- 154-
1875, p. 42. I regret, however, that in reference to this, as to other papers of the
same kind, I have to dissent from not a few of the exegetical reasonings and
inferences.
(^201) See Vol. 2 of this History.
(^202) It is significant that David speaks to the king of Moab of Elohim, not of
Jehovah.
(^203) This is the meaning of what is rendered in our Authorised Version "in the hold"
(22:4). We infer that this entrenched mountain-height was Mizpeh of Moab.
(^204) Of course, this is only our inference, but it seems in accordance with the whole
narrative. It is impossible to say whether Gad was sent by Samuel, or had received
the message from God directly.
(^205) Lieutenant Conder proposes to follow the LXX., and by a slight change of the
letters, to read "the city of Hareth." But such a city is not otherwise known, nor
would David's unmolested stay there agree with the after history.
(^206) Ver. 14 reads thus: "And who among all thy servants is approved like David,
and son-in-law to the king, and having access to thy private audience, and honored
in all thy house?"
(^207) He may have remained behind in Nob to attend to the Sanctuary during the
absence of the other priests.
(^208) As from the expression, "inquired of Jehovah"(23:2, 4), it is evident that the
inquiry was made by the Urim and Thummim, we must conclude that Abiathar had
reached David either after he had been preparing his expedition to Keilah, or more
probably on his way thither. But, in general, it seems to me that the language in
23:6 must not be too closely pressed. The inquiry mentioned in ver. 4 must have
taken place on the road to Keilah, probably near to it, and ver. 6 is manifestly
intended only to explain the mode of David's inquiry.
(^209) This is implied in David's direction to Abiathar: "Bring hither the ephod" (23:9).
(^210) This is the correct rendering, and not "in strongholds," as in the Authorised
Version.
(^)