College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 21 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 21
David at Nob. The Ark of the covenant was not yet returned to the tabernacle. The high priest was at Shiloh in the days of Samuel but after the Ark was captured, the Tabernacle was evidently located at Nob. David wanted to worship God and so went to the Tabernacle. He found some help and friendship in the priests that were there.
David at Gath. David's flight to Philistia seems ill advised, but he must have thought that he would find help there. Since Saul was seeking to kill him he might find safety among Saul's Philistine enemies. He fled to the city which had been introduced earlier as the home of Goliath. It was a very important Philistine city and ruled over by Achish, the king.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Let us go into the house of the Lord (Psalms 122:1). David sang this song which he taught Israel, but this was evidently the tenor of his life long before he wrote the Psalm. Since he was in dire straits, he not only sought out the priest of God but also went to the house of the Lord where he could worship in an acceptable way. Here he would have opportunity to make a sacrifice unto God and to seek the will of the Lord for his life.
2.
Politics make strange bedfellows. This old adage has been seen in many different instances. Once David had fought against the Philistines. He slew the champion of their army and caused them to flee from the armies of Israel. Now he sought refuge among them. His reasoning was wise according to the ways of this world, but it fills us with chagrin to see a man of God brought so low that he must affiliate himself with the enemies of God's people in order to save his own life.
3.
The enemies of God's people watch them closely. When David got to Achish in Gath, he found that they already knew the song which was sung in Israel crediting David with slaying ten thousands of men whereas Saul had slain only thousands. They also recognized him as being the one who was to become king of Israel. He was thus not able to find safety among them. Christians would be surprised to find out how much non-Christians know about their everyday activities. We ought to realize that non-believers watch the believers very closely.
CHAPTER 21 IN REVIEW
1.
When David finally fled from Saul, to what place did he flee?
_____
2.
Who was priest there?
_____
3.
What did the priest give David to eat?
_____
4.
What piece of armor did he give to David?
_____
5.
What was the name of Saul's servant who was there?
_____
6.
Of what nationality was the servant?
_____
7.
To what foreign country did David flee?
_____
8.
In what city did he seek refuge?
_____
9.
What was the name of the king to whom David fled?
_____
10.
What title did these foreign people ascribe to David?
_____