6 (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelek had brought the ephod down with him when he fled to David at Keilah.)
6 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
6 When Abiathar the son of Ahimelech had fled to David to Keilah, he had come down with an ephod in his hand.
6 After Abiathar took refuge with David, he joined David in the raid on Keilah, bringing the Ephod with him.
6 Now it happened, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah, that he went down with an ephod in his hand.
6 Now when Abiathar son of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah, he brought the ephod with him.
9 When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod."
9 And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.
9 David knew that Saul was plotting harm against him. And he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod here."
9 But David got wind of Saul's strategy to destroy him and said to Abiathar the priest, "Get the Ephod."
9 When David knew that Saul plotted evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod here."
9 But David learned of Saul's plan and told Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod and ask the Lord what he should do.
(Read 1 Samuel 23:7-13)
Well might David complain of his enemies, that they rewarded him evil for good, and that for his love they were his adversaries. Christ was used thus basely. David applied to his great Protector for direction. No sooner was the ephod brought him than he made use of it. We have the Scriptures in our hands, let us take advice from them in doubtful cases. Say, Bring hither the Bible. David's address to God is very solemn, also very particular. God allows us to be so in our addresses to him; Lord, direct me in this matter, about which I am now at a loss. God knows not only what will be, but what would be, if it were not hindered; therefore he knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and how to render to every man according to his works.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:6
Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:1-6
(Read 1 Samuel 23:1-6)
When princes persecute God's people, let them expect vexation on all sides. The way for any country to be quiet, is to let God's church be quiet in it: if Saul fight against David, the Philistines fight against his country. David considered himself the protector of the land. Thus did the Saviour Jesus, and left us an example. Those are unlike David, who sullenly decline to do good, if they are not rewarded for services.