Source: Logos Bible Software 9.17.0.0010 Maps | 1 Samuel 19:18; 20:1, 24; 21:1, 10; routes not shown on map: 22:1, 5 Gath —> cave of Adullam —> forest of Hereth
(12/1) For latest resource updates, look for this emoji: 💥.
Added section Web Resources.
Outline
Source: Tsumura, D. (2007). The First Book of Samuel (p. 77). Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
IV. “Story of Saul and David” (16:1–31:13)
A. Introduction of David (16:1–23)
B. David and Goliath: Battle at the Valley of Elah (17:1-54)
C. Saul, Jonathan, and David (17:55—18:5)
D. Saul becomes David’s enemy (18:6-30)
E. Saul attempts to kill David (19:1—21:1)
F. David’s escape from Saul (21:1—26:25)
1. Early escapes (21:1—22:5)
To Nob, 21:1-9
To Gath, 21:10-15
To the Cave of Adullam, 22:1-2
To Mizpeh of Moab, 22:3-4
To the Forest of Hereth, 22:5
2. Saul’s massacre of Nob’s priests (22:6-23)
Saul in Gibeah, 22:6-10
Saul kills the priests of Nob, 22:11-19
Abiathar escapes to David, 22:20-23
3. David’s further escapes (23:1-14)
4. Jonathan, Saul, and David (23:15-29)
5. David spares Saul at En-gedi (24:1—25:1)
6. David marries Abigail (25:2-44)
7. David spares Saul at the hill of Hachilah (26:1-25)
G. 💥David in Philistia (27:1—30:31)
1. David returns to Achish in Philistia (27:1-12)
2. The Philistines gather for war with Israel (28:1-2)
…
H. The death of Saul and Jonathan (31:1-13)
💥Web Resources
1 Samuel 27 — David’s land grant Ziklag
To understand 1 Samuel 27, the reader must understand David’s accusation against Saul in 1 Samuel 26:19-20 (see [link] to prior posting for details). David’s decision to return to Philistia — a more advanced culture — was forced by Saul’s relentless pursuit and was necessary for David and his men to settle in safety with their families. Also be aware that the Philistine name “Achish” is probably a royal title for a Philistine king just as Pharaoh was for the Egyptian king (see Achish and Tsumura commentary noted above).
Land grants by a king to a loyal servant was a practice known in Israel and here in Philistia. Achish grants the city of Ziklag to David and his men.
💥Possible location of David’s city Ziklag at Khirbet er-Ra'i (a.k.a. Khirbet al-Ra'i)
💥Unvetted YouTube video of a visit to Tel al-Rai (Khirbet al-Ra'i): Biblical City of Ziklag...Researchers Claim by Zahi Shaked [YouTube link]
💥The Institute of Archaeology on Khirbet el-Rai [link] — note the proposed occupation dates place it in David’s time. This is discussed in the video series listed below “Searching for a King” by Appian Media.
Video Media
The video media focuses on the modern academic quest for the historical David. The writer’s personal preference favors good exposition of the biblical text (see Notes section below) but apologetics takes the front seat in this limited list of videos.
The geography, history, and archaeology of Israel is fascinating nonetheless.
(11/14) Following the Messiah: Episodes 1-5 by Appian Media. This is a very good series of well produced videos following events and geographical locations in the life of Christ. Several locations relevant to David’s life and history are also included.
Productions I have viewed to date from Appian Media do not seem to have a denominational affiliation or theological axe to grind. The video productions are a great way to see the Holy Land without the expensive travel and lodging.
(11/14) Following the Messiah: Episodes 6-10 by Appian Media. More events and geographical locations in the life of Christ leading up to his arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
(11/05) New Archaeological Evidence for the Biblical Kingdom of David - Flint Institute of Arts with Dr. Michael Pytlik.
Dr. Pytlik is part of the minimalist group of academics with regard to the United Kingdom. The minimalist accepts the historicity of the biblical narrative but believes the size and extent of the United Kingdom is exaggerated. At the end of the video, Dr. Pytlik clearly states his confidence in the historicity of David and the scriptural accounts.
This video is for those desiring to go full archaeology nerd as Indiana Jones.
(11/02) Searching for a King: Israel's United Kingdom: the Complete Series
Jeremy Dehut [link] and team of Appian Media produces this series. Appian Media does not appear to push a particular denominational slant in this series but is interested in the history and geography of the biblical text and archaeological confirmations. They do have a clear respect for the scriptures and the integrity of the written word of God.
Since the series covers current excavations and harmonization with the biblical text, it is very worthwhile.
City of 5 Giants - Goliath's Hometown Found! (Gath / Tell es-Safi)
The above video is a brief tour of the excavations at ancient Gath. It is a bit cheesy but go with it and enjoy.
The Bible's Buried Secrets - Ep. 1 Did King David's empire exist
In the spirit of free speech I include the above video from Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou [Wikipedia], an admitted atheist and humanist. Her answer, of course, to the video title is “No”. She is part of the mythicist group of academics who regard the biblical text as fantasy and propaganda.
The reader may not want to wade through this video (cinematography quality is poor) so it is offered with caveats.
Search on the topic of King David for yourself and you will find many videos like this from scholars in ancient history and Old Testament. But not all academics are like this. There are many accomplished, Christian, God fearing men and women teaching in colleges, universities, and seminaries around the globe (a topic for another post).
When I was in seminary in the late 70s and early 80s, I found this kind of anti-biblical bias to be commonplace in Old Testament scholarship. And it persists today.
So why did I include this? There have been many academics like Dr. Francesca who later come to faith in Jesus Christ. Remember, they are evidence collectors and must “fit in” to the world of skeptical, anti-biblical scholarship at all costs. I use this kind of material to review the collected evidence while tossing their conclusions.
This is much like Dr. John Hanna, professor of history at DTS, said about one doctorate he earned from SMU, “I endured the classes but devoured the library”.
Maps
Source: Logos Bible Software 9.17.0.0010 Maps | 1 Samuel 22:11, 20
Source: Logos Bible Software 9.17.0.0010 Maps | 1 Samuel 23:1, 13-14, 15, 19, 24-25, 28-29; 24:1-2
(11/05) Source: Logos Bible Software 10.0.0.0240 Maps | 1 Samuel 25:1,2; 26:1-3; 6
Notes
Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 Samuel | SonicLight — my mentor from seminary days and a good biblical theologian.
Appendix
More to come.