168 



must have taken place some few years after, as Saul did not 

 then recognize David, (c. 17- 54. 53.) who had returned to his 

 lather, after the king had recovered from his melancholy, and 

 was (chap. I7. 15. Sc seq.) now acquiring a port and appear- 

 ance more masculine and imposing, which had altered his 

 youthful aspect and physiognomy ; his strength had been 

 developed by his age, and his stature was become most ele- 

 vated and commanding, as the armour of Saul whose advan- 

 tageous height is particularly commended, was put on him 

 for the action, (v. 38.) The succeeding chapters circum- 

 stantially relate the history of David and the conduct pur- 

 sued towards him by Saul. (18. 5.) fie was made captain 

 of the host of Israel; obtained the daughter of Saul in mar- 

 riage, (v. 27.); became the object of his jealous^', and escaped 

 to Samuel, to Ramah, (chap. IQ. 18. 22.) after this to Gath, 

 (chap. 21. 10.) thence to the cave of Adullam, where he as- 

 sembled a body of mal-contents, who followed his fortunes 

 until he was elevated to the throne. The various persecu- 

 tions he suffered from the jealousy of Saul are recorded, 

 until, in the cave of Engedi, he spared the life of his sove- 

 reign; an agreement was, in consecjuence, made between 

 Saul and David, after which Saul returned to his usual re- 

 sidence, and David remained in his strong hold. " And 

 Samuel, (the next chapter commences,) died, and all the 

 Israelites were gathered together and lamented him, and 

 buried him in his house at Uamah. And David arose, and 



went 



