1-42 Friendship of David and Jonathan
- David flees from Naioth, where he has been hiding with Samuel.
- David tells Jonathan Saul is trying to kill him, but at first Jonathan doesn't believe it, because Saul tells him everything.
- After David convinces him it is so, they devise a plan of communication about Saul's plans regarding David.
- If Saul becomes angry at David's absence at a new moon meal, Jonathan will warn David.
- Jonathan promises David he will protect him, for "he loved him as he loved his own life."
- On the second day, Saul inquires after David, and Jonathan tells him David's gone home for a family sacrifice. (A fib.)
- Sure enough, on the second day of the feast, Saul becomes angry at Jonathan, accusing him of protecting David: "As long as the son of Jesse lives upon the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established." Saul knows David will be the next king, but still he tries to force the situation.
- In a rage, Saul throws his spear at his own son.
- Jonathan is "grieved for David, and because his father had disgraced him." Jonathan cares nothing for himself nor his own right to royalty.
- As they had planned, Jonathan goes to the field, shoots an arrow beyond where David is hiding to indicate that he should flee and not come back to the king's house.
- Jonathan sends the boy home who has fetched the arrow, and Jonathan and David meet, David prostrating himself 3 times before Jonathan. Even though they are good friends, David here seems to show respect to Jonathan as the prince of Israel. How grateful he must have been for Jonathan who would be willing to sacrifice his own standing for the will of God, and for David.
- They part -- perhaps for the last time -- kiss one another and weep; "David wept the more."
1-9 David and the Holy Bread
- David goes to Nob to the priest Ahimelech, who at first is frightened, but David tells him he is on a mission for the king and must meet with some young men. (Another fib.)
- David asks for bread, but all the priest has is "holy bread" for the men, if they have kept themselves from women.
- The bread is leftover "bread of the Presence," which has been replaced by fresh bread. Ahimelech gives him the bread. This incident is cited by Jesus when he is accused of breaking the Sabbath (Luke 6:3).
- Doeg the Edomite, chief of Saul's shepherds, is there that day, "detained before the Lord" (whatever that means).
- David asks for a sword, and Ahimelech gives him Goliath's.
- David flees to King Achish of Gath, where the servants recognize him.
- He feigns madness, and the King commands his servants to send him away. Funny thing the king says, "Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow....?"
1-5 David and His Followers at Adullam
- David escapes to the cave of Adullam, where he is joined by his brothers and members of his father's house.
- Also those who are in distress, in debt, or discontented -- 400 in all.
- He takes his parents to the king of Moab for protection.
- The prophet Gad tells David to go to the land of Judah.
- Saul, under a tamarisk tree at Gibeah, accuses his servants of conspiring with David and Jonathan because somehow David has promised them land and powerful positions.
- Doeg the Edomite tells Saul he has seen David at Nob, where Ahimelech gave him food and Goliath's sword.
- Saul calls for the priests of Nob to appear before him, and they do, not knowing the circumstances.
- He calls for their execution, but none of his servants are willing to kill them, except Doeg, who attacks and kills 85 priests and puts the city of Nob to the sword - men, women, children, and livestock.
- Abiathar, a son of Elimelech, escapes and tells David of the slaughter.
- David takes responsibility for the slaying, because he had seen Doeg at Nob and knew he would tell Saul. He offers Abiathar his protection.
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