So he left them in the care of the king of Moab, and they stayed with him the whole time David was in the stronghold. Sermons
1 Samuel 22:4. (MOAB.) Till I know what God will do to me. There are times when our thoughts naturally turn toward the future: the commencement of a fresh enterprise or a new season, suspense in sickness, the approach of critical events, especially when they lie beyond our control or even our probable conjecture. At such times this is the appropriate language of a good man. He awaits it in - I. UNCERTAINTY about the events of the future - new positions, opportunities, advantages, trials, duties. "We know not with what we must serve the Lord until we come thither" (Exodus 10:26). "Ye have not passed this way heretofore" (Joshua 3:4), and cannot tell what may befall you therein. "Shadows, clouds, and darkness rest upon it." But the good man is not distracted by curiosity or anxiety, inasmuch as - 1. Neither is of any avail. 2. The Father has reserved the times and the seasons "in his own power" (Acts 1:7). 3. And he has done so wisely and for our good. "The veil that hides the future is woven by the hand of mercy." II. CONFIDENCE in the care of God. "My times are in thy hand" (Psalm 31:15). "I will cry unto God that performeth all things for me" (Psalm 57:2). Such confidence respects - 1. His perfect knowledge, almighty power, and supreme control of all things, including the thoughts and purposes of men (1 Samuel 19:23). 2. His individual observation. 3. His beneficent operation. "Being well assured of the justice of his cause as contrasted with the insane persecutions of Saul, David confidently hoped that God would bring his flight to an end" (Keil). "O Lord, how happy should we be, III. READINESS for whatever may take place. 1. By watchful attention to every indication of the will of God, looking out for it as a watchman for the dawn of the morning. "I will stand upon my watch," etc. (Habakkuk 2:1). 2. By cherishing a spirit of humble submissiveness to what he may think fit to do and fixed determination to do what he may require. 3. By faithful fulfilment of the plain and immediate duty of the present time. "Let my father and mother come forth" (from the hold in Mizpeh) "and be with you, till," etc. Its performance is the best preparation for the events and duties of the future. - D.
And everyone that was in distress, and everyone that was in debt, and everyone that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him. At the period of which the text speaks, David was leading the life of an outcast and an outlaw. Being expelled from Israel and Philistia, nothing remained for him to do but to gather around him a band of equally unfortunate men and defend himself with his sword. Cannot we see in David collecting around him all who were in distress, in debt, or for any reason discontented, a foreshadow of the Friend of publicans and sinners, of Him who said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Again a man's religion may be concealed in his heart, and may not do the good it ought to do as an example till distress come upon him and cause it to be seen in all its power. In many a true believer piety is like a drum, which nobody hears of unless it be beaten. The cave of Adullam was a refuge for debtors, and so is the Church of Christ. The third class of people who came to David at the cave of Adullam were those who were discontented. So, too, there is a "Divine discontent" which brings people to Christ. Are you dissatisfied? Then go to Christ and fill up the hollowness of your soul with Him. This is the truth which is contained in the common saying, that when people become disappointed with the world, it is the last resource to turn saint. The last thing we note about the miserable men who came for refuge to David is that they were taught by him to live good lives. They were a rough, lawless set of men, yet they could be kept in check by the influence of their beloved captain, David. So useful and helpful to their neighbours did these soldiers become, that the servants of Nabal could not help acknowledging as much. "But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we anything, as long as we were conversant with them." Now surely if men's lives were made good by coming to David, the effect which coming to Christ should have upon our characters is infinitely more beneficial.(E. J. Hardy, M. A.) People Abiathar, Ahimelech, Ahitub, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, David, Doeg, Gad, Goliath, Jesse, SaulPlaces Adullam, Gibeah, Hereth, Mizpeh, Moab, NobTopics Abode, David, David's, Dwell, Dwelt, Fortress, Hold, Leadeth, Moab, Safe, Stayed, StrongholdOutline 1. Companies resort unto David at Adullam3. At Mizpeh he commends his parents unto the king of Moab 5. Admonished by Gad, he comes to Hareth, 6. Saul going to pursue him, complains of his servants' unfaithfulness 9. Doeg accuses Ahimelech 11. Saul commands to kill the priests 17. The footmen refusing, Doeg executes it 20. Abiathar escaping, brings David the news Dictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 22:4Library Covenanting Confers Obligation. As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties … John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Exile Continued. The Exile --Continued. Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah. And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves. Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Samuel Links 1 Samuel 22:4 NIV1 Samuel 22:4 NLT 1 Samuel 22:4 ESV 1 Samuel 22:4 NASB 1 Samuel 22:4 KJV 1 Samuel 22:4 Bible Apps 1 Samuel 22:4 Parallel 1 Samuel 22:4 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 22:4 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 22:4 French Bible 1 Samuel 22:4 German Bible 1 Samuel 22:4 Commentaries Bible Hub |