Verses 1-23

David in the Cave of Adullam. Saul's Slaughter of the Priests at Nob

1. Adullam] probably in the valley of Elah between Philistia and Hebron.

2. Four hundred] They soon increased to six hundred (1 Samuel 23:13). Cp. the description given of Jephthah's band in Judges 11:3.

5. Gad] is here mentioned for the first time. After David's accession he became the king's seer (2 Samuel 24:11). He was sent to rebuke David for his sin in numbering the people, and after his death wrote a history of his reign (1 Chronicles 29:29). From 2 Chronicles 29:25 he appears to have been concerned in arranging the temple service. Forest of Hareth] not known.

6. In Ramah] RM 'on the height.'

14. Goeth at thy bidding] RV 'is taken into thy council.'

15. Did I then begin?] RV'Have I today begun?' Ahimelech had been accustomed to place his services at David's disposal.

17. Footmen] Heb. 'runners'; they ran before the king's chariot (1 Samuel 8:11) and sometimes carried news from one place to another. On occasion they acted as executioners, but this was not their special office.

19. Saul probably wished to make an example which would deter others from rendering David any assistance.

20. Abiathar shared in all David's wanderings and was made by him joint priest with Zadok. But he shared in Adonijah's rising and was deposed by Solomon.