Choice Notes On Joshua Through 2 Kings
by F B Meyer
Introduction
1 Samuel 1 The Birth Of Samuel
1 Samuel 2 Eli, The Priest
1 Samuel 3 The Call Of Samuel
1 Samuel 4 The Ark Taken
1 Samuel 5 The Ark In Dagon's Temple
1 Samuel 6 The Ark Sent Back
1 Samuel 7 Eben-ezer
1 Samuel 8 We Will Have A King
1 Samuel 9 Saul, The Son Of Kish
1 Samuel 10 Saul Anointed King
1 Samuel 11 The Kingdom Renewed
1 Samuel 12 Samuel's Reproof
1 Samuel 13 Saul's Rash Folly
1 Samuel 14 Jonathan's Valor
1 Samuel 15 Saul Rejected
1 Samuel 16 David Anointed
1 Samuel 17 Goliath Of Gath
1 Samuel 18 David And Jonathan
1 Samuel 19 Deliverance From Danger
1 Samuel 20 A True Friendship
1 Samuel 21 David At Gath
1 Samuel 22 The Cave Of Adullam
1 Samuel 23 Great Deliverances
1 Samuel 24 Reconciliation
1 Samuel 25 Nabal's Folly
1 Samuel 26 A Renewed Attack
1 Samuel 27 Losing Heart
1 Samuel 28 The Witch Of Endor
1 Samuel 29 David And Achish
1 Samuel 30 Pursuit Of The Amalekites
1 Samuel 31 Death Of Saul
INTRODUCTION
There is no mention in this Book of its authorship; it seems, however, reasonable to suppose that it was the work
of Samuel himself, so far as the events recorded came under his cognizance. But there are evident traces of additions
by later hands; as, for instance, the notice of his death. It has been thought that Nathan and Gad may have been
concerned in this work of editing and completing Samuel's work (1Ch 29:29).
In the second book of Maccabees, it is said of Nehemiah, that he founded a library, and gathered together the acts
of the kings, and the prophets, and of David. It is, therefore, a very fair inference that the books of Samuel
were included, because they deal so largely with the story of the first two kings of Israel; and the passage bears
witness to the care with which the sacred documents were treated and the way in which inspired men constituted
themselves the custodians and editors of those that had preceded them.
There are internal indications of the extreme antiquity of the first book of Samuel, which support the belief that
he was its author; such as its rare allusions to the sacrificial and ceremonial institutions at Jerusalem; its
pure and noble diction; and its geographical and other explanatory notes added evidently by a much later hand (as
1 Sam 9:9).
The main theme of the book is the institution of the monarchy, and the introduction of David on the scene of Jewish
history. As these were matters of vital interest and importance, they are treated with some detail; and much attention
is drawn to the fact that Saul was the choice of a self-willed people, while David was the man after God's own
heart.
1 SAMUEL 1
THE BIRTH OF SAMUEL
1 Sam 1:1-8 The yearly journey to Shiloh. - This annual journey was undertaken by pious Jews to "sacrifice
unto the Lord of hosts;' at the Tabernacle, or - in later times - the Temple. It was on one of these journeys that
our Lord was found questioning the doctors (Luk 2:46).
1 Sam 1:9-18 Hannah's request. - The bitter grief of Hannah on account of her childlessness did for her what anguish
should always do. It drove her to God. There she found her only resource. When the heart is nigh to breaking, what
else can we do than pour out our complaint into that tender and compassionate ear which is ever open to our cry?
No human love can really allay our anguish as God can; though it may afford welcome solace, as Elkanah's to his
much-loved wife. We turn from it, as well as from the scene of feasting, in the bitterness of our soul. Then we
offer our prayers and tears to God; and He inclines unto us and hears our cry, and brings us up out of the horrible
pit, and from among the miry clay.
What a sweet specimen of secret fellowship is here (1 Sam 1:13)! Many were coming and going in the court of the
Tabernacle. There was no place for private prayer. The broken heart had no opportunity of audible petition: "she
spake in her heart:' We may each do that when amid the crowds that sweep us along in their busy current. And let
us not grow weary; "she continued praying before the Lord" (1 Sam 1:12). If there is abundance of complaint
and urgent need, let there be abundance of supplication. The overcharged spirit will not need to defend its case
with men if it has committed it to God. And when once the burden is rolled off on God, the peace of God fills the
heart. We go away in assured faith, and eat, and our countenances are no more sad.
1 Sam 1:19-28 Samuel's birth, and presentation to the Lord. - The ever-faithful God remembered Hannah's low estate;
and not only answered her prayer by the birth of Samuel, but gave her the additional delight of being the mother
of a son who afterwards became so famous, and of such great service to his country. Hannah "called his name
Samuel, because I have asked him of the Lord" (1 Sam 1:20). God never fails. What we have asked of God should
be given to God, devoted to His service, and held as His trust. Alas, that so often the parents' "thanksgiving"
should only be a formal acknowledgement of God's goodness! Surely it is not too much for a child of God to say
of his offspring, "he is lent to the Lord as long as he lives" (1 Sam 1:28).
1 SAMUEL 2
ELI, THE PRIEST
1 Sam 2:1-10 Hannah's song of thankfulness, -Oh, those notes of ectasy, which were to start David and Mary and
many others singing! So the song of a bird will set the whole woodland ringing with feathered minstrelsy. We remember
not our anguish for joy. The time is not far away for you to take your harp from the willow, and draw from it such
music as will penetrate many another soul with trust. How full of the Lord this song is! Throughout, the overflowing
heart ascribes its rapture to the Rock of Ages. He saves: He is holy: He knows: He weighs: He kills and makes alive:
He brings down to the grave, and brings up: poverty and wealth, depression and exaltation, the keeping of the feet
and the communication of strength, are His, and He will vindicate those that trust Him.
It is very needful that we lay to heart the motto, "By strength shall no man prevail" (1 Sam 2:9). We
have often tried by expediency or energy to get our way; but in vain! To rise up early and sit up late will not
effect our purpose. But to yield to God, to learn His lessons, to be submissive and gentle, to pray and trust and
wait - thus we prevail. The Lord gives strength, and position, and success. We conquer by yielding; we gain by
giving; He giveth unto His beloved as they sleep; in quietness and confidence shall be our strength.
1 Sam 2:11-17 Samuel and the sons of Eli. - What a contrast between the sweet God-appointed child priest, and the
priests of title and descent! On the one God's favor rested, giving him favor with man; but the others had already
committed the sin concerning which it is impossible to utter the prayer of faith (1 Sam 2:25).
1 Sam 2:18-21 Eli's blessing, m God did more than Hannah had asked or thought, and three sons and two daughters
were added to the pious household. So that it came to pass that the "abundance of grief" (1 Sam 1:16)
was transformed into "abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house" (Psa 36:8).
1 Sam 2:22-26 Eli's reproof to his sons. - As in many other cases, Eli had left until too late his protest against
his sons' behavior. Early training might have saved him the additional sorrow of his old age; but "as the
twig is bent, so the tree is inclined:'
1 Sam 2:27-36 The curse on Eli's house. - What a terrible calamity for a father to anticipate! - the loss of his
whole family at one fell stroke (1 Sam 2:34). The "faithful priest" (1 Sam 2:35) was Zadok, who at the
command of Solomon superseded Abiathar in the priestly office, "to fulfil the word of the Lord" (1Ki
2:27, 1Ki 2:35). And do not the words still further anticipate the priesthood of our Lord?
1 SAMUEL 3
THE CALL OF SAMUEL
1 Sam 3:1-14 The voice in the night. - Sweet story memorable to childhood! How many dear children have learned
from you to listen for the voice of God! You have filled many a young sleeper with dream of that "still small
voice,' and made the night shine even as the day. But thou hast a message for us all and ever. We may not as yet
look for the open vision; but we may listen to the voice of God speaking within, in the temple of the heart. Many
a time He calls us by our name; and we think it to be the echo of our own consciousness, or the summons of a friend.
We need the anointed ear, to become familiar with the tender accents of God's voice; as Mary was with Christ's,
when He called her by her name. We must know the Lord, and then the Word of the Lord will be revealed to us.
Have we not lain on beds of laziness, long after that voice has bidden us awake? Have not our spirits been lulled
into fatal stupor by some lethargy or opiate, so that we have been disobedient to the heavenly voice or vision?
What wonder is it that other instruments are selected to do work which we might have done, and that others receive
revelations of the will of God which we might have caught and transmitted? First we should say: "Here am I";
next: "Speak, Lord!"
1 Sam 3:15-18 Samuel's narrative of the vision. - The delicacy of Samuel in trying to spare Eli's feelings, and
the old man's resignation, are very beautiful. What better can we say as we hear the heavy tidings that at times
must needs be spoken? - "It is the Lord; let Him do what seemeth Him good" (1 Sam 3:18).
1 Sam 3:19-21 Further revelations to Samuel - "Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him" (1 Sam 3:19);
reminding us of our Saviour's youth when He "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor of God and man"
(Luk 2:52). In the view of the whole country "from Dan to Beersheba" (1 Sam 3:20), Samuel was established
to be a prophet of the Lord; and God appeared to him again in Shiloh. This instance of a child being the voice
of God to the nation, is instructive in showing us how the weak things are used by the Almighty to carry out His
purposes on behalf of His people. He hides things from the wise and prudent, which He reveals to babes.
1 SAMUEL 4
THE ARK TAKEN
1 Sam 4:1-9 Israel's defeat and folly. - After the defeat at the hands of the Philistines at Ebenezer, the Israelites
fell into the terrible error of removing the ark of the Lord from the tabernacle into the midst of the camp.
They thought that the presence of the ark of God must bring deliverance. It was like the fetish of the savage,
the charm of the ignorant. No ark, however sacred its associations, could undo the effect of Israel's departure
from God, or cancel the result of disastrous sins in the family of Eli. It is thus that our evil hearts still seek
to evade the consequences of their wrong-doing, and to escape the necessity of putting wrong right. We resort to
prayer, to vows of consecration, to strenuous resolutions, to sacraments and rituals, to ceremonialism and priestcraft.
But all to no avail. if we regard iniquity in our heart, the Lord does not hear our prayer. "To obey is better
than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams" If you are in trouble, or constantly overcome by your
sins, the Philistines of your soul, it will be well to go to the very root and cause of all in the departure of
your soul from God.
1 Sam 4:10-18 The death of Eli and his sons. - Samuel's prophecy is here fulfilled to its bitter end; and the news
of the extinction of the priestly family must have "made the ears to tingle" notwithstanding the national
sorrow at the overwhelming disaster of the loss of the ark. As in this chapter of Israel's history, so in our own
hearts, the sons of Eli must be discerned and judged and put away; and the soul must be true in its allegiance
to that faithful Priest, who does according to that which is in God's heart and mind. Only so will the rites and
ordinances of God's house be of any avail.
1 Sam 4:19-22 Ichabod. - The disaster to Eli's family extended to the home of Phinehas, and his wife in distress
succumbed to the accumulated troubles which fell on that day. Her end was, as indeed was that of Eli, very tragic;
but there is a beautiful touch, in the case of each, of devotion to the cause of God. Eli did not succumb till
the messenger made mention of the capture of the ark; and the new-born babe could not rally the mother from her
death-swoon, since she accounted that Israel's glory departed, when the sacred symbol of their faith had passed
into the hands of their foes. In each case there was an absorption in the interests of the cause of God, which
is full of instruction. Let us look at all things in the light of God's glory, and let our soul be on fire with
holy ardor for the success of the kingdom of Emmanuel.
1 SAMUEL 5
THE ARK IN DAGON'S TEMPLE
1 Sam 5:1-9 The Ark in a heathen temple. - The ark was a type of Christ. He is the propitiatory that covers the
law, and on which, blood-besprinkled, the eyes of the cherubim are fixed. It was proper and right that Dagon, the
guardian deity of Philistia, should do Him homage by falling flat on the ground before the emblem of His presence.
As the apostle says, the heathens sacrifice to demons, and not to God. Behind Dagon therefore there was some evil
spirit, who through the hideous idol dominated and possessed the inhabitants of Philistia. And thus there was the
obeisance of one emblem to another in that old temple, the sign and seal of a yet mightier conflict, which was
in process between the Son of God, and the prince of the power of the air. Already Satan was falling as lightning
from heaven, and there were portents and presages of his being cast out.
While the children of Israel looked upon the ark as sure to bring them deliverance, it failed them; but this was
not to be construed into any preference on the part of God for the men of Philistia; for as soon as it came into
their borders it brought them terrible plagues. With the froward God shows Himself froward. What we are toward
God, determines the aspect of His dealings with us.
No evil thing can stand against the entrance of the Redeemer. It must fall down before Him, and be broken. Those
who cannot cast down Dagon before introducing the ark, should introduce the ark, and Dagon will fall down by himself.
The idols He shall utterly abolish.
1 Sam 5:10-12 Smitten with p/ague. - The disaster to their idol caused the Philistines to send the ark to Ekron.
Here, however, the hand of God and His jealousy for His honor pursued the captors of the sacred ark. "The
hand of God was heavy" upon them, and great destruction was in their midst.
Death and painful disease, between them, devastated the male population.
1 SAMUEL 6
THE ARK SENT BACK
1 Sam. 6:1-18 The return of the Ark. - The story of the deliverance from Egypt had spread the fame of God throughout
all these countries o(1 Sam 6:4-8), and especially lived in the hearts of the priests and diviners. They, at least,
knew that "the Lord, He is God" But, like all of us, by nature they were disposed to think that He could
be propitiated by gifts of gold, rather than by the sacrifices of a broken heart. This making a golden image (1
Sam 6:5) of the causes of their suffering, is similar to our habit of dwelling upon the secondary causes of our
sorrows, rather than dealing with the heart-evil that may have originated them.
God's power was evident in making these cows take a road foreign to their maternal instincts (1 Sam 6:12); and
whenever God's hand is at work, it shows itself in accomplishing what is above nature. There is no greater proof
of the reality of the Gospel story than that description of the Lord Jesus given in the four Gospels; which is
so unlike the national Jewish conception; and there is no stronger evidence of the work of God in the human heart
than that it makes us act in direct opposition to our natural impulses. The flesh may sometimes yearn for the opposite,
but as the cows lowed for their calves; but the spirit abates not an hairbreadth in its steady course. However
weak the flesh, our true self wills only the will of God.
It was a strange sight, that new cart with its burden, the ark, and the gold trinkets - the oxen swayed by a power
they could not understand; yet similar spectacles are to be witnessed every day, when new hearts yield themselves
to God to bear forward His cause. Heart and flesh fail; but God is the strength of the heart, and His Spirit bears
us forward we know not how or where.
1 Sam 6:19-21 The catastrophe at Beth-shemesh. - This was a priest's city (Jos 21:16); and the providence of God
so directed the cattle in their journey, that the proper hands should be at the first point of the Israelites'
border to receive the precious treasure. Curiosity, however, tempted some of the inhabitants to pry into the interior,
and immediately the judgments of God fell upon them. An error seems to have crept into this passage in regard to
the number of victims. Many scholars hold that the "thousands" have no rightful place in the text, but
that threescore and ten men - i.e., seventy - is the true reading, with which Josephus agrees. Fausset says that
one twentieth, instead of as sometimes one tenth of the people, were slain. This would make the passage to read
that "fifty in a thousand, even threescore and ten men" Whatever the punishment was, it sufficed to cause
urgency in the request that the men of Kirjath-jearim would remove the ark from their midst.
1 SAMUEL 7
"EBEN-EZER"
1 Sam 7:1-12 The repentance at Mizpeh. - In its new resting-place the ark was under the special care of Eleazar;
and it remained in the house of Abinadab until it was taken by David to the house of Obed-Edom, and thence to the
tabernacle at Zion (2Sa 6:3, 2Sa 6:4, 2Sa 6:10, 2Sa 6:11), nearly eighty years after. But the twenty years (1 Sam
7:2) of utter neglect of the ark and tabernacle were a grievous break in the history of the redeemed people; and
during that time they were exposed to the incursions of the Philistines, before which Shiloh itself may have been
demolished (Jer 7:12-14). Similar breaks in our holy fellowship and walk with God will lead to similar results.
When the ark, representing the Lord Jesus, is not in its rightful place, there is for us also the invasion of tyrannous
and cruel sins, which make havoc of the holy institutions and resolves of other and happier days.
When such has been the case, there must be the judging and putting away of the Baalim and Ashtaroth (1 Sam 7:4),
representing the principle of self-energy and the hidden evil of our hearts. We must pour out our hearts in humble
confession, as Samuel poured out the water on the ground (1 Sam 7:6). And we must renew the entire consecration
and devotion of ourselves to God, as symbolized in the whole burnt-offering that Samuel made (1 Sam 7:9-10).
1 Sam 7:13-17 The enemy turned back. - We should expect at Ebenezer that our enemies will be turned back. The act
of faith in the erection of "the stone of help" (marg.) threw the preservation of the nation upon God.
"And can He have taught us to trust in His name,
And thus far have brought us to put us to shame?"
Not only did God answer the prayer of the people (1 Sam 7:8) for deliverance on this occasion, but during "all
the days of Samuel" (1 Sam 7:13) was the hand of the Lord against the Philistine. "There was peace between
Israel and the Amorites" (1 Sam 7:14). Probably the warfare waged by these hill-dwellers was much less severe
than the fighting on the plains with the armed Philistine host. But God often removes minor troubles, when we are
called to face greater ones; and for those who are faithful to Him, there is ultimately peace in their borders.
Samuel's yearly circuit was of help to keep the people from forgetting God. At his house in Ramah he "built
an altar unto the Lord" (1 Sam 7:17). Let us see to it that in our journeys and dealings with men we take
with us the holy influence of the "altar" at our home. Oh, to commence every day with God; and to keep
the influence of that time with us throughout the hours of journeying and occupation!
1 SAMUEL 8
"WE WILL HAVE A KING"
1 Sam 8:1-3 Samuel's sons misjudge the land. - How little room there is for any of us to "cast the stone"!
We shall often find the evil which we condemn in others as a hiding-place in our own hearts, where to our own gaze
it is much less heinous than it is in the life of our neighbor. So in this chapter we find that the sin which Samuel
had rebuked in Eli was repeated in his own family. "His sons walked not in his ways" We should be on
the watch; for the power to detect and rebuke does not necessarily imply that we ourselves are guiltless. Judge
yourselves, that ye be not judged. "Behold, the Judge standeth before the door" 1 Sam 8:4-9 The request
for a king. - How this request must have pained Samuel! "Thy sons walk not in thy ways; now make us a king
to judge us like the other nations" (1 Sam 8:5). Conscious that his sons were not guiltless, yet he must have
desired to find a lesser change in the government of the country than the election of a chief. But he sought the
Lord's face; and whenever the heart is overwhelmed with the prospect of some imminent change; when we are hemmed
in with difficulty; when men rise up against us, and such as breathe out cruelty - then to roll the whole anxiety
to the heart of Jesus, in the belief that He has made the case His own, is the clue to right judgment, and the
secret of a peace that passeth understanding. The Lord will speak to us. Samuel went between the people of God,
now telling all the words of the Lord unto the people, and again rehearsing all the words of the people in the
ears of the Lord. In this he reminds us of the true arbiter of souls, who lays His hand upon both; and suggests
how much we might do as the priests of God and intercessors for men.
1 Sam 8:10-18 The description of the king. - One would have thought that the people's desire for a king would cease
upon Samuel's recital of the characteristics of the coming monarch. Forcible removal from their homes of the flower
of the youth of the land; compulsory labor in the royal estate, workshop, and household; a tithing of vineyard,
and olive yard, and sheep for the support of the court - formed only a part of the lot of the people under the
new regime.
1 Sam 8:19-22 The people's persistence. - Though the king, whom they sought, was to be a misfortune and a curse,
the people persisted in their request; and it was granted according to a principle in the Divine government, that
man gets what he importunately seeks, though it breeds leanness in his soul.
"And the Lord said to Samuel, hearken unto their voice and make them a king" (1 Sam 8:22). To what fatal
loss, however, the people exposed themselves, when they exchanged the royalty of Jehovah for that of an earthly
sovereign - the theocracy for a monarchy! O my soul, see to it that thou dost not forsake the fountain of living
waters, for a cistern of thine own hewing!
1 SAMUEL 9
SAUL, THE SON OF KISH
1 Sam 9:1-10 Saul's fruitless search. - Saul, "a choice young man and goodly" (1 Sam 9:2) now first appears
upon the scene. His search after his father's asses proving futile, he accepts his servant's suggestion to consult
"the seer:' Perhaps he resembled the young man whom Jesus loved (Mar 10:21). His father was certainly rich
(1 Sam 9:1); and perhaps in consequence of this Saul was wayward, self-willed, and impetuous.
1 Sam 9:11-24 Saul's opportune arrival. - Coincidences are providences. The lost asses brought Saul in contact
with Samuel. His ineffectual search for them, and his servant's knowledge of the habits of Samuel, brought them
to the city at a most opportune moment; for the prophet had just come there for a special occasion (1 Sam 9:12).
Indeed, they seem to have met him in the highway (1 Sam 9:18). But the inner history of all this is revealed in
God's words to His servant: "Tomorrow about this time I will send thee a man, and thou shalt anoint him"
(1 Sam 9:16). Let us trust God to find us the men we need to help us in His work. They may come to us on quite
another errand, or even as though led to us by some mishap; but we shall hear His voice suddenly saying, as we
encounter them, "Behold the man of whom I spake" (1 Sam 9:17).
The feast which Samuel had prepared was perhaps only ordinary Eastern hospitality; but the aged seer would doubtless
be watching the young man to see if there was anything in his behavior inconsistent with the kingly office.
1 Sam 9:25-27 Saul's favorable departure. - Saul's future life was beginning to open to his view. After the seat
of honor at the feast comes this private talk with the prophet. "They arose early" (1 Sam 9:26) and Samuel
showed Saul the word of the Lord.
1 SAMUEL 10
SAUL ANOINTED KING
1 Sam 10:1-13 The prophetic signs, and their fulfilment. - After anointing Saul with oil (1 Sam 10:1), thereby
consecrating him to the service of God, the prophet sketched the events which were to happen on that and successive
days.
The circumstances of meeting the two men at Rachel's tomb, the finding of the asses, the offering of bread and
wine by the three men at Bethel were known to Saul, therefore before he came to them; but in each case he was to
act as the occasion suggested and seemed to demand. Thus our life-course lies open before God. We have been created
unto good works, which He has before ordained, that we should walk in them. But instead of prying into the future,
let us leave Him to unveil it as we come to it; and, above all, to enable us to act in each new instance as it
becometh the Gospel. We are bidden to walk as Jesus walked; let us, therefore, ask Him to live in us and walk in
us. When we seek the anointing of the Holy Ghost in the spring of the day, His sacred unction will remain with
us, and will teach us all things, and we shall know what He would have us do. "God is with thee" (1 Sam
10:7), to guide, and keep, and prosper, with his blessed help and grace.
Often in life we meet bands of prophets, and we catch the holy fire from their hearts; and for a little we burn
with holy enthusiasm. But "another heart" (1 Sam 10:9) is not enough; we need another's - that is, the
will, and purpose, and indwelling power of the Lord Himself. It is not enough to possess Him, we must be possessed
by Him. Not the Spirit mightily on us only, but mightily in us. Not gift alone, but grace.
1 Sam 10:17-27 The choice at Mizpeh. - It would have been well for the people in rejecting God's sovereignty (1
Sam 8:7-8), to have chosen one for the new kingship who, at least, was free from the vices of Samuel's sons, and
endowed with kingly qualities; but Saul could not rule others, because he did not rule his own spirit; and he could
not rule himself, because he had not learned to obey. Only those can properly rule who have enthroned God as king
of the inner man; and, as his after-life proved, this had not been the case with Saul. The people, instead of concerning
themselves about the inner qualities, were only eager as to the royal bearing and stature of their future monarch.
They chose after their own heart, and God gave them up.
1 SAMUEL 11
THE KINGDOM RENEWED
1 Sam 11:1-3 Nahash the Ammonite. - Had this fighting chieftain heard of the request of the Israelites? (1 Sam
8:20). The election of a king "to fight out battles" seems to have immediately provoked this incursion
from the desert. A wise people will refrain from displaying a belligerent spirit, thereby inviting attack.
1 Sam 11:4-11 Prompt interposition and deliverance. - Upon receipt of the news at Gibeah, Saul's anger rose (1
Sam 11:6); and following the procedure of the Levite at the same place (Judges 19), sent round to all the tribes
of Israel, using for the purpose a yoke of oxen "hewn in pieces:"
What the fiery cross did in olden times to arouse the people of Scotland to resist the invader, was accomplished
by these pieces of slaughtered oxen. But there was also a Divine compulsion laid on the hearts of the people. The
Spirit of God came on Saul (1 Sam 11:6), and the fear of the Lord fell on the people (1 Sam 11:7). It is our duty
to carry the summons of the Gospel into all the world; but after all, we need the co-operation of the Divine Spirit
to stir and move the hearts of men. We may plant or water, but God alone can give the increase. In these latter
days the Spirit of God is mightily at work, and the immediate symptom of His operations is unity. "They came
out with one consent:' or "as one man" (1 Sam 11:7, marg.).
United action was crowned with success; and the enemies of the people were "scattered so that two of them
were not left together" (1 Sam 11:11).
1 Sam 11:12-15 Thanksgiving after victory. - When the battle had closed, the people at the word of Samuel journeyed
to Gilgal, and there renewed the covenant with Saul, with sacrifices and rejoicings (1 Sam 11:15). So much were
the people charmed with their victorious leader, that they wished to put to death those who on his first election
did not welcome him. But Saul quashed the proposal, and treated the opposition of the few with generous magnanimity.
It is very beautiful to hear his ascription of all his success to God: "The Lord hath wrought salvation in
Israel:' But see how far we may go, and yet become castaways. This man, who spoke and acted thus, was yet to perish
by his own hand on the field of Gilboa. Let us beware! We say again, it is not enough to have the Spirit on us;
He must be in us.
1 SAMUEL 12
SAMUEL'S REPROOF
1 Sam 12:1-5 A life of unchallenged integrity. - Although Samuel lived for probably thirty years after, he was
now old; and, the king having been appointed, felt that his official work was done. What a record the prophet had
established for righteous dealing! No bribe had ever perverted his judgments, neither had any suffered at his hand
from oppression, nor had he defrauded any (1 Sam 12:3). Let us so live that when our work is done we may be able
to call God and man to witness that we have behaved ourselves holily, righteously, and unblamably; and that our
hands are free from the blood of men.
1 Sam 12:6-15 A review of the past. - In the margin (1 Sam 12:6) the Lord is said to have made Moses and Aaron.
It is He that hath made us; we are His workmanship, the work of His hands, and our Maker becomes our husband. Let
us be more pliable beneath the touch of those hands that reach down from heaven to mold men; or, if we are conscious
of having been marred in His hands, let us ask Him to make us again, and to send us as He sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan,
and Jephthah, and Samuel.
This history of the past dealings of the Lord is full of wholesome instruction, especially when we see that forgetfulness
of the Lord has always involved us in captivity and sorrow; while repentance and the putting away of sin have immediately
brought about a turn in the tide of outward and inward prosperity.
1 Sam 12:16-25 A faithful Creator. - Samuel's review of the past was uttered to strengthen the people in the fear
of the Lord, and to warn them that, if they were not faithful to Jehovah, king and people alike would perish. The
prophet called unto the Lord for thunder and rain at the time of the wheat harvest, to convince the people of their
wickedness in asking for a king. But, their perversity notwithstanding, God would remain faithful. So, too, in
these later days, "the Lord will not forsake his people:' What a precious word is this! Even though we believe
not, yet He abideth faithful. He works for His great name's sake. Throughout the Bible we find that God must maintain
the honor of His name, which involves His character and truth. "1 had pity for my holy name" (Eze 36:21).
Therefore with what certainty must prayer prevail which asks in His name! It is a blessed thing to fall back on
the covenant, ordered in all things and sure, by which our God has bound Himself.
1 SAMUEL 13
SAUL'S RASH FOLLY
1 Sam 13:1-4 The revolt against the Philistines. - The oppressors of all Israel had deprived them of all the blacksmiths
(1 Sam 13:19), so that the people were unarmed. This, however, did not prevent Jonathan (Jehovah's gift) from attacking
a Philistine garrison at Geba (1 Sam 13:3). Jonathan was an expert and accurate archer; and Fausset suggest that
it was the "picking off" of a prominent officer that roused the Philistines into a general movement against
Israel.
1 Sam 13:5-7 The distress of the people. - The immense gathering of the strong Philistine nation on the borders
of the land, had the immediate effect of causing a serious defection in the ranks of Jonathan's army; some retreating
across the Jordan, and many others hiding themselves in the caves, thickets, and pits of the "sharp rocks"
(1 Sam 14:4). The remaining part of the army with Saul at Gilgal "followed him trembling" (1 Sam 13:7).
Up to this point Saul's influence had steadily waxed; henceforth it began to wane. Does this not show that, even
before the offering of sacrifice on which the sentence of rejection was pronounced, there had been a subtle declension
which had spread to the people? How different this to the victorious march on Jabesh-Gilead! Already the Lord had
departed from him. The lordly oak is rotted at the heart, long before the storm lays it low in the forest glade.
1 Sam 13:8-16 Saul's rash sacrifice. - This is the dividing-line in the history of Saul. He had been appointed
king by God, "that he may save my people out of the hands of the Philistines" (1 Sam 9:16); and the seven
days' wait at Gilgal was for the purpose of receiving Samuel's final instructions as to what should be done in
the campaign, which, perhaps, had been anticipated by the prophet (1 Sam 10:8). Becoming impatient at Samuel's
deferred arrival, Saul decided to offer the sacrifice, thereby bringing upon himself the loss of his kingdom (1
Sam 13:14).
Saul's disobedience was due to want of faith. He saw the people melting away from his side. He thought that something
ought to be done, but he lacked that calm assurance and spirit of quiet waiting which faith always imparts. And
so because Samuel did not come till late in the appointed period (though he arrived late, it expired), Saul took
the matter into his own hands, and offered sacrifice. Ah, it is hard to wait for God on the mountain brow, while
human counsellors urge action, and every moment's delay seems a lifetime, and the case is becoming desperately
urgent. Let us then remember that the cause is as much to God as to us, but that He is waiting till He can interpose
with most effect; let us not force ourselves and offer. In acting thus we shall show that we possess the temper
which is an absolute prerequisite for the Divine service. God can only use those who trust Him absolutely; and
He often tests them by long delay. The established life must be a life of faith. Nothing else can impart it. We
must literally and at all costs keep the commandment of the Lord. To do otherwise is a folly and a sin.
1 SAMUEL 14
JONATHAN'S VALOR
1 Sam. 14:1-18 Jonathan's heroic exploit. - As Jonathan had been the cause of the Philistine incursion, he determined,
in the strength of the Lord, to overthrow the hosts of the enemy. His armor-bearer was with him with all his heart
(1 Sam 14:7); and the favor of the Lord rested on the perilous enterprise. After receiving the sign from Heaven,
they passed over, and in a small space (half-an-acre, 1 Sam 14:14) slew twenty men. Probably this was due to Jonathan's
sharp-shooting; for we read, "they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer slew after him" (1 Sam
14:13). An earthquake added to the terror of the Philistine hosts, who in their eagerness to escape seem to have
worked their own destruction, "beating down one another" (1 Sam 14:16). The absence of Jonathan and his
armor-bearer was only discovered by a numbering of the six hundred, consequent on the watchmen seeing the "melting
away" (1 Sam 14:16) of the great host. The whole incident is a piece of Israelite chivalry. Two men against
a garrison; but with them was a third, who wrought for them, though they were but few. The work that was done that
day was due to the faith that brought Divine power on the scene. There is no restraint on God's part; would there
were none on ours! Though the steep crags be filled with the forms of the foes of God and man, impurity, drink,
passion, a very legion of devils, yet two may chase a garrison, and send a trembling throughout the host. Nay,
it is not necessary that there should be two in human guise, though it is pleasant for Peter and John to be together;
but if one lonely disciple is willing to act as armor-bearer to the Captain of the Lord's host, Christ and He will
put ten-thousand to flight.
1 Sam. 14:19-46 Saul's command to the people. - The hasty self-will of the king is shown here, and the unfortunate
result of the command upon the people. The enforced abstinence from refreshing food during the day caused faintness
during the rout; and at night the eating of the spoil "with the blood" (1 Sam 14:32), thereby breaking
the command of the Mosaic law.
However well intended to prevent the loss of time, Saul's command was fatal. Time is not really lost when we stay
to refresh ourselves with the honey that drops from the rocks. Though our work for God may seem to demand every
minute, we should save time in the end if we remained to eat of the heavenly food. The mower saves time when he
pauses to whet his scythe.
It is no great wonder that the people refused to allow Saul to carry into effect his sentence against Jonathan
(1 Sam 14:43-44). Gratitude prompted the feeling of the nation that he should not die, the people being in advance
of the king as to the interpretation of the spirit of an oath. Such a rash oath as Saul's was honored more in its
breach, than in a slavish obedience to its terms. Well had it been if Herod under like circumstances had been prevented
by the people from carrying out his unwise oath, and thereby been saved from the eternal disgrace of causing the
death of John the Baptist.
1 SAMUEL 15
SAUL REJECTED
1 Sam 15:1-9 The expedition to Amalek. - Saul's great army (1 Sam 15:4) was enabled to smite the whole nation to
the Amalekites. The sparing of the Kenites (1 Sam 15:6), in view of the past kindness to the Israelites, was a
touch of gratitude which would be acceptable to the weak, and ennobling to the strong. But Saul's second great
error was committed here. The saving of the king and "the best of the sheep and oxen" was in direct violation
of the explicit command to "utterly destroy" (1 Sam 15:3). Amelek is always the type of the flesh, which
God will not spare; though we are all too prone to spare that which is good and prepossessing in its appearance.
We do not always see as much evil in the religious self as in the vile and refuse self, which is the wreck of the
wildest passions; but every form of the self-life is equally abominable to God, though it may have been kept for
sacrifice and burnt-offering.
1 Sam 15:10-23 Samuel's message. - "It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king" (1 Sam 15:11).
Such was the word of God to Samuel. The prophet sought Saul after spending a night in prayer, and found him surrounded
by the evidences of his unfaithfulness. The king must have been willfully blind to his disobedience when he met
the prophet with the words, "I have obeyed the voice of the Lord:' Note too that he puts the blame upon the
people for what had been saved: "they have brought them"; while he takes credit with them for "the
rest" which "we have utterly destroyed."
Have we ever made God repent having given us a niche in His holy service? Have we turned back from following Him,
and failed to perform His commandments? Or does the fact of others having done so make us cry all night? These
words of Samuel indicate that a higher conception of the Divine will was beginning to pervade the leaders of Israel,
and that they were coming to see that obedience and loyalty were more to God than rites and sacrifices. It is,
however, a lesson that needs repeating always. We are all too prone to substitute the outward for the inward, the
altar for the heart, the sweet incense for the fragrance of yielded life.
1 Sam 15:24-35 Saul's remorse. - The turning again of Saul was mingled with his pride; he wished to be honored
before men (1 Sam 15:30), although he knew that God had rejected him. Samuel, after the rending of his garment
(typifying the rending of the kingdom from Saul), joined in prayer with the king for the last time. Agag's death
preceded the final farewell of the prophet. "Samuel came no more to see Saul" (1 Sam 15:35). From this
moment Saul seems to have been shut off from all Divine approval and assistance. The words, "nevertheless
he mourned for him," are extremely touching - sorrowing that the man should have so conducted himself as to
lose the kingdom, and yet faithfully abiding by the commands of God that a new king should be anointed.
In Samuel's rebuke he seems to have foreshadowed Saul's later wanderings from God, specifying the heinous sin into
which Saul afterwards fell. "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft" (1 Sam 15:23). Saul's experience
with the witch of Endor was the inevitable outcome of the course to which he had committed himself.
1 SAMUEL 16
DAVID ANOINTED
1 Sam 16:1-13 The call of David. We turn from the wreck of Saul to the idyllic beauty of David's life among the
sheepcotes of Bethlehem.
Samuel had journeyed there with two objects: to sacrifice, and to anoint the new monarch. His judgment miscarried,
as brother after brother passed, in stalwart manhood, before the prophet's eye; and he would have overlooked David,
had not the Lord repeatedly stayed his hand. The prophet was so ready to think that the outer man was a true reflection
of the inner. But it is the hidden man of the heart which is dear to God; humility, unselfishness, willingness
to be unknown, unrecognized. Our God is constantly passing over the wise and prudent to reveal Himself to babes;
and choosing the weak and base things of the world to bring to nought the things that are. Last of all, David was
brought in from the care of the sheep.
Among his flocks, the boy had watched the heavens declaring the glory of God, and had known himself to be a sheep
under God's shepherd care. He had been faithful in a very little, and was now called to a wider sphere; and as
he stepped up to fill it, the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him. Every fresh summons is accompanied by
a fresh anointing for those who look for it. Stormy indeed was to be the life into which the shepherd lad now stepped;
but he was to be the minstrel of the world, and the education of circumstance was to add chords to his lyre, which
would express with unique fulness and beauty the elegies of human life and experience, redounding in praise and
worship towards God.
1 Sam 16:14-23 Saul and David. - When the evil spirit, permitted by the Lord, because Saul had shut his heart against
his Holy Spirit, troubled the king, he sought relief in music. David had some fame in this direction, and this
sufficed to obtain his introduction to court-life. Saul, apparently not knowing of the anointing at Bethlehem,
"loved David greatly, and he became his armor-bearer" (1 Sam 16:21). The shepherd-lad, in no way embarrassed
by his sudden transfer from sheepcote to palace, played so skillfully that Saul was refreshed (1 Sam 16:23). God
was thus working in many threads to effect the pattern of His purpose toward Israel.
His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour.
1 SAMUEL 17
GOLIATH OF GATH
1 Sam. 17:1-27 Goliath's challenge. - Yet another Philistine incursion! - and this time a giant champion, clad
in brass, the strength of his armor being equal to his blatant impiety (1 Sam 17:46). David's journey to the camp
on a visit to his three elder brothers (1 Sam 17:13) was the occasion of deliverance for the nation. Arriving at
the scene of action, and leaving his carriage (i.e. baggage) in the hands of the keeper (1 Sam 17:22), he talked
with his brothers. Upon hearing the Philistine challenge, he decided in God's strength to accept it.
1 Sam 17:28-39 Discouragements in the conflict. - The chilling words of Eliab were met by his young brother with
the gentle question: "Is there not a cause for what I have done?" David had never conquered Goliath if
he had not controlled himself. The words of David were reported to the king, who was glad to welcome a champion
for his nation, even though he were a youth. David's recital of his deliverance from the lion and the bear, and
his estimate of the Philistine to be "as one of them" caught Saul's ear, and he said, "Go, and the
Lord be with thee:' But why press upon David the use of the armor? "He assayed to go"; but it was not
a part of God's plan that His chosen champion should use armor and sword.
1 Sam 17:40-54 The victory. - A sling and one small stone were the weapons of David as he drew near to the Philistine,
and his faith in God got him the victory; so that the Philistine "fell upon his face to the earth:' The fall
of the champion was the signal for a general rout; and the Israelites pursued the flying hosts with a great slaughter.
Giants are found in every life - giant sins - as there are giants in every sphere of work. They stalk before us
with sword, and spear, and javelin, and defy the hosts of God. It is not enough to have been redeemed by the Paschal
Lamb. We shall be trodden down before them unless we have learned to go against them in the name of the Lord of
Hosts. God has other armies than those which are reckoned by man; and if we live by faith in Him, those armies
march unseen beside us, and win the victory which we think we win by our sling and stone.
The Angel of God fights beside each David-life that in faith refuses the armor of Saul. Give me the sling of a
child-like faith, and the stones chosen, from the brook of Scripture, and no weapon that is formed against me shall
prosper. We need more faith in the Living God, who saves not with sword and spear; a conviction which will come
to us only when we understand that the battle is His - His to arrange, His to carry through, while we have but
to do His bidding, to go or come. We are educated in the lonely conflict with lion and bear, for the greater arena
with Philistine giant.
1 SAMUEL 18
DAVID AND JONATHAN
1 Sam 18:1-5 The beginning of a memorable brotherhood, w This knitting of soul is like the love between the Savior
and His own. They have no claim on Him. There is not in them, as there was in David, a natural beauty, a chivalrous
spirit, a great feat of bravery, to recommend them to the great Lover of souls. But it may be said of the Master,
as of Jonathan, He loved them as His own soul. We may be glad that we are permitted to wear His robe, use His sword
and bow, and bind His girdle on our loins for purity and strength. Beneath the inspiration of such a love, like
David, we may well go out and prosper. Our outgoings for service must always be balanced by our incomings for fellowship.
1 Sam 18:6-9 Jealousy. - This is one of the worst temptations that can beset us. Some seem more susceptible to
it than others. It arises in the most unexpected ways and times. When all around are possessed by a common joy,
it steals in like a spectre and settles down on some heart, which it scourges with the whips of the Furies. Resist
its first entrance! The Holy Spirit, infusing trust and love, is the only antidote against it. Walk carefully,
O child of God; thou art being eyed.
1 Sam 18:10-16 Hatred. - The evil spirit is said to have come from God, in the bold language of Scripture, because
He permitted it, and so constituted the laws of the human mind, that when a man gives himself up to any kind of
sin, it always opens the door to Satan and to further and more desperate acts.
When we refuse God's Spirit, we surrender ourselves to the evil spirit. When we turn from God, we throw ourselves
into the power of the devil. When men do not wish to retain God in their knowledge, He gives them up (Rom 1:28).
What a contrast between the moody monarch and the beloved David, on whose heart, in those blessed days, the sun
of human and Divine love shone so brightly! When God is with a man, He acts wisely, and strikes awe into the hearts
of them that hate Him. If you have strong foes, be wary, and keep close to God.
1 Sam 18:17-30 Murder. - It was not the less murder, though none knew the murderous intent with which Saul lured
David into danger. This secret thing is now proclaimed on the housetop of the world. "Murder will out"
But how futile to enter into battle against the fixed purposes of God! Notice how repeatedly we are told that David
behaved wisely (1 Sam 18:5, 1 Sam 18:14, 1 Sam 18:30). It is a great and holy art to walk carefully.
1 SAMUEL 19
DELIVERANCE FROM DANGER
1 Sam 19:1-8 Jonathan's intercession. - At the risk of losing all that earth could give him, the king's son espoused
the cause of the young shepherd-ministrel-warrior. Nothing but love can give the clue to his interposition on David's
behalf. But it is a greater marvel still that Jesus pleads for us at the right hand of God. In this case, however,
He has not to overcome the hatred of God; but to vindicate His justice, in showing that a fit propitiation has
been made for our sins.
1 Sam 19:8-17 Prevenient Grace. - The Psalmist composed Psalm 59 in memory of this incident. He depicts the emissaries
of Saul as prowling around his house, while he within is hiding in God, His strength and high tower: sure that
the God of his mercy will come between him and his foes. Twice he speaks of Him as the God of his mercy. How blest
that frame of mind that can compose songs while tumult is all around!
1 Sam 19:18-24 The savor of life to life, and of death to death. -There was a great difference between David and
Saul at Naioth - one of the prophetic schools maintained by Samuel, as the means of evangelizing the nation. Between
David and the band of young prophets there was a living sympathy, and he was one with them in the purity and simplicity
of his life; but in the case of Saul there was only the passing wave of emotional enthusiasm. Brought for a moment
within reach of the holy contagion, his soul became strongly moved by it, and he seemed to have become another
man. But he was not a new man. The Spirit was on him, and not in him. He had the gifts, but not the grace; the
blossom, but not the fruit. God save us from being as tares that resemble the wheat, but are ultimately burned!
1 SAMUEL 20
A TRUE FRIENDSHIP
This chapter gives a touching account of how much Jonathan was prepared to do for love's sake. And if a man would
do so much, what will not God do, who loves us so infinitely?
1 Sam 20:1-10 The ingenious proposal. - There was a certain crookedness, a want of straightforwardness, in David's
suggestions, which are not perfectly satisfactory. It seemed as if at this moment he stepped out of the light for
a little. If we walk in God's light, we can count on His protection without resorting to subterfuge. How touching
the dialogue between these two! yet how full of cheer for David to have a friend at court who could speak for him
and declare the king's thoughts! And we may comfort ourselves with the memory that there is a link between us and
the heavenly throne-room. We should be missed if our seat were empty. But there will be no gaps in the family circle
- no children in the field who should be in the palace.
1 Sam 20:11-17 The brotherly covenant. - Jonathan had already a prevision of David's royalty, and that all his
enemies would be cut off; but the love he had for his friend made jealousy impossible. His only agony just then
was the dread of separation. There must have been moments when Jonathan saw clearly that the supremacy of David
could only be secured at the cost of his own subordination; and there must have been other times, when he was tempted
to relinquish all connection with his father and ally himself to David, that they two might face the world. But
he obeyed the law of filial natural duty. He made this first, and then drank as deep draughts of joy from the cistern
of human love as he might find opportunity for.
1 Sam. 20:24-42 Love braving hate and death. - The development of sin is rapid and terrible. Violent as Saul had
often been, his passion suddenly broke out in ungovernable rage; for it is the nature of evil to extend more and
more, as fire in prairie-grass. Jonathan was grieved for David's sake (1 Sam 20:34) more than for his own. Thus
love loses itself in the interests of the beloved.
How often are the arrows beyond us! Evil is determined against us, and we must be gone. But how often is the evil
meant against us transformed to good; and we are like the young eaglets, driven forth from the nest, that we may
learn to fly. How little did that lad know of the agony of those two hearts! Our nearest cannot guess how much
trivial things may be affecting us. But God knows our sorrows, and writes the record of them in His heart.
1 SAMUEL 21
DAVID AT GATH
1 Sam 21:1-9 David with Ahimelech. - Nob is not certainly identified. It was in all probability a settlement of
the priests in the neighborhood of the tabernacle and ark. The priest received David and his scanty escort with
unsuspecting loyalty. Here, again, David resorted to deception. The vacillation from strict integrity, of which
there were traces in the preceding chapter, is here more manifest. And his lie was destined to fill his heart with
bitter anguish, and to dye his hands in the blood of a family of priests. He would never have yielded to it if
his soul had been living in the heroic faith that breathes through his Psalms. Tell the truth! - trust God with
the issue, and you will have nothing to regret. Transparency of speech and quietness of heart are one. In referring
to this incident, our Lord does not refer to David's duplicity (Mat 12:3, Mat 12:4). Is it because when He forgives
He forgets?
There are sayings here deserving attention. The business of our King requires haste (1 Sam 21:8); and there is
no sword to be compared with the Word of God, with which our David defeated the tempter in the wilderness. Christ
also taught from this incident that the great needs of our nature override ceremonial and arbitrary distinctions.
1 Sam 21:10-15 David at Gath. - How rapid is the deterioration of God's saints when once they begin to tread the
downward road! The nobler their nature, the swifter and more headlong their descent. As David begins this chapter
with lying, he ends it by feigning madness. This cannot be excused on the plea that the age invested madness with
a halo of sanctity. It was certainly unworthy of his faith in God. How had the fine gold become dim, when he who
had been anointed by the Spirit scrabbled (made marks, marg.) on the doors of the gates! Yet deep down his heart
was filled with thoughts that were to fruit in two of his sweetest Psalms (Psa. 34 and Psa 56:1-13). He sought
the Lord, and was heard. He cried, and was saved. he suffered; but not a bone was broken - not a good thing had
failed.
1 SAMUEL 22
THE CAVE OF ADULLAM
1 Sam 22:1-5 A realm within the realm. - The cave of Adullam was situated in the valley of Elah, not far from the
scene of David's conflict with Goliath. Saul's oppressions were causing disaffection among his people, and drove
many to join their fortunes to his rival's. David's own family, sharing the royal hatred which he had incurred,
resorted to him for safety. Gad the prophet was also among his followers. As in the case of Joseph, the despised
brother became protector and leader. How true was David in his filial instincts! No doubt there was a natural tie
with Moab, dating back to the days of Ruth the Moabitess.
During the present age Saul is on the throne, and the true King is in hiding. But around Him there is gathering
in secret a host before which the kingdoms of this world will one day be subdued. His recruits are drawn from those
who are in distress and debt - bitter of soul. And He sends none of them away. He sympathizes with their sorrows,
pays their debts, and turns their bitterness to sweetness. Out of them He rears an army of mighty men, all of whom
are welded to Him by indissoluble ties. What the world counts as its dregs and riff-raff, its ne'er-do-wells, Jesus
transmutes into saints; and His true saints are all heroes.
1 Sam 22:6-19 A harvest of blood. - This was the foulest, blackest deed of which Saul had been guilty. It was the
execution of Samuel's early prophecy (1 Sam 2:31-33); but this did not lessen Saul's guilt. Only jealousy, and
a desire to attract sympathy where he had forfeited respect, could have led him to assert that either his people
or his son was faithless. And even Doeg's story, corroborated by Ahimelech's frank avowal, gave no sufficient justification
for so terrible an act of vengeance. What a commentary on James' statement, that "sin, when it is finished,
bringeth forth death" (Jam 1:15). David predicts the fate of Doeg (see Psa 52:1-9).
1 Sam 22:20-23 A noble welcome. - The fugitive priest was welcomed by the outlaw with words that we may assign
to the lips of Jesus, as each soul comes over to Him from the kingdom of darkness (1 Sam 22:23). "Abide with
Me" is equivalent to "Abide in Me:' Because He lives, we live also. David's mind had evidently been uneasy
about his sin, and he took sadly to heart the deed of blood.
1 SAMUEL 23
GREAT DELIVERANCES
This chapter reveals the way in which David constantly sought Divine protection and aid, and received it.
1 Sam 23:1-6 His victory over the Philistines. - It seemed absurd for six hundred men to attack a well-disciplined
host. But there could be no doubt about the Lord's will in the matter. The Lord said, Go: and whenever He gives
so clear a direction, He will give all needed strength and help. "I will deliver:' Remember the name of the
Lord (Psa 20:7).
1 Sam 23:7-13 The treachery of the Keilites. - To Saul it seemed impossible that his prey should escape him; but
he had not realized how much God was prepared to do for that soul which so implicitly trusted Him, and sought His
guidance and help. David's enquiry of God is beautiful for its simple, childlike trust. It is thus that true hearts
talk with their Father in heaven, and He answers them. Thus the fugitives took up again the wanderers' life amid
the rocks and caves of Judah, little dreaming that their griefs and trials would live in all after-time in the
music of the Psalms, which their leader may have recited to them around the campfires at night.
1 Sam 23:14-18 The interview with Jonathan. - Amid all outward strife God provides for us, as He did for David,
some Jonathan - some brook of human love, some sweet friendship or brotherhood. Ah! this is the use of a friend:
to strengthen our hands in God, to whisper words of hope, to enter into covenant with us. And this is what the
best Friend does, who discovers us in the deepest, thickest woods, and whispers his Fear not! There is no soul
so lonely or desolate with whom Jesus will not enter into covenant, and pour in the oil of His comfort and the
wine of His love. Jonathan saw David's exaltation, but not his own death. How mercifully God veils the future!
And His love made him content to be second, not first.
1 Sam 23:19-28 The treachery of the Ziphites. - It was base to attempt to curry favor with Saul at such a cost.
It was an incident of extreme peril (1 Sam 23:25-26). But God interposed at the critical moment by calling Saul's
attention off. It is thus often in the fourth watch of the night that the Saviour comes -not too soon for testing;
not too late for help.
1 SAMUEL 24
RECONCILIATION
1 Sam 24:1-8 David's opportunity. - En-gedi was on the western shore of the Dead Sea, midway between north and
south. Here David and his men were in hiding. Psa 63:1-11 tells something of the Psalmist's experiences in that
region. There were large caves there, often used for sheltering cattle and sheep. Saul entered the very cave where
David and his men were concealed. It was an opportunity that might never occur again for relieving himself of further
trouble and realizing the Divine promise. But opportunity alone does not indicate God's will or our duty. Without
doubt the kingdom was promised to David on the death of Saul. Even the king knew that. His life was accursed and
a curse. It would have been natural for David to comply with the plausible advice of his followers, especially
as Saul had come out to take his life. But to all such suggestions, which had in them the hiss of the serpent,
David opposed the simple rule of right, and stayed his servants and himself. We must leave all vengeance with God
(Rom 12:19-21).
1 Sam 24:9-15 David's pleading. - When we compare the so-called imprecatory Psalms with this noble utterance, we
feel that, whatever else they are, they are not the expression of any personal hostility. David's heart was very
tender, and it smote him, even for cutting off Saul's skirt, lest it might seem like a personal insult (2Sa 10:4).
1 Sam 24:16-22 David's triumph. - Those touching words had made chords long silent vibrate again. Saul's better
self for a moment came at their bidding; and his confession of sin vindicated David's character. But the change
was only emotional - it did not arise from the will. There had been no alteration in his disposition. His goodness
was like the early dew and the morning cloud. This was a double victory for David: first, over himself; and secondly,
over his foe. It was a great foreshadowing of the law of Christ.
1 SAMUEL 25
NABAL'S FOLLY
There are two deaths recorded in this chapter. First, that of Samuel, who was much lamented, and with every reason.
His godly life; his self-suppression at a time when there was every inducement to stand in the way of the great
national revolution; and his marvellous power of intercessory prayer, were elements in a life of singular beauty
and great usefulness to his nation. The second death recorded is that of Nabal, who, true to his name (1 Sam 25:25),
died in his folly.
1 Sam 25:2-8 David's application. - With his men he had now gone further south, to the wilderness of Paran, the
northern part of the desert, known as Et-Tih. Through this wilderness the Israelites had wandered. It was infested
with wild wandering tribes; David therefore had rendered this great sheep-master conspicuous service in protecting
his flocks, and, according to the usage of the desert, had some claim for compensation. To-day the Arab tribe,
which guards the shepherd or caravan, or restrains itself from plundering, expects to be rewarded. Nabal's servants
acknowledged this (1 Sam 25:8, 1 Sam 25:15, 1 Sam 25:16).
1 Sam 25:9-13 Hot haste. - The refusal was not only ungrateful, but rude and insulting; and it stirred David. It
is striking to see how this man, who had borne patiently with Saul, is so suddenly and deeply moved by this rebuff.
It shows that his self-restraint was clue to the grace of God; and that naturally, or when left to himself, he
was as volcanic as any.
1 Sam. 25:14-31 A woman's wit. - Abigail was as full of tact and grace, as Nabal of surly doggedness; and she averted
the impending blow by her swift and wise interposition. She also anticipated truly the great future in store for
David, and appealed to him to avoid an act that would lie as a shadow on his memory. Oh to be bound up in the bundle
of life with Christ! - one with Him in a union that death cannot dissolve!
1 Sam 25:32-44 All ends well. - David recognized that God had stayed his hand, and was thankful. Let us always
give God time to speak to us. He withholds man from His purpose, and hides pride from him. And if we leave our
cause with Him, we shall not only have reason to adore His prevenient grace, but shall see Him interposing to avenge
all our wrongs.
1 SAMUEL 26
A RENEWED ATTACK
1 Sam 26:1-4 Fresh treachery. - For some reason the Ziphites were implacable foes of David; and here again, as
in 1 Sam. 23, they incite Saul against his rival. That the pursuit of David should again be taken up was the more
disgraceful, after all Saul had said in confession and retraction.
1 Sam 26:5-16 A brave act. - There was a sturdy herosim among the mightier of David's army. They loved feats of
hardy courage; and therefore the heart of Abishai rose to David's challenge. Would that there were more of this
spirit in us still, to answer thus the appeals of Jesus, as from his throne He cries, Who will go down with Me?
Again, as in a previous chapter, Abishai, when the two stand inside the royal barricade, suggests that opportunity
indicates duty. But David would not hear of it for a moment. He vowed that he would not avail himself of any occasion,
however tempting, to hasten the inevitable future. It must be God's act and in God's time. That dialogue over the
sleeper is a picture of death, standing to threaten many a mortal; but the angel of long-suffering mercy pleads
for a little respite, that there may be time to repent.
1 Sam 26:17-25 The repentance of the world. - Beneath the sudden emotion of deliverance from awful peril, Saul
again breaks out in confession and contrition. David suggested that if there was any wrong between them, they should
join in making a sacrifice and sealing forgiveness (1 Sam 26:19). The treacherous enemies, to whom David refers
in the same breath, were probably led by Cush the Benjamite, mentioned in Psalm 7. David alleges that the effect
of their treatment had been to alienate him from God's house and worship. How many may say the same of our influence
as professing Christians? Let us be careful, lest we be a stumbling block to other souls. Saul's emotional outburst
would soon subside again, leaving him even harder than before.
1 SAMUEL 27
LOSING HEART
1 Sam 27:1-7 A fainting fit. - There are times in all lives when we lose heart. We think we cannot suffer for a
single moment longer, and we are strongly tempted to take a short cut to deliver ourselves. David had repeated
assurances that he should be king, yet all suddenly he appears to have lost heart and hope; and, imagining that
he would one day perish at the hand of Saul, went off to Achish. In doing so, he only involved himself in worse
difficulties, as we shall presently see. How wonderful to find these contrasts in this man whom God loved! None
could rise to sublimer expressions of trust, or sink to lower depths than he.
Let us beware of saying or thinking that we must perish by the hand of Saul. It need not be. It shall not be, if
only we make God our strong tower. When once we look away from the promises of God and look at circumstances, we
turn from the straight path into devious tracks, which lead to swamps and quagmires. If any tempted souls read
these words, let them dare to trust God, though every appearance be against them. He will vindicate Himself and
their faith. The wicked may spread himself in great power; but the righteous may not fret himself in any wise to
do evil: for evildoers shall be cut off; but the meek shall inherit the earth, and delight themselves in abundance
of peace.
1 Sam 27:8-12 Unbelief leads to falsehood. - When we once lose faith in God, there is no sin to which we do not
become liable. David made raids (1 Sam 27:8-10, R.V.) against the enemies of Israel; but professed to have made
them against his own people. He disarmed suspicion by this procedure, and made Achish think that the breach between
his new servant and his nation was impassable. But, as we shall see, this duplicity wove a net around his feet
that became every day more inextricable, till God delivered him from the consequences of his sin.
And yet 1 Chronicles 12 tells how God watched over His unworthy servant during his stay at Ziklag, and built up
his power.
1 SAMUEL 28
THE WITCH OF ENDOR
This is the climax of Saul's sad and fateful story. The incident recorded in this chapter sealed his fate (1Ch
10:13-14).
1 Sam 28:1-6 Despair. m When Samuel was alive, Saul made as though he could do without him; but when he was dead
his heart cried out for one to be the medium of his soul's intercourse with God. He had often refused God's voice;
and now God answered him not. Many a time he had sought for help; but he had done so without confessing or putting
away the sins which had come between him and God. He regarded iniquity in his heart; and so the Lord hid his face
from him. There is no doubt that if, even then, he had dealt truly with his sins in the sight of God, he would
have found abundant pardon. "He who confesseth and forsaketh shall find mercy" (See Pro 1:24-32).
1 Sam 28:7-15 Witchcraft. - Saul had put away from Israel the sin of witchcraft. That sin had even become as proverbial
as idolatry (1 Sam 15:23) during his reign. But now he went back to it, as the dog to its vomit or the sow to its
filth. The soul of man cannot be satisfied, except it hold fellowship with the unseen; and if not with God, then
with the demons that rule the darkness of the world (Eph 6:12). Spiritualism is the rebound of the heart from the
negation of infidelity. It is a sign of an unbelieving age and a decaying faith, when spiritualistic phenomena
are sought after in the place of God.
In the present case it is likely that Samuel was literally permitted to visit again the world that he had left,
to give the last terrible warning to him over whose fate he had wept and prayed.
1 Sam 28:16-25 Judgment. - Even in this life men are sometimes summoned before the Throne of the Eternal, and hear
their sentence spoken by that voice which warned them in vain. See how one failure, like Saul's disobedience with
respect to Amalek, may determine our destiny. Saul is the Judas of the Old Testament. He thought there was no hope.
His very attitude, full-length on the ground, reminds us of that awful scene in the field of Aceldama. Thus that
goodly young man, whose life opened with such promise, fell toward the abyss.
1 SAMUEL 29
DAVID AND ACHISH
1 Sam 29:1-5 A valid objection. - The lords of the Philistines were perfectly justified in urging this objection
against the presence of David and his followers in their camp, and such close proximity to their king. But surely
that objection must have been an immense relief to David, who for the previous sixteen months had led Achish to
suppose that, by his forays against his own people, he had put an impassable barrier between him and them; but
who, of course, was as loyal to Israel as ever, and had indeed been spending that period in destroying the border
tribes of the desert, who were more or less in alliance with Achish, but who lived by their plunder of Israelite
homesteads and lands. When Achish proposed, in all good faith, to take David with him to the battle, it must have
put him in a very anxious position, from which nothing but God's interposition could extricate him. So we often
bring ourselves into positions of extreme difficulty by unbelief and deceit. God's deliverance came in the refusal
of the Philistine lords to permit him to go with them into the battle. "What do these Christians do here?"
is a question that may fairly be asked when the children of God go into worldly pleasure, or ally themselves with
the enemies of God.
1 Sam 29:6-11 A generous dismissal. - There is something very striking and attractive in the words with which Achish
dismissed David. And though David made as though he were hardly dealt with, his heart must have leaped up within
him with thankfulness and joy. Thus does our God make crooked places straight, and rough places smooth. The stone
is rolled away. The iron gate opens of its own accord.
1 SAMUEL 30
PURSUIT OF THE AMALEKITES
1 Sam 30:1-5 Chastisement. - It was an awful moment when David and his men reached the smoking embers of their
city, and found not a trace of their wives, children, or possessions. It was what he and his men had often done
without compunction in those border-wars; but this did not make it easier to bear. He had reached a very low point
in his fortunes. Dismissed by Achish; conscious of insincerity to the man who trusted him as an angel of God; deprived
of all his earthly goods; and exposed to the sudden hatred of his men - he had a bitter cup to drink!
1 Sam 30:6-8 Quietness and confidence, u He encouraged himself in God. His soul betook itself to the secret place
of the Most high, and hid under the shadow of the Almighty. He was not afraid, though tens of thousands set themselves
against him. There were two grounds for encouragement: 1st, that they had returned from Achish just at that very
moment; 2nd, that God spoke to him yet, and bade him pursue. How self-possessed and calm his faith made him, that
he was able to turn from the hubbub and wrath of his followers and enquire of God! But this is the secret of a
blessed life.
1 Sam 30:9-21 Victory. - Evidently God led the expedition. That two hundred had to fall into the rear, unable to
keep up with the rest in their furious pursuit, made no difference. The hand of Jehovah wrought for His restored
and forgiven child. It reminds us of the pardoned Peter winning three thousand souls on the Day of Pentecost. Surely
David must have seen that he need not fear what man could do against him, but only his own sin. Our Master does
not treat His servants as the flesh (represented by Amalek) does its faithful devotees. He does not leave us when
we fall sick, but nourishes and cherishes us.
1 Sam 30:22-31 Generosity. - How nobly does David stand out in contrast to the manners of his time! His decision
as to the division of the stuff was wise and right, but far in advance of the men that followed him. He was also
thankful for the opportunity of recompensing those who had been kind to him in his misfortunes. So our King does
not forget those that stay by the stuff: mothers and nurses; those who care for others keeps them from active service
in the church and world; or those who must remain at home, instead of serving in the foreign missionary field.
All these shall share equally with those who have distinguished themselves in heroic deeds or martyr-pangs.
1 SAMUEL 31
DEATH OF SAUL
1 Sam 31:1-6 Suicide. - The battle was fought nearly on the ground where Gideon defeated Midian. The plain of Esdraelon
has often been the scene of terrible battles, but never of one so disgraceful to Israel as this. Suicide came quickly
in the wake of all the other sins that had gradually swept the ill-fated monarch onward to his doom. There is no
telling to what lengths the smallest sins, if indulged against light and knowledge, may not conduct us. Jealousy
of David had been like the letting-in of water; now the floods had come, which refused to be stemmed or turned
aside. The suicide thinks less of the Judgment of eternity than of that of time; more of man than of God; rather
of the ills of the body than of the fever of the soul. O my soul, see to it that thy one aim is so to prepare thyself
to stand before the Judgment-seat of Christ, as to have a conscience void of offence toward God and man!
1 Sam 31:7-10 After the battle. - The Israelites fled in panic, while the Philistines took from them their cities
and dwelt in them, ascribing their victory to their gods. But it could only be a short-lived triumph, as God had
made a definite gift of the land to Israel by a covenant which Saul's sins could not annul.
1 Sam 31:11-13 Befitting gratitude. - The men of Jabesh-gilead give a beautiful example of gratitude. Saul had
delivered them in the hour of their extremity, and they did not forget his kindness in that dark day of defeat
and dishonor. So their deed has been made known to the world, and has shed its light over the ages. But Jesus redeemed
us from a dreadful fate by His most precious blood. Let us be true to Him. He can never fall on the field of battle;
but His followers seem sometimes to hesitate to follow Him there. Let us not flinch! - dying to live; suffering
to reign; knowing the fellowship of His sufferings, to attain the glory of His resurrection. If they did it for
the disgraced dead, what should not we do for the glorified Living!