1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
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2007 Edition Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 <strong>Samuel</strong> 83C. DAVID IN EXILE CHS. 21—31In chapters 21—30 we see David's forces growing stronger and stronger while Saul'sforces get weaker and weaker. This is a further demonstration <strong>of</strong> the fertility theme.However these chapters also develop the motif <strong>of</strong> the proper response to Yahweh'sanointed.Interesting, too, are the parallels between David's experiences as the Lord's anointed andJesus <strong>Christ</strong>'s as the Lord's anointed. Rejection preceded acceptance, and sufferingpreceded reigning, in both cases. God blessed both <strong>of</strong> these servants personally, and theybecame a blessing to others because <strong>of</strong> their commitment to Yahweh and His Law."The true servant <strong>of</strong> God must willingly suffer affliction with the fullassurance that God is performing His purposes. Positions <strong>of</strong> prominenceand prestige are not to be sought and worked for. Rather, the leader whodesires <strong>Christ</strong>'s blessing must wait patiently on Him for advancement andpromotion to opportunities <strong>of</strong> greater service." 250Several <strong>of</strong> the Psalms have their backgrounds in these chapters (Ps. 18; 34; 52; 54; 56;57; 63; 124; 138; 142; and possibly others).1. David's initial movements chs. 21—22"The two chapters comprise a literary unit <strong>of</strong> three sections arranged inchiastic order. Chapters 21:1-9 and 22:6-23 are concerned with the priestlycompound at Nob in Benjamin while the central section (21:10—22:5)summarizes David's flight to Gath in Philistia, Adullam in Judah, andMizpah in Moab." 251David's flight to Nob 21:1-9Nob stood one and one-half milesnortheast <strong>of</strong> Jerusalem and two and onehalfmiles southeast <strong>of</strong> Gibeah. ThereAhimelech served as high priest. Priestlyactivity and evidently the tabernacle werenow there (cf. 17:54). It is significant thatDavid's first place <strong>of</strong> refuge was amongGod's representatives on earth. Hewanted to get help from the Lord throughthem (cf. 22:10) as he had done in thepast (22:15). Apparently Ahimelech wastrembling because David was alone (cf.16:4). Had Saul sent him to harm thepriests (cf. 22:6-23), or was David inRamah*Gibeah *Nob *GathBethlehem**Adullam*Keilah* JUDAHPHILISTIA Ziph* * EngediCarmel** MaonZiklag?* Masada(The Stronghold?) ^DAVID'S FLIGHTFROM SAULMOAB250 Tucker, p. 159.251 Youngblood, p. 727.