Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
1 Samuel Ch.22 / 31 Ch.s
1SA:22
* David at Adullam, Many resort to him. (1-5) Saul destroys the
priests of Nob. (6-19) Abiathar escapes to David. (20-23)
#1-5 See what weak instruments God sometimes uses, to bring
about his own purposes. The Son of David is ready to receive
distressed souls, who will be commanded by him. He receives all
who come unto Him, however vile and miserable; he changes them
into a holy people, and employs them in his service: those who
would reign with him must be contented first to suffer with and
for him. Observe with what tender concern David provided for his
aged parents. The first thing he does is to find them a quiet
habitation, whatever became of himself. Let children learn to
honour their parents, in every thing consulting their ease and
satisfaction. Though highly preferred, and much employed, let
them not forget their aged parents. The steps of a good man are
ordered by the Lord. And the Lord will preserve his people for
their appointed work, however they may be hated and exposed.
#6-19 See the nature of jealous malice and its pitiful arts.
Saul looks upon all about him as his enemies, because they do
not just say as he says. In Ahimelech's answer to Saul we have
the language of conscious innocence. But what wickedness will
not the evil spirit hurry men to when he gets the dominion! Saul
alleges that which was utterly false and unproved. But the most
bloody tyrants have found instruments of their cruelty as
barbarous as themselves. Doeg, having murdered the priests, went
to the city, Nob, and put all to the sword there. Nothing so
vile but those may do it, who have provoked God to give them up
to their hearts' lusts. Yet this was the accomplishment of the
threatenings against the house of Eli. Though Saul was
unrighteous in doing this, yet God was righteous in permitting
it. No word of God shall fall to the ground.
#20-23 David greatly lamented the calamity. It is great trouble
to a good man to find himself any way the cause of evil to
others. He must have been much pained, when he considered that
his falsehood was one cause of this fatal event. David speaks
with assurance of his own safety, and promises that Abiathar
should have his protection. With the Son of David, all who are
his may be sure they shall be in safeguard, #Ps 91:1|. In the
hurry and distraction David was continually in, he found time
for communion with God, and found comfort in it.