1 Samuel 23:8

23:7-13 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.

And Saul called all the people together to war,.... Or "caused them to hear" (m) summoned them by an herald, whom he sent into all parts of the kingdom to proclaim war, and require them in his name to attend him; which was the prerogative of a king to do: to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men; that was what he privately intended, but the pretence was to make war against the Philistines. (m) "fecit audire", Montanus, Piscator.

And there was war again,.... Between Israel and the Philistines; it does not appear that either of them sent out their whole force, only some parties or detachments, between which there were skirmishes: and David went out and fought with the Philistines; he went out with his thousand men, over which he was made captain, 1 Samuel 18:13; for he had not the command of the whole army; that belonged to Abner: and slew them with a great slaughter, and they fled from him; he killed many of them in his engagements with them, and the rest fled, and he returned victorious; which stirred up the envy and increased the jealousy of Saul, to observe which this is related.

If Gad was with David at the forest of Hareth 1 Samuel 22:5 , and there inquired for him of the Lord 1 Samuel 23:2 , 1 Samuel 23:4 , but did not accompany him to Keilah, and if Abiathar's flight occurred at the time of David's being at Keilah, we have an additional striking instance of God's watchful providential care of David in thus sending Abiathar to supply the place of Gad at so critical a moment.

8. Saul called all the people together to war—not the united tribes of Israel, but the inhabitants of the adjoining districts. This force was raised, probably, on the ostensible pretext of opposing the Philistines, while, in reality, it was secretly to arouse mischief against David.

Ewald would identify him with Raddai ( 1 Chronicles 2:14 ), another brother of David, but on very slender grounds], and the mighty men [or heroes. Gesen. "chiefs." Not the 600 men who formed David's band in his wanderings ( 1 Samuel 25:13 ; 1 Samuel 27:2 ) (Rawlinson), but the 30 (or 37) to whom this name of Gibborim is expressly given, 2 Samuel 23:8 ; 1 Chronicles 11:15, 25 ; 1 Chronicles 29:24 . Comp. 2 Kings 10:25 , Hebrews] which belonged to David [same expression as in 2 Samuel 23:8 ] were not with Adonijah. 1 Kings 1:8

Verse 10. - David inquired of God . The "inquiring" was made, as matter of course, through the high priest, and not merely, as we should say, in private prayer ( Judges 1:1, 3 ; Judges 20:23, 27 ; 1 Samuel 23:2, 4 ; 1 Samuel 30:8 ; 2 Samuel 2:1 ). The directness of the Divine answer was some echo of the old reply when Judah was authorized to go up against the Canaanites ( Judges 1:2 ). 1 Chronicles 14:10