David inquired of the Lord; either by Abiathar; or rather, by Gad, who was a prophet, 2Sa_24:11, and David’s seer, 1Ch_21:9, and was now with David, 1Sa_22:5; for Abiathar was not yet come to him, 1Sa_23:6.
Shall I go and smite these Philistines? for the case was both doubtful and new, he having not yet made any attempt upon the Philistines, but by Saul’s commission; and dangerous, because of the small number of his forces.