John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. And. David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him , etc.] That is, plotted and contrived it, formed schemes in order to do him mischief, giving out one thing, and designing another; so he pretended war against the Philistines, but his intention was to come against Keilah, and take David there: and he said to Abiathar the priest, bring hither the ephod ; not for David to put on, but for the priest himself, that being clothed with it, and the Urim and Thummim in it, he might inquire for him of the Lord.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-13 - Well might David complain of his enemies, that they rewarded him evi for good, and that for his love they were his adversaries. Christ wa 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 doubtfu 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 addresse 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 no hindered; therefore he knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and how to render to every man according to his works.
Original Hebrew וידע3045 דוד1732 כי3588 עליו5921 שׁאול7586 מחרישׁ2790 הרעה7451 ויאמר559 אל413 אביתר54 הכהן3548 הגישׁה5066 האפוד׃646
