1 Samuel 22:1-23
Q.1. Does it surprise you that so many joined David? How did David honour his parents? What assistance did David receive from God? How did Saul solicit support from his tribe? – (1 Sam.22:1-8)
Saul was an erratic king. He would take whoever he wanted to support his cause, and the men soon learned that even the best warriors might end up at the end of the king’s spear. It should come as no surprise that many people fell out of the king’s favour. David sought refuge in the cave of Adullam which was in Judah. His own family was under threat, so they soon joined him at Adullam (1 Sam.22:1). However, David did not want his parents to be at risk, so settled them with the king of Moab, away from harm’s way (1 Sam.16:3-4). David gathered a large following – Everyone who was in DISTRESS, and everyone who was in DEBT, and everyone who was DISCONTENTED gathered to him; and HE BECAME CAPTAIN OVER THEM. Now there were about four hundred men with him (1 Sam.22:2) This described the ministry of Jesus as our Commander-in-Chief. Until we sense our own need and lostness, we will not accept our need for a Saviour. Our lostness cannot be resolved in any other way, other than through Christ. God assisted David through the prophet Gad and prevented him from being trapped in Adullam (1 Sam.22:5). Saul heard where David had been and berated his own tribe. He claimed David would not favour them, and accused them of conspiring against him, as he claimed that Jonathan did. He had heard about Jonathan’s covenant with David (1 Sa.22:7-8).
Q.2. Did Doeg give an accurate report to King Saul? How did this negative report affect his treatment of the priests of Nob? Why were his servants unwilling to kill the priests? – (1 Sam.22:9-17)
Saul’s complaint against his own tribe gave Doeg the chance to show his true colours. He implied that Ahimelech, the priest, who had acted with complete integrity, was a traitor (1 Sam.22:9-10 c.f. 1 Sam.21:1-4). As a consequence, Saul summoned Ahimelech and his father’s household. Nob was near Jerusalem (Jebus) and Saul was in Gibeah, some ten kilometres away. Based on Doeg’s false report, the king accused the priests of conspiring against him (1 Sam.22:11-13). Ahimelech’s compelling defence was dismissed by Saul, who ordered his servants to put the priests of the Lord to death. They refused to obey his order (1 Sam.22:16-17).
Q.3. Where were the priests? How did Doeg reveal his true nature? How did David find out about the slaughter? What impact did the news have on David? Where did Abiathar go? – (1 Sam.22:18-23)
Doeg, the Edomite had no scruples about murdering defenceless priests. He massacred – that day eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod (1 Sam.22:18). Not content with these killings, he went the ten kilometres to Nob. He then – struck Nob the city of the priests with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children, and infants; as well as oxen, donkeys, and sheep he struck with the edge of the sword (1 Sam.22:19). It was a shameful chapter in Saul’s life, and it uncovered a blood-thirsty streak in the Edomites. Only one son of Ahimelech named Abiathar escaped and fled to David (1 Sam.22:20). David had a conscience and confessed to Abiathar – 22 I have brought about the death of every person in your father’s household. 23 Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life, for you are safe with me (1 Sam.22:22-23). Another fugitive was added to David’s company.