1 Samuel 26:19

If the Lord&c. Saul may be acting as the executioner of a divine punishment. In that case David desires to obtain pardon by a propitiatory offering. This seems the obvious explanation. But according to the view of many commentators, David suggests that this perverse persecution is the consequence of the evil spirit continuing to vex Saul as a punishment for his sin, and advises him to seek the removal of it by an expiatory sacrifice.

In the language of the O. T. God is sometimes said to incite or command men to do acts in themselves evil. See 2Sa 16:11; 2 Samuel 24:1. The Hebrew mind was profoundly impressed with the great truth of the universal sovereignty of God, and regarding Him as the Cause of all things, did not distinguish, as we do, between what is causedor commanded, and what is permittedby Him.

let him accept an offering Lit. smell. Cp. Genesis 8:21.

if they be the children of men See on 1 Samuel 24:9.

from abiding in, &c. From being associated with the people of Israel who are Jehovah's inheritance (1 Samuel 10:1). The word "to-day" is emphatic: as much as to say, -It has at last come to this that I must flee the country: and such a banishment is tantamount to bidding me go serve false gods, for it is only in the land of promise and at the place which He has chosen that Jehovah manifests Himself and can be worshipped." Cp. note on 1 Samuel 10:3.