College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 22 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 22
The prophet Gad and David. As David left Philistia and moved back through the land of Judah, he was joined by members of his own family. All those who were in distress or in debt also joined David. Altogether he had a company of 400 men. After David fled to Moab, God sent his prophet Gad to be with David and to instruct him not to flee outside the land of Israel.
Saul's increasing jealousy. Saul not only berated the members of his own family, but he loosed a tirade against his officers and soldiers accusing them of being in a conspiracy with David. This caused Doeg to reveal David's brief association with the priests at Nob.
Saul's slaughter of the priests. There was still some fear of God among Saul's men. When Saul ordered the killing of the priests none of his soldiers would obey. Finally, Doeg killed all but one of the priests.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
God always raises up men to meet the needs of the hour. God has never been without men to meet the needs of a particular situation. When David was in need of a man of God, God sent Gad his prophet to be with David. When God needed a messenger to carry the gospel to the Gentiles he called Saul of Tarsus to be His chosen vessel. God has worked this way throughout human history, and Christians should always be thankful that there are those who are willing to rise up and meet the call of God.
2.
Man's worst enemy is often his own imagination. Saul imagined that all of his men were against him. He fell into such a slough of self-pity that he thought there was conspiracy in the ranks of his own soldiers. He thus alienated the affections of many of his leaders. Too often this happens in the ranks of Christian workers today.
3.
Nothing is holy to a man who has sold his soul to Satan. Most men would stop short of killing God's anointed people. When Saul ordered his men to slay the priests there was none at first to do his infamous will. Finally one who was a stranger to the commonwealth of Israel and evidently a mercenary in Saul's army fulfilled the mad king's order. It is hard to imagine anyone falling lower than Saul fell as he slew the priests, but when man sells his soul to Satan, he falls to unbelievable depths.
CHAPTER 22 IN REVIEW
1.
To what point in Israel did David return?
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2.
In what tribe was the place located?
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3.
How many men did David have with him?
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4.
To what point in Moab did David flee?
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5.
Which of David's ancestors was from Moab?
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6.
What was the name of the prophet who came to David?
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7.
How does Saul refer to David?
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8.
Whom did Saul order to kill the priests?
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9.
Who did kill the priests?
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10.
Which priest escaped?
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