Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:7

Bible Verse: "And Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands and captains of hundreds?" (1 Samuel 22:7)

Contextual Background

1 Samuel 22 presents a critical moment in the life of David as he is fleeing from King Saul. This verse captures Saul's growing paranoia and resentment against David, reflecting the tension that had developed between the two. Saul, feeling threatened by the prospect of David's rising popularity, particularly among the people of Benjamin, addresses his officials to instigate suspicion and loyalty to his rule.

Insights and Analysis

This commentary draws from various public domain sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nuances in this verse.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the irrationality of Saul's actions as he attempts to rally his supporters against David. He notes that Saul’s question is laden with sarcasm and a mixture of truth and accusation. Henry sees this as an attempt by Saul to assert his authority and loyalty from his own tribe, the Benjamites, by portraying David as an outsider who cannot provide them with the rewards they seek:

• Paranoia of King Saul: Henry highlights how Saul's growing suspicion of David leads him to convince others that David is a threat to their interests.
• Manipulation of Loyalty: Saul's call to the Benjamites serves to manipulate their loyalty, turning them against David by questioning what David could offer them in contrast to Saul's reign.
• Contrast of Leadership: The verse illustrates the contrast between Saul's desperate clinging to power and David's humble rise through faith and divine favor.

Albert Barnes’ Notes

Albert Barnes provides a deeper exploration of the implications of Saul’s words. He acknowledges the political maneuvering within the text and the dynamics of power and loyalty:

• Saul’s Tribal Bias: Barnes points out that Saul's appeal is particularly aimed at the Benjamites, reflecting the tribal dynamics of ancient Israel where tribal loyalty was paramount.
• Dismissing David's Potential: He argues that Saul underestimates David's potential to be a leader and instead opts for fear-mongering tactics to maintain his grip on the throne.
• Pursuit of Power: Barnes discusses how Saul’s question is not merely concerned with loyalty but represents his broader fear of losing power, indicative of a leader who relies on manipulation rather than genuine support.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Adam Clarke adds a socio-cultural interpretation to the verse, emphasizing the societal expectations of leadership during Saul's reign:

• Expectation of Rewards: Clarke notes the expectation in ancient Israel that leaders would reward their followers with lands and titles. Saul uses this expectation as a weapon against David, framing the conflict in terms of tangible benefits.
• Desperation and Fear: The commentary reflects on Saul's desperation, indicating that his paranoia has turned him into a figure who cannot inspire confidence but instead breeds discord.
• Contrast between Real and False Leadership: Clarke sees Saul’s question as revealing the false nature of his leadership, rooted in selfish ambition rather than divinely commissioned authority.

Theological Implications

1 Samuel 22:7 not only serves as an illustration of Saul’s deteriorating state but also highlights profound theological truths relevant to all readers:

• The Corruption of Power: This passage serves as a reminder of how power can corrupt and distort a leader’s vision, leading to manipulative tactics to maintain control.
• Divine Sovereignty: The verse underscores God's sovereignty, as David, despite being pursued, is the anointed one, showing that God’s plans cannot be thwarted by human jealousy or manipulation.
• Faithfulness in Trials: For believers, this scripture exemplifies the importance of remaining faithful amid trials and persecution, much like David did in the face of Saul's hostility.

Conclusion

In summary, 1 Samuel 22:7 presents a pivotal moment reflecting the dynamics of leadership, manipulation, and the stark contrast between Saul's self-serving reign and David's godly character. The insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke illuminate the dangers of power devoid of integrity and the promise of God's ultimate plan prevailing in the midst of human strife.