The First Book of SAMUEL, otherwise called The First Book of the KINGS

  CHAP. 1

  Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh, 1–3. He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah, 4–8. Hannah in grief prays for a child, 9–11. Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her, 12–18. Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned, 19–23. She presents him, according to her vow, to the Lord, 24–28.

1 Ramathaim-zophim. This ancient town, now called Ramla, is, according to PHOCAS, about thirty-six miles west of Jerusalem, and, according to modern travellers, about nine miles from Joppa and a league from Lydda, between which it is situated. It is built on a rising ground, on a rich plain, and contains about two thousand families. ver. 19. Mat. 27:57. Arimathea. mount. Ju. 17:1; 19:1. Elkanah. 1 Ch. 6:25–27, 34. Zuph. ch. 9:5. Ephrathite. ch. 17:12. Ju. 12:5. Ru. 1:2. 1 Ki. 11:26.
2 two. Ge. 4:19, 23; 29:23–29. Ju. 8:30. Mat. 19:8. but. Ge. 16:1, 2; 25:21; 29:31. Ju. 13:2. Lu. 1:7.
3 yearly. Heb. from year to year. Ex. 23:14, 17; 34:23. De. 16:16. Lu. 2:41. to worship. De. 12:5–7, 11–14. Shiloh. ver. 9. Jos. 18:1. Jdg. 18:31. Ps. 78:60. Je. 7:12–14. And the. ver. 9; ch. 2:12–17, 34; 3:13; 4:4, 11, 17, 18.
4 offered. Le. 3:4; 7:15. De. 12:5–7, 17; 16:11.
5 a worthy portion. or, a double portion. The Hebrew phrase, manah achath appayim, is correctly rendered by GESENIUS, ein Stüd für zwei personen, boppelte portion, ‘a portion for two persons, a double portion;’ for aph in Hebrew, and προσωπον in Greek, which literally mean a face, are used for a person. Ge. 43:34; 45:22. he loved. Ge. 29:30, 31. De. 21:15. shut up. Ge. 20:18; 30:2.
6 adversary. Le. 18:18. Job 6:14. provoked her. Heb. angered her.
7 year. ch. 2:19. when she. or, from the time that she. Heb. from her going up.
8 why weepest. 2 Sa. 12:16, 17. 2 Ki. 8:12. Job 6:14. Jno. 20:13, 15. 1 Th. 5:14. am not. Ru. 4:15. Ps. 43:4. Is. 54:1, 6.
9 ch. 3:3, 15. 2 Sa. 7:2. Ps. 5:7; 27:4; 29:9.
10 in bitterness of soul. Heb. bitter of soul. Ru. 1:20. 2 Sa. 17:8. Job 7:11; 9:18; 10:1. Is. 38:15; 54:6. La. 3:15. prayed. Ps. 50:15; 91:15. Lu. 22:44. He. 5:7. wept sore. Ge. 50:10. Ju. 21:2. 2 Sa. 13:36. 2 Ki. 20:3. Je. 13:17; 22:10.
11 vowed. Ge. 28:20. Nu. 21:2; 30:3–8. Ju. 11:30. Ec. 5:4. look. Ge. 29:32. Ex. 4:31. 2 Sa. 16:12. Ps. 25:18. remember. ver. 19. Ge. 8:1; 30:22. Ps. 132:1, 2. a man child. Heb. seed of men. I will give. Samuel, as a descendant of Levi, was the Lord’s property, from twenty-five years of age till fifty; but the vow here implies that he should be consecrated to the Lord from his infancy to his death, and that he should not only act as a Levite, but as a Nazarite. there. Nu. 6:5. Ju. 13:5.
12 continued praying. Heb. multiplied to pray. Lu. 11:8–10; 18:1. Ep. 6:18. Col. 4:2. 1 Th. 5:17. Ja. 5:16.
13 spake. Ge. 24:42–45. Ne. 2:4. Ps. 25:1. Ro. 8:26. she had. Zec. 9:15. Ac. 2:13. 1 Co. 13:7.
14 How long. Jos. 22:12–20. Job 8:2. Ps. 62:3. Pr. 6:9. Mat. 7:1–3. put away. Job 11:14; 22:23. Pr. 4:24. Ep. 4:25, 31.
15 No, my Lord. Pr. 15:1; 25:15. of a sorrowful spirit. Heb. hard of spirit. poured. Ps. 42:4; 62:8; 142:2, 3; 143:6. La. 2:19.
16 a daughter ch. 2:12; 10:27; 25:25. De. 13:13. out of. Job 6:2, 3; 10:1, 2. Mat. 12:34, 35. complaint. or, meditation.
17 Go. ch. 25:35; 29:7. Ju. 18:6. 2 Ki. 5:19. Mar. 5:34. Lu. 7:50; 8:48. the God. 1 Ch. 4:10. Ps. 20:3–5.
18 Let thine. Ge. 32:5; 33:8, 15. Ru. 2:13. went. her. Ec. 9:7. Jno. 16:24. Ro. 15:13. Phi. 4:6, 7.
19 they rose. ch. 9:26. Ps. 5:3; 55:17; 119:147. Mar. 1:35. knew. Ge. 4:1. and the Lord. ver. 11. Ge. 8:1; 21:1; 30:22. Ps. 25:7; 136:23. Lu. 23:42.
20 when the time was come about. Heb. in revolution of days. Samuel. that is, Asked of God. Because. Ge. 4:25; 5:29; 16:11; 29:32–35; 30:6–21; 41:51, 52. Ex. 2:10, 22. Mat. 1:21.
21 ver. 3. Ge. 18:19. Jos. 24:15. Ps. 101:2.
22 then. De. 16:16. Lu. 2:22, 41, 42. and there. ver. 11, 28; ch. 2:11, 18; 3:1. Ps. 23:6; 27:4. for ever. Ex. 21:6. Le. 25:23. Jos. 4:7. Ps. 110:4. Is. 9:7.
23 Do what. Nu. 30:7–11. the Lord. 2 Sa. 7:25. Is. 44:26. son suck. Ge. 21:7, 8. Ps. 22:9. Mat. 24:19. Lu. 11:27.
24 A.M. 2839. B.C. 1165. An. Ex. Is. 326. she took. Nu. 15:9, 10. De. 12:5, 6, 11; 16:16. three bullocks. The LXX., Syriac, and Arabic, read ‘a bullock of three years old;’ which is probably correct, as we read (ver. 25) that they slew eth happar, ‘the bullock.’ house. ch. 4:3, 4. Jos. 18:1.
25 brought. Lu. 2:22; 18:15, 16.
26 as thy soul. ch. 17:55; 20:3. Ge. 42:15. 2 Sa. 11:11; 14:19. 2 Ki. 2:2, 4, 6; 4:30.
27 For this. ver. 11–13. Mat. 7:7. and the Lord. Ps. 66:19; 116:1–5; 118:5. 1 Jno. 5:15.
28 lent him. or, returned him, whom I have obtained by petition, to the Lord. The word hishilteehoo, ‘I have lent him,’ is the Hiphil conjugation of shaäl, ‘he asked,’ (ver. 27,) and refers to the name of Samuel. he shall be. or, he whom I have obtained by petition shall be returned. he worshipped. Ge. 24:26, 48, 52. 2 Ti. 3:15.


  CHAP. 2

  Hannah’s song in thankfulness, 1–11. The sin of Eli’s sons, 12–17. Samuel’s ministry, 18, 19. By Eli’s blessing Hannah is more fruitful, 20, 21. Eli reproves his sons, 22–26. A prophecy against Eli’s house, 27–36.

1 prayed. Ne. 11:17. Hab. 3:1. Phi. 4:6. My heart. Lu. 1:46, 47, etc. Ro. 5:11. Phi. 3:3; 4:4. 1 Pe. 1:8. mine horn. Ps. 18:2; 89:17; 92:10; 112:8, 9. Lu. 1:69. my mouth. Ex. 15:1, 21. Ju. 5:1, 2. Ps. 51:15; 71:8. Re. 18:20. I rejoice. Ps. 9:14; 13:5; 20:5; 35:9; 118:14. Is. 12:2, 3. Hab. 3:18.
2 none holy. Ex. 15:11. De. 32:4. Ps. 99:5, 9; 111:9. Is. 6:3; 57:15. 1 Pe. 1:16. Ro. 4:8; 15:4. none beside. De. 4:35. 2 Sa. 22:32. Ps. 73:25. Is. 43:10, 11; 44:6, 8. rock. De. 3:24; 32:30, 31, 39. Ps. 18:2; 71:3, 19; 86:8; 89:6, 8. Is. 40:18. Je. 10:6.
3 let not arrogancy. Heb. hard. Ps. 94:4. Pr. 8:13. Is. 37:23. Da. 4:30, 31, 37. Mal. 3:13. Jude 15, 16. a God. 1 Ki. 8:39. Ps. 44:21; 94:7–10; 147:5. Je. 17:10. He. 4:12. Re. 2:23. by him. Job 31:6. Is. 26:7. Da. 5:27.
4 The bows. Ps. 37:15, 17; 46:9; 76:3. stumbled. Is. 10:4. Je. 37:10. 2 Co. 4:9, 10; 12:9. Ep. 6:14. Phi. 4:13. He. 11:34.
5 full. Ps. 34:10. Lu. 1:53; 16:25. the barren. ch. 1:20. Ps. 113:9. waxed feeble. ch. 1:6. Is. 54:1. Je. 15:9. Ga. 4:27.
6 killeth. De. 32:39. 2 Ki. 5:7. Job 5:18. Ps. 68:20. Ho. 6:1, 2. Jno. 5:25–29; 11:25. Re. 1:18 he bringeth. ch. 20:3. Ps. 116:3. Is. 26:19. Jon. 2:2–6. Mat. 12:40. 2 Co. 1:9, 10.
7 maketh. De. 8:17, 18. Job 1:21; 5:11. Ps. 102:10 bringeth. Ps. 75:7. Is. 2:12. Ja. 1:9, 10; 4:10.
8 the poor. Job 2:8; 42:10–12. Ps. 113:7, 8. Da. 4:17. Lu. 1:51, 52. set them. ch. 15:17. Ge. 41:14, 40. 2 Sa. 7, 8. Job 36:6, 7. Ec. 4:14. Da. 2:48; 6:3. Ja. 2:5. Re. 1:6; 3:21; 5:10; 22:5. the pillars. Job 38:4–6. Ps. 24:2; 102:25; 104:5. He. 1:3.
9 will keep. Job 5:24. Ps. 37:23, 24; 91:11, 12; 94:18; 121:3, 5, 8. Pr. 16:9. 1 Pe. 1:5. his saints. De. 33:3. Ps. 37:28; 97:10. Pr. 2:8. Jude 1, 3. be silent. Job 5:16. Ec. 5:17. Je. 8:14. Zep. 1:15. Mat. 8:12; 22:12, 13. Ro. 3:19. 2 Pe. 2:17. Jude 13. by strength. ch. 17:49, 50. Ps. 33:16, 17. Ec. 9:11. Je. 9:23. Zec. 4:6.
10 adversaries. Ex. 15:6. Ju. 5:31. Ps. 2:9; 21:8, 9; 68:1, 2; 92:9. Lu. 19:27. out of heaven. The LXX. insert, ‘Let not the wise glory in his wisdom, nor the strong glory in his strength, nor the rich glory in his riches; but let him who glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth the Lord, and executeth judgment and righteousness in the midst of the earth.’ he thunder. ch. 7:10; 12:18. Job 40:9. Ps. 18:13, 14. judge. Ps. 50:1–6; 96:13; 98:9. Ec. 11:9; 12:14. Mat. 25:31, 32. Jno. 5:21, 22. Ro. 14:10–12. 2 Co. 5:10. Re. 20:11–15. he shall. ch. 12:13; 15:28; 16:1. 2 Sa. 7:8, 13. Ps. 2:6; 21:1, 7. Is. 32:1; 45:24. Mat. 25:34; 28:18. exalt. Ps. 89:17, 24; 92:10; 148:14. Lu. 1:69. anointed. ch. 12:3. Ps. 2:2; 20:6; 28:8; 45:7. Ac. 4:27; 10:38.
11 minister. ver. 18; ch. 1:28; 3:1, 15.
12 the sons. Ho. 4:6–9. Mal. 2:1–9. sons of Belial. ch. 10:27; 25:17. De. 13:13. Ju. 19:22. 1 Ki. 21:10, 13. 2 Co. 6:15. knew. ch. 3:7. Ju. 2:10. Je. 2:8; 22:16. Jno. 8:55; 16:3; 17:3. Ro. 1:21, 28–30.
14 all that the flesh-hook. ver. 29. Ex. 29:27, 28. Le. 7:34. Is. 56:11. Mal. 1:10. 2 Pe. 2:13–15.
15 Le. 3:3–5, 16. Ro. 16:18. Phi. 3:19. Jude 12.
16 presently. Heb. as on the day. Le. 3:16; 7:23–25. I will take. Ju. 18:25. Ne. 5:15. Mi. 2:1, 2; 3:5. 1 Pe. 5:2, 3.
17 before. Ge. 6:11; 10:9; 13:13. 2 Ki. 21:6. Ps. 51:4. Is. 3:8. abhorred. Mal. 2:8, 13. Mat. 18:7.
18 ministered. ver. 11; ch. 3:1. a linen ephod. ch. 22:18. Ex. 28:4. Le. 8:7. 2 Sa. 6:14.
19 a little coat. Meil katon, ‘a little cloak’ or surtout; an upper garment: see note on Ex. 28:4. from year to year. ch. 1:3, 21. Ex. 23:14.
20 The natural place for this verse seems to be before the 11th, after which the 21st should probably come in; and after the 21st, perhaps the 26th should follow. blessed. Ge. 14:19; 27:27–29. Nu. 6:23–27. Ru. 2:12; 4:11. loan. or, petition which she asked, etc. ch. 1:27, 28.
21 visited. ch. 1:19, 20. Ge. 21:1. Lu. 1:68. grew. ver. 26; ch. 3:19. Ju. 13:24. Lu. 1:80; 2:40, 52.
22 Now. ch. 8:1. did unto. ver. 13–17. Je. 7:9, 10. Eze. 22:26. Ho. 4:9–11. women. It is probable that these were persons who had some employment about the tabernacle: see note on Ex. 38:8. assembled. assembled by troops. Ex. 38:8.
23 Why. 1 Ki. 1:6. Ac. 9:4; 14:15. I hear, etc. or, I hear evil words of you. by all. Is. 3:9. Je. 3:3; 8:12. Phi. 3:19.
24 no good. Ac. 6:3. 2 Co. 6:8. 1 Ti. 3:7. 3 Jno. 12. ye make. ver. 17, 22. Ex. 32:21. 1 Ki. 13:18–21; 15:30. 2 Ki. 10:31. Mal. 2:8. Mat. 18:7. 2 Pe. 2:18. Re. 2:20. transgress. or, cry out.
25 sin against. De. 17:8–12; 25:1–3. if a man. ch. 3:14. Nu. 15:30. Ps. 51:4, 16. He. 10:26. who shall. 1 Ti. 2:5. He. 7:25. hearkened. De. 2:30. Jos. 11:20. 2 Ch. 25:16. Pr. 15:10. Jno. 12:39, 40. because. Rather, therefore, as the particle kee also signifies, (see Ps. 116:10:) so NOLDIUS, IDEO voluit Jehova eos interficere, ‘THEREFORE Jehovah purposed to destroy them.’
26 grew on. ver. 21. was in. Pr. 3:3. Lu. 1:80; 2:40, 52. Ac. 2:47. Ro. 14:18.
27 a man. ch. 9:4. De. 33:1. Ju. 6:8; 13:6. 1 Ki. 13:1. 1 Ti. 6:11. 2 Pe. 1:21. Did I. Ex. 4:14, 27.
28 And did I. Ex. 28:1, 4, 6–30; 29:4, etc.; 39:1, etc. Le. 8:7, 8. Nu. 16:5; 17:5–8; 18:1–7. 2 Sa. 12:7. did I give. Le. 2:3, 10; 6:16; 7:7, 8, 32, 34, 35; 10:14, 15. Nu. 5:9, 10; 18:8, 19. De. 18:1–8.
29 kick ye. ver. 13–17. De. 32:15. Mal. 1:12, 13. and at mine. They disdained to take the part allowed by the law; and would take for themselves what part they pleased, and as much as they pleased. ver. 13–16. habitation. De. 12:5, 6. Jos. 18:1. and honourest. By permitting his sons to deal thus with the sacrifices, and to be served first, by taking their part before the fat, etc., was burnt to the Lord, Eli thus honoured his sons above God. Le. 19:15. De. 33:9. Mat. 10:37; 22:16. Lu. 14:26. 2 Co. 5:16. Ja. 3:17. make. ver. 13–16. Is. 56:11, 12. Eze. 13:19; 34:2. Ho. 4:8. Mi. 3:5. Ro. 16:18.
30 I said. Ex. 28:43; 29:9. Nu. 25:11–13. Be it far. Nu. 35:34, marg. 2 Ch. 15:2. Je. 18:9, 10. them. Ju. 9:10. Ps. 50:23. Pr. 3:9, 10. Is. 29:13. Da. 4:34. Mal. 1:6. Jno. 5:23; 8:49; 13:31, 32; 17:4, 5. I will honour. Ps. 18:20; 91:14. Jno. 5:44; 12:26. 1 Co. 4:5. 1 Pe. 1:7. that despise. Nu. 11:20. 2 Sa. 12:9, 10. Mal. 2:8, 9.
31 I will cut. That is, I will destroy the strength, power, influence, and authority of thee and thy family; of which the arm of man being the instrument, is used as the emblem. ch. 4:2, 11, 17–20; 14:3; 22:17–20. 1 Ki. 2:26, 27, 35. Job 22:9. Ps. 37:17. Eze. 30:21–24; 44:10.
32 an enemy, etc. or, the affliction of the tabernacle, for all the wealth which God would have given Israel. This appears to be the right translation; for, agreeably to this prediction, he did see the tabernacle deprived of the ark, which was its glory, and lived to hear that it was captured by the Philistines. ch. 4:4, 11, 22. Ps. 78:59–64. an old man. Zec. 8:4.
33 to consume. ch. 22:21–23. 1 Ki. 1:7, 19; 2:26, 27. Mat. 2:16–18. in the flower, etc. Heb. men.
34 a sign. ch. 3:12. 1 Ki. 13:3; 14:12. in one day. ch. 4:11, 17.
35 I will raise. 1 Ki. 1:8, 45; 2:35. 1 Ch. 29:22. Eze. 34:23; 44:15, 16. He. 2:17; 7:26–28. I will build. ch. 25:28. Ex. 1:21. Nu. 25:13. 2 Sa. 7:11, 27. 1 Ki. 11:38. 1 Ch. 6:8–15. Ne. 12:10, 11. mine. Ps. 2:2; 18:50.
36 is left. 1 Ki. 2:27. Eze. 44:10–12. Put. Heb. Join. one of the priest’s offices. Heb. somewhat about the priesthood. eat. ver. 29, 30. Mal. 1:13.


  CHAP. 3

  How the word of the Lord was first revealed to Samuel, 1–10. God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli’s house, 11–14. Samuel, though loath, tells Eli the vision, 15–18. Samuel grows in credit, 19–21.

1 the child. ver. 15; ch. 2:11, 18. the word. ver. 21. Ps. 74:9. Is. 13:12. Am. 8:11, 12.
2 his eyes. ch. 2:22; 4:15. Ge. 27:1; 48:19. Ps. 90:10. Ec. 12:3.
3 ere. Before sun-rise: for it is probable the lamps were extinguished before the rising of the sun; see the Parallel Passages. the lamp. Ex. 27:20, 21; 30:7, 8. Le. 24:2–4. 2 Ch. 13:11. the temple. ch. 1:6. Ps. 5:7; 27:4; 29:9.
4 called Samuel. Ge. 22:1. Ex. 3:4. Ps. 99:6. Ac. 9:4. 1 Co. 12:6–11, 28. Ga. 1:15, 16.
6 ch. 4:16. Ge. 43:29. 2 Sa. 18:22. Mat. 9:2.
7 Now Samuel. or, Thus did Samuel before he knew the Lord, and before the word of the Lord was revealed unto him. did not yet. Samuel was not destitute of the knowledge of God, in that sense which implies the total absence of true piety, as Eli’s sons were; for he knew and worshipped the God of Israel: but he did not know him as communicating special revelations of his will to him, in the manner in which he made it known to the prophets. Je. 9:24. Ac. 19:2.
8 the third. Job 33:14, 15. Although Samuel did not apprehend the way in which God reveals himself to his servants the prophets—by the ‘still small voice’—yet when this direct communication from the Almighty was made the third time, in a way altogether new and strange to him, it seems astonishing that he did not immediately apprehend. Perhaps he would have been sooner aware of a divine revelation, had it come in a dream or a vision. Those who have the greatest knowledge of divine things, should remember the time when they were as babes, unskilful in the word of righteousness. 1 Co. 13:11, 12.
9 Speak. Ex. 20:19. Ps. 85:8. Is. 6:8. Da. 10:19. Ac. 9:6.
10 the Lord came. This seems to imply a visible appearance, as well as an audible voice. as at other. ver. 4–6, 8. Samuel did not now rise and run as before, when he thought Eli called, but lay still and listened. All must be silent, when God speaks. Observe, however, Samuel in his reply left out one word: he did not say, Speak, Lord, but only, Speak, for thy servant heareth; perhaps, as Bp. PATRICK suggests, out of uncertainty, whether it was God that spake to him or not. However, by this answer way was made for the message he was now to receive, and Samuel was brought acquainted with the words of God and visions of the Almighty.
11 I will do. Is. 29:14. Am. 3:6, 7. Hab. 1:5. Ac. 13:41. both the ears. 2 Ki. 21:12. Is. 28:19. Je. 19:3. Lu. 21:26.
12 I will perform. ch. 2:27–36. Nu. 23:19. Jos. 23:15. Zec. 1:6. Lu. 21:33. when I begin, etc. Heb. beginning and ending.
13 For I have told him. or, And I will tell him, etc. ch. 2:27–30, etc. I will. 2 Ch. 20:12. Eze. 7:3; 18:30. Joel 3:12. which he knoweth. 1 Ki. 2:44. Ec. 7:22. 1 Jno. 3:20. his sons. ch. 2:12, 17, 22, 23, etc. vile. or, accursed. restrained them not. Heb. frowned not upon them. ch. 2:23–25. 1 Ki. 1:6. Pr. 19:18; 23:13, 14; 29:15. Mat. 10:37.
14 the iniquity. ch. 2:25. Nu. 15:30, 31. Ps. 51:16. Is. 22:14. Je. 7:16; 15:1. Eze. 24:13. He. 10:4–10, 26–31.
15 opened. ch. 1:9. Mal. 1:10. Samuel. Samuel reverenced Eli as a father, and feared to distress him by shewing what God had purposed to do. It does not appear that God commanded Samuel to deliver this message; he therefore did not attempt it till adjured by Eli. It might be supposed that Samuel would have been so full of ecstacy as to have forgotten his ordinary service, and run amongst his friends to tell them of the converse he had had with God in the night: but he modestly keeps it to himself. Our secret communion with God is not to be proclaimed on the house-top. feared. Je. 1:6–8. 1 Co. 16:10, 11.
17 I pray thee. Ps. 141:5. Da. 4:19. Mi. 2:7. God. ch. 20:13. Ru. 1:17. 2 Sa. 3:35; 19:13. 1 Ki. 22:16. Mat. 26:63. more also. Heb. so add. thing. or, word.
18 every whit. Heb. all the things, or, words. Whit, or wid, comes from the Anglo-Saxon wiht, which signifies person, thing, etc.: every whit is every thing: equivalent to every jot. It is the Lord. Ge. 18:25. Ju. 10:15. 2 Sa. 16:10–12. Job 1:21; 2:10. Ps. 39:9. Is. 39:8. La. 3:39. 1 Pe. 5:6.
19 grew. ch. 2:21. Ju. 13:24. Lu. 1:80; 2:40, 52. the Lord. ch. 18:14. Ge. 39:2, 21–23. Is. 43:2. Mat. 1:23. Lu. 1:28. 2 Co. 13:11, 14. 2 Ti. 4:22. let none. ch. 9:6. 1 Ki. 8:56. Is. 44:26.
20 Dan. Ju. 20:1. 2 Sa. 3:10; 17:11. established. or, faithful. 1 Ti. 1:12.
21 And the Lord. Wyyoseph yehowah lehairaöh, ‘And Jehovah added to appear:’ that is, He continued to reveal himself to Samuel at Shiloh. appeared. Ge. 12:7; 15:1. Nu. 12:6. Am. 3:7. He. 1:1. the word. ver. 1, 4.


  CHAP. 4

  The Israelites are overcome by the Philistines at Ebenezer, 1, 2. They fetch the ark unto the terror of the Philistines, 3–9. They are smitten again, the ark taken, and Hophni and Phinehas are slain, 10, 11. Eli at the news, falling backward, breaks his neck, 12–18. Phinehas’s wife, discouraged in her travail with I-chabod, dies, 19–22.

1 A.M. 2863. B.C. 1141. An. Ex. Is. 350. came. or, came to pass. Heb. was. ch. 3:11. Eben-ezer. That is, the place afterwards so called. See the Parallel Texts. ch. 5:1; 7:12. Aphek. This Aphek was situated in the tribe of Judah, and is probably the same as Aphekah. Jos. 15:53. It must be carefully distinguished from that near Jezreel, and another in Asher. ch. 29:1. Jos. 19:30. 1 Ki. 20:30.
2 put. ch. 17:8, 21. they joined battle. Heb. the battle was spread. Israel. Jos. 7:5–8, 12. Ps. 44:9, 10. and they. Ps. 79:7, 8; 106:40, 41. La. 3:40. the army. Heb. the array.
3 Wherefore. De. 29:24. Ps. 74:1, 11. Is. 50:1; 58:3. Let us. ch. 14:18. Nu. 31:6. Jos. 6:4, 5. 2 Sa. 15:25. Is. 1:11–15. Je. 7:4, 8–15. Mat. 3:9, 10. fetch. Heb. take unto us. the ark. Nu. 10:33. De. 31:26. Jos. 4:7. 1 Ch. 17:1. Je. 3:16. He. 9:4. it may save. Je. 7:8–11. Am. 5:21, 22. Mat. 23:25–28. Ro. 2:28, 29. 1 Co. 10:1–5. 2 Ti. 3:5. 1 Pe. 3:21. Jude 5.
4 which dwelleth. 2 Sa. 6:2. 2 Ki. 19:15. Ps. 80:1; 99:1. the cherubims. Ex. 25:18–22. Nu. 7:89. Hophni. ch. 2:12–17, 22. Ps. 50:16, 17. Mal. 1:9. Ac. 19:15, 16. with the ark. Nu. 4:5, 15.
5 all Israel. They vainly supposed that the ark would save them, when the God of it had departed from them because of their wickedness. Ju. 15:14. Job 20:5. Je. 7:4. Am. 6:3. Mi. 2:11.
6 What meaneth. Ex. 32:17, 18.
7 were afraid. Ex. 14:25; 15:14–16. De. 32:30. heretofore. Heb. yesterday or the third day.
8 smote. Ex. 7:5; 9:14. Ps. 78:43–51.
9 Be strong. 2 Sa. 10:12. 1 Co. 16:13. Ep. 6:10, 11. as they have. De. 28:47, 48. Ju. 10:7; 13:1. Is. 14:2; 33:1. quit yourselves like men. Heb. be men.
10 Israel. ver. 2. Le. 26:17. De. 28:25. Ps. 78:9, 60–64. every man. 2 Sa. 20:1. 1 Ki. 12:16; 22:36. 2 Ki. 14:12. a very great. 2 Sa. 18:7. 2 Ch. 13:17; 28:5, 6. Is. 10:3–6.
11 the ark. ch. 2:32. Ps. 78:61. the two sons. ch. 2:34. Ps. 78:64. Is. 3:11. were slain. Heb. died.
12 with his clothes rent. These, as we have already remarked, were the general signs of sorrow and distress. 2 Sa. 1:2. with earth. Jos. 7:6. 2 Sa. 13:19; 15:32. Ne. 9:1. Job 2:12.
13 sat upon. ch. 1:9. his heart. Jos. 7:9. Ne. 1:3, 4. Ps. 26:8; 79:1–8; 137:4–6.
14 What meaneth. ver. 6.
15 ninety. ch. 3:2. Ps. 90:10. and his eyes. See on Ge. 27:1. were dim. Heb. stood.
16 What is there done. Heb. What is the thing. 2 Sa. 1:4. my son. See on ch. 3:6. Jos. 7:19.
17 Israel. ver. 10, 11; ch. 3:11.
18 when he made. ver. 21, 22. Ps. 26:8; 42:3, 10; 69:9. La. 2:15–19. his neck. ch. 2:31, 32; 3:12, 13. Le. 10:3. 1 Co. 11:30–32. 1 Pe. 4:17, 18. And he had. ‘He seems to have been a judge to do justice only, and that in south-west Israel.’
19 be delivered. or, cry out. came upon her. Heb. were turned.
20 Fear not. Ge. 35:17, 18. Jno. 16:21. neither did she regard it. Heb. and set not her heart. Ps. 77:2.
21 I-chabod. that is, Where is the glory? or There is no glory. ch. 14:3. The glory. Ps. 26:8 78:61, 64; 106:20. Je. 2:11. Ho. 9:12.
22 The glory. Ps. 137:5, 6. Jno. 2:17.


  CHAP. 5

  The Philistines having brought the ark into Ashdod, set it in the house of Dagon, 1, 2. Dagon is smitten down and cut in pieces, and they of Ashdod smitten with emerods, 3–7. So God deals with them of Gath, when it was drought thither, 8, 9; and so with them of Ekron, when it was brought thither, 10–12.

1took. ch. 4:11, 17, 18, 22. Ps. 78:61. Ebenezer. ch. 4:1; 7:12. Ashdod. Ashdod, called Azotus by the Greeks, was one of the five satrapies of the Philistines, and a place of great strength and consequence. It was situated near the Mediterranean, between Askelon aud Jamnia, thirty-four miles north of Gaza, according to DIODORUS SICULUS, and the Antonine and Jerusalem Itineraries. It is now called Shdood; and Dr. RICHARDSON says they neither saw nor heard of any ruins there. ‘The ground,’ he observes, ‘around Ashdod is beautifully undulating, but not half stocked with cattle. The site of the town is on the summit of a grassy hill; and, if we are to believe historians, was anciently as strong as it was beautiful.’ Jos. 11:22. Ac. 8:40. Azotus.
2 of Dagon. Ju. 16:23. 1 Ch. 10:10. Da. 5:2, 23. Hab. 1:11, 16.
3 Dagon was. Ex. 12:12. Ps. 97:7. Is. 19:1; 46:1, 2. Zep. 2:11. Mar. 3:11. Lu. 10:18–20. 2 Co. 6:14–16. set him. Is. 19:1; 40:20; 41:7; 44:17–20; 46:1, 2, 7. Je. 10:8.
4 the head. Is. 2:18, 19; 27:9. Je. 10:11; 50:2. Eze. 6:4–6. Da. 11:8. Mi. 1:7. of Dagon. The name of this idol, Dagon, signifies a fish: and it is supposed to be the Atergatis of the Syrians, corruptly called Derceto by the Greeks, which had the upper part like a woman, and the lower part like a fish; as Lucian informs us: Δερκετους δε ειδος εν Φοινικη εθεησαμην, θεημα ξενον· ημισεη μεν γυνη· το δε οκοσον εκ μηρων ες ακρους ποδας, ιχθυος ουρη αποτεινεται· ‘In Phœnicia I saw the image of Derceto; a strange sight truly! For she had the half of a woman, but from the thighs downwards a fish’s tail.’ DIODORUS, (1. ii.) describing the same idol, as represented at Askelon, says, Το μεν προσωπον εχει γυναικος, το δʼαλλο σωμα παν ιχθυος. ‘It had the head of a woman, but all the rest of the body a fish’s.’ Probably HORACE alludes to this idol, in De Art. Poet. 4; Desinat in piscem, mulier formosa superne: ‘The upper part a handsome woman, and the lower part a fish.’ If such was the form of this idol, then everything that was human was broken off from what resembled a fish. the stump. or, the fishy part.
5 neither. Ps. 115:4–7; 135:15–18. tread. Jos. 5:15. Zep. 1:9.
6 the hand. ver. 7, 11. Ex. 9:3. Ps. 32:4. Ac. 13:11. emerods. ver. 9, 11; ch. 6:5. De. 28:27. Job 31:3. Ps. 78:66. thereof. The LXX. and Vulgate add: Και μεσον της χωρας αυτης ανεφυησαν μυες· και εγενετο συγχυσις θανατου μεγαλη εν τη πολει· Etebullierunt villæ et agri in medio regionis illius, et nati sunt mures; et facta est confusio mortis magnæ in civitate; ‘And [the cities and fields in Vulg.] the midst of that region produced mice; [Vulg. burst up, and mice were produced;] and there was the confusion of a great death in the city.’ See ch. 6:4, 5.
7 saw. ch. 4:8. Ex. 8:8, 28; 9:28; 10:7; 12:33. The ark. ch. 6:20. 2 Sa. 6:9. 1 Ch. 13:11–13; 15:13. upon Dagon our god. See on ver. 3, 4. Je. 46:25; 48:7.
8 What shall Zec. 12:3. Gath. ch. 17:4. Am. 6:2.
9 the hand. ver. 6; ch. 7:13; 12:15. De. 2:15. Am. 5:19; 9:1–4. with a very. ver. 11. and they had emerods. ver. 6; ch. 6:4, 5, 11. Ps. 78:66.
10 God to Ekron. Jos. 15:45. Ju. 1:18. 2 Ki. 1:2. Am. 1:8. us, to slay us and our people. Heb. me, to slay me and my people.
11 us not, and our people. Heb. me not, and my people. a deadly. Is. 13:7–9. Je. 48:42–44. the hand. ver. 6, 9.
12 died. 1 Ki. 19:17. Am. 5:19. the cry. ch. 9:16. Ex. 12:30. Is. 15:3–5. Je. 14:2; 25:34; 48:3.


  CHAP. 6

  After seven months the Philistines take counsel how to send back the ark, 1–9. They bring it on a new cart with an offering unto Beth-shemesh, 10–18. The people are smitten for looking into the ark, 19, 20. They send to them of Kirjath-jearim to fetch it, 21.

1 A.M. 2864. B.C. 1140. An. Ex. Is. 351. the ark. ch. 5:1, 3, 10, 11. Ps. 78:61.
2 called. Ge. 41:8. Ex. 7:11. Is. 47:12, 13. Da. 2:2; 5:7. Mat. 2:4. wherewith. Mi. 6:6–9.
3 empty. Ex. 23:15; 34:20. De. 16:16. a trespass. Le. 5:6, 15–19; 6:6; 7:1–7. known. ver. 9; ch. 5:7, 9, 11. Job 10:2; 34:31, 32.
4 Five golden. ver. 5, 17, 18; ch. 5:6, 9. Ex. 12:35. Jos. 13:3. Ju. 3:3. you all. Heb. them.
5 mice. BOCHART has collected many curious accounts relative to the terrible devastations made by these mischievous animals. WILLIAM, Archbishop of Tyre, records, that in the beginning of the twelfth century, a penitential council was held at Naplouse, where five and twenty canons were framed for the correction of the manners of the inhabitants of the Christian kingdom of Jerusalem, who they apprehended had provoked to bring upon them the calamities of earthquakes, war, and famine. This last he ascribes to locusts and devouring mice, which had for four years together so destroyed the fruits of the earth as to cause an almost total failure of their crops. It was customary for the ancient heathen to offer to their gods such monuments of their deliverance as represented the evils from which they had been rescued; and TAVERNIER informs us, that among the Indians, when a pilgrim goes to one of the pagodas for a cure, he brings the figure of the member affected, made of gold, silver, or copper, according to his circumstances, which he offers to his god. Ex. 8:5, 17, 24; 10:14, 15. Joel 1:4–7; 2:25. give glory. Jos. 7:19. Ps. 18:44; 66:3, marg. Is. 42:12. Je. 3:13; 13:16. Mal. 2:2. Jno. 9:24. Be. 11:13; 16:9. lighten. ch. 5:6, 11. Ps. 32:4; 39:10. off your. ch. 5:3, 4, 7. Ex. 12:12. Nu. 33:4. Is. 19:1.
6 harden. Job 9:4. Ps. 95:8. Ro. 2:5. He. 3:13. the Egyptians. Ex. 7:13; 8:15; 9:16, 34; 10:3; 14:17, 23; 15:14–16. wonderfully. or, reproachfully. did they not. Ex. 12:31–33. the people. Heb. them.
7 new cart. 2 Sa. 6:3. 1 Ch. 13:7. on which. Nu. 19:2.
8 jewels. ver. 4, 5.
9 Beth-shemesh. Jos. 15:10; 21:16. he. or, it. Am. 3:6. we shall. ver. 3. not his hand. Is. 26:11. a chance. 2 Sa. 1:6. Ec. 9:11. Lu. 10:31.
11 they laid. 2 Sa. 6:3. 1 Ch. 13:7; 15:13–15.
14 offered. ch. 7:9–17; 11:5; 20:29. Ex. 20:24. Ju. 6:26; 21:4. 2 Sa. 24:18, 22, 25. 1 Ki. 18:30–38.
16 the five. ver. 4, 12. Jos. 13:3. Ju. 3:3; 16:5, 23–30. they returned. ch. 5:10.
17 these. ver. 4. Ashdod. ch. 5:1. 2 Ch. 26:6. Je. 25:20. Zec. 9:6. Gaza. Ju. 16:1, 21. Am. 1:7, 8. Askelon. Ju. 1:18. Zec. 9:5. Gath. ch. 5:8. 2 Sa. 1:20; 21:22. Am. 6:2. Ekron. ch. 5:10. 2 Ki. 1:2. Am. 1:8.
18 the five lords. ver. 16. Jos. 13:3. great stone of. or, great stone.
19 he smote. Ex. 19:21. Le. 10:1–8. Nu. 4:4, 5, 15, 20. De. 29:29. 2 Sa. 6:7. 1 Ch. 13:9, 10. Col. 2:18. 1 Pe. 4:17. fifty thousand. As it is very improbable that the village of Beth-shemesh should contain, or be capable of employing, 50,070 men in the fields at wheat harvest, much less that they could all peep into the ark, and from the uncommon manner in which it is expressed in the original, it is generally allowed that there is some corruption in the text, or that some explanatory word is omitted. The Hebrew is shivim ish, chamishim ailephish, literally, ‘seventy men, fifty thousand men:’ so LXX. εβδομηκοντα ανδρας και πεντηκοντα χιλιαδας ανδρων. Vulgate, septuaginta viros, et quinquaginta millia plebis, ‘70 (chief) men, and 50,000 (common) people.’ Targum, besabey âmma, ‘of the elders of the people 70 men, ovekahala, and in the congregation 50,000 men.’ But the Syriac, chamsho alphin weshivin gavrin, ‘5000 and 70 men;’ with which the Arabic agrees; while JOSEPHUS has only εβδομηκοντα, SEVENTY men; and three reputable MSS. of Dr. KENNICOTT’S also omit ‘50,000 men.’ Some learned men, however, would render, by supplying מ, mem, ‘70 men; fifty out of a thousand;’ which supposes about 1400 present, and that a twentieth part were slain.
20 ch. 5:8–12. Nu. 17:12, 13. 2 Sa. 6:7, 9. 1 Ch. 13:11–13. Ps. 76:7. Mal. 3:2. Lu. 5:8; 8:37.
21 Kirjath-jearim. Jos. 18:14. Ju. 18:12. 1 Ch. 13:5, 6. Ps. 78:60. Je. 7:12, 14.


  CHAP. 7

  They of Kirjath-jearim bring the ark into the house of Abinadab, and sanctify Eleazar his son to keep it, 1. After twenty years, 2, the Israelites, by Samuel’s means, solemnly repent at Mizpeh, 3–6. While Samuel prays and sacrifices, the Lord discomfits the Philistines by thunder at Eben-ezer, 7–12. The Philistines are subdued, 13, 14. Samuel judges Israel, 15–17.

1 Kirjath-jearim. ch. 6:21. Jos. 18:14. 2 Sa. 6:2. 1 Ch. 13:5, 6. Ps. 132:6. Abinadab. 2 Sa. 6:3, 4. 1 Ch. 13:7. Is. 52:11.
2 lamented. Ju. 2:4. Je. 3:13, 22–25; 31:9. Zec. 12:10, 11. Mat. 5:4. 2 Co. 7:10, 11.
3 A.M. 2884. B.C. 1120. An. Ex. Is. 371. return. De. 30:2–10. 1 Ki. 8:48. Is. 55:7. Ho. 6:1, 2; 14:1. Joel 2:12, 13. put away. Ge. 35:2. Jos. 24:14, 23. Ju. 2:13; 10:6. prepare. De. 30:6. 1 Ch. 22:19; 28:9. 2 Ch. 30:19. Job 11:13, 14. Pr. 16:1. Je. 4:3, 4. Eze. 18:31. Mat. 15:8. Jno. 4:24. serve him. De. 6:13; 10:20; 13:4. Mat. 4:10; 6:24. Lu. 4:8.
4 Ju. 2:11, 13; 10:15, 16. 1 Ki. 11:33. Ho. 14:3, 8.
5 Gather. Ne. 9:1. Joel 2:16. Mizpeh. ver. 12, 16; ch. 10:17. Jos. 15:38. Ju. 20:1. 2 Ki. 25:23. I will pray. ch. 12:23.
6 drew water. GROTIUS says, that the pouring out of water means the shedding of tears; and the Targum reads, ‘And they poured out their hearts in penitence, as WATERS, before the Lord.’ Others suppose that it was done emblematically, to represent the contrition of their hearts, and their desire to wash away their past offences. But some learned men conceive that it was poured out as a libation, in token of joy, after they had fasted and confessed their sin, as they were wont to do in the feast of tabernacles. (See note on Nu. 29:35.) ch. 1:15. 2 Sa. 14:14. Job 16:20. Ps. 6:6; 42:3; 119:136. Je. 9:1. La. 2:11, 18; 3:49. fasted. 2 Ch. 20:3. Ezr. 8:21–23. Ne. 9:1–3. Da. 9:3–5. Joel 2:12. Jon. ch. 3. We have sinned. Le. 26:40. Ju. 10:10. 1 Ki. 8:47. Ezr. 9:5–10. Job 33:27; 40:4; 42:6. Ps. 38:3–8; 106:6. Je. 3:13, 14; 31:19. Lu. 15:18. judged. Ju. 3:10. Ne. 9:27. Eze. 20:4.
7 afraid. ch. 13:6; 17:11. Ex. 14:10. 2 Ch. 20:3.
8 Cease, etc. Heb. Be not silent from us from crying. ch. 12:19–24. Is. 37:4; 62:1, 6, 7. Ja. 5:16.
9 a sucking. ver. 17; ch. 6:14, 15; 9:12; 10:8; 16:2. Ju. 6:26, 28. 1 Ki. 18:30–38. cried unto. Ps. 50:15; 99:6. Je. 15:1. Ja. 5:16. heard. or, answered.
10 thundered. ch. 2:10; 12:17. Ex. 9:23–25. Ju. 5:8, 20. Ps. 18:11–14; 77:16–18; 97:3, 4. Re. 16:18–21. discomfited. De. 20:3, 4. Jos. 10:10. Ju. 4:15; 5:20. Zec. 4:6.
11 Beth-car. This place was probably situated in the tribe of Dan. JOSEPHUS calls it Κορραιοι; the LXX. Βαιθχορ; Targum, Beth-saron; Syriac and Arabic, Beth-jasan; by which HOUBIGANT supposes is meant Beth-shan.
12 took a stone. Ge. 28:18, 19; 31:45–52; 35:14. Jos. 4:9, 20–24; 24:26, 27. Is. 19:19. Eben-ezer. that is, The stone of help. ch. 4:1; 5:1. Ge. 22:14. Ex. 17:15. Hitherto. Ps. 71:6, 17. Is. 46:3, 4. Ac. 26:22. 2 Co. 1:10.
13 subdued. Ju. 13:1. came no more. ch. 13:1–5. against. ch. 14:6–16, 20–23; 17:49–53; 28:3–5; 31:1–7.
14 peace. De. 7:2, 16. Ju. 4:17. Ps. 106:34.
15 A.M. 2873–2947. B.C. 1131–1057. judged. ver. 6; ch. 12:1; 25:1. Ju. 2:16; 3:10, 11. Ac. 13:20, 21.
16 he went. When he was at Bethel, the tribe of Ephraim and all the northern parts of the country could attend him; when at Gilgal, the tribe of Benjamin and those beyond Jordan could have easy access to him; and when at Mizpeh, he was within the reach of Judah, Simeon, and Gad: but at Ramah was the place of his ordinary abode; and there he held his court, for there he judged Israel: and as it is probable Shiloh was destroyed, it is said (ver. 17) that there, i.e. at Ramah, ‘he built an altar to the Lord.’ in circuit. Heb. and he circuited. Ju. 5:10; 10:4; 12:14. Ps. 75:2; 82:3, 4.
17 his return. ch. 1:1, 19; 8:4; 19:18–23. he built. ch. 11:15. Ge. 12:7, 8; 33:20; 35:7. Ju. 21:5. 1 Ki. 18:30–36.


  CHAP. 8

  By occasion of the ill government of Samuel’s sons, the Israelites ask a king, 1–5. Samuel praying in grief, is comforted by God, 6–9. He tells the manner of a king, 10–18. God wills Samuel to yield unto the importunity of the people, 19–22.

1 A.M. 2892. B.C. 1112. An. Ex. Is. 379. made his. De. 16:18, 19. Ju. 8:22, 23. 2 Ch. 19:5, 6. Ne. 7:2. 1 Ti. 5:21. sons judges. Ju. 5:10; 10:4; 12:14.
2 Joel. 1 Ch. 6:28, 38, Vashni.
3 his sons. 2 Sa. 15:4. 1 Ki. 12:6–11. 2 Ki. 21:1–3. Ec. 2:19. Je. 22:15–17. but turned. Ex. 18:21. De. 16:19. Ps. 15:5; 26:10. Is. 33:15. 1 Ti. 3:3; 6:10.
4 the elders. Ex. 3:16; 24:1. 2 Sa. 5:3.
5 now make. ver. 6–8, 19, 20; ch. 12:17. Nu. 23:9. De. 17:14, 15. Ho. 13:10, 11. Ac. 13:21.
6 displeased. Heb. was evil in the eyes of. ch. 12:17. prayed. ch. 15:11. Ex. 32:31, 32. Nu. 16:15, 22, 46. Ezr. 9:3–5. Ps. 109:4. Lu. 6:11, 12. Phi. 4:6. Ja. 1:5.
7 Hearken. Nu. 22:20. Ps. 81:11, 12. Is. 66:4. Ho. 13:10, 11. they have not. ch. 10:19; 12:17–19. Ex. 16:8. Mat. 10:24, 25, 40. Lu. 10:16; 19:14, 27. Jno. 13:16; 15:20, 21.
8 Ex. 14:11, 12; 16:3; 17:2; 32:1. Nu. 14:2–4; 16:2, 3, 41. De. 9:24. Ju. 2:2, 3, 20; 4:1; 6:1; 13:1. Ps. 78:56–59; 106:14–21, 34–40. Ac. 7:51–53.
9 hearken unto. or, obey. howbeit, etc. or, notwithstanding when thou hast solemnly protested against them, then thou shalt shew, etc. Eze. 3:18. the manner. ver. 11–18; ch. 2:13; 10:25; 14:52. Eze. 45:7, 8; 46:18.
11 This will. ch. 10:25. De. 17:14–20. He will take. ch. 14:52. 1 Ki. 9:22, 23; 10:26; 12:4, 10. 2 Ch. 26:10–15. run. 2 Sa. 15:1. 1 Ki. 1:5; 18:46.
12 appoint. 1 Ch. 27:1–22. and will set. 1 Ki. 4:7, 22, 23, 27, 28. 2 Ch. 32:28, 29.
14 ch. 22:7. 1 Ki. 21:7, 19. Eze. 46:18.
15 officers. Heb. eunuchs. Ge. 37:36. Is. 39:7. Da. 1:3, 7–10, 18.
18 cry out. Is. 8:21. and the Lord. ‘Hitherto,’ says PUFFENDORF, ‘the people of Israel had lived under governors raised up by God, who had exacted no tribute of them, nor put them to any charge; but little content with this form of government, they desire to have a king like other nations, who should live in magnificence and pomp, keep armies, and be able to resist any invasion. Samuel informs them what it was they desired; that, when they understood it, they might consider whether they would persist in their choice. If they would have a king splendidly attended, he tells them that he would take their sons for his chariots, etc.: if they would have him keep up constant forces, then he would appoint them for colonels and captains, and employ those in his wars who were accustomed to follow their family business; and since, after the manner of other kings, he must keep a stately court, they must be content that their daughters should serve in several offices, which the king would think below the dignity of his wives and daughters. (ver. 13.) In one word, that, to sustain his dignity, their king would exact the tenth of all they possessed, and be maintained in a royal manner out of their estates.’ will not hear. Job 27:9. Ps. 18:41. Pr. 1:25–28; 21:13. Is. 1:15. Mi. 3:4. Lu. 13:25.
19 refused to obey. Ps. 81:11. Je. 7:13; 44:16. Eze. 33:31.
20 ver. 5. Ex. 33:16. Le. 20:24–26. Nu. 23:9. De. 7:6. Ps. 106:35. Jno. 15:19. Ro. 12:2. 2 Co. 6:17. Phi. 3:20. 1 Pe. 2:9.
21 he rehearsed. Ju. 11:11.
22 ver. 7. Ho. 13:11.


  CHAP. 9

  Saul despairing to find his father’s asses, 1–5, by the counsel of his servant, 6–10, and direction of young maidens, 11–14, according to God’s revelation, 15–17, comes to Samuel, 18. Samuel entertains Saul at the feast, 19–24. Samuel, after secret communication, brings Saul on his way, 25–27.

1 Kish. ch. 14:51. 1 Ch. 8:30–33; 9:36–39. Ac. 13:21. Cis. a Benjamite. or, the son of a man of Jemini. power. or, substance. ch. 25:2. 2 Sa. 19:32. Job 1:3.
2 choice. ch. 16:7. Ge. 6:2. 2 Sa. 14:25, 26. Je. 9:23. from his shoulders. ch. 10:23; 17:4. Nu. 13:33.
3 ch. 10:2. Ju. 5:10; 10:4.
4 mount. Ju. 17:1; 19:1. Shalisha. 2 Ki. 4:42. Shalim. Ge. 33:18. Jno. 3:23.
5 Zuph. ch. 1:1. take thought. ch. 10:2. Mat. 6:25, 28, 34. Lu. 12:11, 22.
6 city. ch. 2:27. De. 33:1. 1 Ki. 13:1. 2 Ki. 6:6. 1 Ti. 6:11. an honourable. 1 Th. 2:10; 5:13. all that he saith. ch. 3:19, 20. Is. 44:26. Zec. 1:5, 6. Mat. 24:35.
7. what shall. Ju. 6:18; 13:15–17. 1 Ki. 14:3. 2 Ki. 4:42; 5:5; 8:8. spent in. Heb. gone out of, etc. there is not. We are not to suppose from this that the prophets took money to predict future events: Saul only refers to an invariable custom, that no man approached a superior without some present or another, however small in value. Dr. POCOCKE tells us of a present of fifty radishes! Other authors mention a flower, an orange, or similar trifles; and Mr. BRUCE says, that one who wished to solicit a favour from him, presented him with about a score of dates! ‘I mention this trifling circumstance,’ says Mr. B. ‘to shew how ESSENTIAL to human and civil intercourse presents are considered to be in the East; whether it be dates, or whether it be diamonds, they are so much a part of their manners, that without them, an inferior will never be at peace in his own mind, or think that he has hold of his superior for protection. But superiors give no presents to their inferiors.’ Presents then are tokens of honour; not intended as offers of payment or enrichment. have we. Heb. is with us.
8 I have here at hand. Heb. there is found in my hand.
9 enquire. Ge. 25:22. Ju. 1:1. a Seer. 2 Sa. 24:11. 2 Ki. 17:13. 1 Ch. 26:28; 29:29. 2 Ch. 16:7, 10. Is. 29:10; 30:10. Am. 7:12.
10 Well said. Heb. Thy word is good. 2 Ki. 5:13, 14.
11 the hill to the city. Heb. in the ascent of the city. found. Ge. 24:11, 18–20. Ex. 2:16. Ju. 5:11.
12 sacrifice. or, feast. ch. 16:2. Ge. 31:54. De. 12, 6, 7. 1 Co. 5:7, 8. the high place. 1 Ki. 3:2–4. 1 Ch. 16:39.
13 he doth bless. Mat. 26:26. Mar. 6:41. Lu. 24:30. Jno. 6:11, 23. 1 Co. 10:30. 1 Ti. 4:4. this time. Heb. to-day.
15 the Lord. ver. 17; ch. 15:1. Ps. 25:14. Am. 3:7. Mar. 11:2–4; 14:13–16. Ac. 13:21; 27:23. told Samuel in his ear. Heb. revealed the ear of Samuel. ch. 20:2. 2 Sa. 7:27. Job 33:16, marg.
16 thou shalt. ch. 10:1; 15:1; 16:3. 1 Ki. 19:15, 16. 2 Ki. 9:3–6. looked upon. Ex. 2:23–25; 3:7–9. Ps. 25:18; 106:44.
17 Behold. ch. 16:6–12. Ho. 13:11. reign over. Heb. restrain in. ch. 3:13. 2 Sa. 23:6, 7. Ne. 13:19, 25. Ac. 13:21. Ro. 13:3, 4.
19 the Seer. The word roaih literally signifies one who SEES; particularly preternatural sights. A seer and a prophet were the same in most cases; only with this difference, the seer was always a prophet, but the prophet was not always a seer. A seer seems to imply one who frequently met with and saw some symbolical representation of God. All prophets, true or false, profess to see God, (see Nu. 24:4, 16. Je. 14:4;) and diviners, in their enthusiastic flights, boasted that they had those things exhibited to their sight which should come to pass. and will tell. Jno. 4:29. 1 Co. 14:25.
20 three days ago. Heb. to-day three days. ver. 3. set not. ch. 4:20, marg. 1 Ch. 29:3. Ps. 62:10. Col. 3:2. on whom. ch. 8:5, 19; 12:13, 15.
21 a Benjamite. Ju. 20:46–48. Ps. 68:27. my family. ch. 10:27; 15:17; 18:18, 23. Ju. 6:14, 15. Ho. 13:1. Lu. 14:11. Ep. 3:8. so to me. Heb according to this word.
22 in the chiefest. Ge. 43:32. Lu. 14:10.
23 Bring. ch. 1:5. Ge. 43:34.
24 the shoulder. Probably the shoulder was set before Saul, not because it was the best part, but because it was an emblem of the government to which he was now called. (See Is. 9:6.) Le. 7:32, 33. Eze. 24:4. left. or, reserved.
25 And when. ver. 13. the top. De. 22:8. 2 Sa. 11:2. Ne. 8:16. Je. 19:13. Mat. 10:27. Ac. 10:9.
26 Samuel. Saul had no doubt slept there all night, as is usual in the East; and now, being the break of day, ‘Samuel called to Saul on the top of the house:’ there was no calling him to the top of the house a second time; he was sleeping there, and Samuel called him up. Up. Ge. 19:14; 44:4. Jos. 7:13. Ju. 19:28.
27 Bid the servant. ch. 20:38, 39. Jno. 15:14, 15. a while. Heb. to-day. that I may. ch. 15:16. 2 Ki. 9:5, 6.


  CHAP. 10

  Samuel anoints Saul, 1. He confirms him by prediction of three signs, 2–8. Saul’s heart is changed, and he prophesies, 9–13. He conceals the matter of the kingdom from his uncle, 14–16. Saul is chosen at Mizpeh by lot, 17–25. The different affections of his subjects, 26, 27.

1 a vial. ch. 2:10; 9:16; 16:13; 24:6; 26:11. 2 Ki. 9:3–6. Ac. 13:21. Re. 5:8. kissed him. 2 Sa. 19:39. 1 Ki. 19:18. Ps. 2:12. Ho. 13:2. 1 Th. 5:26. captain. ch. 8:9, 19; 13:14. Jos. 5:14, 15. 2 Sa. 5:2. 2 Ki. 20:5. He. 2:10. his inheritance. Ex. 19:5, 6. De. 32:9. Ps. 78:71; 135:4. Je. 10:16.
2 Rachel’s. Ge. 35:19. Je. 31:15. Zelzah. Jos. 18:28. The asses. ver. 16; ch. 9:3–5. care. Heb. business.
3 Tabor. Jos. 19:12, 22. Ju. 4:6, 12; 8:18. Ps. 89:12. Beth-el. Ge. 28:19, 22; 35:1, 3, 6, 7. three kids. Le. 1:10; 3:6, 12; 7:13; 23:13. Nu. 15:5–12.
4 salute thee. Heb. ask thee of peace. Ju. 18:15.
5 hill of God. ver. 10; ch. 13:3. a company. ch. 19:20. 2 Ki. 2:3, 5, 15; 4:38; 6:1. a psaltery. Ex. 15:20, 21. 2 Ki. 3:15. 1 Ch. 13:8; 15:19–21, 27, 28; 16:5, 42; 25:1–6. 2 Ch. 29:25–27. Ps. 49:4; 150:3–6.
6 Spirit. ver. 10; ch. 16:13; 19:23, 24. Nu. 11:25. Ju. 3:10. Mat. 7:22. another man. ver. 9–12.
7 let it be. Heb. it shall come to pass that, etc. signs. Ex. 4:8. Lu. 2:12. Jno. 6:14. that thou do as occasion, etc. Heb. do for thee as thine hand shall find. Ju. 9:33. God. Ge. 21:20. De. 20:1. Ju. 6:12. Is. 7:14; 45:1, 2. Mat. 1:23; 28:20.
8 to Gilgal. ch. 11:14, 15; 13:4, 8–15; 15:33.
9 back. Heb. shoulder. gave. Heb. turned. another heart. ver. 6. and all those signs. The following history of Saul is given by the Afghans, a people generally supposed to be of Jewish origin: “In a war which raged between the children of Israel and the Amalekites, the latter being victorious, plundered the Jews, and obtained possession of the ark of the covenant. Considering this [as] the God of the Jews, they threw it into the fire, which did not affect it. They afterwards attempted to cleave it with axes, but without success: every individual who treated it with indignity, was punished for his temerity. They then placed it in their temple; but all their idols bowed to it. At length they fastened it upon a cow, which they turned loose in the wilderness. When the prophet Samuel arose, the children of Israel said to him, ‘We have been totally subdued by the Amalekites, and have no king. Raise to us a king, that we may be enabled to contend for the glory of God.’ Samuel said, ‘In case you are led out to battle, are you determined to fight?’ They answered, ‘What has befallen us, that we should not fight against infidels? That nation has banished us from our country and children.’ At this time the angel Gabriel descended, and delivering a wand, said, ‘It is the command of God, that the person whose stature shall correspond with this wand, shall be king of Israel.’ Melec Tálút was at that time a man of inferior condition, and performed the humble employment of feeding the goats and cows of others. One day, a cow under his charge was accidentally lost. Being disappointed in his searches, he was greatly distressed, and applied to Samuel, saying, ‘I have lost a cow, and I do not possess the means of satisfying the owner. Pray for me, that I may be extricated from this difficulty.’ Samuel perceiving that he was a man of lofty stature, asked his name. He answered, Tálút. Samuel then said, ‘Measure Tálút with the wand which the angel Gabriel brought.’ His stature was equal to it. Samuel then said, ‘God has raised Tálút to be your king.’ The children of Israel answered, ‘We are greater than our king. We are men of dignity, and he is of inferior condition. How shall he be our king?’ Samuel informed them, they should know that God had constituted Tálút king, by his restoring the ark of the covenant. He accordingly restored it, and they acknowledged him their sovereign.” Asiatic Researches, vol. ii. 119, et seq. ver. 2–5. Ju. 6:21, 36–40; 7:11. Is. 38:7, 8. Mar. 14:16.
10 they came. ver. 5; ch. 19:20–24.
11 when all. Jno. 9:8, 9. Ac. 3:10. one to another. Heb. a man to his neighbour. What is this. Mat. 13:54, 55. Ac. 2:7, 8; 4:13; 9:21. Is Saul. ch. 19:24. Jno. 7:15.
12 of the same place. Heb. from thence. who is their. Is. 54:13. Jno. 6:45; 7:16. Ja. 1:17.
14 And he said. ch. 9:3–10. no where. 2 Ki. 5:25.
16 matter. ch. 9:27. Ex. 4:18. Ju. 14:6. Pr. 29:11.
17 unto the Lord. ch. 7:5, 6. Ju. 20:1.
18 Thus saith. Ju. 2:1; 6:8, 9. Ne. 9:9–12, 27, 28.
19 And ye have. ch. 8:7–9, 19; 12:12, 17–19. by your tribes. Nu. 17:2. Jos. 7:14, etc. Mi. 5:2.
20 caused. ch. 14:41. Jos. 7:16–18. Ac. 1:24–26.
22 enquired. ch. 23:2–4, 11, 12. Nu. 27:21. Ju. 1:1; 20:18, 23, 28. hid. ch. 9:21; 15:17. Lu. 14:11.
23 he was higher. ch. 9:2; 16:7; 17:4.
24 See ye him. De. 17:15. 2 Sa. 21:6. God save the king. Heb. Let the king live. 1 Ki. 1:25, 31, 39. 2 Ki. 11:12. Mat. 21:9.
25 ch. 8:11–18. De. 17:14–20. Eze. 45:9, 10; 46:16–18. Ro. 13:1–7. 1 Ti. 2:2. Tit. 3:1. 1 Pe. 2:13, 14.
26 Gibeah. ch. 11:4; 15:34. Jos. 18:28. Ju. 19:12–16; 20:14. 2 Sa. 21:6. whose hearts. Ezr. 1:5. Ps. 110:3. Ac. 7:10; 13:48.
27 children. ch. 2:12; 11:12. De. 13:13. 2 Sa. 20:1. 2 Ch. 13:7. Ac. 7:35, 51, 52. brought him. 2 Sa. 8:2. 1 Ki. 4:21; 10:25. 2 Ch. 17:5. Ps. 72:10. Mat. 2:11. he held his peace. or, he was as though he had been deaf. Ps. 38:13. Is. 36:21. Mat. 27:12–14.


  CHAP. 11

  Nahash offers them of Jabesh-gilead a reproachful condition, 1–3. They send messengers, and are delivered by Saul, 4–11. Saul thereby is confirmed, and his kingdom renewed, 12–15.

1 Nahash. In the Vulgate this chapter begins thus: Et factum est quasi post mensem, ‘And it came to pass about a month after;’ which is also the reading of the principal copies of the Septuagint; and is also found in JOSEPHUS, though it appears to be of little authority. ch. 12:12. Ju. 10:7; 11:8, etc. Jabesh-gilead. ch. 31:11–13. Ju. 21:8, 10, etc. Make. Ge. 26:28. Ex. 23:32. De. 23:3. 1 Ki. 20:34. Job 41:4. Is. 36:16. Eze. 17:13.
2 On this. 2 Ki. 18:31. thrust. Ju. 16:21. Es. 3:6. Pr. 12:10. Je. 39:7. reproach. ch. 17:26. Ge. 34:14.
3 Give us. Heb. Forbear us.
4 to Gibeah. ch. 10:26; 14:2; 15:34. 2 Sa. 21:6. lifted up. ch. 30:4. Ju. 2:4; 21:2. Ro. 12:15. 1 Co. 12:26. Ga. 6:2. He. 13:3.
5 after the herd. ch. 9:1. 1 Ki. 19:19. Ps. 78:71. What aileth. Ge. 21:17. Ju. 18:23. Is. 22:1.
6 Spirit of God. ch. 10:10; 16:13. Ju. 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 13:25; 14:6. his anger. Ex. 32:19. Nu. 12:3. Mar. 3:5. Ep. 4:26.
7 he took. The sending the pieces of the oxen was an act similar to that of the Levite, Ju. 19:29, where see the Note. An eminent Scotch writer describes the rites, incantations, and imprecations used prior to the fiery cross being circulated, to summon the rough warriors of ancient times to the service of their chief; and he alludes to this ancient custom, which in comparatively modern times, has been practised in Scotland; and proves that a similar punishment of death, or destruction of their houses, for disobeying the summons, was inflicted by the ancient Scandinavians, as recorded by OLAUS MAGNUS, in his History of the Goths. This bears a striking similarity to the ancient custom of the Israelites. With the Highlanders, a goat was slain; with the Israelites, an ox. The exhibition of a cross, stained with the blood of the sacrificed animal, was the summons of the former, while part of the animal was the mandate of the latter. Disobedience in one nation was punished with the death of themselves or oxen, and burning of their dwellings in the other. hewed. Ju. 19:29. Whosoever. Ju. 21:5–11. the fear. Gen. 35:5. 2 Ch. 14:14; 17:10. with one consent. Heb. as one man. Ju. 20:1.
8 Bezek. Ju. 1:4, 5. the children. ch. 13:15; 15:4. 2 Sa. 24:9. 2 Ch. 17:12–19.
9 help. or, deliverance. Ps. 18:17.
10 To-morrow. ver. 2, 3.
11 on the morrow. Ge. 22:14. Ps. 46:1. in three. Ju. 7:16; 9:43. morning. Ex. 14:24. slew. ver. 2. Ju. 1:7. Mat. 7:2. Ja. 2:13. so that two. ch. 30:17, 18. Ju. 4:16.
12 Who is he. ch. 10:27. Ps. 21:8. Lu. 19:27.
13 There shall. 1 Sa. 14:45. 2 Sa. 19:22. the Lord. ch. 19:5. Ex. 14:13, 30. Ps. 44:4–8. Is. 59:16. 1 Co. 15:10.
14 let us go. ch. 7:16; 10:8. renew. ch. 10:24. 1 Sa. 5:3. 1 Ch. 12:38, 39.
15 before the Lord. ch. 10:17. sacrificed. ch. 10:8. Ex. 24:5. 1 Ch. 29:21–24. rejoiced greatly. ch. 8:19; 12:13–15, 17. Ho. 13:10, 11. Ja. 4:16.


  CHAP. 12

  Samuel testifies his integrity, 1–5. He reproves the people of ingratitude, 6–15. He terrifies them with thunder in harvest time, 16–19. He comforts them in God’s mercy, 20–25.

1 Behold. ch. 8:5–8, 19–22. have made. ch. 10:1, 24; 11:14, 15.
2 walketh. ch. 8:20. Nu. 27:17. I am old. ch. 8:1, 5. Ps. 71:18. Is. 46:3, 4. 2 Ti. 4:6. 2 Pe. 1:14. my sons. ch. 2:22, 29; 3:13, 16; 8:3. I have walked. ch. 3:19, 20.
3 his anointed. ver. 5; ch. 10:1; 24:6. 2 Sa. 1:14–16. Mat. 22:21. Ro. 13:1–7. whose ox. Nu. 16:15. Ac. 20:33. 2 Co. 12:14. 1 Th. 2:5, 10. 1 Pe. 5:2. bribe. Heb. ransom. blind mine eyes. or, that I should hide mine eyes at him. Ex. 23:8. De. 16:19. I will. Ex. 22:4. Le. 6:4. Lu. 19:8.
4 Ps. 37:5, 6. Da. 6:4. 3 Jno. 12.
5 The Lord. Job 31:35–40; 42:7. his anointed. ch. 26:9. ye have. Jno. 18:38. Ac. 23:9; 24:16, 20. 1 Co. 4:4. 2 Co. 1:12. in my hand. Ex. 22:4. Ps. 17:3.
6 It is the Lord. Ex. 6:26. Ne. 9:9–14. Ps. 77:19, 20; 78:12, etc.; 99:6; 105:26, 41. Is. 63:7–14. Ho. 12:13. Mi. 6:4. advanced. or, made.
7 reason. Is. 1:18; 5:3, 4. Eze. 18:25–30. Mi. 6:2, 3. Ac. 17:3. righteous acts. Heb. righteousnesses or benefits. Ju. 5:11. to. Heb. with.
8 Jacob. Ge. 46:5–7. Nu. 20:15. Ac. 7:15. cried. Ex. 2:23, 24; 3:9. sent Moses. See on ver. 6. Ex. 3:10; 4:14–16, 27–31; 6:26. brought. Ex. 12:51; 14:30, 31. made them. Jos. 1:2–4, 6; 3:10–13. Ps. 44:1–3; 78:54, 55; 105:44.
9 forgat. De. 32:18. Ju. 3:7. Ps. 106:21. Je. 2:32. he sold. De. 32:30. Ju. 2:14; 3:8; 4:2. Is. 50:1, 2. of the Philistines. Ju. 10:7; 13:1. into the. Ju. 3:12. Is. 63:10.
10 And they. ch. 7:2. Ju. 3:9, 15; 4:3; 6:7; 10:10, 15. Ps. 78:34, 35; 106:44. Is. 26:16. Baalim. Ju. 2:13; 3:7. deliver. Ju. 10:15, 16. Is. 33:22. Lu. 1:74, 75. 2 Co. 5:14, 15.
11 Jerubbaal. Ju. 6:14, 32; 8:29, 35. Bedan. Bedan, whose name occurs no where else as a judge of Israel, Bp. PATRICK and others suppose to be a contraction of ben Dan, ‘the son of Dan;’ by which they suppose Samson is meant, as the Targum reads. The LXX., Syriac, and Arabic, however, instead of Bedan read Barak; and the two latter versions, instead of Samuel have Samson. These readings are adopted by HOUBIGANT, and appear to be genuine; for it is not probable that Samuel would enumerate himself. Ju. ch. 13–16. Jephthah. Ju. 11:1, etc. Samuel. ch. 7:13.
12 Nahash. ch. 11:1, 2. Nay. ch. 8:3, 5, 6, 19, 20. Ju. 9:18, 56, 57. when the Lord. ch. 8:7; 10:19. Ge. 17:7. Ex. 19:5, 6. Nu. 23:21. Ju. 8:23. Ps. 74:12. Is. 33:22. Ho. 13:10.
13 behold. ch. 10:24; 11:15. whom ye. ch. 8:5; 9:20. have desired. Ps. 78:29–31. Ho. 13:11. Ac. 13:21.
14 If ye will. Le. 20:1–13. De. 28:1–14. Jos. 24:14, 20. Ps. 81:12–15. Is. 3:10. Ro. 2:7. commandment. Heb. mouth. continue. Heb. be after.
15 But if ye. Le. 26:14–30. De. 28:15–68. Jos. 24:20. Is. 1:20; 3:11. Ro. 2:8, 9. against. See on ver. 9.
16 stand. ver. 7; ch. 15:16. Ex. 14:13, 31.
17 Is it. In northern latitudes, thunder and rain are far from being uncommon during harvest. But rain is hardly ever known in Palestine during that season, which commences about the end of June, or beginning of July. This fact is abundantly confirmed by modern travellers, and is demonstrative to every unprejudiced reader of the Holy Scriptures, that the thunder and rain, which at Samuel’s invocation, was sent at this season of the year, was a miraculous interposition of the power of God; for we read in ver. 16, it was a ‘great thing which the Lord will do.’ Thus were the Israelites warned of their sin in having asked a king, and of the omnipotence of that God, whose gracious promises they virtually neglected by this act. Pr. 26:1. I will call. ch. 7:9, 10. Jos. 10:12. Ps. 99:6. Je. 15:1. Ja. 5:16–18. your wickedness. See on ch. 8:7.
18 sent thunder. Ex. 9:23–25. Re. 11:5, 6. feared. Ex. 14:31. Ezr. 10:9. Ps. 106:12, 13.
19 Pray for thy. ch. 7:5, 8. Ge. 20:7. Ex. 9:28; 10:17. Job 42:8. Ps. 78:34, 35. Is. 26:16. Mal. 1:9. Ac. 8:24. Ja. 5:15. 1 Jno. 5:16.
20 Fear not. Ex. 20:19, 20. 1 Pe. 3:16. turn not. De. 11:16; 31:29. Jos. 23:6. Ps. 40:4; 101:3; 125:5. Je. 3:1.
21 vain things. De. 32:21. Je. 2:5, 13; 10:8, 15; 14:22; 16:19. Jon. 2:8. Hab. 2:18. 1 Co. 8:4. cannot profit. Ps. 115:4–8. Is. 41:23, 24; 44:9, 10; 45:20; 40:7. Je. 10:15.
22 the Lord. De. 31:17. 1 Ki. 6:13. 2 Ki. 21:14. 1 Ch. 28:9. 2 Ch. 15:2. Ps. 94:14. Is. 41:17; 42:16. Je. 33:24–26. La. 3:31, 32; 5:20. He. 13:5. for his great. Ex. 32:12. Nu. 14:13–19. De. 32:26, 27. Jos. 7:9. Ps. 106:8. Is. 37:35; 43:25; 48:11. Je. 14:7, 21. Eze. 20:9, 14. Ep. 1:6, 12. it hath. Ex. 19:5, 6. De. 7:7, 8; 9:5; 14:2. Mal. 1:2. Mat. 11:26. Jno. 15:16. Ro. 9:13–18; 11:29. 1 Co. 4:7. Phi. 1:6.
23 God forbid. Ac. 12:5. Ro. 1:9. Col. 1:9. 1 Th. 3:10. 2 Ti. 1:3. in ceasing. Heb. from ceasing. I will teach. Ps. 34:11. Pr. 4:11. Ec. 12:10. Ac. 20:20. Col. 1:28. the good. 1 Ki. 8:36. 2 Ch. 6:27. Je. 6:16.
24 fear the Lord. Job 28:28. Ps. 111:10. Pr. 1:7. Ec. 12:13. He. 12:29. in truth. Ps. 119:80. Jno. 1:47. consider. Ezr. 9:13, 14. Is. 5:12. Ro. 12:1. how great things. or, what a great thing, etc. De. 10:21. Ps. 120:2, 3.
25 But if. De. 32:15, etc. Jos. 24:20. Is. 3:11. ye and. ch. 31:1–5. De. 28:36. Ho. 10:3.


  CHAP. 13

  Saul’s select band, 1, 2. He calls the Hebrews to Gilgal against the Philistines, whose garrison Jonathan had smitten, 3, 4. The Philistines’ great host, 5. The distress of the Israelites, 6, 7. Saul, weary of staying for Samuel, sacrifices, 8–10. Samuel reproves him, 11–16. The three spoiling bands of the Philistines, 17, 18. The policy of the Philistines, to suffer no smith in Israel, 19–23.

1 A.M. 2911. B.C. 1093. An. Ex. Is. 398. reigned one year. Heb. the son of one year in his reigning. This verse is variously interpreted; but probably it only means, according to the Hebrew idiom, that, during the first year nothing remarkable occurred; but after two years, (or in the second year of his reign,) the subsequent events took place. Ex. 12:5. Mi. 6:6, marg.
2 chose. ch. 8:11; 14:52. Michmash. Michmash was situated east of Bethaven, or Bethel; and EUSEBIUS says it was in his time a considerable place, about nine miles from Jerusalem, towards Rama. ver. 5, 23; ch. 14:5, 31. Is. 10:28. in Gibeah. ch. 10:26; 15:34. Jos. 18:28. Ju. 19:12. 2 Sa. 21:6. Is. 10:29.
3 the garrison. ch. 10:5; 14:1–6. 2 Sa. 23:14. Geba. or, the hill. Jos. 18:24, Gaba; 21:17. Is. 10:29. Zec. 14:10. blew. Ju. 3:27; 6:34. 2 Sa. 2:28; 20:1.
4 was had in abomination. Heb. did stink. Ge. 34:30; 46:34. Ex. 5:21. Zec. 11:8. to Gilgal. ch. 10:8; 11:14, 15. Jos. 5:9.
5 thirty thousand chariots. The Philistines had no doubt collected troops in this emergency, from all the surrounding nations; but the number of chariots is immensely large beyond any example, and wholly disproportioned to the number of their cavalry. It is probable, therefore, that for sheloshim aileph, ‘thirty thousand,’ we should read shelosh aileph, ‘three thousand,’ with the Syriac and Arabic. as the sand. Ge. 22:17. Jos. 11:4. Ju. 7:12. 2 Ch. 1:9. Is. 48:19. Je. 15:8. Ro. 9:27. Beth-aven. ch. 14:23. Jos. 7:2; 18:12. Ho. 4:15; 5:8; 10:5.
6 in a strait. Ex. 14:10–12. Jos. 8:20. Ju. 10:9; 20:41. 2 Sa. 24:14. Phi. 1:23. in caves. ch. 14:11; 23:19; 24:3. Ju. 6:2. Is. 42:22. He. 11:38.
7 the Hebrews. Le. 26:17, 36, 37. De. 28:25. Gad. Nu. 32:1–5, 33–42. De. 3:12. Jos. 13:24–31. followed him trembling. Heb. trembled after him. De. 20:8. Ju. 7:3. Ho. 11:10, 11.
8 tarried. ch. 10:8.
9 he offered. ver. 12, 13; ch. 14:18; 15:21, 22. De. 12:6. 1 Ki. 3:4. Ps. 37:7. Pr. 15:8; 20:22; 21:3, 27. Is. 66:3.
10 Saul. ch. 15:13. salute him. Heb. bless him. ch. 15:13. Ru. 2:4. Ps. 129:8.
11 What hast. Ge. 3:13; 4:10. Jos. 7:19. 2 Sa. 3:24. 2 Ki. 5:25. Michmash. ver. 2, 5, 16, 23; ch. 14:5. Is. 10:28.
12 said I. 1 Ki. 12:26, 27. made supplication unto. Heb. intreated the face of, etc. I forced. ch. 21:7. Ps. 66:3. Am. 8:5. 2 Co. 9:7.
13 Thou hast done. 2 Sa. 12:7–9. 1 Ki. 18:18; 21:20. 2 Ch. 16:9; 19:2; 25:15, 16. Job 34:18. Pr. 19:3. Mat. 14:3, 4. hast not kept. ch. 15:11, 22, 28. Ps. 50:8–15.
14 But now. ch. 2:30; 15:28. the Lord. ch. 16:1, 12. 2 Sa. 7:15, 16. Ps. 78:70; 89:19, 20, etc. Ac. 13:22. captain over. ch. 9:16. 2 Sa. 5:2. 2 Ki. 20:5. He. 2:10.
15 Samuel. The LXX. have, ‘Samuel arose and went away from Gilgal, and the remainder of the people went up along with the men of war after Samuel from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin.’ This is probably the true reading; for it does not appear that Samuel went to Gibeah, which was Saul’s usual residence; and the Hebrew copyist, as Dr. WALL observes, seems to have missed a line, and added to the sentence concerning Samuel, that which ended the sentence concerning Saul. One MS. instead of Samuel, in the beginning of the sentence, reads Saul. present. Heb. found. about six. ver. 2, 6, 7; ch. 14:2.
16 Gibeah. Heb. Gebah. See on ver. 3.
17 in three companies. ch. 11:11. Ophrah. Jos. 18:23. Shual. Jos. 19:3.
18 Beth-horon. Jos. 10:11; 16:3, 5; 18:13, 14. 1 Ch. 6:68. 2 Ch. 8:5. Zeboim. Ge. 14:2. Ne. 11:34. Ho. 11:8.
19 there was no. It is probable that the Philistines in the former wars had carried away all the smiths from Israel. Ju. 5:8. 2 Ki. 24:14. Is. 54:16. Je. 24:1.
21 a file. Heb. a file with mouths. sharpen. Heb. set.
22 there was neither. ch. 17:47, 50. Ju. 5:8. Zec. 4:6. 1 Co. 1:27–29. 2 Co. 4:7.
23 garrison. or, standing camp. ver. 3; ch. 14:4. passage. ver. 2, 5; ch. 14:1, 4, 5. Is. 10:28.


  CHAP. 14

  Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistines’ garrison, 1–14. A divine terror makes them beat themselves, 15, 16. Saul, not staying the priest’s answer, sets on them, 17–20. The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them, 21–23. Saul’s unadvised adjuration hinders the victory, 24–30. He restrains the people from eating blood, 31–34. He builds an altar, 35, 36. Jonathan, taken by lot, is saved by the people, 37–46. Saul’s victories, strength, and family, 47–52.

1 A.M. 2917. B.C. 1087. An. Ex. Is. 404. it came to pass upon a day. or, there was a day. Jonathan. ver. 39–45; ch. 13:2, 22; 18:1–4. 2 Sa. 1:4, 5, 25, 26. he told not. ch. 25:19. Ju. 6:27; 14:6. Mi. 7:5.
2 in the uttermost. ch. 13:15, 16. Is. 10:28, 29. a pomegranate. The word rimmon, in Arabic romman, whence the Portuguese romaa, denotes the pomegranate, both tree and fruit; called by naturalists malus punica or malo-granatum. It is, according to the Linnean system, a genus of the icosandria monogynia class of plants; and is a low tree, growing very common in Palestine, and other parts of the East. It has several small angular boughs, very thick and bushy, covered with a reddish bark, and some of them armed with sharp thorns. They are garnished with small, narrow, spear-shaped leaves, like those of the myrtle, but not so sharp, of a green colour, inclining to red. Its blossoms are large, beautiful, of an elegant red colour, inclining to purple, composed of several stalks resembling a rose, in the hollow of the cup: this cup is oblong, hard, purple, having a figure somewhat like that of a bell. It is chiefly valued for its fruit, which is exceedingly beautiful, of the form and size of a large apple, with a reddish rind, and red within; being full of small kernels, with red grains, replenished with a generous liquor, of which, Sir JOHN CHARDIN informs us, they still make considerable quantities of wine in the East, particularly in Persia. But as the pomegranate tree, from its low growth, is but little adapted for pitching a tent under, it is probable that Rimmon here is the name of the rock mentioned in Ju. 20:45.
3 Ahiah. ch. 22:9–12, 20, called Ahimelech. I-chabod’s. ch. 4:21. wearing. ch. 2:28. Ex. 28:26–32.
4 the passages. ch. 13:23.
5 forefront. Heb. tooth.
6 Come. This action of Jonathan’s was totally contrary to the laws of war; no military operation should be undertaken without the knowledge and command of the general. But it is highly probable, that this gallant man was led to undertake the hazardous enterprise by an immediate divine impulse; and by the same influence was kept from informing the soldiers, and even from consulting his father, who might have opposed his design. uncircumcised. ch. 17:26, 36. Ge. 17:7–11. Ju. 15:18. 2 Sa. 1:20. Je. 9:23, 26. Ep. 2:11, 12. Phi. 3:3. it may be. 2 Sa. 16:12. 2 Ki. 19:4. Am. 5:15. Zep. 2:3. for there is no restraint. Where there is a promise of defence and support, the weakest, in the face of the strongest enemy, may rely upon it with the utmost confidence. De. 32:30. Ju. 7:4–7. 2 Ch. 14:11. Ps. 115:1–3. Zec. 4:6. Mat. 19:26. Ro. 8:31.
7 Do all. ch. 10:7. 2 Sa. 7:3. Ps. 46:7. Zec. 8:23.
8 we will pass. Ju. 7:9–14.
9 they. Ge. 24:13, 14. Ju. 6:36–40. Tarry. Heb. Be still.
10 this shall be a sign. ch. 10:7. Ge. 24:14. Ju. 7:11. Is. 7:11–14.
11 out of the holes. ver. 22; ch. 13:6. Ju. 6:2.
12 Come up to us. Meaning, that they would cause them to repent of their audacity. This was the favourable sign which Jonathan had requested. ver. 10; ch. 17:43, 44. 2 Sa. 2:14–17. 2 Ki. 14:8. Come up after me. Ge. 24:26, 27, 42, 48. Ju. 4:14; 7:15. 2 Sa. 5:24.
13 climbed up. Ps. 18:29. He. 11:34. fell. Le. 26:7, 8. De. 28:7; 32:30. Jos. 23:10. Ro. 8:31.
14 an half acre of land. or, half a furrow of an acre of land. The original is obscure and variously understood; but it is probably a proverbial expression for a small space.
15 there was trembling. Jos. 2:9. Ju. 7:21. 2 Ki. 7:6, 7. Job 18:11. Ps. 14:5. the spoilers. ch. 13:17, 23. the earth quaked. Ex. 19:18. Mat. 24:6; 27:50, 51. very great trembling. Heb. trembling of God. Ge. 35:5. Le. 26:36, 37. 2 Sa. 5:24. Da. 5:6. God will in some way or other direct the steps of those who acknowledge him in all their ways, and seek unto him for direction with full purpose of heart. Sometimes we find most comfort in that which is least our own doing, and into which we have been led by the unexpected, but well observed, turns of Providence.
16 melted away. Ps. 58:7; 68:2. beating down. ver. 20. Ju. 7:22. 2 Ch. 20:22–25. Is. 19:2.
18 Bring hither. The Septuagint reads, ΙΙροσαγαγε το εφουδ· οτι αυτος ηρε το εφουδ εν τη ημερα εκεινη ενωπιον Ισραηλ· ‘Bring hither the ephod; for he bore the ephod on that day before Israel:’ which HOUBIGANT and others think is the true reading. Finding that his son Jonathan and his armour-bearer were absent, Saul wished to consult the high-priest; but the tumult increasing, he says to him, ‘Withdraw thine hand:’ i.e. desist from consulting the ephod on the present occasion; and immediately hastened to make the best use be could of this astonishing victory. ch. 4:3–5; 30:8. Nu. 27:21. Ju. 20:18, 23, 27, 28. 2 Sa. 11:11; 15:24–26. For the ark. ch. 5:2; 7:1.
19 noise. or, tumult. Withdraw. ver. 24; ch. 13:11. Jos. 9:14. Ps. 106:13. Is. 28:16.
20 assembled themselves. Heb. were cried together. every man’s. ver. 16. Ju. 7:22. 2 Ch. 20:23. Is. 9:19–21; 19:2.
21 the Hebrews. Probably such as they held in bondage, or who were their servants. Instead of häivrim, ‘the Hebrews,’ the LXX. evidently read haâvdim, for they have οι δουλοι, ‘the slaves;’ but this reading is not countenanced by any other version, nor by any MS. ch. 29:4. Ju. 7:23.
22 hid themselves. ch. 13:6; 31:7. the battle. The LXX. and Vulgate add here, και πας ο λαος ην μετα Σαουλ ως δεκα χιλιαδες ανδρων, Et erant cum Saul, quasi decem millia virorum. ‘And [all the people who were, LXX.] there were with Saul about ten thousand men;’ but this is supported by no other authority.
23 the Lord. Ex. 14:30. Ju. 2:18. 2 Ki. 14:27. Ps. 44:6–8. Ho. 1:7. Beth-aven. ch. 13:5.
24 Cursed. ver. 27–30. Le. 27:29. Nu. 21:2. De. 27:15–26. Jos. 6:17–19, 26. Ju. 11:30, 31; 21:1–5. Pr. 11:9. Ro. 10:2. 1 Co. 16:22. I may be. Ju. 5:2; 16:28. Ps. 18:47.
25 all they. De. 9:28. Mat. 3:5. honey. This was wild honey, which to this day abounds in Judea; and bursting from the comb, runs down the hollow trees, rocks, etc. Ex. 3:8. Nu. 13:27. Mat. 3:4.
26 the people. Ec. 9:2.
27 his eyes. ver. 29; ch. 30:12. Pr. 25:26.
28 Cursed. See on ver. 24, 43. faint. or, weary.
29 My father. 1 Ki. 18:18. see. It is well known, that hunger and fatigue produce faintness and dim the sight; and on taking a little food, this affection is immediately removed.
30 had there. Ec. 9:18.
31 from Michmash. The distance, CALMET states to be three or four leagues. Aijalon. Jos. 10:12; 19:42.
32 flew. ch. 15:19. the people. The people having abstained from food the whole of the day, and being now faint through hunger and fatigue, they flew upon the cattle, and not taking time to bleed them properly, they eagerly devoured the, flesh with the blood, directly contrary to the law—another bad effect of Saul’s rash adjuration, did eat. Ge. 9:4. Le. 3:17; 7:26, 27; 17:10–14; 19:26. De. 12:16, 23, 24. Eze. 33:25. Ac. 15:20, 29.
33 transgressed. or, dealt treacherously. Mat. 7:5. Ro. 2:1.
34 with him. Heb. in his hand.
35 built. It is probable that Saul converted the great stone, on which the cattle had been slaughtered, into an altar, on which sacrifices were offered, before the people attempted to proceed any further. This we are told was the first he had built. Samuel, as a prophet and a priest, had hitherto erected the altars; but Saul seems to have thought he had sufficient authority to erect one himself, without the prophet, as he had once offered sacrifice without him. ch. 7:9, 17. Ju. 21:4. Ho. 8:14. 2 Ti. 3:5. the same, etc. Heb. that altar he began to build unto the Lord.
36 Let us go. Jos. 10:9–14, 19. Je. 6:5. let us not leave. ch. 11:11. Jos. 11:14. Then said the priest. It is evident that Ahiah, who had before been interrupted by Saul’s impatience, doubted of the propriety of pursuing the Philistines that night, and properly counselled them to enquire of the Lord. Nu. 27:21. Ps. 73:28. Is. 48:1, 2; 58:2. Mal. 2:7. Ja. 4:8.
37 Shall I go. ch. 23:4, 9–12; 30:7, 8. Ju. 1:1; 20:18, 28. 2 Sa. 5:19, 23. 1 Ki. 22:5, 15. he answered. ch. 28:6. Eze. 14:3–5; 20:3.
38 Draw ye near. ch. 10:19, 20. Jos. 7:14, etc. chief. Heb. corners. Nu. 24:17. Ju. 20:2. 2 Sa. 18:3. Ps. 47:9. Zec. 10:4. Mat. 21:42. Ep. 2:20.
39 ver. 24, 44; ch. 19:6; 20:31; 22:16; 28:10, 2 Sa. 12:5. Ec. 9:2.
40 Do what seemeth. ver. 7, 36. 2 Sa. 15:15.
41 Therefore. Both the Septuagint and Vulgate add much to this verse:—Και ειπε Σαουλ, Κυριε ο Θεος Ισραηλ, τι οτι ουκ απεκριθης τω δουλω σου σημερον; ει εν εμοι η εν Ιωναθαν τω νιω μου η αδικια, Κυριε ο Θεος Ισραηλ δος δηλους· και εαν ταδε ειπη, δος δη τω λαω σου Ισραηλ, δος δη οσιοτητα, κ.τ.λ. Et dixit Saul ad Dominum Deum Israel; Domine Deus Israel da indicium: quid est quòd non responderis servo tuo hodie? Si in me, aut in Jonatha filio meo est iniquitas hæc, da ostensionem: aut si hæc iniquitas est in populo tuo, da sanctitatem, etc. ‘And Saul said [to the Lord God of Israel, Vulg.] Lord God of Israel [give a sign, Vulg.] Why is it that thou hast not answered thy servant to-day? If the iniquity be in me, or in my son Jonathan, [O Lord God of Israel, LXX.] make it manifest; and if thou say thus, give to thy people Israel, give mercy,’ etc. [but Vulg. Or, if this iniquity be in thy people, give sanctification,’ etc.] Give a perfect lot. or, Shew the innocent. Pr. 16:33. Ac. 1:24. And Saul. ch. 10:20, 21. Jos. 7:16–18. Jon. 1:7. escaped. Heb. went forth.
43 Tell me. Jos. 7:19. Jon. 1:7–10. I did but. ver. 27.
44 God. ch. 25:22. Ru. 1:17. 2 Sa. 3:9; 19:13. thou shalt. See on ver. 39. Ge. 38:24. 2 Sa. 12:5, 31. Pr. 25:16.
45 who hath. ver. 23; ch. 19:5. Ne. 9:27. there shall not. The people judged rightly, that the guilt was contracted by Saul, and not by Jonathan; and therefore they rescued him from the hands of his rash and severe father. 2 Sa. 14:11. 1 Ki. 1:52. Mat. 10:30. Lu. 21:18. Ac. 27:34. he hath. 2 Ch. 19:11. Is. 13:3. Ac. 14:27; 15:12; 21:19. Ro. 15:18. 1 Co. 3:9. 2 Co. 6:1. Phi. 2:12, 13. Re. 17:14; 19:14. the people. Is. 29:20, 21.
47 Saul. ch. 13:1. fought. 2 Ki. 14:27. Ammon. ch. 11:11; 12:2. Zobah. 2 Sa. 10:6. 1 Ki. 11:23.
48 gathered an host. or, wrought mightily. smote. ch. 15:3–7. Ex. 17:14. De. 25:19.
49 Jonathan. ch. 31:2. 1 Ch. 8:33; 9:39. name of the first-born. ch. 18:7–21; 25:44. 2 Sa. 3:13–16; 6:20–23.
50 the name of the captain. ch. 17:55. 2 Sa. 2:8; 3:27. Abner. Heb. Abiner.
51 Kish. ch. 9:1, 21.
52 when Saul. ch. 8:1, 11.


  CHAP. 15

  Samuel sends Saul to destroy Amalek, 1–5. Saul favours the Kenites, 6. He spares Agag and the best of the spoil, 7–9. Samuel denounces unto Saul God’s rejection of him for his disobedience, 10–23. Saul’s humiliation, 24–31. Samuel kills Agag, 32, 33. Samuel and Saul part, 34, 35.

1 A.M. 2925. B.C. 1079. An. Ex. Is. 412. The Lord. ver. 17, 18; ch. 9:16; 10:1. hearken. ver. 16; ch. 12:14; 13:13. 2 Sa. 23:2, 3. 1 Ch. 22:12, 13. Ps. 2:10, 11.
2 I remember. Je. 31:34. Ho. 7:2. Am. 8:7. Amalek. Ex. 17:8–16. Nu. 24:20. De. 25:17–19.
3 Now go. The Amalekites, a people of Arabia Petræa, who inhabited a tract of country on the frontiers of Egypt and Canaan, had acted with great cruelty towards the Israelites on their coming out of Egypt, and God then purposed that Amalek, as a nation, should be blotted out from under heaven; but it had been spared till it had filled up the measure of its iniquities, and now this purpose is carried into effect by Saul, upwards of 400 years afterwards! Nothing could justify such an exterminating decree but the absolute authority of God; and this was given: all the reasons of it we do not know; but this we know well, the Judge of all the earth doeth right. utterly destroy. Le. 27:28, 29. Nu. 24:20. De. 13:15, 16; 20:16–18. Jos. 6:17–21. slay. Ex. 20:5. Nu. 31:17. Is. 14:21, 22. ox and sheep. Ge. 3:17, 18. Ro. 8:20–22.
4 Telaim. Jos. 15:24, Telem. two. ch. 11:8; 13:15.
5 laid wait. or, fought.
6 the Kenites. ch. 27:10. Nu. 24:21, 22. Ju. 1:16; 4:11; 5:24. 1 Ch. 2:55. Go, depart. Ge. 18:25; 19:12–16. Nu. 16:26, 27, 34. Pr. 9:6. Ac. 2:40. 2 Co. 6:17. Re. 18:4. ye shewed. Ex. 18:9, 10, 19. Nu. 10:29–32. 2 Ti. 1:16.
7 smote. ch. 14:48. Job 21:30. Ec. 8:13. Havilah. This Havilah was probably situated in Arabia, and the district of Chaulon may mark the spot. It seems different from that encompassed by the river Pison, one of the rivers of Eden. Ge. 2:11; 25:18. Shur. ch. 27:8. Ge. 16:7.
8 Agag. ver. 3. Nu. 24:7. 1 Ki. 20:30, 34–42. Es. 3:1. utterly. ch. 27:8; 30:1. Jos. 10:39; 11:12.
9 the best. ver. 3, 15, 19. Jos. 7:21. the fatlings. or, the second sort. 2 Sa. 6:13.
11 repenteth me. ver. 35. Ge. 6:6. 2 Sa. 24:16. Ps. 110:4. Je. 18:7–10. Am. 7:3. Jon. 3:10; 4:2. turned. Jos. 22:16. 1 Ki. 9:6. Ps. 36:3; 78:41, 57; 125:5. Zep. 1:6. Mat. 24:13. He. 10:38. hath not performed. ver. 3, 9; ch. 13:13. it grieved. ver. 35; ch. 16:1. Ps. 119:136. Je. 9:1, 18; 13:17. Lu. 19:41–44. Ro. 9:1–3. he cried. ch. 12:23. Ps. 109:4. Mat. 5:44. Lu. 6:12.
12 Carmel. ch. 25:2. Jos. 15:55. 1 Ki. 18:42. he set him. ch. 7:12. Jos. 4:8, 9. 2 Sa. 18:18. a place. Yad, literally as the LXX. render χειρα, a hand; probably because the trophy or monument of victory was in the shape of a large hand, the emblem of power, erected on a pillar. These memorial pillars were anciently much in use; and the figure of a hand, by its emblematical meaning, was well adapted to preserve the remembrance of a victory. NIEBUHR, speaking of the Mesjed Ali, or Mosque of Ali, says that, ‘at the top of the dome, where one generally sees on the Turkish mosques a crescent, or only a pole, there is here a hand stretched out, to represent that of Ali.’ Another writer informs us, that at the Alhamra, or red palace of the Moorish kings in Grenada, ‘on the key-stone of the outward arch [of the present principal entrance] is sculptured the figure of an arm, the symbol of strength and dominion.’
13 Blessed. ch. 13:10. Ge. 14:19. Ju. 17:2. Ru. 3:10. I have performed. ver. 9, 11. Ge. 3:12. Pr. 27:2; 28:13; 30:13; 31:31. Lu. 17:10; 18:11.
14 What meaneth. Ps. 36:2; 50:16–21. Je. 2:18, 19, 22, 23, 34–37. Mal. 3:13–15. Lu. 19:22. Ro. 3:19. 1 Co. 4:5.
15 for. ver. 9, 21. Ge. 3:12, 13. Ex. 32:22, 23. Job 31:33. Pr. 28:13. to. Mat. 2:8. Lu. 10:29.
16 Stay. ch. 9:27; 12:7. 1 Ki. 22:16.
17 When thou. ch. 9:21; 10:22. Ju. 6:15. Ho. 13:1. Mat. 18:4. the Lord. ver. 1–3; ch. 10:1.
18 the sinners. Ge. 13:13; 15:16. Nu. 16:38. Job 31:3. Pr. 10:29; 13:21. they be consumed. Heb. they consume them.
19 fly upon. Pr. 15:27. Je. 7:11. Hab. 2:9–12. 2 Ti. 4:10. didst evil. 2 Ch. 33:2, 6; 36:12.
20 Yea. ver. 13. Job 33:9; 34:5; 35:2; 40:8. Mat. 19:20. Lu. 10:29; 18:11. Ro. 10:3. have brought. ver. 3, 8.
21 the people. ver. 15. Ge. 3:13. Ex. 32:22, 23.
22 Hath the Lord. Ps. 50:8, 9; 51:16, 17. Pr. 21:3. Is. 1:11–17. Je. 7:22, 23. Ho. 6:6. Am. 5:21–24. Mi. 6:6–8. Mat. 9:13; 12:7; 23:23. He. 10:4–10. obey. Ex. 19:5. Ec. 5:1. Je. 7:23; 11:4, 7, 26:13. Ho. 6:6. Mat. 5:24. Mar. 12:33.
23 rebellion. ch. 12:14, 15. Nu. 14:9. De. 9:7, 24. Jos. 22:16–19. Job 34:37. Ps. 107:11. Je. 28:16; 29:32. Eze. 2:5–8. witchcraft. Heb. divination. Ex. 22:18. Le. 20:6, 27. De. 18:10, 11. Is. 8:19; 19:3. Re. 22:15. stubbornness. 2 Co. 6:16. Ga. 5:20. Re. 21:8. thou hast rejected. ch. 2:30; 13:14; 16:1. 2 Ki. 17:15–20. 1 Ch. 28:9.
24 I have sinned. ver. 30. Ex. 9:27; 10:16. Nu. 22:34. 2 Sa. 12:13. Mat. 27:4. I feared. ver. 9, 15. Ex. 23:2. Job 31:34. Pr. 29:25. Is. 51:12, 13. Lu. 23:20–25. Ga. 1:10. Re. 21:8. obeyed. ch. 2:29. Ge. 3:12, 17. Je. 38:5.
25 pardon. Ex. 10:17.
26 I will not. ver. 31. Ge. 42:38; 43:11–14. Lu. 24:28, 29. 2 Jno. 11. for thou. See on ver. 23; ch. 2:30; 13:14; 16:1. Je. 6:19. Ho. 4:6.
28 The Lord. ch. 28:17, 18. 1 Ki. 11:30, 31. hath given. ch. 2:7, 8. Je. 27:5, 6. Da. 4:17, 32. Jno. 19:11. Ro. 13:1. a neighbour. ch. 13:14; 16:12. Ac. 13:22.
29 Strength. or, Eternity, or, Victory. De. 33:27. Ps. 29:11; 68:35. Is. 45:24. Joel 3:16. 2 Co. 12:9. Phi. 4:13. will not lie. Nu. 14:28, 29; 23:19. Ps. 95:11. Eze. 24:14. 2 Ti. 2:13. Tit. 1:2. He. 6:18.
30 honour me now. Hab. 2:4. Jno. 5:44; 12:43. that I may worship. Is. 29:13. Lu. 18:9–14. 2 Ti. 3:5.
32 Agag said. Je. 48:44. 1 Th. 5:3. Re. 18:7.
33 As thy sword. Ge. 9:6. Ex. 17:11. Nu. 14:45. Ju. 1:7. Mat. 7:2. Ja. 2:13. Re. 16:6; 18:6. Samuel. It has been a matter of wonder to many, how Samuel could thus slay a captive prince, even in the presence of Saul, who from motives of clemency had spared him; but it should be remarked, that what Samuel did here, he did in his magisterial capacity; and that Agag had been a cruel tyrant, and therefore was cut off for his merciless cruelties. Farther, it is not likely that he did it by his own sword, but by that of the executioner. What kings, magistrates, and generals do, in an official way, by their subjects, servants, or soldiers, they are said to do themselves:—qui facit per alterum, facit per se. hewed. Nu. 25:7, 8. 1 Ki. 18:40. Is. 34:6. Je. 48:10.
34 Gibeah. ch. 11:4.
35 Samuel. ch. 19:24. Samuel mourned. ver. 11; ch. 16:1. Ps. 119:136, 158. Je. 9:1, 2. Ro. 9:2, 3. Phi. 3:18. repented. ver. 11. Ge. 6:6.


  CHAP. 16

  Samuel sent by God, under pretence of a sacrifice, comes to Beth-lehem, 1–5. His human judgment is reproved, 6–10. He anoints David, 11–14. Saul sends for David to quiet his evil spirit, 15–23.

1 A.M. 2941. B.C. 1063. An. Ex. Is. 428. How long. ch. 15:11, 35. Je. 7:16; 11:14. seeing. ver. 15, 23; ch. 13:13, 14; 15:23, 26. Je. 6:30; 14:11, 12; 15:1. 1 Jno. 5:16. horn with oil. ch. 9:16; 10:1. 2 Ki. 9:1, 3, 6. Jesse. ch. 13:14. Ge. 49:8–10. Ru. 4:18–22. 1 Ch. 2:10–15. Ps. 78:68–71; 89:19, 20. Is. 11:1, 10; 55:4. Ac. 13:21, 22. Ro. 15:12.
2 How can I go. Ex. 3:11. 1 Ki. 18:9–14. Mat. 10:16. Lu. 1:34. Take an heifer. For the prudent management of the affair, and to avoid suspicion, Samuel was directed to go to Bethlehem to sacrifice, as he probably did from time to time in many different places; and the answer which he was instructed to return was strictly true though he did not tell the principal design of his coming; for though no man in any circumstances should tell a lie, yet, in all circumstances, he is not bound to tell the whole truth, though he must tell nothing but the truth, and so tell that truth that the hearer shall not believe a lie by it. with thee. Heb. in thine hand. ch. 9:12. I am come. ch. 9:12; 20:29. Je. 38:26, 27.
3 call Jesse. ch. 9:12, 13. 2 Sa. 15:11. Mat. 22:1–4. and I will shew. Ex. 4:15. Ac. 9:6. anoint. ver. 12, 13; ch. 9:16. De. 17:14.
4 trembled. ch. 21:1. 2 Sa. 6:9. 1 Ki. 17:18. Ho. 6:5; 11:10. Lu. 5:8; 8:37. coming. Heb. meeting. Comest. 1 Ki. 2:13. 2 Ki. 9:22. 1 Ch. 12:17, 18.
5 sanctify yourselves. Ex. 19:10, 14, 15. Le. 20:7, 8. Nu. 11:18. Jos. 3:5; 7:13. 2 Ch. 30:17–20. Job 1:5. Ps. 26:2–6. Joel 2:16. 1 Co. 11:28.
6 Eliab. ch. 17:13, 22. 1 Ch. 2:13; 27:18, Elihu. Surely. Ju. 8:18. 1 Ki. 12:26.
7 Look not. ch. 9:2; 10:23, 24. 2 Sa. 14:25. Ps. 147:10, 11. Pr. 31:30. seeth not. Job 10:4. Is. 55:8, 9. Lu. 16:15. 1 Pe. 2:4; 3:4. looketh. Jno. 7:24. 2 Co. 10:7, 10. outward appearance. Heb. eyes. on the heart. 1 Ki. 8:39. 1 Ch. 28:9. 2 Ch. 16:9. Ps. 7:9; 139:2. Pr. 15:11; 16:2. Je. 11:20; 17:10; 20:12. Ac. 1:24. He. 4:13. Re. 2:23.
8 Abinadab. ch. 17:13. 1 Ch. 2:13.
9 Shammah. ch. 17:13. 2 Sa. 13:3, Shimeah. 1 Ch. 2:13. Shimma.
10 seven. 1 Ch. 2:13–15.
11 There remaineth. ch. 17:12–15, 28. 2 Sa. 7:8. 1 Ch. 17:7. Ps. 78:70, 71. down. Heb. round.
12 ruddy. ch. 17:42. Ca. 5:10. La. 4:7. Ac. 7:20. He. 11:23. of a beautiful countenance. Heb. fair of eyes. ver. 7. And the Lord. ch. 9:17. anoint him. Ps. 2:2, 6; 89:19, 20. Ac. 4:27.
13 anointed. ch. 10:1. 2 Ki. 9:6. the Spirit. ver. 18; ch. 10:6, 9, 10. Nu. 11:17; 27:18. Ju. 3:10; 11:29; 13:25; 14:6. Is. 11:1–3. Jno. 3:34. He. 1:9.
14 the Spirit. ch. 11:6; 18:12; 28:15. Ju. 16:29. Ps. 51:11. Ho. 9:12. evil spirit. The evil spirit was either sent immediately from the Lord, or permitted to come; but whether this was a diabolic possession, or a mere mental malady, is not agreed: it seems to have partaken of both. That Saul had fallen into a deep melancholy, there is little doubt; and that an evil spirit might work more effectually on such a state of mind, there can be little question. His malady appears to have been of a mixed kind, natural and diabolical: there is too much of apparent nature in it to permit us to believe it was all spiritual; and there is too much of apparently supernatural influence, to suffer us to believe it was all natural. ch. 18:10; 19:9, 10. Ju. 9:23. 1 Ki. 22:22. Ac. 19:15, 16. troubled. or, terrified.
16 before thee. ver. 21, 22. Ge. 41:46. 1 Ki. 10:8. play. ver. 23; ch. 10:5. 2 Ki. 3:15.
18 a mighty. ch. 17:32–36. 2 Sa. 17:8, 10. and prudent. 2 Sa. 14:20. matters. or, speech. a comely. ver. 12. the Lord. ch. 3:19; 10:7; 18:12–14. Ge. 39:2, 23. Mat. 1:23; 28:20.
19 with the sheep. ver. 11; ch. 17:15, 33, 34. Ex. 3:1–10. 1 Ki. 19:19. Ps. 78:70–72; 113:8. Am. 1:1; 7:14, 15. Mat. 4:18–22.
20 an ass laden. Chamor lechem, literally, ‘an ass of bread,’ rendered by the LXX. γομορ αρτων, a gomor of bread; meaning, probably, not an animal, but a vessel containing a certain measure of bread. ch. 10:27; 17:18; 25:18. Ge. 43:11. 2 Sa. 16:1, 2. Pr. 18:16.
21 stood before him. Ge. 41:46. De. 1:38; 10:8. 1 Ki. 10:8. Pr. 22:29. loved him. Ps. 62:9; 118:9; 146:3.
23 the evil spirit. See on ver. 14, 16. Saul. ch. 18:10, 11. Mat. 12:43–45. Lu. 11:24–26.


  CHAP. 17

  The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle, 1–3, Goliath challenges a combat, 4–11. David, sent by his father to visit his brethren, takes the challenge, 12–27. Eliab chides him, 28, 29. He is brought to Saul, 30, 31; shews the reason of his confidence, 32–37; and slays the giant, 38–54. Saul takes notice of David, 55–58.

1 gathered. ch. 7:7; 13:5; 14:46, 52. Ju. 3:3. Shochoh. Jos. 15:35, Socoh. 2 Ch. 11:7, Shoco; 28:18, Shocho. Azekah. Jos. 10:10, 11; 15:35. Je. 34:7. Ephes-dammim. or, the coast of Dammim. 1 Ch. 11:13, Pas-dammim.
2 the valley. ver. 19; ch. 21:9. set the battle in array. Heb. ranged the battle.
4 Goliath. ver. 23; ch. 21:9, 10. 2 Sa. 21:19. 1 Ch. 20:5. of Gath. ch. 27:4. Jos. 11:22. 2 Sa. 21:16–22. 1 Ch. 20:4–8. whose height. De. 3:11. 1 Ch. 11:23. Am. 2:9. six cubits. According to Bp. CUMBERLAND’S calculation, the height of Goliath was about eleven feet ten inches; but PARKHURST, estimating the ordinary cubit at seventeen inches and a half, calculates that he was nine feet six inches high. Few instances can be produced of men who can be compared with him. PLINY says, ‘The tallest man that hath been seen in our days was one named Gabara, who, in the days of Claudius, the late Emperor, was brought out of Arabia: he was nine feet nine inches.’ JOSEPHUS mentions a Jew, named Eleazar, whom Vitellius sent to Rome, who was seven cubits, or ten feet two inches, high. BECANUS saw a man near ten feet, and a woman that was full ten feet. And, to mention no more, a man of the name of John Middleton, born at Hale, near Warrington, in Lancashire, in the reign of James the First, was more than nine feet high. Dr. PLOTT, in his history of Staffordshire, says, that ‘his hand, from the carpus to the end of the middle finger, was seventeen inches, his palms eight inches and a half broad, and his whole height was nine feet three inches; wanting but six inches of the height of Goliath of Gath.’
5 armed. Heb. clothed.
6 target of brass. or, gorget. 1 Ki. 10:16. 2 Ch. 9:15.
7 the staff. 2 Sa. 21:19. 1 Ch. 11:23; 20:5.
8 servants to Saul. ver. 26; ch. 8:17. 2 Sa. 11:11. 1 Ch. 21:3.
9 and serve us. ch. 11:1.
10 I defy. ver. 25, 26, 36, 45. Nu. 23:7, 8. 2 Sa. 21:21; 23:9. Ne. 2:19. give me. Job 40:9–12. Ps. 9:4, 5. Pr. 16:18. Je. 9:23. Da. 4:37.
11 dismayed. De. 31:8. Jos. 1:9. Ps. 27:1. Pr. 28:1. Is. 51:12, 13; 57:11.
12 David. ver. 58; ch. 16:1, 18. Ru. 4:22. Mat. 1:6. Lu. 3:31, 32. Ephrathite. Ge. 35:19. Ps. 132:6. Mi. 5:2. Mat. 2:1, 6. eight sons. ch. 16:10, 11. 1 Ch. 2:13–16.
13 the names. ver. 28; ch. 16:6–9. 1 Ch. 2:13. Shammah. 2 Sa. 13:3, 32; 21:21, Shimeah.
14 the youngest. ch. 16:11. Ge. 25:23.
15 returned. ch. 16:11, 19–23.
16 forty days. Mat. 4:2. Lu. 4:2.
17 Take now. Mat. 7:11. Lu. 11:13. parched corn. ch. 25:18. Ru. 2:14. 2 Sa. 17:28.
18 carry. ch. 16:20. cheeses. Heb. cheeses of milk. 2 Sa. 17:29. Job 10:10. their thousand. Heb. a thousand. look. Ge. 37:14. Ac. 15:36. 1 Th. 3:5, 6.
19 the valley. Dr. RICHARDSON says, that in about twenty minutes, in an easterly direction, from the cave of St. John, (which is about two hours or six miles, in a westerly direction, from Jerusalem,) they came to the valley of Elah; which position seems to agree with that of Shochoh and Azekah. He describes it as ‘a small valley, and the place of their encampment is pointed out where it narrows into a broad, deep ravine; part of it was in crop, and part of it was under the plough, which was drawn by a couple of oxen. A small stream, which had shrunk almost under its stony bed, passes through it from east to west, from which we are informed that David chose out five smooth stones, and hasted and ran to meet the haughty champion of Gath. A well of water under the bank, with a few olive trees above, on the north side of the valley, are said to mark the spot of the shepherd’s triumph over his boasting antagonist. Saul and his men probably occupied the side of the valley which is nearest to Jerusalem, on which the ground is higher and more rugged than on the other side.’
20 left the sheep. ver. 28. Ep. 6:1, 2. trench. or, place of the carriage. ch. 26:5. Lu. 19:43. fight. or, battle array, or place of fight.
22 his carriage. Heb. the vessels from upon him. saluted his brethren. Heb. asked his brethren of peace; as Ge. 37:14. Ju. 18:15. Mat. 10:12, 13. Lu. 10:5, 6.
23 according. ver. 4–10.
24 him. Heb. his face. ch. 13:6, 7. sore. ver. 11. Le. 26:36. Nu. 13:33. De. 32:30. Is. 7:2; 30:17.
25 the king. ch. 18:17–27. Jos. 15:16. Re. 2:7, 17; 3:5, 12, 21. free in Israel. Ezr. 7:24. Mat. 17:26.
26 reproach. ch. 11:2. Jos. 7:8, 9. 2 Ki. 19:4. Ne. 5:9. Ps. 44:13; 74:18; 79:12. Da. 9:16. Joel 2:19. uncircumcised. ver. 36; ch. 14:6. defy. ver. 10. De. 5:26. Je. 10:10. 1 Th. 1:9. 1 Jno. 5:20.
27 So shall it. ver. 25.
28 Eliab’s anger. ch. 16:13. Ge. 37:4, 8, 11. Pr. 18:19; 27:4. Ec. 4:4. Mat. 10:36; 27:18. Mar. 3:21. with. ver. 20. I know. ch. 16:7. Ps. 35:11. Jude 10.
29 Pr. 15:1. Ac. 11:2–4. 1 Co. 2:15. 1 Pe. 3:9.
30 manner. Heb. word. ver. 26, 27.
31 sent for him. Heb. took him. Pr. 22:29. The preceding twenty verses, from the 12th to the 31st inclusive, the 41st, and from the 54th to the end of this chapter, with the five first verses and the 9th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, and 19th of ch. 18, are all wanting in the Vatican copy of the LXX.; and they are supposed by Dr. KENNICOTT, and others, to be an interpolation. But, as Bp. HORSLEY observes, it appears, from many circumstances of the story, that David’s combat with Goliath was many years prior to Saul’s madness, and David’s introduction to him as a musician. In the first place, David was quite a youth when he engaged with Goliath, (ver. 33, 42:) when introduced to Saul he was of full age, (ch. 16:18.) Again, this combat was his first appearance in public life, and his first military exploit, (ver. 36, 38, 39:) when introduced as a musician, he was a man of established character, and a man of war. (ch. 16:18.) Now the just conclusion is, that the last ten verses of ch. 16 have been misplaced; their true place being between the ninth and tenth verses of ch. 18. Let them be removed there, and the whole apparent disorder will be removed.
32 Let. Nu. 13:30; 14:9. De. 20:1–3. Is. 35:4. He. 12:12. thy. ch. 14:6; 16:18. Jos. 14:12. Ps. 3:6; 27:1–3.
33 Thou art not. Nu. 13:31. De. 9:2. Ps. 11:1. Re. 13:4. for thou art but. ver. 42, 56.
34 lamb. or, kid.
35 smote him. Ju. 14:5, 6. 2 Sa. 23:20. Ps. 91:13. Da. 6:22. Am. 3:12. Ac. 28:4–6. 2 Ti. 4:17, 18.
36 this. ver. 26. Eze. 32:19, 27–32. Ro. 2:28, 29. seeing. ver. 10. Is. 10:15; 36:8–10, 15, 18; 37:22, 23, 28, 29. Zec. 2:8; 12:3. Ac. 5:38, 39; 9:4, 5; 12:1, 2, 22, 23.
37 The Lord. ch. 7:12. Ps. 11:1; 18:16, 17; 63:7; 77:11; 138:3, 7, 8. 2 Co. 1:9, 10. 2 Ti. 4:17, 18. Go. ch. 20:13; 24:19; 26:25. 2 Sa. 10:12. 1 Ch. 22:11, 16.
38 armed David with his armour. Heb. clothed David with his clothes, ver. 5.
39 put them off. Ho. 1:7. Zec. 4:6. 2 Co. 10:4, 5.
40 staff. Ju. 3:31; 7:16–20; 15:15, 16; 20:16. 1 Co. 1:27–29. brook. or, valley. bag. Heb. vessel. Mat. 10:10.
42 disdained. 1 Ki. 20:18. 2 Ki. 18:23, 24. Ne. 4:2–4. Ps. 123:4, 5. 2 Co. 11:27–29. a youth. ver. 33; ch. 16:12.
43 Am. ch. 24:14. 2 Sa. 3:8; 9:8; 16:9. 2 Ki. 8:13. cursed. Ge. 27:29. Nu. 22:6, 11, 12. Ju. 9:27. Pr. 26:2.
44 Come to me. 1 Ki. 20:10, 11. Pr. 18:12. Ec. 9:11, 12. Je. 9:23. Eze. 28:2, 9, 10; 39:17–20. I will give. Parallel instances of vaunting occur in some writers of a more recent date:—The conspirators against the emperor Maximinus having slain him, his son, and several of his best friends, threw out their bodies to be devoured by dogs and the fowls of the air. This custom appears to have been frequently threatened; and, however shocking to human feelings, was often carried into effect.
45 Thou comest. Ps. 44:6. in the name. 2 Sa. 22:33–35. 2 Ch. 32:8. Ps. 3:8; 18:2; 20:5–7; 118:10, 11; 124:8; 125:1. Pr. 18:10. 2 Co. 3:5; 10:4. Phi. 4:13. He. 11:33, 34. defied. ver. 10, 26, 36. Is. 37:23, 28.
46 will the Lord. De. 7:2, 23; 9:2, 3. Jos. 10:8. deliver thee. Heb. shut thee up. Ps. 31:8. take thine. ver. 51. carcases. ver. 44. De. 28:26. Is. 56:9. Mat. 24:28. Re. 19:17, 18. all the earth. Ex. 9:16; 15:14, 15. Jos. 4:24. 1 Ki. 8:43; 18:36, 37. 2 Ki. 19:19. Ps. 46:10. Is. 52:10. Da. 2:47; 3:29; 6:26, 27.
47 saveth not. Ps. 33:16, 17; 44:6, 7. Pr. 21:30, 31. Ho. 1:7. the battle. ch. 14:6. 2 Ch. 20:15–17. Ps. 46:11. Is. 9:7. Zec. 4:6. Ro. 8:31, 37.
48 David hasted. Ps. 27:1. Pr. 28:1.
49 smote. 1 Ki. 22:34. 2 Ki. 9:24. 1 Co. 1:27, 28.
50 So David prevailed. The tradition of the combat between David and Goliath, in which the latter was killed, is preserved among the Arabs; for he is mentioned in the Koran, where he is called Galut, or Jalut. The Arabs also call the dynasty of the Philistine kings, who reigned in Palestine when the Hebrews came there, Galutiah, or Jalutiah. ACHMED AL FASSI says, ‘Those kings were as well known by the name of Jalaut, as the ancient kings of Egypt by that of Pharaoh. David killed the Jalaut who reigned in his time, and entirely rooted out the Philistines, the rest of whom fled into Africa, and from them descended the Brebers or Berbers, who inhabit the coast of Barbary.’ It is remarkable that the Berbers themselves should acknowledge their descent from the Philistines. “The name Goliath, which they pronounce Sghiàlud, is very common among the Brebers, and the history of the champion of the Philistines is very well known to the Moors. When children quarrel, and the bigger one challenges the smaller to fight, the latter answers, ‘Who will fight with you? (Enta men ulid Sgiàlud.) You are of the race of Goliath.’ The Jews who dwell among them, on the mountains, all call them Philistines.” ch. 21:9; 23:21. Ju. 3:31; 15:15. but there was. ver. 39; ch. 13:22.
51 his sword. ch. 21:9. 2 Sa. 23:21. Es. 7:10. Ps. 7:15, 16. He. 2:14. cut off. ver. 46. fled. Heb. 11:34.
52 the men of Israel. ch. 14:21, 22. Ju. 7:23. 2 Sa. 23:10. valley. Jos. 15:33–36, 45, 46.
53 they spoiled. 2 Ki. 7:7–16. Je. 4:20; 30:16.
54 took the head. ch. 21:9. Ex. 16:33. Jos. 4:7, 8.
55 whose son. ver. 58; ch. 16:21, 22.
57 the head. ver. 54.
58 Whose son. To account for the apparent inconsistency of Saul not knowing David, see the Note at the end of ver. 31. I am the son. ver. 12; ch. 16:18, 19.


  CHAP. 18

  Jonathan loves David, 1–4. Saul envies his praise, 5–9; seeks to kill him in his fury, 10, 11; fears him for his good success, 12–16; offers him his daughters for a snare, 17–21. David persuaded to be the king’s son-in-law, gives two hundred foreskins of the Philistines for Michal’s dowry, 22–27. Saul’s hatred and David’s glory increase, 28–30.

1 the soul of Jonathan. The modesty, piety, and courage of David were so congenial to the character of the amiable Jonathan, that they attracted his most cordial esteem and affection; so that the most intimate friendship subsisted between them from that time, and they loved each other with pure hearts fervently. Their friendship could not be affected by the common vicissitudes of life; and it exemplifies by fact what the ancients have written on the subject; Την φιλιαν ισοτητα ειναι, και μιαν ψυχην· τον φιλον ετερον αυτον. ‘Friendship is an entire sameness, and one soul: a friend is another self.’ ch. 14:1–14, 45. Ge. 44:30. Ju. 20:11. 1 Ch. 12:17. Ps. 86:11. Col. 2:2. loved him. ver. 3. ch. 19:2; 20:17. De. 13:6. 2 Sa. 1:26. Pr. 18:24.
2 took him. ch. 16:21–23; 17:15.
3 made a covenant. ch. 20:8–17, 42; 23:18. 2 Sa. 9:1–3; 21:7.
4 stripped himself. Presents of clothes or rich robes, as tokens of respect or friendship, are frequent in the East. Ge. 41:42. Es. 6:8, 9. Is. 61:10. Lu. 15:22. 2 Co. 5:21. Phi. 2:7, 8.
5 behaved. or, prospered. ver. 14, 15, 30. Ge. 39:2, 3, 23. Ps. 1:3. Ac. 7:10. wisely. Mat. 10:16. Ep. 5:17. Col. 4:5. the men of war. ch. 13:2; 14:52.
6 Philistine. or, Philistines. the women. Ex. 15:20. Ju. 11:34. Ps. 68:25. Je. 31:11–13. instruments of music. Heb. three stringed instruments. The original shalishim, is rendered by the Vulgate sistris. The sistrum was an ancient Egyptian instrument made of brass, with three, and sometimes more brass rods across; which, being loose in their holes, made a jingling noise when shaken.
7 answered. Ex. 15:21. Ps. 24:7, 8. Saul. ch. 21:11; 29:5.
8 the saying. Es. 3:5. Pr. 13:10; 27:4. Ec. 4:4. Ja. 4:5. displeased him. Heb. was evil in his eyes. Nu. 11:1; 22:34, margins. and what. ch. 13:14; 15:28; 16:13; 20:31. 1 Ki. 2:22.
9 eyed David. Ge. 4:5, 6; 31:2. Mat. 20:15. Mar. 7:22. Ep. 4:27. Ja. 5:9.
10 the evil spirit. ch. 16:14, 15; 19:9; 26:19. and he prophesied. Wyyithnabbai, rather, ‘and he pretended to prophesy; for the verb is in Hithpaël, the signification of which conjugation is not only reflex action, but also affectation of that action: Je. 29:26, 27. The meaning seems to be, that Saul, influenced by the evil spirit, feigned to be prophesying, the better to conceal his murderous intentions, and to render David unsuspicious. ch. 19:24. 1 Ki. 18:29; 22:12, 20–23. Je. 28:2–4, 11. Zec. 13:2–5. Ac. 16:16. 2 Th. 2:11. played. ch. 16:16, 23. and there was. Wehachanith beyad Shäool, rather, ‘and the javelin was in the hand of Saul;’ for the javelin or spear was the emblem of regal authority; and kings had it always in their hand, as may be seen represented on ancient monuments. In ancient times, says JUSTIN, kings used a spear instead of a sceptre.
11 cast the javelin. ch. 19:9, 10; 20:33. Pr. 27:4. Is. 54:17. And David. Ps. 37:32, 33. Is. 54:17. Lu. 4:30. Jno. 8:59; 10:39.
12 afraid. ver. 15, 20, 29; ch. 16:4. Ps. 48:3–6; 53:5. Mar. 6:20. Lu. 8:37. Ac. 24:25. the Lord. ch. 16:13, 18; 22:13. Ac. 7:9. departed. ch. 16:14; 28:15. Ps. 51:11. Ho. 9:12. Mat. 25:41.
13 removed. ver. 17, 25; ch. 8:12; 22:7. he went out. ver. 16. Nu. 27:16, 17. 2 Sa. 5:2. Ps. 121:8. Saul was sensible that the Lord was departed from him; while he perceived, with evident sorrow of heart, that the Lord had given David peculiar wisdom, and that he was with him to prosper all his undertakings. This increased the disquietude of his malevolent mind, and his dread of David as a prevailing rival: he therefore removed him from his presence. This impolitic step, however, served the more to ingratiate David with the people, by affording him the opportunity of leading them forth to victory over their enemies.
14 behaved. or, prospered. See on ver. 5. the Lord. ch. 10:7; 16:18. Ge. 39:2, 3, 23. Jos. 6:27. Mat. 1:23; 28:20. Ac. 18:10.
15 wisely. Ps. 112:5. Da. 6:4, 5. Col. 4:5. Ja. 1:5; 3:17.
16 all Israel. ver. 5. Lu. 19:48; 20:19. he went. Nu. 27:17. 2 Sa. 5:2. 1 Ki. 3:7.
17 her will I give. ch. 17:25. Ps. 12:2; 55:21. valiant. Heb. a son of valour. the Lord’s. ch. 17:47; 25:28. Nu. 32:20, 27, 29. Let not mine. ver. 21, 25. De. 17:7. 2 Sa. 11:15; 12:9.
18 Who am I. ver. 23; ch. 9:21. Ex. 3:11. Ru. 2:10. 2 Sa. 7:18. Pr. 15:33; 18:12. Je. 1:6.
19 Adriel. Ju. 14:20. 2 Sa. 21:8. Meholathite. Ju. 7:22.
20 loved David. ver. 28. Go. 29:18, 20; 34:3. Ju. 16:4, 15. 2 Sa. 13:1. 1 Ki. 11:1, 2. Ho. 3:2. pleased him. Heb. was right in his eyes.
21 a snare. Ex. 10:7. Ps. 7:14–16; 38:12. Pr. 26:24–26; 29:5. Je. 5:26; 9:8. the hand. ver. 17. ch. 19:11, 12. this day. ver. 26.
22 commanded. Ps. 36:1–3; 55:21. servants. 2 Sa. 13:28, 29. Pr. 29:12.
23 a light. 1 Jno. 3:1. a poor man. ch. 9:21. Pr. 14:20; 19:6, 7. Ec. 9:15, 16. and lightly. Ps. 119:141.
24 On this manner. Heb. According to these words.
25 dowry. Ge. 29:18; 34:12. Ex. 22:16, 17. but an hundred. That is, Thou shalt slay one hundred Philistines, and thou shalt produce their foreskins as a proof, not only that thou hast killed one hundred men, but that these are of the uncircumcised Philistines. foreskins. ch. 17:26, 36. Ge. 17:11–14. Jos. 5:3. to be avenged. ch. 14:24. thought. ver. 17. 2 Sa. 17:8–11.
26 the days. ver. 21. expired. Heb. fulfilled.
27 his men. ver. 13. slew. Ju. 14:19. 2 Sa. 3:14. two hundred men. The Septuagint has only εκατον ανδρας, one hundred men; and as Saul covenanted for a hundred, and as David himself says, (2 Sa. 3:14,) that he espoused Michal for a hundred, it is very probable that this is the true reading.
28 ch. 24:20; 26:25. Ge. 30:27; 37:8–11; 39:3. Re. 3:9.
29 yet the. ver. 12, 15. Ps. 37:12–14. Ec. 4:4. Ja. 2:19. Saul became. Ge. 4:4–8. Jno. 11:53. 1 Jno. 3:12–15.
30 the princes. Of this war we know no more than that David, whose military skill was greater, was more successful in it, than all the other officers of Saul. went forth. 2 Sa. 11:1. behaved himself. ver. 5. Ps. 119:99. Da. 1:20. Lu. 21:15. Ep. 5:15. set by. Heb. precious. ch. 2:30; 26:21. 2 Ki. 1:13. Ps. 116:15. 1 Pe. 2:4, 7.


  CHAP. 19

  Jonathan discloses his father’s purpose to kill David, 1–3. He persuades his father to reconciliation, 4–7. By reason of David’s good success in a new war, Saul’s malicious rage breaks out against him, 8–11. Michal deceives her father with an image in David’s bed, 12–17. David comes to Samuel in Naioth, 18, 19. Saul’s messengers sent to take David, 20, 21, and Saul himself, prophesy, 22–24.

1 And Saul. Saul’s enmity now burst forth, in the avowed purpose of putting David to death; and nothing less than the especial interposition of Providence could have saved David’s life, when every officer about the king’s person, and every soldier, had positive orders to dispatch him. ch. 18:8, 9. Pr. 27:4. Ec. 9:3. Je. 9:3. 2 Ti. 3:13.
2 delighted. ch. 18:1–3. Ps. 16:3. Jno. 15:17–19. 1 Jno. 3:12–14. Jonathan. ch. 20:2. Pr. 17:17. Ac. 9:24; 23:16.
3 what I see. ch. 20:9, 13.
4 spake good. ch. 20:32; 22:14. Pr. 24:11, 12; 31:8, 9. Je. 18:20. sin against. ch. 2:25. Ge. 9:6; 42:22. 2 Ch. 6:22. 1 Co. 8:12. 1 Jno. 3:15. because his works. Ps. 35:12; 109:4, 5. Pr. 17:13. Je. 18:20.
5 put his life. ch. 28:21. Ju. 9:17; 12:3. Ps. 119:109. Ac. 20:24. Phi. 2:30. slew. ch. 17:49–51. wrought. ch. 11:13; 14:45; 17:52, 53. Ex. 14:13. 1 Sa. 11:13. 1 Ch. 11:14. He. 2:3. sin against innocent. ch. 20:32. Je. 26:15. Mat. 27:4, 24. without a cause. Ps. 25:3; 69:4. Jno. 15:25.
6 sware. ch. 14:39; 28:10. Ps. 15:4. Pr. 26:24, 25. Je. 5:2. he shall not. ver. 10, 11.
7 in times past. Heb. yesterday, third day. ch. 16:21; 18:2, 10, 13. Ge. 31:2. Ex. 4:10. 1 Ch. 11:2. Is. 30:33, margins.
8 David. Ps. 18:32, etc.; 27:3. him. Heb. his face.
9 ch. 16:14; 18:10, 11.
10 sought. ver. 6. Ho. 6:4. Mat. 12:43–45. Lu. 11:24–26. 2 Pe. 2:20–22. he slipped. ch. 20:33. Job 5:14, 15. Ps. 18:17; 34:19. Pr. 21:30. Is. 54:17. Lu. 4:30. Jno. 10:39. and escaped. Ps. 124:7. Mat. 10:23.
11 sent messengers. Ps. 59, title, 3, 4, 6, 15, 16. to watch him. Ju. 16:2.
12 Michal. Ps. 34:19. let David. Jos. 2:15. Ac. 9:24, 25. 2 Co. 11:32, 33.
13 an image. Heb. teraphim. Ge. 31:19, marg. Ju. 17:5; 18:14, 17. Ho. 3:4. a pillow. Rather, ‘the net-work of goats’ hair at its (the Teraphim’s) pillow;’ for the kevir, (whence the Chaldee and Syriac kavreetho, a honey-comb, from its net-like form), seems to have been a kind of mosquito-net, which, says Dr. SHAW, is ‘a close curtain of gauze, used all over the East, by people of fashion, to keep out the flies.’ That they had such anciently cannot be doubted. Thus when Judith had beheaded Holofernes in his bed, (ch. 13:9, 15) ‘she pulled down the canopy (or the mosquito net, το κωνωπειον, from κωνωψ, a gnat, or mosquito, whence our word canopy) wherein he did lie in his drunkenness, from the pillars.’
14 she said. Jos. 2:5. 2 Sa. 16:17–19; 17:20.
15 Bring him. The eastern beds consist merely of two thick cotton quilts, one of which, folded double, serves as a mattress, the other as a covering. Such seems to have been the bed of David, which could easily have been carried, with himself in it, to the presence of Saul. ver. 6. Job 31:31. Ps. 37:12. Pr. 27:3, 4. Ro. 3:15.
16 And when. It is highly probable that David, when supposed to be sick, was thought to be hid in the harem or chamber of Michal. ‘The harems,’ says DE LA MOTRAYE, ‘are sanctuaries, as sacred and inviolable, for persons pursued by justice for any crime, debt, etc. as the Roman Catholic churches in Italy, Spain, Portugal, etc.’ Thus we find, that to effect his purpose, Saul sent messengers to Michal, but they treated her harem with too much respect to enter it at first; but being authorised by Saul, they entered even into her chamber; and during the delay occasioned by respect for the privacy of Michal, David escaped.
17 Why hast. ch. 22:17; 28:12. Mat. 2:16. mine enemy. 1 Ki. 21:20. Ga. 4:16. And Michal. 2 Sa. 17:20. He said. ver. 14. Ex. 1:17–19. why should. 2 Sa. 2:22.
18 to Samuel. ch. 7:17; 15:34; 28:3. Ps. 116:11. Ja. 5:16.
19 ch. 22:9, 10; 23:19; 26:1. Pr. 29:12.
20 sent messengers. ver. 11, 14. Jno. 7:32, 45. when they. ch. 10:5, 6, 10. Nu. 11:25, 26. Joel 2:28. Jno. 7:32, 45, 46, etc. 1 Co. 14:3, 24, 25.
21 sent messengers. 2 Ki. 1:9–13. Pr. 27:22. Je. 13:23. prophesied also. Joel 2:28.
23 the Spirit. ver. 20; ch. 10:10. Nu. 23:5; 24:2. Mat. 7:22. Jno. 11:51. 1 Co. 13:2. until he came. Pr. 16:9; 21:1.
24 stripped. 2 Sa. 6:14, 20. Is. 20:2. Mi. 1:8. lay. Heb. fell. Nu. 24:4. Is Saul. ch. 10:10–12. Ac. 9:21.


  CHAP. 20

  David consults with Jonathan for his safety, 1–10. Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath, 11–17. Jonathan’s token to David, 18–23. Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan, 24–34. Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David, 35–42.

1 fled. ch. 19:19–24; 23:26–28. Ps. 124:6–8. 2 Pe. 2:9. What have. ch. 12:3; 24:11, 17. Ps. 7:3–5; 18:20–24. 2 Co. 1:12. 1 Jno. 3:21.
2 God forbid. ch. 14:45. Ge. 44:7. Jos. 22:29; 24:16. Lu. 20:16. shew it me. Heb. uncover mine ear. ver. 12; ch. 9:15, marg. Ps. 40:6. Is. 50:5. Jno. 15:15; 17:8.
3 sware. De. 6:13. Je. 4:2. He. 6:16. but truly. ch. 25:26; 27:1. 2 Sa. 15:21. 2 Ki. 2:2, 4, 6. as thy soul. ch. 1:26; 17:55. Je. 38:16. but a step. ch. 27:1. De. 28:66. Ps. 116:3. 1 Co. 15:30, 31. 2 Co. 1:9, 10.
4 Whatsoever. or, Say what is thy mind, and I will do, etc. desireth. Heb. speaketh, or thinketh.
5 the new moon. The months of the Hebrews were lunar months, and they reckoned from one new moon to another: and, as their feasts, particularly the passover, were reckoned according to this, they were very scrupulous in observing the first appearance of each new moon. On these new moons, they offered sacrifices, and feasted together: but the gathering together of all the families of a tribe on such occasions seems to have taken place only once in the year. ver. 6. Nu. 10:10; 28:11. 2 Ki. 4:23. Ps. 81:3. Col. 2:16. that I may. ver. 19; ch. 19:2. Ps. 55:12. Pr. 22:3. Jno. 8:59. Ac. 17:14.
6 Beth-lehem. ch. 17:58. Jno. 7:42. sacrifice. or, feast. ch. 9:12; 16:2–5.
7 It is well. De. 1:23. 2 Sa. 17:4. evil. ver. 9; ch. 25:17. Es. 7:7.
8 deal kindly. Ge. 24:49; 47:29. Jos. 2:14. Ru. 1:8. Pr. 3:3. thou hast. ver. 16; ch. 18:3; 23:18. if there be. Jos. 22:22. 2 Sa. 14:32. Ps. 7:4, 5. Ac. 25:11. why shouldest. 1 Ch. 12:17. Ps. 116:11.
9 then would. ver. 38, 42; ch. 19:2.
10 answer thee. ver. 30–34; ch. 25:10, 14, 17. Ge. 42:7, 30. 1 Ki. 12:13. Pr. 18:23.
12 O Lord. This verse is evidently deficient. The LXX. have Κυριος ο Θεος Ισραηλ οιδεν, ‘The Lord God of Israel doth know;’ the Syriac and Arabic, ‘The Lord God of Israel is witness;’ either of which makes a good sense. But two of Dr. KENNICOTT’S MSS. supply the word chai, ‘liveth;’ and the text reads thus: ‘As the Lord God of Israel liveth, when I have sounded my father,—-if there be good unto David, and I then send not unto thee,’ etc.; which is a still better sense. Jos. 22:22. Job 31:4. Ps. 17:3; 139:1–4. sounded. Heb. searched. Pr. 20:5; 25:2, 3. shew it thee. Heb. uncover thine ear. ver. 2.
13 The Lord do. ch. 3:17; 25:22. Ru. 1:17. 2 Sa. 3:35; 19:13. 1 Ki. 19:2; 20:10. the Lord be. ch. 17:37. Jos. 1:5. 1 Ch. 22:11, 16. Mat. 28:20. Phi. 4:9. he hath been with my father. ch. 10:7; 11:6–13; 14:47. 2 Sa. 7:15.
14 the kindness. 2 Sa. 9:3. Ep. 5:1, 2.
15 thou shalt. ch. 24:21. 2 Sa. 9:1–7; 21:7.
16 made. Heb. cut. ch. 18:3. Ge. 15:18. Let the Lord. ch. 25:22; 31:2. 2 Sa. 4:7, 8; 21:8.
17 because he loved him. or, by his love toward him. for he loved. ch. 18:1, 3. De. 13:6. 2 Sa. 1:26. Pr. 18:24.
18 new moon. See on ver. 5. and thou shalt. Among the forms of salutation and compliment used in Persia, one was, ‘according to my mode of notation in italics, Já i sháma khali bud pish yárán, signifying, Thy place or seat was empty among thy friends. This phrase, or the greater part of it, was frequently addressed to myself when coming into a circle of Persian acquaintances, after an absence of several days or weeks. It reminded me of a passage in the First Book of Samuel, (ch. 20:18.) And thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. And again, David’s place was empty.’ Sir W. OUSELEY’S Travels, vol. i. preface, 16. empty. Heb. missed.
19 quickly. or, diligently. Heb. greatly. hide thyself. ver. 5; ch. 19:2. when the business. Heb. in the day of the business. Ezel. or, that sheweth the way.
21 no. Heb. not any thing. as the. Je. 4:2; 5:2; 12:16. Am. 8:14.
23 the matter. ver. 14, 15. the Lord. ver. 42. Ge. 16:5; 31:50.
24 the king. Ps. 50:16–21. Pr. 4:17; 15:17; 17:1; 21:3, 27. Is. 1:11–15. Zec. 7:6. Jno. 18:28.
25 as at other times. Ju. 16:20.
26 he is not clean. Le. 7:21; 11:24, 27, 31, 40; 15:5, 16, 17, 19–21. Nu. 19:16.
27 Wherefore. ch. 18:11; 19:9, 10, 15. the son. ch. 22:7–9, 13, 14; 25:10. Is. 11:1, 2. Mat. 13:55. 1 Pe. 2:4.
28 ver. 6.
29 my brother. ch. 17:28.
30 Saul’s. Job 5:2. Pr. 14:29; 19:12, 19; 21:24; 25:28; 27:3. Ja. 1:19, 20. Thou, etc. or, Thou perverse rebel. Heb. Son of perverse rebellion. Pr. 15:2; 21:24. Mat. 5:22. Ep. 4:31; 6:4. and unto the. This reflection on the mother of Jonathan, by the passionate monarch, reflects more dishonour on himself than on his brave and noble-minded son. MUNGO PARK gives an instance of the prevalence of the same principles in Africa; for he says, “Maternal affection is every where conspicuous among the Africans, and creates a correspondent return of tenderness in the child. ‘Strike me,’ said my attendant, ‘but do not curse my mother.’ I found the same sentiment to prevail universally in all parts of Africa.” King Saul, unable to villify Jonathan to his own satisfaction by personal reproaches, outstepped the ordinary abuse of his day, and proceeded to that which was designed to produce unusual vexation, and vented the bitterness of his mind by maligning the character of his own wife and Jonathan’s mother.
31 send. ver. 8; ch. 19:6, 11–15. shall surely die. Heb. is the son of death. ch. 26:16. 2 Sa. 19:28. Ps. 79:11, marg.
32 Wherefore. ch. 19:5, Pr. 24:11, 12; 31:8, 9. Jno. 7:51. what hath. Mat. 27:23. Lu. 23:22. cast. ch. 18:11; 19:10, 11. Pr. 22:24. Ec. 9:3. Je. 17:9. whereby. ver. 7. Ec. 7:9.
34 in fierce. Ec. 7:20. Ep. 4:26. he was grieved. Mar. 3:5.
35 at the time. ver. 19. 2 Sa. 20:5.
36 Run. ver. 20, 21. beyond him. Heb. to pass over him. ver. 21, 22.
38 Ps. 55:6–9. Pr. 6:4, 5. Mat. 24:16–18. Mar. 13:14–16. Lu. 17:31, 32.
40 artillery. Heb. instruments. Rather weapons, as the word kelim also denotes; and here means the bow, quiver, and arrows. This is probably the only place in our language in which the word artillery is not applied to cannon or ordnance, but simply to weapons of war. his lad. Heb. the lad that was his.
41 and fell. ch. 25:23. Ge. 43:28. 2 Sa. 9:6. and they kissed. ch. 10:1. Ge. 29:11, 13; 45:15. 2 Sa. 19:39. Ac. 20:37. David exceeded. ch. 18:3. 2 Sa. 1:26.
42 Go in peace. ver. 22; ch. 1:17. Nu. 6:26. Lu. 7:50. Ac. 16:36. forasmuch as. or, the Lord be witness of that which, etc. ver. 23. And he arose. ch. 23:18. The separation of two such faithful friends was equally grievous to them both, but David’s case was the more deplorable: for when Jonathan was returning to his family and friends, David was leaving all his comforts, even those of God’s sanctuary, and therefore his grief exceeded Jonathan’s; or, perhaps it was because his temper was more tender and his passions stronger. They referred each other to the covenant of friendship that was between them, both of them being comforted thereby in this very mournful separation:—‘We have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, for ourselves and our heirs, that we and they will be faithful and kind to each other from generation to generation.’


  CHAP. 21

  David at Nob obtains of Ahimelech hallowed bread, 1–6. Doeg is present, 7. David takes Goliath’s sword, 8, 9. David at Gath feigns himself mad, 10–15.

1 Nob. Nob appears to have been a sacerdotal city of Benjamin or Ephraim. JEROME says, that in his time the ruins of it might be seen not far from Diospolis or Lydda. But the Rabbins assert that Jerusalem might be seen from this town. The tabernacle resided some time at Nob; and after it was destroyed, it was removed to Gibeon; ‘and the days of Nob and Gibeon were fifty-seven years.’ MAIMONIDES in Bethhabbechirah, c. 1. ch. 22:19. Ne. 11:32. Is. 10:32. to Ahimelech. ch. 14:3, called Ahiah. ch. 22:9–19, called also Abiathar, Mar. 2:26. afraid. ch. 16:4.
2 The king. The whole of this is a gross falsehood; and which was attended with the most fatal consequences. It is well known that from all antiquity it was held no crime to tell a lie in order to save life. Thus DIPHILON, Υπολαμβανω το ψευδος επι σωτηρια λεγομενον, ουδεν περιποιεισθαι δυσχερες· ‘I hold it right to tell a lie for safety: nothing should be avoided to save life.’ A heathen may say or sing thus: but no Christian can act thus and save his soul, though he may save his life. ch. 19:17; 22:22. Ge. 27:20, 24. 1 Ki. 13:18. Ps. 119:29. Ga. 2:12. Col. 3:9.
3 under thine. ver. 4. Ju. 9:29. Is. 3:6. present. Heb. found.
4 hallowed bread. ver. 6. Ex. 25:30. Le. 24:5–9. Mat. 12:3, 4. if the young. Ex. 19:15. Zec. 7:3. 1 Co. 7:5.
5 the vessels. Ac. 9:15. 1 Th. 4:3, 4. 2 Ti. 2:20, 21. 1 Pe. 3:17. in a manner. Le. 24:9. yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel. or, especially when this day there is other sanctified in the vessel. Le. 8:26.
6 gave him. Mat. 12:3, 4. Mar. 2:25–27. Lu. 6:3, 4. hot bread. Le. 24:5–9.
7 detained. Je. 7:9–11. Eze. 33:31. Am. 8:5. Mat. 15:8. Ac. 21:26, 27. Doeg. ch. 22:9. Ps. 52, title. herdmen. ch. 11:5. Ge. 13:7, 8; 26:20. 1 Ch. 27:29. 2 Ch. 26:10.
9 The sword. ch. 17:51–54. the valley. ch. 17:2, 50. behold. ch. 31:10. behind. Ex. 28:6, etc.
10 fled. ch. 27:1. 1 Ki. 19:3. Je. 26:21. Achish. or, Abimelech. ch. 27:2. Ps. 34, title. Gath. JEROME says there was a large town called Gath, in the way from Eleutheropolis to Gaza; and EUSEBIUS speaks of another Gath, five miles from Eleutheropolis, towards Lydda. (and consequently different from that mentioned by JEROME;) and also of another Gath, between Jamnia and Anti-patris. It appears to have been the extreme boundary of the Philistine territory in one direction, as Ekron was on the other, (ch. 7:14; 17:52,) and lay near Mareshah, (2 Ch. 11:8. Mi. 1:14,) which agrees pretty well with the position assigned it by JEROME. But RELAND and Dr. WELLS agree with EUSEBIUS; and the authors of the Universal History (b. i. c. 7) place it about six miles from Jamnia, fourteen south of Joppa, and thirty-two west of Jerusalem.
11 the servants. Ps. 56, title. the king. ch. 16:1; 18:7, 8; 29:5.
12 laid up. Ps. 119:11. Lu. 2:19, 51. sore. ver. 10. Ge. 12:11–13; 26:7. Ps. 34:4; 56:3.
13 changed. Ps. 34, title. Pr. 29:25. Ec. 7:7. scrabbled. or, made marks.
14 is mad. or, playeth the madman. Ec. 7:7.


  CHAP. 22

  Companies resort unto David at Adullam, 1, 2. At Mizpeh he commends his parents unto the king of Moab, 3, 4. Admonished by Gad, he comes to Hareth, 5. Saul going to pursue him, complains of his servants’ unfaithfulness, 6–8. Doeg accuses Ahimelech, 9, 10. Saul commands to kill the priests, 11–16. The footmen refusing, Doeg executes it, 17–19. Abiathar escaping, brings David the news, 20–23.

1 David. ch. 21:10–15. Ps. 34; 57, titles. the cave. Jos. 12:15; 15:35. 2 Sa. 23:13, 14. 1 Ch. 11:15. Ps. 142, title. Mi. 1:3, 15. He. 11:38. Adullam. Adullam was a city of Judah; and, according to EUSEBIUS, ten miles (JEROME says eleven) eastward from Eleutheropolis.
2 distress. Ju. 11:3. Mat. 11:12, 28. was in debt. Heb. had a creditor. Mat. 18:25–34. discontented. Heb. bitter of soul. ch. 1:10; 30:6. Ju. 18:25. 2 Sa. 17:8. Pr. 31:6, margins. a captain. ch. 9:16; 25:15, 16; 30:22–24. 2 Sa. 5:2. 2 Ki. 20:5. 1 Ch. 11:15–19. Ps. 72:12–14. Mat. 9:12, 13. He. 2:10.
3 Mizpeh. Ju. 11:29. the king. ch. 14:47. Ru. 1:1–4; 4:10, 17. Let my father. Ge. 47:11. Ex. 20:12. Mat. 15:4–6. 1 Ti. 5:4. till I know. ch. 3:18. 2 Sa. 15:25, 26. Phi. 2:23, 24.
4 in the hold. 2 Sa. 23:13, 14. 1 Ch. 12:16. Gad. 2 Sa. 24:11. 1 Ch. 21:9; 29:29. 2 Ch. 29:25. depart. ch. 23:1–6. Ne. 6:11. Ps. 11:1. Is. 8:12–14. David departed. Mat. 10:23.
6 tree. or, grove in a high place. spear. ch. 18:10; 19:9; 20:33.
7 the son of Jesse. ver. 9, 13; ch. 18:14; 20:27, 30; 25:10. 2 Sa. 20:1. 1 Ki. 12:16. Is. 11:1, 10. give. ch. 8:14, 15. captains. ch. 8:11, 12.
8 sheweth me. Heb. uncovereth mine ear. ch. 20:2. Job. 33:16, marg. that my son. ch. 18:3; 20:8, 13–17, 30–34, 42; 23:16–18.
9 Doeg. He is also said to be ‘the chiefest of the herdsmen that belonged to Saul;’ and the Septuagint intimates that he was over the mules of Saul. He may have been what we call the king’s equerry or groom. ch. 21:7. Ps. 52, title, 1–5. Pr. 19:5; 29:12. Eze. 22:9. Mat. 26:59–61. Ahimelech. ch. 21:1, etc. Ahitub. ch. 14:3.
10 he enquired. ver. 13, 15; ch. 23:2, 4, 12; 30:8. Nu. 27:21. him victuals. ch. 21:6–9.
11 sent to call. Ro. 3:15.
12 thou son. ver. 7, 13. Here I am. Heb. Behold me 2 Sa. 9:6. Is. 65:1.
13 Why have. ver. 8. Ps. 119:69. Am. 7:10. Lu. 23:2–5.
14 And who. ch. 19:4, 5; 20:32; 24:11; 26:23. 2 Sa. 22:23–25. Pr. 24:11, 12; 31:8, 9. the king’s. ver. 13; ch. 17:25; 18:27. goeth. ch. 18:13; 21:2.
15 Did I then. He seems to intimate, that his enquiring now for David was no new thing, having often done so before, without ever being informed it was wrong in itself or displeasing to the king. the servant. Ge. 20:5, 6. 2 Sa. 15:11. 2 Co. 1:12. 1 Pe. 3:16, 17. less or more. Heb. little or great. ch. 25:36.
16 Thou shalt. ch. 14:44; 20:31. 1 Ki. 18:4; 19:2. Pr. 28:15. Da. 2:5, 12; 3:19, 20. Ac. 12:19. thou, and. De. 24:16. Es. 3:6. Mat. 2:16.
17 footmen. or, guard. Heb. runners. ch. 8:11. 2 Sa. 15:1. 1 Ki. 1:5. slay the priests. ver. 13; ch. 20:33; 25:17. 1 Ki. 18:4. would not. ch. 14:45. Ex. 1:17. 2 Ki. 1:13, 14. Ac. 4:19.
18 Doeg. See on ver. 9. he fell. 2 Ch. 24:21. Ho. 5:11; 7:3. Mi. 6:16. Zep. 3:3. Ac. 26:10, 11. fourscore. The LXX. read, τριακοσιους και πεντε ανδρας, ‘three hundred and five men;’ and JOSEPHUS, ‘three hundred and eighty-five men.’ Probably the eighty-five were priests and the three hundred the families of the priests; three hundred and eighty-five being the whole population of Nob. ch. 2:30–33, 36; 3:12–14. a linen ephod. ch. 2:28. Ex. 28:40.
19 Nob. ver. 9, 11; ch. 21:1. Ne. 11:32. Is. 10:32. men. ch. 15:3, 9. Jos. 6:17, 21. Ho. 10:14. Ja. 2:13. with the edge. This is one of the worst acts of Saul’s life: his malice was implacable, and his wrath cruel; and there is no motive of justice or policy by which such a barbarous massacre can be justified.
20 one. ch. 23:6; 30:7. 2 Sa. 20:25. 1 Ki. 2:26, 27. escaped. ch. 2:33; 4:12. Job 1:15–17, 19.
22 I have occasioned. ch. 21:1–9. Ps. 44:22.
23 he that seeketh. 1 Ki. 2:26. Mat. 24:9. Jno. 15:20; 16:2, 3. He. 12:1–3. but with me. Jno. 10:28–30; 17:12; 18:9.


  CHAP. 23

  David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah, 1–6. God shewing him the coming of Saul, and the treachery of the Keilites, he escapes from Keilah, 7–13. In Ziph Jonathan comes and comforts him, 14–18. The Ziphites discover him to Saul, 19–24. At Maon he is rescued from Saul by the invasion of the Philistines, 25–28. He dwells at En-gedi, 29.

1 Keilah. Keilah was a city of Judah, situated, according to EUSEBIUS, eight miles from Eleutheropolis, towards Hebron. SOZOMEN says that the prophet Habakkuk’s tomb was shewn there. Jos. 15:44. Ne. 3:17, 18. rob the. Le. 26:16. De. 28:33, 51. Ju. 6:4, 11. Mi. 6:15.
2 enquired. In what way David made this enquiry we are not told; but it was probably by means of Abiathar; and therefore it would seem, that with HOUBIGANT, we should read the sixth verse immediately after the first.—This adventure was truly noble and patriotic. Had not David loved his country, and been above all motives of private and personal revenge, he would have rejoiced in this invasion of Judea, as producing a strong diversion in his favour, and embroiling his inveterate enemy. In most cases, a man with David’s wrongs would have joined with the enemies of his country, and avenged himself on the author of his calamities; but he thinks of nothing but succouring Keilah, and using his power and influence in behalf of his brethren. ver. 4, 6, 9–12; ch. 30:8. Nu. 27:21. Jos. 9:14. Ju. 1:1. 2 Sa. 5:19, 23. 1 Ch. 14:10. Ps. 32:8. Pr. 3:5, 6. Je. 10:23.
3 Behold. ver. 15, 23, 26. Ps. 11:1. Je. 12:5.
4 yet again. ch. 28:6. Ju. 6:39. for I will. Jos. 8:7. Ju. 7:7. 2 Sa. 5:19. 2 Ki. 3:18.
6 when Abiathar. ch. 22:20. an ephod. ch. 14:3, 18, 36, 37. Ex. 28:30, 31.
7 A.M. 2943. B.C. 1061. An. Ex. Is. 430. God hath. ver. 14; ch. 24:4–6; 26:8, 9. Ps. 71:10, 11. he is shut. Ex. 14:3; 15:9. Ju. 16:2, 3. Job 20:5. Lu. 19:43, 44.
9 David. Je. 11:18, 19. Ac. 9:24; 14:6; 23:16–18. Bring. ver. 6; ch. 14:18; 30:7. Nu. 27:21. Je. 33:3.
10 destroy the city. ver. 8; ch. 22:19. Ge. 18:24. Es. 3:6. Pr. 28:15. Ro. 3:15, 16.
11 And the Lord. Ps. 50:15. Je. 33:3. Mat. 7:7, 8.
12 deliver. Heb. shut up. Ps. 31:8. They will. ver. 7. Ps. 62:1; 118:8. Ec. 9:14, 15. Is. 29:15. He. 4:13.
13 six hundred. ch. 22:2; 25:13; 30:9, 10.
14 a mountain. Ps. 11:1–3. the wilderness. Ziph is mentioned in Joshua with Carmel and Maon, near which it seems to have been situated; and as we have mention of Carmel and Maon in the history of David, as adjoining to Ziph, it cannot be doubted that by the Ziph, in the wilderness of which David now lay, and where was the hill of Hachilah, is to be understood Ziph near Carmel and Maon. Jos. 15:24, 55. Saul. ch. 27:1. Ps. 54:3, 4. Pr. 1:16; 4:16. but God. ver. 7. Ps. 32:7; 37:32, 33; 54:3, 4. Pr. 21:30. Je. 36:26. Ro. 8:31. 2 Ti. 3:11; 4:17, 18.
16 strengthened. De. 3:28. Ne. 2:18. Job 4:3, 4; 16:5. Pr. 27:9, 17. Ec. 4:9–12. Is. 35:3, 4. Eze. 13:22. Lu. 22:32, 43. Ep. 6:10. 2 Ti. 2:1. He. 12:12, 13.
17 Fear not. Is. 41:10, 14. He. 13:6. shall not. Job 5:11–15. Ps. 27:1–3; 46:1, 2; 91:1, 2. Pr. 14:26. Is. 54:17. thou shalt be. Lu. 12:32. I shall be. Pr. 19:21. Ac. 28:16. Ro. 15:24. that also Saul. ch. 20:31; 24:20. Ac. 5:39.
18 ch. 18:3; 20:12–17, 42. 2 Sa. 9:1; 21:7.
19 the Ziphites. ch. 22:7, 8; 26:1. Ps. 54, title, 3, 4. Pr. 29:12. Hachilah. CALMET states, that Hachilah was a mountain about ten miles south of Jericho, where Jonathan Maccabæus built the castle of Massada, west of the Dead Sea, and not far from En-gedi. ch. 26:1, 3. on the south. Heb. on the right hand. Jeshimon. or, the wilderness. EUSEBIUS places Jeshimon ten miles south of Jericho, near the Dead Sea; which agrees extremely well with the position of Hachilah, as stated by CALMET.
20 all the desire. De. 18:6. 2 Sa. 3:21. Ps. 112:10. Pr. 11:23. our part. 1 Ki. 21:11–14. 2 Ki. 10:5–7. Ps. 54:3. Pr. 29:26.
21 ch. 22:8. Ju. 17:2. Ps. 10:3. Is. 66:5. Mi. 3:11.
22 haunt is. Heb. foot shall be. Job 5:13.
23 take knowledge. Mar. 14:1, 10, 11. Jno. 18:2, 3. I will search. 2 Sa. 17:11–13. 1 Ki. 18:10. Pr. 1:16. Ro. 3:15, 16. the thousands. Nu. 10:36. Mi. 5:2.
24 the wilderness. Maon, from which the adjoining mountainous district derived its name, was a city in the most southern parts of the tribe of Judah, and a neighbouring town to Carmel. Hence Nabal (ch. 25:2) is described as a man of Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and though he might dwell generally in Maon, yet he is styled Nabal the Carmelite, from the place where his estate lay. CALMET supposes it to be the city Minoïs, which EUSEBIUS places in the vicinity of Gaza; and the Mænæmi Castrum, which the Theodosian code places near Beersheba. Maon. ch. 25:2. Jos. 15:55. the south. ver. 19.
25 into a rock. or, from the rock. ver. 28. Ju. 15:8.
26 David made haste. ch. 19:12; 20:38. 2 Sa. 15:14; 17:21, 22. Ps. 31:22. away. 2 Ch. 20:12. Ps. 17:9, 11; 22:12, 16; 118:11–13; 140:1–9. 2 Co. 1:8. Re. 20:9.
27 there came. Ge. 22:14. De. 32:36. 2 Ki. 19:9. Ps. 116:3. the Philistines. 2 Ki. 19:9. Re. 12:16. invaded. Heb. spread themselves upon. 1 Ch. 14:13.
28 Sela-hammahlekoth. that is, the rock of divisions. Because, says the Targum, ‘the heart of the king was divided to go hither and thither.’ Here Saul was obliged to separate himself from David, in order to go and oppose the invading Philistines; which deliverance of David was of such a nature as made the Divine interposition fully visible.
29 The district around En-gedi, near the western coast of the Dead Sea, is reported by travellers to be a mountainous territory, filled with caverns; and consequently, proper for David in his present circumstances. Dr. LIGHTFOOT thinks this was the wilderness of Judah, in which David was when he penned the 63rd Psalm, which breathes as much pious and devout affection as almost any of his Psalms; for in all places and in all conditions he still kept up his communion with God.—If Christians knew their privileges better, and acted up thereto, there would be less murmuring at the dark dispensations of Divine Providence. ch. 24:1. Ge. 14:7. Jos. 15:62. 2 Ch. 20:2. Ca. 1:14. Eze. 47:10.


  CHAP. 24

  David, in a cam at En-gedi, having cut off Saul’s skirt, spares his life, 1–7. He shews thereby his innocency, 8–15. Saul, acknowledging his fault, takes an oath of David, and departs, 16–22.

1 when Saul. ch. 23:28, 29. following. Heb. after. it was told. ch. 23:19. Pr. 25:5; 29:12. Eze. 22:9. Ho. 7:3. the wilderness. ch. 23:29.
2 Saul took. ch. 13:2. and went. Ps. 37:32; 38:12. the rocks. Ps. 104:18; 141:6.
3 the sheepcotes. Caves in the rocks, in which it is still common for shepherds and their flocks to lodge. Dr. POCOCKE observes, ‘Beyond the valley [of Tekoa,] there is a very large grotto, which the Arabs call El-Maamah, a hiding place: the high rocks on each side of the valley are almost perpendicular; and the way to the grotto is by a terrace formed in the rock, which is very narrow. There are two entrances into it; we went by the farthest, which leads by a narrow passage into a very large grotto, the rock being supported by natural pillars; the top of it rises in several places like domes; the grotto is perfectly dry. There is a tradition, that the people of the country, to the number of 30,000, retired into this grotto, to avoid a bad air. This place is so strong, that one would imagine it to be one of the strong holds of En-gedi, to which David and his men fled from Saul: and possibly it may be that very cave in which he cut off Saul’s skirt; for David and his men might, with good ease, lie hid there and not be seen by him.’ Travels, vol. ii. P. 1. 41. and Saul. Ps. 141:6. to cover. Ju. 3:24, David. Ps. 57, title; 142, title.
4 the men. ch. 26:8–11. 2 Sa. 4:8. Job 31:31. I will deliver. ver. 10, 18; ch. 23:7; 26:23. Saul’s robe. Heb. the robe which was Saul’s.
5 David’s heart. 2 Sa. 12:9; 24:10. 2 Ki. 22:19. 1 Jno. 3:20, 21.
6 the Lord forbid. ch. 26:9–11. 2 Sa. 1:14. 1 Ki. 21:3. Job 31:29, 30. Mat. 5:44. Ro. 12:14–21; 13:1, 2. 1 Th. 5:15.
7 stayed. Heb. cut off. Ps. 7:4. Mat. 5:44. Ro. 12:17–21. suffered. ch. 25:33.
8 My lord. ch. 26:17. David stooped. ch. 20:41; 25:23, 24. Ge. 17:3. Ex. 20:12. Ro. 13:7. 1 Pe. 2:17.
9 ch. 26:19. Le. 19:16. Ps. 101:5; 141:6. Pr. 16:28; 17:4; 18:8; 25:23; 26:20–22, 28; 29:12. Ec. 7:21, 22. Ja. 3:6.
10 bade me. ver. 4; ch. 26:8. the Lord’s. ch. 26:9. Ps. 105:15.
11 my father. ch. 18:27. 2 Ki. 5:13. Pr. 15:1 neither evil. ch. 26:18. Ps. 7:3, 4; 35:7. Jno. 15:25. thou huntest. ch. 23:14, 23; 26:20. Job 10:16. Ps. 140:11. La. 4:18. Eze. 13:18. Mi. 7:2.
12 Lord judge. ch. 26:10, 23. Ge. 16:5. Ju. 11:27. Job 5:8. Ps. 7:8, 9; 35:1; 43:1; 94:1. Ro. 12:19. 1 Pe. 2:23. Re. 6:10. but mine hand. ch. 26:11.
13 Wickedness. Mat. 7:16–18; 12:33, 34; 15:19.
14 the king. 2 Sa. 6:20. 1 Ki. 21:7. a dead dog. ch. 17:43. 2 Sa. 3:8; 9:8; 16:9. a flea. ch. 26:20. Ju. 8:1–3.
15 be judge. See on ver. 12. 2 Ch. 24:22. Mi. 1:2. plead. Ps. 35:1; 43:1; 119:154. Mi. 7:9. deliver. Heb. judge. ch. 26:4.
16 Is this. ch. 26:17. Job 6:25. Pr. 15:1; 25:11. Lu. 21:15. Ac. 6:10. Saul lifted. Ge. 33:4.
17 Thou art. ch. 26:21. Ge. 38:26. Es. 9:27. Ps. 37:6. Mat. 27:4. thou hast. Mat. 5:44. Ro. 12:20, 21.
18 Lord. ver. 10; ch. 23:7; 26:23. delivered me. Heb. shut me up. ch. 23:12; 26:8, margins. Ps. 31:8.
19 the Lord. ch. 23:21; 26:25. Ju. 17:2. Ps. 18:20. Pr. 25:21, 22.
20 I know well. ch. 20:30, 31; 23:17. 2 Sa. 3:17, 18. Job 15:25. Mat. 2:3–6, 13, 16.
21 Swear. ch. 20:14–17. Ge. 21:23; 31:48, 53. He. 6:16. that thou. 2 Sa. 21:6–8.
22 David and. Pr. 26:24, 25. Mat. 10:16, 17. Jno. 2:24. the hold. ch. 23:29.


  CHAP. 25

  Samuel dies, 1. David in Paran sends to Nabal, 2–9. Provoked by Nabal’s churlishness, he minds to destroy him, 10–13. Abigail understanding thereof, 14–17, takes a present, 18–22; and by her wisdom, 23–31, pacifies David, 32–35. Nabal hearing thereof, dies, 36–38. David takes Abigail and Ahinoam to be his wives, 39–43. Michal is given to Phalti, 44.

1 A.M. 2944. B.C. 1060. An. Ex. Is. 431. Samuel. ch. 28:3. lamented. Ge. 50:11. Nu. 20:29. De. 34:8. Ac. 8:2. in his house. ch. 7:17. 1 Ki. 2:34. 2 Ch. 33:20. Is. 14:18. the wilderness. Ge. 14:6; 21:21. Nu. 10:12; 12:16; 13:3, 26. Ps. 120:5.
2 Maon. ch. 23:24. possessions were. or, business was. Carmel. Not the famous mount Carmel, in the north of Canaan, and in the tribe of Asher; but a city, on a mountain of the same name, in the south of Judah, which seems to have given name to the surrounding territory. EUSEBIUS and JEROME inform us, that there was in their time a town called Carmelia, ten miles east from Hebron, where the Romans kept a garrison, whose position well agrees with this Carmel. man. Ge. 26:13. 2 Sa. 19:32. Ps. 17:14; 73:3–7. Lu. 16:19–25. three thousand. Ge. 13:2. Job 1:3; 42:12. shearing. This was a very ancient custom, and appears to have been always attended with festivity. The ancient Romans, however, used to pluck off the wool from the sheeps’ backs; and hence a fleece was called vellus, a vellendo, from plucking it off. PLINY says, that in his time sheep were not shorn every where, but in some places the wool was still plucked off. Ge. 38:13. 2 Sa. 13:23, 24. Carmel. ch. 30:5. Jos. 15:55.
3 good. Pr. 14:1; 31:26, 30, 31. was churlish. ver. 10, 11, 17. Ps. 10:3. Is. 32:5–7. and he was. Wehoo calibbee, literally, ‘and he was a Calebite;’ but as the word cailev signifies a dog, the Septuagint has understood it as implying a man of a canine disposition, and translated it, και ανθρωπος κυνικος, ‘and he was a doggish man.’ It is understood in the same way by the Syriac and Arabic.
4 did shear. Ge. 38:13. 2 Sa. 13:23.
5 greet him, etc. Heb. ask him in my name of peace. ch. 17:22. Ge. 43:23.
6 liveth. 1 Th. 3:8. 1 Ti. 5:6. Peace be both. 2 Sa. 18:28, marg. 1 Ch. 12:18. Ps. 122:7. Mat. 10:12, 13. Lu. 10:5. Jno. 14:27. 2 Th. 3:16.
7 thy shepherds. In those times, and at the present day, wandering Arabs, under their several chiefs, think that they have a right to exact contributions of provisions, etc. wherever they come. But David, though he lived in the wilderness like the Arab emirs, had not adopted their manners: one of them, at the head of 600 men, would have demanded, from time to time, some provision or other present from Nahal’s servants, for permitting them to feed at quiet; and would have driven them away from the watering place upon any dislike. David had done nothing of this kind; but had protected them against those who would. we hurt. Heb. we shamed. ver. 15, 16, 21; ch. 22:2. Is. 11:6–9. Lu. 3:14. Phi. 2:15; 4:8.
8 a good day. Ne. 8:10–12. Es. 9:19. Ec. 11:2. Lu. 11:41; 14:12–14. thy son. ch. 3:6; 24:11.
9 ceased. Heb. rested.
10 Who is David. ch. 20:30; 22:7, 8. Ex. 5:2. Ju. 9:28. 2 Sa. 20:1. 1 Ki. 12:16. Ps. 73:7, 8; 123:3, 4. Is. 32:5, 7. there be. ch. 22:2. Ec. 7:10.
11 Shall I then. ver. 3; ch. 24:13. De. 8:17. Ju. 8:6. Job 31:17. Ps. 73:7, 8. 1 Pe. 4:9. flesh. Heb. slaughter. give it. Ec. 11:1, 2. Ga. 6:10. whom. ver. 14, 15. Jno. 9:29, 30. 2 Co. 6:9.
12 came. 2 Sa. 24:13. Is. 36:21, 22. He. 13:17.
13 Gird ye. Jos. 9:14. Pr. 14:29; 16:32; 19:2, 11; 25:8. Ja. 1:19, 20. David also. ch. 24:5, 6. Ro. 12:19–21. two hundred. ch. 30:9, 10, 21–24.
14 railed on them. Heb. flew upon them. Mar. 15:29.
15 very good. ver. 7, 21. Phi. 2:15. hurt. Heb. shamed.
16 a wall. Ex. 14:22. Job 1:10. Je. 15:20. Zec. 2:5.
17 evil. ch. 20:7, 9, 33. 2 Ch. 25:16. Es. 7:7. a son of Belial. ver. 25; ch. 2:12. De. 13:13. Ju. 19:22. 2 Sa. 23:6, 7. 1 Ki. 21:10, 13. 2 Ch. 13:7. that a man. ch. 20:32, 33. 2 Ki. 5:13, 14.
18 made haste. ver. 34. Nu. 16:46–48. Pr. 6:4, 5. Mat. 5:25. took two. The Eastern bread is generally both thin and small; and answers to our cakes. Ge. 32:13–20; 43:11–14. 2 Sa. 17:28, 29. Pr. 18:16; 21:14. two bottles. That is, two goat-skins’ full. five sheep. Not one sheep to one hundred men. clusters. Heb. lumps. Raisins dried in the sun. 2 Sa. 16:1. cakes of figs. Figs cured and then pressed together. Now all this provision was a matter of little worth; and had it been granted in the first instance, it would have perfectly satisfied David, and secured his good offices.
19 Go. Ge. 32:16, 20. But. Pr. 31:11, 12, 27.
20 rode. 2 Ki. 4:24. she came down. David was coming down mount Paran; Abigail was coming down from Carmel.
21 Surely. ver. 13. Job 30:8. Ps. 37:8. Ep. 4:26, 31. 1 Th. 5:15. 1 Pe. 2:21–23; 3:9. he hath requited. Ge. 44:4. Ps. 35:12; 38:20; 109:3–5. Pr. 17:13. Je. 18:20. Ro. 12:21. 1 Pe. 2:20; 3:17.
22 So and more. Nothing can justify this conduct of David, which was rash, unjust, and cruel in the extreme. David himself condemns it, and thanks God for being prevented from executing this evil. (ver. 32–34.) ch. 3:17; 14:44; 20:13, 16. Ru. 1:17. if I leave. ver. 34. any that pisseth, etc. This seems to have been a proverbial expression among the Israelites; and may with the utmost propriety be read ‘any male.’ 1 Ki. 14:10; 16:11; 21:21. 2 Ki. 9:8.
23 lighted. Jos. 15:18. Ju. 1:14. fell. ch. 20:41; 24:8.
24 fell. 2 Ki. 4:37. Es. 8:3. Mat. 18:29. Upon. ver. 28. Ge. 44:33, 34. 2 Sa. 14:9. Phile. 18–19. let thine. Ge. 44:18. 2 Sa. 14:12. audience. Heb. ears.
25 regard. Heb. lay it to his heart. 2 Sa. 13:33. Is. 42:25. Mal. 2:2. man of Belial. See on ver. 17, 26. Nabal. that is, fool.
26 as the Lord liveth. ver. 34; ch. 22:3. 2 Ki. 2:2; 4:6. and as thy. See on ch. 1:26. the Lord hath. ver. 33. Ge. 20:6. from. Ro. 12:19, 20. avenging thyself. Heb. saving thyself. Ps. 18:47, 48; 44:3 now let. 2 Sa. 18:32. Je. 29:22. Da. 4:19.
27 blessing. or, present. ch. 30:26. Ge. 33:11. 2 Ki. 5:15. 2 Co. 9:5. follow. Heb. walk at the feet of. ver. 42, marg. Ju. 4:10. 2 Sa. 16:2.
28 forgive. ver. 24. the Lord. ch. 15:28. 2 Sa. 7:11, 16, 27. 1 Ki. 9:5. 1 Ch. 17:10, 25. Ps. 89:29. fighteth. ch. 17:47; 18:17. 2 Sa. 5:2. 2 Ch. 20:15. Ep. 6:10, 11. evil hath. ch. 24:6, 7, 11, 17. 1 Ki. 15:5. Ps. 119:1–3. Mat. 5:16. Lu. 23:41, 47.
29 bound. The metaphors in this verse are derived from the consideration, that things of value are collected together, and often tied up in bundles, like sheaves of corn, to prevent their being scattered and lost; and that whatever is put into a sling is not intended to be preserved, but to be thrown away. ch. 2:9. Ge. 15:1. De. 33:29. Ps. 66:9; 116:15. Mal. 3:17. Mat. 10:29, 30. with the Lord. Jno. 10:27–30; 14:19; 17:21, 23. Col. 3:3, 4. 1 Pe. 1:5. sling out. Je. 10:18. as out of the middle of a sling. Heb. in the midst of the bow of a sling.
30 according. ch. 13:14; 15:28; 23:17. Ps. 89:20.
31 grief. Heb. staggering, or, stumbling. Pr. 5:12, 13. Ro. 14:21. 2 Co. 1:12. avenged. ver. 33; ch. 24:15; 26:23. 2 Sa. 22:48. Ps. 94:1. Ro. 12:19. remember. ver. 40. Ge. 40:14. Lu. 23:42.
32 David overlooks the rich and seasonable present of Abigail, though pressed with hunger and wearied with travel; but her advice, which disarmed his rage, and calmed his revenge, draws forth these high and affectionate gratulations. These were his joyful and glorious trophies; not over his enemies, but over himself. Ge. 24:27. Ex. 18:10. Ezr. 7:27. Ps. 41:12, 13; 72:18. Lu. 1:68. 2 Co. 8:16.
33 blessed. Ps. 141:5. Pr. 9:9; 17:10; 25:12; 27:21; 28:23. which hast. ver. 26. avenging. See on ver. 26, 31; ch. 24:19; 26:9, 10.
34 kept me back. ver. 26. hasted. ver. 18; ch. 11:11. Jos. 10:6, 9. there had. See on ver. 22.
35 Go up. ch. 20:42. 2 Sa. 15:9. 2 Ki. 5:19. Lu. 7:50; 8:48. accepted. Ge. 19:21. Job 34:19.
36 a feast. 2 Sa. 13:23. Es. 1:3–7. Lu. 14:12. merry. 2 Sa. 13:28. 1 Ki. 20:16. Pr. 20:1; 23:29–35. Ec. 2:2, 3; 10:19. Is. 28:3, 7, 8. Je. 51:57. Da. 5:1–5. Na. 1:10. Hab. 2:15, 16. Lu. 21:34. Ro. 13:13. Ep. 5:18. 1 Th. 5:7, 8. she told him. ver. 19. Ps. 112:5. Mat. 10:16. Ep. 5:15.
37 had told him. ver. 22, 34. his heart. De. 28:28. Job 15:21, 22. Pr. 23:29–35.
38 the Lord. ver. 33; ch. 6:9. Ex. 12:29. 2 Ki. 15:5; 19:35. 2 Ch. 10:15. Ac. 12:23.
39 Blessed. ver. 32. Ju. 5:2. 2 Sa. 22:47–49. Ps. 58:10, 11. Re. 19:1–4. pleaded. Pr. 22:23. La. 3:58–60. Mi. 7:9. kept his servant. ver. 26, 34. Ho. 2:6, 7. 2 Co. 13:7. 1 Th. 5:23. 2 Ti. 4:18. hath returned. 2 Sa. 3:28, 29. 1 Ki. 2:44. Es. 7:10. Ps. 7:16. to take her. It is probable that David had heard that Saul, to cut off his pretensions to the throne, had married Michal to Phalti; and this justified him in taking Abigail, it not being then unlawful for a man to have several wives. This conduct of David’s corresponds with the manner in which the Oriental princes generally form their matrimonial alliances. ‘The king of Abyssinia,’ says Mr. BRUCE, ‘sends an officer to the house where the lady lives, who announces to her that it is the king’s pleasure she should remove instantly to the palace. She then dresses herself in the best manner, and immediately obeys. Thenceforward he assigns her an apartment in the palace, and gives her a house elsewhere in any part she chooses.’ Pr. 18:22; 19:14; 31:10, 30.
40 David sent. Ge. 24:37, 38, 51.
41 thine. Ru. 2:10, 13. Pr. 15:33; 18:12. to wash. Ge. 18:4. Jno. 13:3–5. 1 Ti. 5:10.
42 Abigail. Ge. 24:61–67. Ps. 45:10, 11. after her. Heb. at her feet. ver. 27.
43 Jezreel. Jos. 15:56. 2 Sa. 3:2. both. Ge. 2:24. Mat. 19:5, 8. his wives. ch. 27:3; 30:5. 2 Sa. 5:13–16.
44 But Saul. Rather, ‘For Saul,’ etc. as the particle ו, wav, frequently signifies; this being the cause why David took another wife. Michal. ch. 18:20, 27. Phalti. 2 Sa. 3:14, 15, Phaltiel. Gal. lim. This town appears to have been situated in the tribe of Benjamin, as it is mentioned in Is. 10:30, with Michmash, Geba, etc.


  CHAP. 26

  Saul, by the discovery of the Ziphites, comes to Hachilah against David, 1–3. David coming into the trench stays Abishai from killing Saul, but takes his spear and cruse, 4–12. David reproves Abner, 13–16; and exhorts Saul, 17–20. Saul acknowledges his sin, 21–25.

1 Ziphites. Jos. 15:24, 55. Doth not. ver. 3; ch. 23:19. Ps. 54, title.
2 Saul arose. ch. 23:23–25; 24:17. Ps. 38:12; 140:4–9. three thousand. ch. 24:2.
3 Hachilah. ver. 1; ch. 23:19.
4 Jos. 2:1. Mat. 10:16.
5 Abner. ch. 9:1; 14:50, 51; 17:55. 2 Sa. 2:8, etc.; 3:7, 8, 27, 33–38. 1 Ch. 9:39. trench. or, midst of his carriages. ch. 17:20. The word maügal never signifies a ditch or rampart, but a chariot or waggon way. Nor does it seem to denote a ring of carriages, as BUXTORF and others interpret the word; for it is not probable that Saul would encumber his army with baggage in so rapid a pursuit, nor that so mountainous a country was practicable for waggons. It appears simply to mean here, the circular encampment (from agal, ‘round’) which these troops formed, in the midst of which, as being the place of honour, Saul reposed. An Arab camp, D’ARVIEUX informs us, is always circular, when the disposition of the ground will permit, the prince being in the middle, and the troops at a respectful distance around him. Add to which, their lances are fixed near them in the ground all the day long, ready for action.
6 Hittite. Ge. 10:15; 15:20. 2 Sa. 11:6, 21, 24; 12:9; 23:39. to Abishai. 2 Sa. 2:18; 16:9, 10; 18:5; 23:18. 1 Ch. 2:16. Zeruiah. 1 Ch. 2:15, 16. Who will go. ch. 14:6, 7. Ju. 7:10, 11.
7 sleeping. 1 Th. 5:2, 3.
8 God. ver. 23; ch. 23:14; 24:4, 18, 19. Jos. 21:44. Ju. 1:4. delivered. Heb. shut up. ch. 24:18. De. 32:30. Ps. 31:8. Ro. 11:32, marg. Ga. 3:22, 23. the second time. Na. 1:9.
9 who can stretch. ch. 24:6, 7. 2 Sa. 1:14, 16. Ps. 105:15.
10 the Lord liveth. ch. 24:15; 25:26, 38. Ps. 94:1, 2, 23. Lu. 18:7. Ro. 12:19. Re. 18:8. his day. Ge. 47:29. De. 31:14. Job 7:1; 14:5, 14. Ps. 37:10, 13. Ec. 3:2. He. 9:27. he shall descend. ch. 31:6. De. 32:35.
11 that I should. ch. 24:6, 12. 2 Sa. 1:14, 16.
12 So David. ver. 7; ch. 24:4. a deep sleep. Ge. 2:21; 15:12. Es. 6:1. Is. 29:10.
13 the top. ch. 24:8. Ju. 9:7. David, by retiring to a place of safety before he called to Abner, seems to have manifested more distrust of Saul than he had done on a former occasion. Yet he desired that Saul and all Israel should be informed of his conduct at this time. Abner and his soldiers, by neglecting to guard Saul when he slept, had exposed his life, and merited to be treated as his enemies, though he confided in them as friends; for, although their sound sleep was undoubtedly supernatural, yet there might be a neglect of placing sentinels, arising from contempt of David’s small company. Saul also deemed David his enemy, though he had before spared and protected his life.
15 there came. ver. 8.
16 worthy to die. Heb. the sons of death. Ch. 20:31. 2 Sa. 12:5; 19:28. Ps. 79:11; 102:20, margins. Ep. 2:3. Lord’s. ver. 9, 11; ch. 24:6.
17 Is this thy. ch. 24:8, 16.
18 Wherefore. ch. 24:9, 11–14. Ps. 7:3–5; 35:7; 69:4. what have I. ch. 17:29. Jno. 8:46; 10:32; 18:23.
19 let my lord. ch. 25:24. Ge. 44:18. stirred. ch. 16:14–23; 18:10. 2 Sa. 16:11; 24:1. 1 Ki. 22:22. 1 Ch. 21:1. accept. Heb. smell. Ge. 8:21. Le. 26:31. Ps. 119:1–8. cursed. Pr. 6:16–19; 30:10. Ga. 1:8, 9; 5:12. 2 Ti. 4:14. they have driven. De. 4:27, 28. Jos. 22:25–27. Ps. 42:1, 2; 120:5. Is. 60:5. Ro. 14:15. abiding. Heb. cleaving. the inheritance. 2 Sa. 14:16; 20:19.
20 let not my. ch. 2:9; 25:29. the king. ch. 24:14. Mat. 26:47, 55. a flea. Parosh, (in Arabic borghooth, Syriac, poorthano,) the well-known little contemptible and troublesome insect, the flea, seems to be so called from its agility in leaping and skipping, from para, ‘free,’ and raash, ‘to leap, bound.’ David, by comparing himself to this insect, seems to import, that while it would cost Saul much pains to catch him, he would obtain but very little advantage from it. a partridge. Korai certainly denotes the partridge, which is called in Arabic, kiräa. It seems to be so called from the cry or cur which it utters when calling its young.
21 I have sinned. ch. 15:24, 30; 24:17. Ex. 9:27. Nu. 22:34. Mat. 27:4. I will no. ch. 27:4. my soul. ver. 24; ch. 18:30. Ps. 49:8; 116:15.
23 render. 1 Ki. 8:32. Ne. 13:14. Ps. 7:8, 9; 18:20–26. I would not. ver. 9, 11; ch. 24:6, 7.
24 as thy life. Ps. 18:25. Mat. 5:7; 7:2. let him deliver. Ge. 48:16. Ps. 18, title, 48; 34:17, 18; 144:2. Ac. 14:22. 2 Co. 1:9, 10. 2 Th. 3:2. Re. 7:14.
25 Blessed. ch. 24:19. Nu. 24:9, 10. prevail. Ge. 32:28. Is. 54:17. Ho. 12:4. Ro. 8:35, 37. So David. ch. 24:22. Pr. 26:25.


  CHAP. 27

  Saul, hearing David to be in Gath, seeks no more for him, 1–4. David begs Ziklag of Achish, 5–7. He, invading other countries, persuades Achish he fought against Judah, 8–12.

1 A.M. 2946. B.C. 1058. An. Ex. Is. 433. And David. ch. 16:1, 13; 23:17; 25:30. Ps. 116:11. Pr. 13:12. Is. 40:27–31; 51:12. Mat. 14:31. Mar. 4:40. 2 Co. 7:5. I shall. This was a rash conclusion: God had caused him to be anointed king of Israel, and promised his accession to the throne, and had so often interposed in his behalf, that he was authorised to believe the very reverse. perish. Heb. be consumed. there is nothing. ch. 22:5. Ex. 14:12. Nu. 14:3. Pr. 3:5, 6. Is. 30:15, 16. La. 3:26, 27. into the land. ver. 10, 11; ch. 21:10–15; 28:1, 2; 29:2–11; 30:1–3.
2 David. This measure of David’s, in uniting himself to the enemies of his God and people, was highly blameable; was calculated to alienate the affections of the Israelites; and led to equivocation, if not downright falsehood. the six. ch. 25:13; 30:8. Achish. ch. 21:10. 1 Ki. 2:40.
3 with his two. ch. 25:3, 18–35, 42, 43; 30:5.
4 he sought. ch. 26:21.
5 some town. Ge. 46:34. 2 Co. 6:17.
6 Ziklag. Ziklag was at first given to the tribe of Judah, but was afterwards ceded to that of Simeon; but as it bordered on the Philistines, if they had ever been expelled, they had retaken it. EUSEBIUS simply says it was situated in the south of Canaan. ch. 30:1, 14. Jos. 15:31; 19:5. 2 Sa. 1:1. 1 Ch. 4:30; 12:1, 20. Ne. 11:28.
7 the time. Heb. the number of days. a full year. Heb. a year of days. ch. 29:3.
8 A.M. 2948. B.C. 1056. An. Ex. Is. 435. the Geshurites. Jos. 13:2, 13. 2 Sa. 13:37, 38; 14:23, 32; 15:8. 1 Ch. 2:23. Gezrites. or, Gerzites. These people seem to be the Gerrhenians, (2 Mac. 13:24) whose chief city, Gerrha, is mentioned by STRABO as lying between Gaza and Pelusium in Egypt. the Amalekites. Jos. 16:10. Ju. 1:29. 1 Ki. 9:15–17. as thou goest. ch. 15:7, 8; 30:1. Ex. 17:14–16.
9 left neither. ch. 15:7. Ge. 16:7; 25:18. Ex. 15:22. and the camels. ch. 15:3. De. 25:17–19. Jos. 6:21.
10 Whither, etc. or, Did you not make a road. And David. ch. 21:2. Ge. 27:19, 20, 24. Jos. 2:4–6. 2 Sa. 17:20. Ps. 119:29, 163. Pr. 29:25. Ga. 2:11–13. Ep. 4:25. Against. David here meant the Geshurites, and Gezrites, and Amalekites, which people occupied that part of the country which lies to the south of Judah. But Achish, as was intended, understood him in a different sense, and believed that he had attacked his own countrymen. David’s answer, therefore, though not an absolute falsehood, was certainly an equivocation intended to deceive, and therefore incompatible with that sense of truth and honour which became him as a prince, and a professor of true religion. From these, and similar passages, we may observe the strict impartiality of the Sacred Scriptures. They present us with the most faithful delineation of human nature; they exhibit the frailties of kings, priests, and prophets, with equal truth; and examples of vice and frailty, as well as of piety and virtue, are held up, that we may guard against the errors to which the best men are exposed. the Jerahmeelites. 1 Ch. 2:9, 25. Kenites. ch. 15:6. Nu. 24:21. Ju. 1:16; 4:11; 5:24.
11 Lest. ch. 22:22. Pr. 12:19; 29:25.
12 utterly to abhor. Heb. to stink. ch. 13:4. Ge. 34:30.


  CHAP. 28

  Achish puts confidence in David, 1, 2. Saul having destroyed the witches, 3, and now in his fear forsaken of God, 4–6, has recourse to a witch, 7; who, encouraged by Saul, raises up Samuel, 8–14. Saul hearing his ruin, faints, 15–20. The woman and his servants refresh him with meat, 21–25.

1 that the. ch. 7:7; 13:5; 17:1; 29:1. Philistines. Ju. 3:1–4. thou shalt go. ch. 27:12; 29:2, 3.
2 Surely. ch. 27:10. 2 Sa. 16:16–19. Ro. 12:9.
3 Samuel. ch. 25:1. Is. 57:1, 2. put away. ver. 9. Ex. 22:18. Le. 19:31; 20:6, 27. De. 18:10, 11. Ac. 16:16–19.
4 Shunem. Jos. 19:18. 2 Ki. 4:8. Gilboa. ch. 31:1. 2 Sa. 1:6, 21; 21:12.
5 he was afraid. Job 15:21; 18:11. Ps. 48:5, 6; 73:19. Pr. 10:24. Is. 7:2; 21:3, 4; 57:20, 21. Da. 5:6.
6 enquired. ch. 14:37. 1 Ch. 10:14. Pr. 1:27, 28. La. 2:9. Eze. 20:1–3. Jno. 9:31. Ja. 4:3. by dreams. Ge. 28:12–15; 46:2–4. Nu. 12:6. Job 33:14–16. Je. 23:28. Mat. 1:20. by Urim. Ex. 28:30. Nu. 27:21. De. 33:8. by prophets. Ps. 74:9. La. 2:9. Eze. 20:3.
7 Seek me. 2 Ki. 1:2, 3; 6:33. Is. 8:19, 20. La. 3:25, 26. Hab. 2:3. a familiar spirit. ver. 3. De. 18:11. Is. 19:3. Ac. 16:16. that I may. Le. 19:31. 1 Ch. 10:13. Is. 8:19. En-dor. En-dor, a city of Manasseh, was situated in the plain of Jezreel; and EUSEBIUS and JEROME inform us, that it was a great town in their days, four miles south from mount Tabor, near Nain, towards Scythopolis. This agrees with MAUNDRELL, who says, that not many miles eastward of Tabor, you see mount Hermon, at the foot of which is seated Nain and Endor; and BURCKHARDT says, that in two hours and a half from Nazareth, towards Scythopolis or Bisan, they came to the village of Denouny, near which are the ruins of Endor; where the witch’s grotto is shewn. Jos. 17:11. Ps. 83:10.
8 disguised. 1 Ki. 14:2, 3; 22:30, 34. Job 24:13–15. Je. 23:24. Jno. 3:19. I pray thee. De. 18:11. 1 Ch. 10:13. Is. 8:19. bring me. ver. 15.
9 how he hath. See on ver. 3. wherefore. 2 Sa. 18:13. 2 Ki. 5:7.
10 sware. ch. 14:39; 19:6. Ge. 3:5. Ex. 20:7. De. 18:10–12. 2 Sa. 14:11. Mat. 26:72. Mar. 6:23.
12 thou art Saul. ver. 3. 1 Ki. 14:5.
13 gods ascending. Ex. 4:16; 22:28. Ps. 82:6, 7. Jno. 10:34, 35.
14 What form is he of? Heb. What is his form? a mantle. ch. 15:27. 2 Ki. 2:8, 13, 14.
15 Why hast. ver. 8, 11. I am sore. Pr. 5:11–13; 14:14. Je. 2:17, 18. the Philistines. ver. 4. God. ch. 16:13, 14; 18:12. Ju. 16:20. Ps. 51:11. Ho. 9:12. Mat. 25:41. answereth. ver. 6; ch. 23:2, 4, 9, 10. prophets. Heb. the hand of prophets. therefore. Lu. 16:23–26.
16 Wherefore. Ju. 5:31. 2 Ki. 6:27. Ps. 68:1–3. Re. 18:20, 24; 19:1–6. and is become. La. 2:5.
17 to him. or, for himself. The LXX. read σοι, and the Vulgate tibi, to thee; which is the reading of five of Dr. KENNICOTT’S and DE ROSSI’S MSS., as well as both the Bibles printed at Venice in 1518, where we read lecha, ‘to thee,’ for lo, ‘to him;’ and as the words are spoken to Saul, this seems to be evidently the correct reading. Pr. 16:4. as he spake. ch. 13:13, 14; 15:27–29. me. Heb. mine hand. thy neighbour. ch. 15:28; 16:13; 24:20.
18 obeyedst. ch. 13:9; 15:9, 23–26. 1 Ki. 20:42. 1 Ch. 10:13. Je. 48:10. hath the Lord. Ps. 50:21, 22.
19 the Lord. ch. 12:25; 31:1–6. 1 Ki. 22:20, 28. and to-morrow. There is considerable diversity of opinion, both among learned and pious men, relative to this appearance to Saul. But the most probable opinion seems to be, that Samuel himself did actually appear to Saul, not by the power of enchantment, but by the appointment and especial mercy of God, to warn this infatuated monarch of his approaching end, that he might be reconciled with his Maker. There is not the smallest intimation of chicanery or Satanic influence given in the text; but on the contrary, from the plain and obvious meaning of the language employed, it is perfectly evident that it was Samuel himself, (Shemooel hoo,) as it is expressed in ver. 14. Indeed the very soul of Samuel seems to breathe in his expressions of displeasure against the disobedience and wickedness of Saul; while the awful prophetic denunciations which accordingly came to pass, were such as neither human nor diabolical wisdom could foresee, and which could only be known to God himself, and to those to whom he chose to reveal them. Ex. 9:18. Je. 28:16, 17. Da. 5:25–28. Mat. 26:24. Ac. 5:5, 9, 10.
20 fell straightway. Heb. made haste and fell with the fulness of his stature. sore afraid. ver. 5; ch. 25:37. Job 15:20–24; 26:2. Ps. 50:21, 22.
21 I have put. ch. 19:5. Ju. 12:3. Job 13:14.
23 I will. 1 Ki. 21:4. Pr. 25:20. compelled him. 2 Ki. 4:8. Lu. 14:23; 24:29. Ac. 16:15. 2 Co. 5:14.
24 a fat calf. Ge. 18:7, 8. Lu. 15:23.


  CHAP. 29

  David marching with the Philistines, 1, 2, is disallowed by their princes, 3–5. Achish dismisses him, with commendations of his fidelity, 6–11.

1 the Philistines. ch. 28:1, 2. Aphek. ch. 4:1. Jos. 19:30. 1 Ki. 20:30. Jezreel. ch. 28:4. Jos. 19:18. Ju. 6:33. 1 Ki. 18:45, 46; 21:1, 23. 2 Ki. 9:36. Ho. 1:4–11.
2 the lords. ver. 6, 7; ch. 5:8–11; 6:4. Jos. 13:3. but David. ch. 28:1, 2.
3 Is not this David. These words seem to mark no definite time; and may be understood thus: ‘Is not this David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who has been with me for a considerable time?’ these days. ch. 27:7. found. ch. 25:28. Da. 6:5. Jno. 19:6. Ro. 12:17. 1 Pe. 3:16.
4 Make this fellow. The princes reasoned wisely, according to the common practice of mankind; and it was well for David that they were such good politicians: it was ordered by a gracious Providence that they refused to let David go with them to this battle, in which he must have been either an enemy to his country, or false to his friends and to his trust. Had he fought for the Philistines, he would have fought against God and his country; and had he in the battle gone over to the Israelites, he would have deceived and become a traitor to the hospitable Achish. God therefore delivered him from such disgrace; and by the same kind Providence he was sent back to rescue his wives, and the wives and children of his people, from captivity. ch. 14:21. 1 Ch. 12:19. Lu. 16:8.
5 ch. 18:6, 7; 21:11. Pr. 27:14.
6 the Lord. ch. 20:3; 28:10. De. 10:20. Is. 65:16. Je. 12:16. thou hast. Mat. 5:16. 1 Pe. 2:12; 3:16. thy going. Nu. 27:17. 2 Sa. 3:25. 2 Ki. 19:27. Ps. 121:8. I have not. ver. 3. the lords favour, etc. Heb. thou art not good in the eyes of the lords.
7 displease. Heb. do not evil in the eyes of the lords.
8 But what have. ch. 12:3; 17:29; 20:8; 26:18. with. Heb. before. that I may not. ch. 28:2. 2 Sa. 16:18, 19. Ps. 34:13, 14. Mat. 6:13.
9 as an angel. 2 Sa. 14:17, 20; 19:27. Ga. 4:14. the princes. ver. 4.
10 ch. 30:1, 2. Ge. 22:14. Ps. 37:23, 24. 1 Co. 10:13. 2 Pe. 2:9.
11 And the Philistines. See on ver. 1. Jos. 19:18. 2 Sa. 4:4. Jezreel. Jezreel, or Esdrælon, was a city of Issachar, afterwards celebrated as the residence of the kings of Israel, delightfully situated in the extensive and fertile plain of the same name, which extends from Scythopolis or Bethshan on the east to mount Carmel on the west. EUSEBIUS and JEROME inform us, that it was in their time a place of considerable consequence, lying between Scythopolis on the east and Legio on the west; and the latter (on Ho. 1.) informs us that it was pretty near Maximianopolis. The Jerusalem Itinerary places it ten miles west from Scythopolis; and WILLIAM of Tyre says it was called Little Gerinum in his time, and that there was a fine fountain in it, whose waters fell into the Jordan near Scythopolis. See ver. 1.


  CHAP. 30

  The Amalekites spoil Ziklag, 1–3. David asking counsel, is encouraged by God to pursue them, 4–10. By the means of a revived Egyptian he is brought to the enemies, and recovers all the spoil, 11–21. David’s law to divide the spoil equally between them that fight and them that keep the stuff, 22–25. He sends presents to his friends, 26–31.

1 were come. ch. 29:11. 2 Sa. 1:2. on the third. This was the third day after he had left the Philistine army at Aphek, from which place, CALMET supposes, Ziklag was distant more than thirty leagues. the Amalekites. ch. 15:7; 27:8–10. Ge. 24:62. Jos. 11:6.
2 slew not. ver. 19; ch. 27:11. Job 38:11. Ps. 76:10. Is. 27:8, 9.
3 burned. Ps. 34:19. He. 12:6. 1 Pe. 1:6, 7. Re. 3:9.
4 lifted up. ch. 4:13; 11:4. Ge. 37:33–35. Nu. 14:1, 39. Ju. 2:4; 21:2. Ezr. 10:1.
5 two wives. ch. 1:2; 25:42, 43; 27:3. 2 Sa. 2:2; 3:2, 3.
6 was greatly. Ge. 32:7. Ps. 25:17; 42:7; 116:3, 4, 10. 2 Co. 1:8, 9; 4:8; 7:5. the people. Ex. 17:4. Nu. 14:10. Ps. 62:9. Mat. 21:9; 27:22. grieved. Heb. bitter. ch. 1:10. Ju. 18:25. 2 Sa. 17:8. 2 Ki. 4:27, margins. David. Job 13:15. Ps. 18:6; 26:1, 2; 27:1–3; 34:1–8; 40:1, 2; 42:5, 11; 56:3, 4, 11; 62:1, 5, 8; 118:8–13. Pr. 18:10. Is. 25:4; 37:14–20. Je. 16:19. Hab. 3:17, 18. Ro. 4:18; 8:31. 2 Co. 1:6, 9, 10. He. 13:6.
7 Abiathar. ch. 22:20, 21; 23:2–9. 1 Ki. 2:26. Mar. 2:26.
8 enquired. ch. 23:2, 4:10–12. Ju. 20:18, 23, 28. 2 Sa. 5:19, 23. Pr. 3:5, 6. he answered him. ch. 14:37; 28:6, 15, 16. Nu. 27:21. Ps. 50:15; 91:15.
10 for two hundred. ver. 21. so faint. ch. 14:30, 31. Ju. 8:4, 5. the brook Besor. This brook or torrent, it is evident from the circumstances of the history, must be in the south-west part of Judea, and must empty itself into the Mediterranean Sea. In the more particular situation of it writers are not agreed. Some suppose it to be between Gaza and Rhinocorura; but JEROME places it between Rhinocorura and Egypt. It is supposed by some to be the same as the river of the wilderness, (Am. 6:14,) and the river of Egypt, Job. 15:4.
11 gave him. De. 15:7–11; 23:7. Pr. 25:21. Mat. 25:35. Lu. 10:36, 37. Ro. 12:20, 21.
12 his spirit. ch. 14:27. Ju. 15:19. Is. 40:29–31. three days. ver. 13. Es. 4:16. Jon. 1:17. Mat. 27:63.
13 my master. Though they had booty enough, and this poor sick slave might have been carried on an ass or a camel, yet they inhumanly left him to perish; but, in the righteous providence of God, this cruelty was the occasion of their destruction; whilst David’s kindness to a perishing stranger and slave was the means of his success, and proved the truest policy. Job 31:13–15. Pr. 12:10. Ja. 2:13.
14 the Cherethites. CALMET and others suppose that these people, who inhabited the same district as the Philistines, were the aborigines of the island of Crete, from which they derived their name. ver. 16. 2 Sa. 8:18. 1 Ki. 1:38, 44. 1 Ch. 18:17. Eze. 25:16. Zep. 2:5. Caleb. A district in the south of Judea, in which were the cities of Kirjath-Arba or Hebron, and Kirjath-sepher, belonging to the family of Caleb. Jos. 14:13; 15:13. we burned. ver. 1–3.
15 Swear. ch. 29:6. Jos. 2:12; 9:15, 19, 20. Eze. 17:13, 16, 19. nor deliver. De. 23:15, 16.
16 when he. Ju. 1:24, 25. eating. ch. 25:36–38. Ex. 32:6, 17–19, 27, 28. Ju. 16:23–30. 2 Sa. 13:28. Is. 22:13. Da. 5:1–4, 30. Lu. 12:19, 20; 17:27–29; 21:34, 35. 1 Th. 5:3. Re. 11:10–13. because of all. Job 20:5.
17 the next day. Heb. their morrow. and there. ch. 11:11. Ju. 4:16. 1 Ki. 20:29, 30. Ps. 18:42.
19 ver. 8. Ge. 14:14–16. Nu. 31:49. Job 1:10. Ps. 34:9, 10; 91:9, 10. Mat. 6:33.
20 This is David’s spoil. ver. 26. Nu. 31:9–12. 2 Ch. 20:25. Is. 53:12. Ro. 8:37.
21 two hundred men. ver. 10. came near. He. 13:1. 1 Pe. 3:8. saluted them. Heb. asked them how they did. Ju. 18:15.
22 wicked. ch. 22:2; 25:17, 25. De. 13:13. Ju. 19:22. 1 Ki. 21:10, 13. those. Heb. the men. Because. Mat. 7:12.
23 my brethren. Ge. 19:7. Ju. 19:23. Ac. 7:2; 22:1. which the Lord. ver. 8; ch. 2:7. Nu. 31:49–54. De. 8:10, 18. 1 Ch. 29:12–14. Hab. 1:16. who hath. Ps. 44:2–7; 121:7, 8.
24 but as his part. This equitable edict was somewhat different from that which had so long obtained in Israel, and by which the spoil of the Midianites was divided: that related to the whole people: this only to the soldiers, some of whom went to battle, while others guarded the baggage. Nu. 31:27. Jos. 22:8. Ps. 68:12. tarrieth. ch. 25:13.
25 forward. Heb. and forward.
26 to his friends. 1 Ch. 12:1, etc. Ps. 35:27; 68:18. Pr. 18:16–24. Is. 32:8. present. Heb. blessing. ch. 25:27. Ge. 33:11. 2 Ki. 5:15. 2 Co. 9:5.
27 Beth-el. Probably not the celebrated city of this name, but Bethul a city of Simeon, (Jos. 19:4,) supposed to be the same as Bethelia, mentioned by SOZOMEN as belonging to Gaza, well peopled, and having several temples remarkable for their structure and antiquity; and which JEROME says, in his life of Hilarion, was five short days’ journey from Pelusium. Ge. 28:19. Jos. 16:2. Ju. 1:22, 23. 1 Ki. 12:29. south Ramoth. A city of Simeon; so called to distinguish it from Ramoth Gilead beyond Jordan. Jos. 19:8, Ramath. Jattir. Jos. 15:48; 21:14.
28 Aroer. Jos. 13:16. Siphmoth. Supposed to be the same with Shepham, (Nu. 34:10,) on the eastern borders of Canaan. Eshtemoa. Jos. 15:50, Eshtemoh; 21:14.
29 Rachal. Supposed by CALMET to be the same as Hachilah. ch. 23:19. Jerahmeelites. The descendants of Jerahmeel son of Hezron, (1 Ch. 2:9, 25–27,) who inhabited a district in the south of Judah. ch. 27:10. Kenites. These people inhabited a small tract west of the Dead Sea. Ju. 1:16.
30 Hormah. Jos. 19:4. Ju. 1:17. Chorashan. Probably the same as Ashan in Simeon, Jos. 15:42; 19:7, which EUSEBIUS says was sixteen miles west from Jerusalem.
31 Hebron. Jos. 14:13, 14. 2 Sa. 2:1; 4:1; 15:10.


  CHAP. 31

  Saul, having lost his army, and his sons slain, he and his armour-bearer kill themselves, 1–6. The Philistines possess the forsaken towns of the Israelites, 7. They triumph over the dead carcases, 8–10. They of Jabeshgilead recovering the dead bodies by night, burn them at Jabesh, and mournfully bury their bones, 11–13.

1 the Philistines. ch. 28:1, 15; 29:1. fell down. ch. 12:25. 1 Ch. 10:1–12. slain. Heb. wounded. Gilboa. EUSEBIUS and JEROME place this mountain six miles west from Bethshan, where was a large place called Gelbus. The natives still call it Djebel Gilbo. ch. 28:4. 2 Sa. 1:21.
2 followed. ch. 14:22. 2 Sa. 1:6. Jonathan. ch. 13:2, 16; 14:1–14, 49; 18:1–4; 23:17. 1 Ch. 8:33; 9:39. Saul’s sons. Ex. 20:5. 2 Ki. 25:7.
3 went sore. 2 Sa. 1:4. Am. 2:14. archers hit him. Heb. shooters, men with bows, found him. Ge. 49:23. 1 Ki. 22:34.
4 Draw. Ju. 9:54. 1 Ch. 10:4. uncircumcised. ch. 14:6; 17:26, 36. 2 Sa. 1:20. Je. 9:25, 26. Eze. 44:7–9. abuse me. or, mock me. he was sore. 2 Sa. 1:14. Saul. 2 Sa. 1:9, 10; 17:23. 1 Ki. 16:18. 1 Ch. 10:13, 14. Mat. 27:4, 5. Ac. 1:18; 16:27. a sword. Eth hacherev, rather, ‘the sword,’ i.e. his armour-bearer’s, who, according to the Jews, was Doeg; and if so, then Saul and his executioner fell by the same sword with which they massacred the priests of God.
5 1 Ch. 10:5.
6 ch. 4:10, 11; 11:15; 12:17, 25; 28:19. 1 Ch. 10:6. Ec. 9:1, 2. Ho. 13:10, 11.
7 they forsook the cities. ch. 13:6. Le. 26:32, 36. De. 28:33. Ju. 6:2.
8 to strip. 1 Ch. 10:8. 2 Ch. 20:25.
9 cut off. ver. 4; ch. 17:51, 54. 1 Ch. 10:9, 10. to publish. Ju. 16:23, 24. 2 Sa. 1:20.
10 they put. The Philistines placed the armour of Saul in the temple of Ashtaroth as a trophy of victory, and a testimony of their gratitude, in the same manner as David placed the sword of Goliath in the tabernacle. ch. 21:9. Ashtaroth. Ju. 2:13. Bethshan. Jos. 17:11. Ju. 1:27. 2 Sa. 21:12–14.
11 Jabesh-gilead. ch. 11:1. 2 Sa. 2:4. of that. or, concerning him, that which, etc.
12 burnt them there. 2 Ch. 16:14. Je. 34:5. Am. 6:10.
13 their bones. Ge. 35:8. 2 Sa. 2:4, 5; 21:12–14. fasted seven. Ge. 50:10.


B. Blayney, Thomas Scott, and R.A. Torrey with John Canne, Browne, The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, vol. 1 (London: Samuel Bagster and Sons, n.d.), 189–211.