Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary1 Samuel 21

David Obtains the Show-Bread; David Gets the Sword of GoliathThis section shows David in great distress as he flees from Saul. He goes to the tabernacle at Nob to seek help from Ahimelech the priest. David’s visit reveals his deep longing for God’s house, even as he faces fear and uncertainty. Here, David receives both food and a weapon, but his actions also bring new dangers for others. The story teaches us about faith, weakness, and how God sometimes provides for His people in unexpected ways.v. 1: David arrived at Nob, where the tabernacle was now set up, and went to see Ahimelech the priest . He came to seek guidance and help, since Samuel and Jonathan could no longer protect him. David knew he might soon be an exile, so before leaving, he wanted to visit God’s house for possibly the last time. He also wanted to pray and ask God what to do next (1 Samuel 22:10 ).

v. 2: Ahimelech was surprised and worried to see David alone and without his usual company. David, feeling desperate, lied and said he was on a secret mission for Saul. He told Ahimelech that his servants were waiting elsewhere and that he had to keep everything secret . This was not true, and later David felt sorry for this lie because it caused much trouble (1 Samuel 22:22 ).

v. 3–4: David asked for bread, saying he and his men needed food. Ahimelech said there was only holy bread, the show-bread, which was usually just for priests (1 Samuel 21:3–4 ). Ahimelech wanted to be careful about the law, but David explained that he and his men were clean, and in this special case, they could eat the bread. Jesus later used this story to show that mercy is more important than sacrifice (Matthew 12:3–4 ).

v. 5–6: David assured Ahimelech that his men were pure, so the priest gave him the holy bread (1 Samuel 21:5–6 ). This act helped David survive, and he likely valued the bread even more because it was offered to God.

v. 7: While David was at the tabernacle, a servant of Saul named Doeg the Edomite was there. Doeg was not truly devoted to God, but was only there because he had to be. He later betrayed David and Ahimelech .

v. 8–9: David also asked for a weapon, since he had none. The only sword there was Goliath’s, which had been kept as a reminder of David’s victory. David said, There is none like that; give it to me (1 Samuel 21:8–9 ). This sword was a sign of God’s past help, and now it became a tool for David’s survival again. What David had once dedicated to God now came back to help him in a time of need.

David Driven from AchishThis section describes David’s desperate escape to the land of the Philistines, where he seeks refuge with Achish, the king of Gath. Despite being anointed as Israel’s future king, David faces exile, fear, and humiliation. His faith is tested as he navigates dangerous situations, but God’s providence continues to guide and protect him. This story reminds us that God’s promises may seem delayed, but His plans are always fulfilled in His time.v. 10: David fled to Gath, a Philistine city, hoping to find safety with King Achish . This was surprising, as David had been a great enemy of the Philistines, especially after killing Goliath. However, David may have thought Achish would protect him because of his conflict with Saul. Sometimes, God’s people find better treatment from outsiders than from their own.

v. 11: The servants of Achish recognized David and reminded the king of his victories over the Philistines. They said, Is not this David, the king of the land? and recalled the song, Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands . They saw David as a threat and questioned why he was being welcomed.

v. 12: When David realized the servants were suspicious of him, he became very afraid. He feared that Achish might hand him over to the Philistines, especially since he was carrying Goliath’s sword, a reminder of his victory over their champion . This fear taught David an important lesson: It is better to trust in the Lord

v. 13: To escape danger, David pretended to be insane. He acted like a madman, scratching on doors and letting saliva run down his beard . This behavior was humiliating, but it was a strategy to protect his life. While this act cannot be fully justified, it shows David’s desperation and human weakness.

v. 14–15: Achish dismissed David, saying to his servants, Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? (1 Samuel 21:14–15 ). Achish sent David away, sparing his life. This escape was a result of God’s providence, even though David’s actions were not perfect. Later, David reflected on this experience in Psalm 34 , praising God for delivering him and declaring, None of those who trust in Him shall be desolate.