John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab , etc.] So called to distinguish it from a place of the same name in the land of Israel; which Junius says is the same with Malle, and signifies a fortified place, and refers to the Apocrypha: “And how that many of them were shut up in Bosora, and Bosor, and Alema, Casphor, Maked, and Carnaim; all these cities are strong and great:” (1 Maccabees 5:26) here he might think himself safer, though in an enemy’s country, than in the land of Israel: and he said unto the king of Moab, let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth ; out of the land of Israel, or out of the cave of Adullam, whither they were come to him: [and be] with you ; if not with the king of Moab at his court, yet in some part or other of his country, where they might be safe from the rage of Saul: till I know what God will do for me ; on whose power and providence he wholly relied, and not upon the men that flocked to him, nor upon his own power and policy, courage and wisdom; he knew the promise of God to him, and he put his trust in him for the performance of it; but knew not the time, nor way, and manner, in which it would be performed; and expected in the meanwhile to be obliged to remove from place to place; and considering that his aged parents were not fit for such quick and sudden motions, and long flights, he provided as well as he could for their settlement; which was an instance of his filial affection for them, and piety towards them. His father’s name is well known, Jesse, ( Ruth 4:22 Samuel 17:12), etc. but his mother’s name is nowhere mentioned; the Jews say her name was Natzbet, the daughter of Adal f450 .
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - See what weak instruments God sometimes uses, to bring about his ow purposes. The Son of David is ready to receive distressed souls, wh will be commanded by him. He receives all who come unto Him, howeve vile and miserable; he changes them into a holy people, and employ them in his service: those who would reign with him must be contente first to suffer with and for him. Observe with what tender concer David provided for his aged parents. The first thing he does is to fin them a quiet habitation, whatever became of himself. Let children lear to honour their parents, in every thing consulting their ease an satisfaction. Though highly preferred, and much employed, let them no forget their aged parents. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. And the Lord will preserve his people for their appointed work however they may be hated and exposed.
Original Hebrew וילך1980 דוד1732 משׁם8033 מצפה4708 מואב4124 ויאמר559 אל413 מלך4428 מואב4124 יצא3318 נא4994 אבי1 ואמי517 אתכם854 עד5704 אשׁר834 אדע3045 מה4100 יעשׂה6213 לי אלהים׃430
