◄ 1 Samuel 22:10 ►
Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine."
Study Bible
Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him
The phrase "inquired of the LORD" is significant in the Hebrew context, often indicating a priestly duty to seek divine guidance. The Hebrew root for "inquired" is "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), which means to ask or consult. Ahimelech, the high priest, performed this sacred duty for David, demonstrating the spiritual leadership and intercessory role of the priesthood. This act underscores the importance of seeking God's will in times of uncertainty, a principle that resonates with the Christian call to prayer and reliance on divine wisdom.

gave him provisions
The act of giving provisions highlights the hospitality and support that Ahimelech extended to David. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, providing food and sustenance was a sign of alliance and friendship. This gesture of kindness reflects the biblical principle of caring for those in need, as seen in the teachings of Jesus about loving one's neighbor. It also illustrates the providence of God, who supplies the needs of His people through the generosity of others.

and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine
The mention of "the sword of Goliath" is a powerful reminder of David's earlier victory over the giant, symbolizing God's deliverance and faithfulness. The sword, a tangible artifact from David's past triumph, serves as a testament to God's power and the fulfillment of His promises. Historically, this sword was kept as a sacred relic, representing God's intervention in Israel's history. For Christians, it is a metaphor for the spiritual victories that God grants to those who trust in Him, encouraging believers to remember past deliverances as they face new challenges.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ahimelech
The high priest at Nob who assisted David by providing him with provisions and the sword of Goliath. His actions, though well-intentioned, led to tragic consequences for him and the priests of Nob.

2. David
The future king of Israel, who was on the run from King Saul. David sought refuge and assistance from Ahimelech, which inadvertently put the priest in danger.

3. Nob
A city of priests where Ahimelech served. It became the site of a massacre ordered by King Saul as a result of Ahimelech's aid to David.

4. Goliath the Philistine
The giant warrior defeated by David earlier in 1 Samuel. The sword of Goliath symbolizes David's past victory and God's deliverance.

5. Saul
The reigning king of Israel, who saw David as a threat to his throne. Saul's paranoia and jealousy led to the persecution of David and the priests of Nob.
Teaching Points
The Cost of Righteousness
Ahimelech's decision to help David, though righteous, came with a high cost. Believers are called to act righteously, even when it may lead to personal sacrifice.

God's Provision
Just as God provided for David through Ahimelech, He continues to provide for His people in times of need. Trust in God's provision is essential for believers.

The Consequences of Fear and Jealousy
Saul's actions were driven by fear and jealousy, leading to destructive consequences. Believers must guard their hearts against these emotions to prevent harm to themselves and others.

The Role of Intercession
Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for David, demonstrating the importance of intercession. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance and intercede for others.

The Power of Remembrance
The sword of Goliath served as a reminder of God's past deliverance. Believers should remember God's faithfulness in their lives to strengthen their faith in current challenges.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Ahimelech's assistance to David challenge us to act righteously, even when it may lead to personal risk or sacrifice?

2. In what ways can we trust in God's provision during times of need, as David did when he received help from Ahimelech?

3. How can we guard our hearts against fear and jealousy, as seen in Saul's destructive actions, and what are the potential consequences if we do not?

4. What role does intercession play in our spiritual lives, and how can we be more intentional in seeking God's guidance for ourselves and others?

5. How can remembering God's past faithfulness, like David's victory over Goliath, help us face current challenges with confidence and faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 21
Provides the background to this event, detailing David's visit to Ahimelech and the priest's assistance.

Psalm 52
Written by David concerning Doeg the Edomite, who reported Ahimelech's actions to Saul, leading to the massacre.

Matthew 12:1-8
Jesus references David's actions at Nob to illustrate the principle of mercy over sacrifice, highlighting the importance of understanding the spirit of the law.
Sermons
A Friend and a FoeR. E. Faulkner.1 Samuel 22:5-23
The Tyranny of SaulB. Dale 1 Samuel 22:6-19
People
Abiathar, Ahimelech, Ahitub, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, David, Doeg, Gad, Goliath, Jesse, Saul
Places
Adullam, Gibeah, Hereth, Mizpeh, Moab, Nob
Topics
Asketh, Directions, Goliath, Got, Inquired, Philistine, Provision, Provisions, Sword, Victuals
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 22:10

     8648   enquiring of God

1 Samuel 22:9-10

     8421   equipping, physical

Library
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.
"So David fled, and escaped and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done unto him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth" (1 Sam. xix. 18)--or, as the word probably means, in the collection of students' dwellings, inhabited by the sons of the prophets, where possibly there may have been some kind of right of sanctuary. Driven thence by Saul's following him, and having had one last sorrowful hour of Jonathan's companionship--the last but one on earth--he fled to Nob, whither …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

The Exile --Continued.
We have one psalm which the title connects with the beginning of David's stay at Adullam,--the thirty-fourth. The supposition that it dates from that period throws great force into many parts of it, and gives a unity to what is else apparently fragmentary and disconnected. Unlike those already considered, which were pure soliloquies, this is full of exhortation and counsel, as would naturally be the case if it were written when friends and followers began to gather to his standard. It reads like …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah.
There was a certain Ramah, in the tribe of Benjamin, Joshua 18:25, and that within sight of Jerusalem, as it seems, Judges 19:13; where it is named with Gibeah:--and elsewhere, Hosea 5:8; which towns were not much distant. See 1 Samuel 22:6; "Saul sat in Gibeah, under a grove in Ramah." Here the Gemarists trifle: "Whence is it (say they) that Ramah is placed near Gibea? To hint to you, that the speech of Samuel of Ramah was the cause, why Saul remained two years and a half in Gibeah." They blindly …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible

Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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