David, the anointed king of Israel, goes away and hides in a cave! In verse 1 we read of his family going there. That was natural, but in verse 2 we read 3 times about “everyone.” Certainly not ones who could help David. Just the opposite. Just think of the 3 groups. Who was the attraction? A man who King Saul was hunting like an animal! This man was an outcast! Once again David becomes a picture of our blessed Lord Jesus. He had won the hearts of the people. Yes, but he also was God’s choice to be king. Not only was the future great king of Israel there, but there was also a prophet (1 Sam. 22:5), and the future high priest (1 Sam. 22:20-23). Our blessed Lord Jesus is King, Prophet and Priest. May each of us who knows the Lord as Savior realize we are following one Who has been rejected by this world. Now just where would we prefer to be — in the palace of king Saul, where David was hated, or in the cave where he was captain? All believers in the Lord Jesus Christ today are actually in this position. We follow a rejected Man and we are hidden with Christ in this world, a cave. Is it worth it? Our happiness doesn’t depend on nice circumstances but on how close to Christ we are living.
V.6-19 Saul is so filled with pride, that he will get rid of anyone who tries to help David. And we must remember that if we wish to be true and faithful to our rejected Lord, we also will meet with those who will reject and oppose us.
V.20 One of the priests escapes and runs to David for safety. David’s words must have been enough to drive away all fear from Abiathar. Are we prepared to take our stand beside our Lord in the place where He was rejected?