Commentaries
Matthew Henry Concise
Puritan pastoral commentary (1710). Warm, devotional, and strong on practical application. Covers every chapter. Lighter on original languages.
Wesley's Notes
Methodist verse notes (1754). Clear and concise; useful for a quick plain reading of the text. Not every verse has a note.
Poole's Annotations
Nonconformist verse annotations (1685). Concise and text-focused, with strong attention to the Hebrew and Greek text. Praised by Spurgeon for its balance of brevity and depth.
Jamieson, Fausset and Brown
Evangelical critical commentary (1871). Strong on exegesis, word study, and cross-references. Dense and technical; best for readers who want scholarly depth.
Gill's Exposition
Reformed Baptist exposition (1746). Exhaustive treatment of Hebrew, Greek, and Rabbinic sources. Covers every verse with great depth; entries can be long.
vv. 1-5
David waited with a secret hope that the Lord would help him out of his difficulty. But he seems to have been influenced too much by the fear of man, in consenting to attend Achish. It is hard to come near to the brink of sin, and not to fall in. God inclined the princes of the Philistines to oppose David's being employed in the battle. Thus their dislike befriended him, when no friend could do him such a kindness.
vv. 6-11
David scarcely ever had a greater deliverance than when dismissed from such insnaring service. God's people should always behave themselves so, as, if possible, to get the good word of all they have dealings with: and it is due to those who have acted well, to speak well of them.