1Sa 22 | MHCC | e4.org | 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.

‏ 1 Samuel 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.