37 And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not the arrow beyond thee?

38 And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.

39 But the lad knew not any thing:

40 And Jonathan gave his artillery unto this lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city.

b

41 And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.

42 And Jonathan said to David, e Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

Heb. instruments.
Heb. the lad that was his.

only Jonathan and David knew the matter. 25:23. Gen. 43:28. 2 Sam.

y 19. 2 Sam. 20:5. z 20,21.

a Ps. 55:6-9. Prov. 6:4,5. Matt.
24:16-18. Mark 13:14-16.
Luke 17:31,32.

Heb. to past over him. at David, which Jonathan at this crisis recollected. It must, however, be admitted, that this is by no means an obvious construction of the original. Nor can it be readily thought, that merely a recollection of a fact which formerly had taken place, could induce Jonathan to leave his place "in fierce anger;" when he had, at this time, borne the most provoking language of his father without expressing any indignant perturbation; and had also, subsequent to some of Saul's attempts on David's life, calmly expostulated with Saul, and induced him to engage, by a solemn oath, that he would not slay David. (Note, 19:4 -7.j—But the atrocity of such an attempt on the life of his own son, seems to some persons to- || tally incredible. Yet Saul's stern and rigorous conduct, respecting Jonathan, after he had miraculously prevailed to rescue him and Israel from the greatest straits and disgrace, shews that the self-will and severity of his mind, had overcome, even at that favorable crisis, his natural affection. (Note, 14:36-44.) And the transient attempt of his furious rage, in attempting to murder his son, on the occasion recorded in these verses, bears no proportion to his subsequent deliberate, impious, and most barbarous murder of the priests, and their wives, and children; because they were supposed to favor David. (Noles, 22:11-19.) Nor can any thing be deemed too atrocious for a man to commit, whom God had given up, and left, in a kind of desperate madness, under the power of Satan, and of his own passions, till he plunged himself into destruction with his own hands. (Notes, 28:6—25. 31:3—6.) V. 35-40. Marg. Ref.

V. 41, 42. Finding no one near, Jonathan seized the opportunity of one more interview with his beloved friend; who, in his conduct on this occasion, united all the respect and honor due to Jonathan's rank, with the most endeared affection and glowing gratitude: so that his sorrow even exceeded that of Jonathan's; as considering himself exiled from his country, separated from his wife and his friend, and excluded from the ordinances of God, and the society of his people. Nothing can be conceived more pathetic than this parting; and we do not find, that they met more than once afterwards in this world. (Notes, 23:16—18.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1–23.

9:6.
c 10:1.

Gen. 29:11,13. 45:15. 2 Sam. 19:39. Acts 20:37.

d 18:3. 2 Sam. 1:26.

e 22. 1:17. Num. 6:26. Luke 7:50. Acts 16:36.

Or, the LORD be witness of that which, &c. 23. f 23:18.

nothing is more supporting to an afflicted mind than the converse of a pious friend: and it is highly desirable to avoid misconstructions of our conduct, by those whom we love and esteem; lest we should lose the comfort of their friendship, and throw temptations in their way.-Though it is painful to suffer for well doing, yet it is far better than to suffer for evil doing: for a clear conscience, an unblemished reputation, and the favor of God, are unspeakable advantages in trying circumstances. (Notes, 1 Pel. 3:13-18. 4: 12-16.)-Friendly and pious persons are always backward to suspect others of deep malignity, but wish to impute their misconduct, where undeniable, to other causes: and pious children will veil the faults of their parents as far as consists with other duties, and speak as favorably o. them as truth permits. But it is shameful when parents deliberately devise wickedness, which they must studiously conceal from their children, lest they should in them meet with obstacles tc their criminal designs. Evident danger, from the malice of men, renders it allowable for us to quit those places where we were employed, and to take proper measures for self-preservation: yet this ought, if possible, to be so conducted, that all impartial persons may perceive the necessity, and that "the LORD hath sent us away." -At some times it appears to us, that "there is but a step between us and death:" at all times we are sensible that it may be so, and should be expecting and preparing for that event; "for, as sure as the LORD liveth, and as our souls now live" in the body, we shall ere long remove into the eternal world.-But let dangers appear ever so imminent, we cannot die, till the purpose of God concerning us be accomplished; and, if we are believers, till "we have served our generation according to his will." (Note, Acts 13:2437, conclusion.)-Every expedient should be tried to prevent open quarrels, and every appearance of evil guarded against: and by little things a certain judgment may often be formed of men's dispositions and intentions.-True friendship, grounded on the covenant of the Lord, will require nothing unreasonable, and refuse nothing equitable: yet it is apt to be jealous, when fidelity is put to severe trials, and there is danger lest slander and prejudice should interrupt its course. Rut, in reality, it rests on an immoveable basis, and possesses inconceivable force: it is stronger than death, and able to silence the voice of emu

Next to the consolations of true religion,lation, ambition. self-love, and even relative

B. C. 1061.

CHAP. XXI.

I. SAMUEL.

said, There is no common bread under

David comes to Nob, and obtains from Ahimelech hallowed mine hand, but there is 'hallowed bread; bread, 1-6. Doeg, an Edomite, is present, 7. David takes He flees to Gath, and feigns himalso Goliath's sword, 8. 9. self mad, and is sent away, 10-15.

TH

HEN came David to a Nob, to b Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?

2 And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed my servants to such and such a place.

3 Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present.

*

4 And the priest answered David, and

a 22:19. Neh. 11:32. Is. 10:32. b 14:3. Ahiah, 22:9-19. Mark 2:26.

c 16:4.

d 19:17. 22:22. Gen. 27:20,24.

Ps. 119:29.
1 Kings 13:18.
Gal. 2:12,13. Col. 3:9.
e 4. Judg. 9:29. Is. 3:6.
*Heb. found.

if the young men have kept themselves at least from women.

5 And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, † yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel.

k

6 So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shew-bread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.

1

m

7 Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, " detained before the LORD; and his name 6. Ex. 25:30. Lev. 24:5-9.

Matt. 12:3,4.

was

there is other sanctified in the

vessel.

g Ex. 19:15. Zech. 7:3. 1 Cor. k Matt. 12:3,4. Mark 2:25-27.
Luke 6:3,4.
7:5.

h Acts 9:15. 1 Thes. 4:3,4.1 Lev. 24:5-9.
2 Tim. 2:20,21.

i Lev. 24:9.

1 Pet. 3:7. m Jer. 7:9-11.
Am. 3:5.
21:26,27.

Ez. 33:31. Matt. 15:8.

Acts

↑ Or, especially when this day

affection. Who then can comprehend the love of Jesus, who gave himself a sacrifice unto God for us rebellious and polluted sinners! And what ought to be the force and effects of our love to him! The believer, being acquainted with the purpose of the Father respecting him, willingly subinits to his authority, and rejoices in the prospect of his glory. Loving him as his own soul, he asks and receives repeated confirmations of his covenant of peace; readily performs whatev-wards been given to them. (Marg. Ref.) The er Jesus his Friend commands; and for his sake feels and expresses a cordial love for those who seek his glory and bear his image. Assured that all his enemies will perish, he desires the blessing of his love and his covenant of peace and friendship for his posterity and his relations: but while he prays for and weeps over such of them, as "reject the counsel of God against themselves;" he must separate from them, and join interests with those whom they despise and hate.

V. 24-42.

ark, however, still remained at Kirjath-jearim.
(Note, 7:1,2.)-—David went to Nob to inquire of
the Lord by the high priest, as he had before
been accustomed to do; and to take farewell of
him and of the sanctuary, as he had of Samuel
and of Jonathan. But as he went without his
accustomed retinue, and in apparent distress,
Ahimelech probably suspected a breach between
him and Saul, and was afraid to entertain him.
This proved a snare to David; and lest he should
be betrayed to Saul, or sent away destitute, he
immediately framed a gross falsehood, which can
by no means be excused, and which had most
fatal consequences. (Notes, 22:9-19.)

V. 3-6. It seems wonderful, that David should not be able to procure bread for himself and his few attendants: but when Saul's rooted malice was made known, every one would be afraid or unwilling to entertain him. The necessity, however, was real and urgent: and Ahim

The formal professor is sometimes more constant at divine ordinances, than even the zealous believer: for discomposure of mind will occasionally prevent the attendance of a believer; while the purpose or the practice of the vilest crimes does not interrupt those, who trust in the mere external observance.-When envious and angry passions are indulged, men are pushed on by Satan into the most indecent excesses, with-elech supposed that in such a case they might out respect even to character, or the most sacred obligations: nor are they, at one moment, aware of the outrages, which they shall commit the next. Let us then fear giving place to the devil in the smallest degree.-Under great provocations the meekest cannot always refrain from anger; but when its emotions are felt, it is our wisdom to withdraw in silence: and it is generous to be more grieved for our insulted friends than for ourselves.-Every comfort on earth is counterpoised with some sorrow; and the dearest friends must experience the most painful separations. But Christians need not, and should not, "sorrow as men without hope:" for, being one with Christ, they are one with each other; and will soon meet in his presence to part no more, where all tears shall be wiped from their eyes.

eat the shew-bread, provided they were prepar
ed in the same manner as the Israelites had
been, for receiving the law from mount Sinai.
(Ex. 19:15.) David having therefore satisfied
him in this respect, and assured him that the
young men were ceremonially clean, as well as
holy in their general character, (as the words
seem to imply;) and having pleaded, that the
bread was now in a manner common, as other
loaves had been placed upon the table in their
stead; he gave them some of it, and they did eat.
(Marg.-Note, Lev. 24:5-9.)-Jesus Christ in
vindicating his disciples from the charge of
breaking the sabbath, has also vindicated David
in this matter; which proves that the positive in-
stitutions of religion may be dispensed with,
when the preservation of life, or any other ur-

B. C. 1061.

"Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the || unto him, Is not this David, the king of herdmen that belonged to Saul. the land? did they not sing one to an other of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

8 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required

aste.

gent necessity requires it. (Notes, Hos. 6:6. Matt. 12:3,4.)

V. 7. Doeg had become a proselyte to the religion of Israel, perhaps to obtain preferment from Saul: (Notes, Ps. 52: title. 2-4.) and he was at this time performing some vow, which || constrained his attendance at the sanctuary; but the word detained seems to imply, that he submitted to it as a painful restraint. (Note, Am. 8: 4-10.) Thus, however, he was acquainted with what passed between David and Ahimelech. (Notes, 22:9,10,22.)

12 And David laid in his heart, and was sore afraid of up these words Achish the king of Gath.

13 And he changed his behavior before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.

14 Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?

15 Have I need of madmen, that ye have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?

of faith and fervor of piety. (Notes, Ps. 34: lille. 4-6. 56: title. 1—4.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. When in the courts of kings a favorite falls, in general it is very rapidly: for out of fickleness, envy, malice, ambition, or fear, almost every one deserts or opposes him; disregarding the most unsullied reputation, eminent services, or personal obligations. It is therefore "better to trust in the LORD, than to put any confidence in princes." (Note, Ps. 118:8,9.) "Oppression V. 8, 9. Either David fled with such precip- maketh even a wise man mad;” (Note, Ec. 7:7.) itation that he had not time to take his armor; and few conduct themselves in extreme difficul or he left it, in order the better to conceal him- ties, without taking some manifestly false step: self. It seems that Goliath's sword was not so we should therefore "watch and pray, that we large, but that David could readily use it; and may not enter into temptation;" and especially every time he drew it, it would remind him to seek that strength of faith in God, which may bless God for his victory over the Philistines, overcome the fear of man.-Ingenious falseand to trust in him to turn the arms of all his hoods often promise present security; but they enemies against themselves. (Note, 17:50-53.) ensure future disgrace and disquietude: and no V. 10-15. David expected that Saul would impositions are more foolish and prejudicial, pursue him into every part of the land of Israel, than those, which some men practise, in seeking and he was not disposed to form a party against counsel and comfort from the ministers of Christ. him. Perhaps Achish deemed it politic to draw-Urgent necessity will justify us in neglecting, off so able à commander from the service of Saul, and had given him some intimations that he would protect him. But his officers judged otherwise: and, remembering his victory over Goliath, and the lavish commendations bestowed on him; (Note, 18:6-9.) and having heard, that he had been appointed to be "the king of the land;" they judged it impossible to fix him in their interest, and perhaps intimated that he should be put to death. (Note, 29:4-6.) This so alarmed David, that he feigned himself mad, and mimicked the actions of lunatics; which gave Achish the opportunity of sending him away, without either employing or hurting him: but it is not certain, whether he really thought him mad, or was willing to avail himself of appearances, to get out of the difficulty.-David's conduct was, in some respects, degrading to his character, and discovered a wavering in his faith and courage. He soon, however, recovered his confidence and composure; for on this occasion he composed the thirty-fourth and fiftysixth Psalms, which are remarkable for strength

in particular instances, the rituals of religion: but we ought always to attend on holy things, in holiness of body and soul, and with a mind as abstracted from all earthly objects as possible.— The true believer is glad to go to the courts of the Lord, is reluctant to quit them, and mourns when confined from them: but the time-serving hypocrite is dragged to them, and detained in God's service, from secular motives, and is often forming schemes of wickedness when he seems to be worshipping. What wonder then, that "hig sacrifice is an abomination to the LORD:" (Notes, Ps. 26:6-8. 27:4-6. 42:1-3. 63:1-4. 84:1-4,10. Prov. 15:8,9.)-The remembrance of former mercies not only revives gratitude, but inspires confidence and courage: and the word of God is that "sword of the Spirit," concerning which, in all temptations and conflicts, we may well say, "There is none like it."-In this world we must pass from one danger to another, and often meet with terror where we seek security; and those very honors, of which inen are ambitious, and which are most gratify

disad-cated in the schools of the prophets under Samuel's tuition; (Marg. Ref. j. Note, 10:5,6.) and knowing that David was anointed to be king, he seems to have attended him in his distresses. By him the Lord commanded David not to abide at Mizpeh, which bordered on Moab; (Note, Judg. 11:9-11.) or in any distant fortified place: but to return into the land of Judah, that he might not be alienated from his brethren, or his men enticed to idolatry; that his faith might be exercised and increased; and that he still might perform some service to his country. (Note, 23:1

ing at the time, expose them to manifold
vantages and perils: nor can we expect our
situation to be better, while the best of charac-
ters are so inconsistent and defective.
may "trust the LORD at all times;" he will sup-
ply our wants, and never forsake us notwith-
standing our lamented infirmities: he will not
leave the lives of his people in the hands of their
enemies, nor their souls in disconsolation: and
the more simply we depend on him and obey ||
him, the more comfortably and surely we shall
walk through this troublesome world, to that
"rest which is reserved for the people of God."-6.)

9 Then answered Doeg the Edomite, thy bidding, and is honorable in thine (which was set over the servants of Saul,) house? and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. 10 And he inquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine. 11 Then the king sent to call Ahime-† lech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests that were in Nob: and they came all of them to the king.