1 Samuel 21

Last updated
1 Samuel 21
  chapter 20
chapter 22  
Aert de Gelder (Dutch - Ahimelech Giving the Sword of Goliath to David - Google Art Project.jpg
"Ahimelech gives the sword of Goliath to David", painting by Arent de Gelder (1680s).
Book First book of Samuel
Hebrew Bible part Nevi'im
Order in the Hebrew part3
Category Former Prophets
Christian Bible part Old Testament
Order in the Christian part9

1 Samuel 21 is the twenty-first chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. [1] According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, [2] but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. [3] [4] This chapter contains the account of David's escape from Saul's repeated attempts to kill him. [5] [6] This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 5 which records the rise of David as the king of Israel. [7]

Contents

Text

This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language. It is divided into 15 verses in English Bibles, but 16 verses in Hebrew Bible with different verse numbering.

Verse numbering

There are some differences in verse numbering of this chapter in English Bibles and Hebrew texts: [8]

EnglishHebrew
20:42b21:1
21:1–1521:2–16

This article generally follows the common numbering in Christian English Bible versions, with notes to the numbering in Hebrew Bible versions.

Textual witnesses

Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Codex Cairensis (895), Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008). [9] Fragments containing parts of this chapter in Hebrew were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls including 4Q52 (4QSamb; 250 BCE) with extant verses 1–3, 5–10. [10] [11] [12] [13]

Extant ancient manuscripts of a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint (originally was made in the last few centuries BCE) include Codex Vaticanus (B; B; 4th century) and Codex Alexandrinus (A; A; 5th century). [14] [lower-alpha 1]

Old Testament references

New Testament references

Places

David in Nob (21:1–9)

David's visit in Nob (north of Jerusalem) is the first scene in a narrative of the priests providing support for David—not willingly like from Jonathan and Michal, but through deception—that continues with tragic consequences in 22:6–23. [17] David's surprise visit was suspicious, but quickly allayed by a concocted story of a secret mission. [17] . [18] The priest at Nob, Ahimelech, the grandson of Eli, was persuaded to give provision to David and his young men from 'holy bread' or 'bread of Presence' which was only reserved for priests (Leviticus 24:9), based on David's assurances that the young men were 'ceremonially clean' — through abstention from sex and that their 'vessels' (euphemism for 'sexual organs') were clean. [17] David also obtained Goliath's sword, which was 'wrapped in cloth behind the ephod' (verse 9), a significant omen for future successes. [17]

Verse 1

Now David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech was afraid when he met David, and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one is with you?" [19]

Verse 7

Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord. And his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chief of the herdsmen who belonged to Saul." [21]

The reference to Doeg the Edomite in this verse becomes meaningful in the next part of the plot (22:9–10,18), whose presence could also be related to the long-standing animosity between Israel and Edom (Genesis 25:25, 30; Numbers 20:1–21; Judges 3:7-11). His 'detention' in the sanctuary was probably connected with an act of penance, [17] or that he might be 'cultically unclean'. [22]

David in Gath (21:10–15)

David planned to take refuge in Gath, but was recognized by the courtiers of Gath, who recited the words specifically connected with his successes against the Philistines, perhaps by the fact that he was carrying Goliath's sword. Being outside YHWH's territory and within reach of the Philistines (maybe because he had not consulted YHWH before fleeing to Gath), David acted quickly to feign madness. Achish, the king of Gath, was deceived and immediately let David go. [17] . [23]

Verse 11

And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing of him to one another in dances, saying:
‘Saul has slain his thousands,
And David his ten thousands’?” [24]

See also

Notes

  1. The whole book of 1 Samuel is missing from the extant Codex Sinaiticus. [15]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 5</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 5 is the fifth chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter describes how the Ark of Covenant was taken by the Philistines, a part of the "Ark Narrative" within a section concerning the life of Samuel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 17</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 17 is the seventeenth chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains the battle of David with Goliath, the Philistine. This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 5 which records the rise of David as the king of Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Samuel 21</span> Second Book of Samuel chapter

2 Samuel 21 is the twenty-first chapter of the Second Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the second part of Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains the account of David's reign in Jerusalem. This is within a section comprising 2 Samuel 21–24 containing the appendices to the Books of Samuel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 6</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 6 is the sixth chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter describes how the Ark of Covenant was returned to Israel by the Philistines, a part of the "Ark Narrative" within a section concerning the life of Samuel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 7</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 7 is the seventh chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter records a victory of Israel under the leadership of Samuel against the Philistines as part of the "Ark Narrative" within a section concerning the life of Samuel, and also as part of a section comprising 1 Samuel 7–15 which records the rise of the monarchy in Israel and the account of the first years of King Saul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 10</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 10 is the tenth chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter describes the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel, within a section comprising 1 Samuel 7–15 which records the rise of the monarchy in Israel and the account of the first years of King Saul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 11</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 11 is the eleventh chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter describes Saul obliterating the army of Nahash king of Ammon and liberating Jabesh-Gilead, thereby convincing the people about his ability to lead, and causing them to appoint him king. This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 7–15 which records the rise of the monarchy in Israel and the account of the first years of King Saul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 14</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 14 is the fourteenth chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains Saul's actions against the Philistines. This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 7–15 which records the rise of the monarchy in Israel and the account of the first years of King Saul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 16</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 16 is the sixteenth chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains the anointing of David by Samuel and David's early service for Saul. This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 5 which records the rise of David as the king of Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 19</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 19 is the nineteenth chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains the account of David's escape from Saul's repeated attempts to kill him. This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 5 which records the rise of David as the king of Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 22</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 22 is the twenty-second chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains the account of David's escape from Saul's repeated attempts to kill him and the massacre of the priests in Nob. This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 5 which records the rise of David as the king of Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 23</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 23 is the twenty-third chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains the account of David's escape from Saul's repeated attempts to kill him. This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 5 which records the rise of David as the king of Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 26</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 26 is the twenty-sixth chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains the account of David's escape from Saul's repeated attempts to kill him. This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 5 which records the rise of David as the king of Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 27</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 27 is the twenty-seventh chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains the account of David's escape from Saul's repeated attempts to kill him. This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 5 which records the rise of David as the king of Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 28</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 28 is the twenty-eighth chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains the account of David's escape from Saul's repeated attempts to kill him. This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 5 which records the rise of David as the king of Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 29</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 29 is the twenty-ninth chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains the account of David's escape from Saul's repeated attempts to kill him. This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 5 which records the rise of David as the king of Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 30</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 30 is the thirtieth chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition, the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains the account of David's escape from Saul's repeated attempts to kill him. This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 5 which records the rise of David as the king of Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Samuel 31</span> First Book of Samuel chapter

1 Samuel 31 is the thirty-first chapter of the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the first part of the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition, the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains the account of Saul's repeated attempts to kill him. This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 5 which records the rise of David as the king of Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Samuel 1</span> Second Book of Samuel chapter

2 Samuel 1 is the first chapter of the Second Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the second part of Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains the account of David mourning the death of Saul and his sons, especially Jonathan. This is within a section comprising 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 5 which records the rise of David as the king of Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Samuel 8</span> Second Book of Samuel chapter

2 Samuel 8 is the eighth chapter of the Second Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible or the second part of Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. According to Jewish tradition the book was attributed to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Gad and Nathan, but modern scholars view it as a composition of a number of independent texts of various ages from c. 630–540 BCE. This chapter contains the account of David's reign in Jerusalem. This is within a section comprising 2 Samuel 2–8 which deals with the period when David set up his kingdom.

References

  1. Halley 1965, p. 182.
  2. Hirsch, Emil G. "SAMUEL, BOOKS OF". www.jewishencyclopedia.com.
  3. Knight 1995, p. 62.
  4. Jones 2007, p. 197.
  5. Jones 2007, p. 209.
  6. Coogan 2007, p. 429 Hebrew Bible.
  7. Jones 2007, p. 207.
  8. Note on 1 Samuel 21:1 in ESV
  9. Würthwein 1995, pp. 35–37.
  10. Ulrich 2010, pp. 278–281.
  11. Dead sea scrolls - 1 Samuel
  12. Fitzmyer 2008, p. 35.
  13. 4Q52 at the Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library
  14. Würthwein 1995, pp. 73–74.
  15. Wikisource-logo.svg This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Codex Sinaiticus". Catholic Encyclopedia . New York: Robert Appleton Company.
  16. 1 2 1 Samuel 21 Berean Study Bible. Biblehub
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Jones 2007, p. 210.
  18. Evans 2018, p. 220.
  19. 1 Samuel 21:1 NKJV or 1 Samuel 21:2 in Hebrew Bible
  20. Benson, Joseph. Commentary on the Old and New Testaments. 1 Samuel 21, accessed 9 July 2019
  21. 1 Samuel 21:7 NKJV
  22. Evans 2018, p. 221.
  23. Evans 2018, p. 222.
  24. 1 Samuel 21:11 NKJV
  25. Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges. 1 Samuel 21. Accessed 28 April 2019.

Sources

Commentaries on Samuel

General