protector of the land. Thus did the
Saviour Jesus,
and left us an
Example. Those are unlike
David, who sullenly
decline to do good, if they are not rewarded for services.
7-13 Well might
David complain of his enemies, that they
rewarded him evil for good, and that for his
Love they were his
adversaries.
Christ was used thus basely.
David applied to his
great Protector for direction.
No sooner was the
Ephod brought
him than he made use of it. We have the Scriptures in our hands,
let us take advice from them in doubtful cases. Say, Bring
hither the
Bible.
David's address to
God is very solemn, also
very particular.
God allows us to be
So in our addresses to him;
Lord, direct me in this matter, about which I am now at a loss.
God knows not only what will be, but what would be, if it were
not hindered; therefore he knows how to deliver the godly out of
Temptation, and how to render to every
Man according to his
Works.
14-18 David made
No attempt against
Saul; he kept
God's way,
waited
God's time, and was content to secure himself in woods
and wildernesses. Let it make us think the worse of this world,
which often gives such bad treatment to its best men: let it
make us long for that kingdom where
Goodness shall for ever be
in
Glory, and
Holiness in honour. We find
Jonathan comforting
David. As a pious friend, he directed him to
God, the Foundation
of his comfort. As a self-denying friend, he takes pleasure in
the prospect of
David's advancement to the
Throne. As a constant
friend, he renewed his friendship with him. Our
Covenant with
God should be often renewed, and therein our
Communion with him
kept up. If the converse of one friend, at one meeting, gives
comfort and strengthens our hearts, what may not be expected
from the continual supports and powerful
Love of the
Saviour of
sinners, the covenanted Friend of believers!
19-29 In the midst of his wickedness,
Saul affected to speak
the language of
Piety. Such expressions, without suitable
effects, can only amuse or deceive those who hear, and those who
use them. This mountain was an emblem of the Divine
Providence
coming between
David and the
Destroyer. Let us not be dismayed
at the prospect of future difficulties, but stay ourselves upon
Him who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working. Sooner
than his promise shall fail, he will commission
Philistines to
effect our escape, at the very moment when our case appears most
desperate.
God requires entire dependence
On him, If ye will not
believe, surely ye shall not be established, Isa 7:9.