Chapter 23:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Ruth 2 Samuel
1 Samuel 23
Concise Complete
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)
Verses 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.
Verses 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.
Verses 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!
Verses 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,
isaiah 7:9.
Chapter 23:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Ruth 2 Samuel
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
