1. David and Jonathan
In this passage, David flees from Naioth at Ramah and goes to Jonathan, demanding to know why Saul wants to kill him. Jonathan does not believe that his father wants to kill David, yet David persuades him to test Saul on this point. In particular, David does not attend a feast with Saul on the New Moon festival; Saul notices David's absence, yet he does not comment on it. On the next day, Saul does not see David at his table; this time, he asks Jonathan about David's absence. Jonathan follows David's instructions by informing Saul that he has gone to Bethlehem to join his family as they offer a sacrifice. This news incites Saul's anger, and he accuses Jonathan of conspiring with David against him. Saul's reaction convinces Jonathan that his father wants to kill David. On the following day, Jonathan meets David and informs him of Saul's actions; they part after reaffirming their mutual friendship.
Clearly Jonathan was caught between a rock and a hard place, as he tried to balance filial obedience (along with the fact that Saul was his king) with his strong friendship with David. I certainly hope to ask Jonathan about this someday...
2. David at Nob
In this passage, David travels to Nob, where he meets Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech asks David why he has come to Nob by himself, and David states that Saul has sent him on a secret mission. He asks Ahimelech for some bread, and he gives him the consecrated bread. He also asks Ahimelech for some weapons, and he gives him the sword of Goliath. Interestingly, it turns out that Doeg the Edomite, who is Saul's head shepherd, is in Nob; he makes note of David's arrival.
In verse 7, it is noted that Doeg was ''detained before the Lord." I am unsure as to the meaning of this phrase; was Doeg being punished for committing a sin? Also, I wonder why Ahimelech was afraid of David when he saw that he was alone; had he heard that David was a fugitive from Saul?
3. David at Gath
In this passage, David travels to Gath. When he arrives in Gath, the servants of Achish king of Gath remind him of David's military exploits against their people; clearly they view David as their mortal enemy. David quickly pretends to be insane in their presence; this causes Achish to view him as merely insane - and not a dangerous foe who had to be killed.
Did Achish fail to recognize David when he arrived in Gath? Had Achish forgotten about David's victories over his people? Did Achish know that David was a fugitive from Saul (if so, then Achish may have concluded that the enemy of his enemy - Saul - was his friend)?
4. Psalm 34
In this passage, David praises God, and he calls others to praise Him. He states that the Lord has delivered him from many troubles, and he asserts that the Lord will do likewise for all who call on His name. He also declares that those who call on the Lord will never be in want. In addition, he asserts that those who want to receive the Lord's blessings - including a long life - must watch their speech, do good and pursue peace. He ends on an ominous note by stating that while the Lord watches over those who call on His name, He cuts off those who do evil.
In my Bible, it is noted that this psalm was written when David "pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left." I wonder if this psalm was meant to be paired with the previous passage; if so, was Achish also known as Abimelech?
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