Bible Commentary

Historical Context and Setting 1 Samuel 26 continues David’s wilderness years as he fled from King Saul’s relentless pursuit. This chapter parallels the earlier account in 1 Samuel 24, where David also had an opportunity to kill Saul but chose mercy instead. The repetition emphasizes the importance of the theological themes presented. The events occur […]

Context and Setting 1 Samuel 25 occurs during David’s wilderness years when he fled from King Saul. Samuel the prophet had recently died, creating a spiritual vacuum in Israel. David and his men lived as fugitives in the desert regions of Judah. They protected local shepherds and their flocks from raiders and wild animals. This

Saul’s Pursuit After the Philistine Crisis When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told that David was in the wilderness of En Gedi. This intelligence from informants restarted the king’s obsessive pursuit immediately after dealing with the foreign invasion that had interrupted his previous hunt. Saul took three thousand chosen men from all

The Philistine Threat to Keilah David received reports that the Philistines were fighting against Keilah and robbing the threshing floors. This attack on an Israelite city during harvest season threatened both the immediate food supply and the economic foundation of the community. The timing revealed enemy strategy to maximize damage. Keilah was a fortified city

David’s Escape to the Cave of Adullam David departed from Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam, finding refuge in a natural fortress that would serve as headquarters for his growing band of followers. This strategic location provided security while being accessible to those seeking to join his cause. When David’s brothers and all

David’s Arrival at Nob David came to Nob to see Ahimelech the priest, fleeing alone without his usual companions or servants. This solitary arrival marked the beginning of his exile period and demonstrated the urgency of his escape from Saul’s murderous pursuit. Isolation emphasized his vulnerable condition. Ahimelech trembled when he met David, fearing that

David’s Return and Desperate Inquiry David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came to Jonathan asking what he had done wrong to deserve Saul’s murderous pursuit. His question revealed bewilderment at the king’s irrational hatred despite his faithful service. David sought understanding from his closest friend about the inexplicable persecution. David’s inquiry demonstrated his genuine

Saul’s Command to Kill David Saul spoke openly to Jonathan and all his servants about killing David. This public declaration marked a dramatic escalation from secret assassination attempts to open murder conspiracy. The king’s restraint had completely dissolved under jealousy’s influence. The royal command placed Jonathan and the court servants in an impossible position between

Jonathan’s Covenant with David Jonathan’s soul was knit to David’s soul after witnessing the victory over Goliath. This deep friendship developed immediately between the king’s son and the shepherd boy. Their bond transcended social differences and political implications. Jonathan loved David as his own soul, creating one of Scripture’s most celebrated friendships. This covenant relationship

The Philistine Challenge The Philistines gathered their armies for battle against Israel in the valley of Elah. This strategic location between Philistine territory and Judean hills provided an ideal battlefield for determining regional supremacy. Both armies positioned themselves on opposite hillsides with the valley between them. Goliath of Gath emerged as the Philistine champion, standing