1-2 Samuel (The Story of God Bible Commentary | SGBC)

Top Highlights

“Why was he hiding? So far Saul has seemed very humble and lacking confidence, so this is not necessarily out of character. It is possible that Saul hid because lot-casting ceremonies are usually used to find guilty people. Whatever the reason, given that he had been anointed by the prophet (confirmed by no less than three miraculous signs) and empowered by Yahweh’s spirit, Saul’s continuing hesitancy does not bode well for him. His actions suggest a reluctance to obey God’s calling.” (Page 120)

“The key to explaining the priest’s fear is most likely the presence of Doeg the Edomite, Saul’s servant. David was clearly on the run, and the presence of Saul’s servant meant that if the priest helped the fugitive it might get back to Saul and incur the fury of the king.” (Page 220)

“In other words, two important issues are brought into relief here: situations where you must judge a ‘word’ that a fellow believer may give you; and situations where you must interpret events and opportunities as to whether they are giving you divine direction to take certain actions.” (Page 249)

“Jonathan is rightly concerned about his future. Usually in the ancient world, when one dynasty replaces another, all male descendants of the previous dynasty are slaughtered to ensure there is no challenge to the throne (e.g., 1 Kgs 15:29; 16:11; 2 Kgs 10:6–7).” (Page 214)

“These stories reveal the anxiety concerning God’s presence, or lack thereof, in ancient Israel. If David is successful in bringing the ark to Jerusalem, it would alleviate such anxiety and lead Israel to feel confirmed that Yahweh really is with David.” (Page 349)