And David enquired of God. — How? Through the high priest Abiathar, who sought Divine direction by means of the Urim and Thummim, or sacred lots, which he carried in a pouch on his breast, which was fastened to the ephod, or priestly mantle. (See Exodus 28:30; Exodus 39:21; Leviticus 8:8; Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 14:18-19; 1 Samuel 14:37; 1 Samuel 14:41; 1 Samuel 23:9; 1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 30:7-8.)
Against. — Samuel, “unto.” There should be a comma, not a query, at “Philistines;” the whole sentence forms but one question in the Hebrew. Samuel gives two distinct questions, disconnected from each other. The rest of the verse is abridged here. (Comp. Samuel.)