First Samuel

First Samuel was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapters Twenty One-Twenty Two

 

OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER:

I. DAVID PARTAKES OF THE SHEWBREAD - (21:1-9)

II. DAVID PLAYS THE MADMAN BEFORE ACHISH - (21:10-15)
III. DAVID FLEES: ADULLAM, MIZPEH, JUDAH - (22:1-5)
IV. SAUL ACCUSES HIS SERVANTS OF TREASON - (22:6-8)
V. SAUL ACCUSES AHIMELECH OF CONSPIRACY - (22:9-16)
VI. DOEG THE EDOMITE SLAYS THE PRIESTS - (22:17-19)
VII. ABIATHAR ESCAPES - (22:20-23)

 

I. DAVID PARTAKES OF THE SHEWBREAD - (21:1-9)

We open the section with David running for his life. David is afraid. The following two incidents in this chapter show us what good ol' fashioned fear can do to the mightiest of warriors. David contrives a "fish story" for Ahimelech. There's no reason why David couldn't have simply told the truth and again leave the consequences to God. Here's David, a commander of thousands of troops, alone on top-secret military business? He had to leave town so quickly he forgot his sword and toothbrush, hardly believable. David's story and behavior doesn't "jive."

David is hungry but "Mother Hubbard's cupboard is bare." Ahimelech offers the future king the hollowed (holy) bread, the shewbread (vs. 6). See (Ex. 25:30; Lev. 24:5).

The incident is very significant, for Jesus refers to it in (Matt. 12:1-4; Mk. 2:25,26; Lk. 6:3,4). Jesus identifies David as a type or picture of himself, by showing that David's partaking of the priestly responsibility foreshadowed Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath.

Note Doeg the Edomite: he plays an important part in chapter (22).

 

II. DAVID PLAYS THE MADMAN BEFORE ACHISH - (21:10-15)

David is 'coincidentally' unarmed, just an 'oversight' as far as Ahimelech is concerned. David would feel more secure with a weapon, so Ahimelech furnishes him with the only one available, Goliath's sword. Now that must've been a sight, a man average height, carrying a six foot sword! Better it would have been, if David left the sword in Nob, for as he enters Gath, home of Goliath, his cover is blown by his armament. "Here's the man that killed our champion, Goliath." David "laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid ... he changed his behavior..." (vs. 12,13). This is one of those things that happens in life, that one would rather forget. "How 'bout an instant replay of this in Heaven, David"? David pretends he's gone crazy, scratching the gate with his fingernails, foaming at the mouth, and probably blubbering away incoherently, Achish decides he already has more than his share of lunatics in his kingdom. "Have I need of mad men ... ?" (vs. 15).

 

III. DAVID FLEES: ADULLAM, MIZPEH, JUDAH - (22:1-5)

The story of David's Four Hundred (vs. 2) is a natural for a salvation preaching application. David pictures Jesus Christ, a King in exile. "They went down thither to him (vs. 1); the only way to Jesus is down. One must admit and confess his worthlessness before God. Those that came to David were the distressed, indebted and discontented; distressed concerning their sin; in debt, a debt that one could never pay; and discontented in a world that fails to bring peace, happiness and joy to its residents. "He became a captain" (Heb. 2:10).

The story forms the basis for the Robin Hood Sheriff of Nottingham plot. The "good-guys" are exile while the villain is on the throne with the foremost intent: kill the real king (Matt. 21:38).

David is concerned about the safety of his parents. He takes them to Mizpeh of Moab and asks the king to care for them until the Lord gives him more permanent direction. David is not complaining or embittered, he's just waiting for God to show him what to do next; in the mean time he'll just be afraid!

 

IV. SAUL ACCUSES HIS SERVANTS OF TREASON - (22:6-8)

When a man is consumed with sin, he no longer thinks rationally. Saul steps further and further away from the Lord. His sin is effecting all of his personal relationships. Saul lashes out at his servants. He accuses them of conspiring against him. He accuses David of trying to bribe them with position and possession. The charges are unfounded. Saul is afraid, everyone is against him, or so he imagines. "None of you is sorry for me." Why feel sorry for Saul? His problems are self-inflicted. "Nobody loves me"' Saul, the big baby. What a bore!

 

V. SAUL ACCUSES AHIMELECH OF CONSPIRACY - (22:9-16)

There are always those "lewd fellows of the baser sort" that like to take advantage of the 'depth' of the moment." "Then answered Doeg the Edomite..." Doeg relates to Saul the meeting of David and the priest, Ahimelech. Based on the Edomite's testimony, Saul summons Ahimelech and family. "Why have ye conspired against me?" Saul immediately, without giving a chance to answer, accuses the priests of conspiring against him. His accusations are full of lies. "That he should rise against" (vs. 13). David has done no such thing. "...To lie in wait." Horse feathers! On the contrary Ahimelech's answer is total truth. "Who is so faithful? ... the king's son-in-law ... goeth at thy bidding ... honourable ... for thy servant knew nothing of all this." It is of interest to note that Ahimelech's immediate reaction in not what one would expect. He does not defend himself, he deals with the real issues ... David.

Saul has a one track mind. Kill anyone that might support David; but as the man said, "Don't confuse me with the facts." (vs. 14,15). "Thou shalt surely die." The persecuting spirit is an unreasonable spirit.

 

VI. DOEG THE EDOMITE SLAYS THE PRIESTS - (22:17-19)

Up until this point, one might feel sorry for the confused Saul. No one would question the seriousness of the matter, but, there has yet to be a drop of blood shed.

Saul commands his servants to slay Ahimelech and his family. The servants cannot follow orders for they are not convinced of the priestly family's guilt. They refuse to follow orders. Doeg the Edomite is an unprincipled man, a man full of hate, anger and wickedness. He sees in some strange perverted way an opportunity to avenge the Edomites (Esau) against their usurper Israel (Jacob). Gladly he commences the massacre. Eighty five priests (vs. 18) plus a host of others ? (vs. 19), fall by the edge of the maniac's sword, all in the name of God and for his kingdom. Saul is now officially a murderer (vs. 21), the deaths are laid upon his account. The Great White Throne will be for men like Doeg, Herod (of Matt. 2 fame), Hess, Hitler, and Charlie Manson, - (words fail me at this point) "...judged according to their works.

 

VII. ABIATHAR ESCAPES - (22:20-23)

Here we have another picture of Our Lord Jesus. In (vs. 22), David accepts the blame for the deaths of (vss. 18-19). Jesus, in effect, took the blame for my sin. He became the sin bearer. Innocent and as pure as the driven snow, Jesus took my sin and punishment upon himself. The guilty party is now free through judicial decree of the earth's highest court! Praise the Lord!

"Abide ... fear not ... he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life ... thou shalt be in safeguard." "For I am persuaded that neither ... shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" - (Rom. 8:38,39). Again David typifies the Lord Jesus.

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