1 Samuel 8:1--15:35
appointed ... sons <07760 01121> [A.M. 2892. B.C. 1112. An. Ex. Is. 379. made his.]
sons ... judges <08199 01121> [sons judges.]
Joel <03100> [Joel.]
[Vashni.]
sons <01121> [his sons.]
dishonestly ..... perverted <05186> [but turned.]
elders <02205> [the elders.]
appoint <07760> [now make.]
<03415> [displeased. Heb. was evil in the eyes of.]
prayed <06419> [prayed.]
Do <08085> [Hearken.]
rejected ......... rejected <03988> [they have not.]
say <08085 06963> [hearken unto. or, obey. howbeit, etc. or, notwithstanding when thou hast solemnly protested against them, then thou shalt shew, etc.]
policies <04941> [the manner.]
policies <04941> [This will.]
conscript <03947> [He will take.]
run <07323> [run.]
appoint <07760> [appoint.]
plow <02790> [and will set.]
administrators <05631> [officers. Heb. eunuchs.]
cry <02199> [cry out.]
Lord <03068> [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."
answer <06030> [will not hear.]
refused ... heed <03985 08085> [refused to obey.]
said <01696> [he rehearsed.]
Kish <07027> [Kish.]
[Cis. a Benjamite. or, the son of a man of Jemini. power. or, substance.]
young man <0970> [choice.]
shoulders <07926> [from his shoulders.]
hill country <02022> [mount.]
Shalisha <08031> [Shalisha.]
Shaalim <08171> [Shalim.]
Zuph <06689> [Zuph.]
becomes anxious <01672> [take thought.]
town <05892> [city.]
respected <03513> [an honourable.]
says <01696> [all that he saith.]
bring .................. take <0935> [what shall.]
bags ... used up <0235 03627> [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.]
happen to have .... hand <03027 04672> [I have here at hand. Heb. there is found in my hand.]
inquire <01875> [enquire.]
<07200> [a Seer.]
[Well said. Heb. Thy word is good.]
ascent .... town <04608 05892> [the hill to the city. Heb. in the ascent of the city. found.]
sacrifice <02077> [sacrifice. or, feast.]
high place <01116> [the high place.]
bless <01288> [he doth bless.]
time <03117> [this time. Heb. to-day.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
told Samuel <08050 0241 01540> [told Samuel in his ear. Heb. revealed the ear of Samuel.]
consecrate <04886> [thou shalt.]
people ....... people ........... looked ...... people <07200 05971> [looked upon.]
man <0376> [Behold.]
[reign over. Heb. restrain in.]
<07200> [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. Jer 14:4;) and diviners, in their enthusiastic flights, boasted that they had those things exhibited to their sight which should come to pass.
tell <05046> [and will tell.]
three days <07969 03117> [three days ago. Heb. to-day three days.]
concerned <07760 03820> [set not.]
desire <02532> [on whom.]
Benjaminite <01145> [a Benjamite.]
family clan <04940> [my family.]
way <01697> [so to me. Heb. according to this word.]
head <07218> [in the chiefest.]
Give ......... gave <05414> [Bring.]
leg <07785> [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 Isa 9:6.)
was kept <07604> [left. or, reserved.]
down <03381> [And when.]
roof <01406> [the top.]
Samuel ............................. Samuel <08050> [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.
Get ............. got <06965> [Up.]
Tell ... servant <0559 05288> [Bid the servant.]
awhile <03117> [a while. Heb. to-day. that I may.]
container <06378> [a vial.]
kissed .... said <05401 0559> [kissed him.]
leader <05057> [captain.]
inheritance <05159> [his inheritance.]
Rachel's <07354> [Rachel's.]
Zelzah <06766> [Zelzah.]
donkeys .................. donkeys <0860> [The asses.]
concerned about <01697> [care. Heb. business.]
Tabor <08396> [Tabor.]
Bethel <01008> [Beth-el.]
three .................... three young goats ........ three <07969 01423> [three kids.]
give <07965 05414> [salute thee. Heb. ask thee of peace.]
Gibeah ... God <0430 01389> [hill of God.]
company <02256> [a company.]
harps <05035> [a psaltery.]
spirit <07307> [Spirit.]
different person <0376 0312> [another man.]
signs <0226> [let it be. Heb. it shall come to pass that, etc. signs.]
do ..... finds <04672 06213> [that thou do as occasion, etc. Heb. do for thee as thine hand shall find.]
God <0430> [God.]
Gilgal <01537> [to Gilgal.]
turned <07926> [back. Heb. shoulder. gave. Heb. turned. another heart.]
signs <0226> [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 T l£t 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, T l£t. Samuel then said, 'Measure T l£t with the wand which the angel Gabriel brought.' His stature was equal to it. Samuel then said, 'God has raised T l£t 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 T l£t king, by his restoring the ark of the covenant. He accordingly restored it, and they acknowledged him their sovereign." Asiatic Researches, vol. ii. p. 119, et seq.
arrived <0935> [they came.]
known <03045> [when all.]
one another <0376 07453> [one to another. Heb. a man to his neighbour. What is this.]
Saul <07586> [Is Saul.]
<06030> [of the same place. Heb. from thence. who is their.]
asked ........... replied <0559> [And he said.]
lost <0369> [no where.]
matter <01697> [matter.]
Lord <03068> [unto the Lord.]
said <0559> [Thus saith.]
today .................. said <03117 0559> [And ye have.]
tribes <07626> [by your tribes.]
tribes ....... tribe <07626> [caused.]
inquired <07592> [enquired.]
hidden <02244> [hid.]
When <01361> [he was higher.]
see ...... Lord <07200 03068> [See ye him.]
live ... king <02421 04428> [God save the king. Heb. Let the king live.]
Gibeah <01390> [Gibeah.]
hearts <03820> [whose hearts.]
men <01121> [children.]
bring .... gift <0935 04503> [brought him.]
nothing <02790> [he held his peace. or, he was as though he had been deaf.]
Nahash ................ Nahash <05176> [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.
Jabesh ....... Jabesh <03003> [Jabesh-gilead.]
Make <03772> [Make.]
<02063> [On this.]
gouge <05365> [thrust.]
humiliate <02781> [reproach.]
seven <07651> [Give us. Heb. Forbear us.]
Gibeah <01390> [to Gibeah.]
loudly <05375> [lifted up.]
behind ... oxen <0310 01241> [after the herd.]
people <05971> [What aileth.]
Spirit ... God <0430 07307> [Spirit of God.]
angry <0639> [his anger.]
took <03947> [he took.]
The sending the pieces of the oxen was an act similar to that of the Levite, Jud 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.
cut <05408> [hewed.]
out ............................. out <03318> [Whosoever.]
terror <06343> [the fear.]
one <0259 0376> [with one consent. Heb. as one man.]
Bezek <0966> [Bezek.]
Israelites <01121> [the children.]
deliverance <08668> [help. or, deliverance.]
Tomorrow <04279> [To-morrow.]
next day <04283> [on the morrow.]
three <07969> [in three.]
morning <01242> [morning.]
struck ... down <05221> [slew.]
two <08147> [so that two.]
<0559> [Who is he.]
<0376> [There shall.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
<03212> [let us go.]
renew <02318> [renew.]
Lord's presence .......... Lord's presence <06440 03068> [before the Lord.]
offered up <02076> [sacrificed.]
very happy <08055 03966> [rejoiced greatly.]
done <08085> [Behold.]
given <04427> [have made.]
walks ..................... walked <01980> [walketh.]
old <02204> [I am old.]
sons <01121> [my sons.]
walks ..................... walked <01980> [I have walked.]
chosen king <04899> [his anointed.]
ox <07794> [whose ox.]
bribe <03724> [bribe. Heb. ransom. blind mine eyes. or, that I should hide mine eyes at him.]
return <07725> [I will.]
Lord <03068> [The Lord.]
chosen king <04899> [his anointed.]
found <04672> [ye have.]
<03027> [in my hand.]
Lord <03068> [It is the Lord.]
chose <06213> [advanced. or, made.]
confront <08199> [reason.]
just <06666> [righteous acts. Heb. righteousnesses or benefits.]
ancestors <01> [to. Heb. with.]
Jacob <03290> [Jacob.]
cried <02199> [cried.]
sent Moses <07971 04872> [sent Moses.]
led <03318> [brought.]
settled <03427> [made them.]
forgot <07911> [forgat.]
gave <04376> [he sold.]
Philistines <06430> [of the Philistines.]
hand .............. hand ........ hand <03027> [into the.]
cried <02199> [And they.]
Baals <01168> [Baalim.]
deliver <05337> [deliver.]
Jerub-Baal <03378> [Jerubbaal.]
Barak <0917> [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.
Jephthah <03316> [Jephthah.]
Samuel <08050> [Samuel.]
Nahash <05176> [Nahash.]
King ................ king .............. king <04428> [Nay.]
Lord <03068> [when the Lord.]
king ............. Lord ...... king <04428 03068> [behold.]
chosen ...... asked <0977 07592> [whom ye.]
asked <07592> [have desired.]
fear <03372> [If ye will.]
says <06310> [commandment. Heb. mouth. continue. Heb. be after.]
obey <08085> [But if ye.]
says .............. king <06310 01> [against.]
positions <03320> [stand.]
wheat <02406> [Is it.]
In northern latitudes, thunder and rain are far from being un-common 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.
call <07121> [I will call.]
sin <07451> [your wickedness.]
made ... thunder <05414 06963> [sent thunder.]
afraid <03372> [feared.]
Pray ............ servants <06419 05650> [Pray for thy.]
afraid <03372 06213> [Fear not.]
turn <05493> [turn not.]
empty ..... profit ........ empty <08414 03276> [vain things.]
profit <03276> [cannot profit.]
Lord ................ Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
great <01419> [for his great.]
uphold <02974> [it hath.]
far be it from me <02486> [God forbid.]
ceasing <02308> [in ceasing. Heb. from ceasing. I will teach.]
good <02896> [the good.]
fear ... Lord <03068 03372> [fear the Lord.]
faithfully <0571> [in truth.]
look <07200> [consider.]
great <01431> [how great things. or, what a great thing, etc.]
evil <07489> [But if.]
king <04428> [ye and.]
[A.M. 2911. B.C. 1093. An. Ex. Is. 398.]
reign ... ruled <04427 01121> [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.
selected <0977> [chose.]
Micmash <04363> [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.
Gibeah <01390> [in Gibeah.]
outpost <05333> [the garrison.]
Geba <01387> [Geba. or, the hill.]
[Gaba.]
alerted <08628> [blew.]
repulsive <0887> [was had in abomination. Heb. did stink.]
Gilgal <01537> [to Gilgal.]
3,000 chariots 6,000 <07970 0505 07393> [thirty thousand chariots.]
The Philistines had no doubt collected troops in this emergency, from all the surrounding nation; 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.
sand <02344> [as the sand.]
Beth Aven <01007> [Beth-aven.]
<06887> [in a strait.]
caves <04631> [in caves.]
Hebrews <05680> [the Hebrews.]
Gad <01410> [Gad.]
him ... terrified <0310 02729> [followed him trembling. Heb. trembled after him.]
waited <03176> [tarried.]
Then ... offered <05927> [he offered.]
Saul <07586> [Saul.]
greet <01288> [salute him. Heb. bless him.]
done <06213> [What hast.]
Micmash <04363> [Michmash.]
thought .... Philistines <0559 06430> [said I.]
sought .... favor <06440 02470> [made supplication unto. Heb. intreated the face of, etc. I forced.]
foolish <05528> [Thou hast done.]
obeyed <08104> [hast not kept.]
kingdom <04467> [But now.]
<03068> [the Lord.]
leader .... people <05057 05971> [captain over.]
Samuel <08050> [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.
remained <04672> [present. Heb. found. about six.]
Gibeah <01387> [Gibeah. Heb. Gebah.]
three groups ... band <07969 07218> [in three companies.]
Ophrah <06084> [Ophrah.]
Shual <07777> [Shual.]
Beth Horon <01032> [Beth-horon.]
Zeboim <06650> [Zeboim.]
blacksmith <02796> [there was no.]
It is probable that the Philistines in the former wars had carried away all the smiths from Israel.
charged two-thirds of a shekel <06477> [a file. Heb. a file with mouths. sharpen. Heb. set.]
sword <02719> [there was neither.]
garrison <04673> [garrison. or, standing camp.]
pass <04569> [passage.]
day <03117> [A.M. 2917. B.C. 1087. An. Ex. Is. 404. it came to pass upon a day. or, there was a day. Jonathan.]
let ... father know <05046 01> [he told not.]
outskirts <07097> [in the uttermost.]
pomegranate <07416> [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 Jud 20:45.
Ahijah <0281> [Ahiah.]
[called Ahimelech. I-chabod's.]
carrying <05375> [wearing.]
<04569> [the passages.]
cliff <08127> [forefront. Heb. tooth.]
[Bozez. i.e., shining. Seneh. i.e., a bush or tooth.]
<03212> [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 men <06189> [uncircumcised.]
Lord .......... Lord <03068> [it may be.]
prevent <04622> [for there is no restraint.]
Where there is a promise of defense and support, the weakest, in the face of the strongest enemy, may rely upon it with the utmost confidence.
Do ....... mind ........... way <06213 03824> [Do all.]
go over <05674> [we will pass.]
say <0559> [they.]
Stay put <01826> [Tarry. Heb. Be still.]
sign <0226> [this shall be a sign.]
holes <02356> [out of the holes.]
up ....... teach ............... up <05927 03045> [Come up to us.]
Meaning, that they would cause them to repent of their audacity. This was the favourable sign which Jonathan had requested.
up ..................... up behind <05927 0310> [Come up after me.]
up <05927> [climbed up.]
down <05307> [fell.]
area .... half ... acre <04618 07704 02677> [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.
fear overwhelmed ............................... fear <02731> [there was trembling.]
bands <07843> [the spoilers.]
trembled .... ground <07264 0776> [the earth quaked.]
fear overwhelmed ............................... fear ..... God <02731 0430> [very great trembling. Heb. trembling of God.]
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.
melt <04127> [melted away.]
<01986> [beating down.]
near <05066> [Bring hither.]
The Septuagint reads [Prosagage to ephoud, hoti autos ere to ephoud en te hemera ekeine enopiou Israel.] "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 form consulting the ephod on the present occasion, and immediately hastened to make the best use he could of this astonishing victory.
<0727> [For the ark.]
panic <01995> [noise. or, tumult. Withdraw.]
marched <02199 0935> [assembled themselves. Heb. were cried together. every man's.]
Hebrews <05680> [the Hebrews.]
Probably such as they held in bondage, or who were their servants. Instead of (h„ivrim,} "the Hebrews," the LXX. evidently read {haƒvdim,} for they have [Loi douloi,] "the slaves;" but this reading is not countenanced by any other version, nor by any MS.
hidden ..... hill country <02244 02022> [hid themselves.]
battle <04421> [the battle.]
The LXX. and Vulgate add here, [kai pas ho laos en meta Saoul hos deka chiliades andron,] {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.
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
Beth Aven <01007> [Beth-aven.]
Cursed <0779> [Cursed.]
vengeance <05358> [I may be.]
army <0776> [all they.]
honey <01706> [honey.]
This was wild honey, which to this day abounds in Judea; and bursting from the comb, runs down the hollow trees, rocks, etc.
army ................... army <05971> [the people.]
eyes <05869> [his eyes.]
Cursed <0779> [Cursed.]
tired <05774> [faint. or, weary.]
father <01> [My father.]
See <07200> [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.
greater <07235> [had there.]
Micmash <04363> [from Michmash.]
The distance, Calmet states to be three or four leagues.
Aijalon <0357> [Aijalon.]
<05860> [flew.]
army ..................... army <05971> [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.
ate <0398> [did eat.]
covenant <0898> [transgressed. or, dealt treacherously.]
<03027> [with him. Heb. in his hand.]
built .............. built <01129> [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 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.
first <02490> [the same, etc. Heb. that altar he began to build unto the]
Lord.
go down <03381> [Let us go.]
leave <07604> [let us not leave.]
said ........................... replied .......... priest said <0559 03548> [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.
down <03381> [Shall I go.]
answer <06030> [he answered.]
come <05066> [Draw ye near.]
leaders <06438> [chief. Heb. corners.]
Do .... think <06213 05869> [Do what seemeth.]
Saul ............................................... Saul <07586> [Therefore.]
Both the Septuagint and Vulgate add much to this verse: [Kai eipe Saoul, Kyrie Lo Theos Israel, ti Loti ouk apekrithes to doulo sou semeron? ei en emoi e en lonathan to Luio mou he adikia, Kyrie ho Theos Israel dos delous kai ean tade eipe, dos de to lao sou Israel, dos de osioteta, k.t.l.] {Et dixit Saul ad Dominum Deum Israel; Domine Deus Israel da indicium: quid est qu•d non responderis servo tuo hodie? Si in me, aut in Jonatha filio meo est iniquitas h‘c, da ostensionem: aut si h‘c 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 has 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.]
<03051 08549> [Give a perfect lot. or, Shew the innocent.]
Saul ............................................... Saul <07586> [And Saul.]
exonerated <03318> [escaped. Heb. went forth.]
Tell ...... done ... told <05046 06213> [Tell me.]
taste <02938> [I did but.]
God <0430> [God.]
die <04191> [thou shalt.]
acted <06213> [who hath.]
hair <08185> [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.
acted <06213> [he hath.]
army .................................................... army <05971> [the people.]
Saul <07586> [Saul.]
fought <03898> [fought.]
Ammonites <05983> [Ammon.]
Zobah <06678> [Zobah.]
fought bravely <02428 06213> [gathered an host. or, wrought mightily. smote.]
Jonathan <03129> [Jonathan.]
older one ... named <01067 08034> [name of the first-born.]
name ............ name .... general <08269 08034> [the name of the captain.]
Abner <074> [Abner. Heb. Abiner.]
Kish <07027> [Kish.]
Saul .... Saul <07586> [when Saul.]
Lord ................. Lord <03068> [A.M. 2925. B.C. 1079. An. Ex. Is. 412. The Lord.]
listen <08085> [hearken.]
carefully <06485> [I remember.]
Amalekites <06002> [Amalek.]
<03212> [Now go.]
The Amalekites, a people of Arabia Petr‘a, 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.
Destroy <02763> [utterly destroy.]
death <04191> [slay.]
ox sheep <07794 07716> [ox and sheep.]
Telaim <02923> [Telaim.]
[Telem. two.]
ambush <07378> [laid wait. or, fought.]
Kenites ..................................... Kenites <07017> [the Kenites.]
leave .................................. withdrew <03212 05493> [Go, depart.]
<06213> [ye shewed.]
struck down <05221> [smote.]
Havilah <02341> [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.
Shur <07793> [Shur.]
Agag <090> [Agag.]
Agag's <02763> [utterly.]
best <04315> [the best.]
fatlings <04932> [the fatlings. or, the second sort.]
regret ..... made <05162 04427> [repenteth me.]
turned <07725> [turned.]
done <06965> [hath not performed.]
angry <02734> [it grieved.]
cried <02199> [he cried.]
Carmel <03760> [Carmel.]
setting up <05324> [he set him.]
monument <03027> [a place. Yad.]
Literally as the LXX. render [cheira,] 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."
bless <01288> [Blessed.]
done <06965> [I have performed.]
sound ......... sound <06963> [What meaneth.]
army <05971> [for.]
sacrifice <02076> [to.]
minute <07503> [Stay.]
insignificant <06996> [When thou.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
sinful <02400> [the sinners.]
destroyed <03615> [they be consumed. Heb. they consume them.]
rushed .... plunder <05860 07998> [fly upon.]
done .... wrong <07451 06213> [didst evil.]
obeyed <08085> [Yea.]
brought <0935> [have brought.]
army <05971> [the people.]
Lord <03068> [Hath the Lord.]
obedience ... obedience <08085> [obey.]
rebellion <04805> [rebellion.]
divination <07081> [witchcraft. Heb. divination.]
presumption <06484> [stubbornness.]
rejected ......... rejected <03988> [thou hast rejected.]
sinned <02398> [I have sinned.]
afraid <03372> [I feared.]
followed <08085> [obeyed.]
forgive <05375> [pardon.]
back <07725> [I will not.]
rejected ........... rejected <03988> [for thou.]
Lord <03068> [The Lord.]
given <05414> [hath given.]
colleagues <07453> [a neighbour.]
Preeminent One <05331> [Strength. or, Eternity, or, Victory.]
word <08266> [will not lie.]
honor ..... elders <03513 02205> [honour me now.]
worship <07812> [that I may worship.]
said ..... Agag ...... Agag ...... thinking ... himself <0559 090> [Agag said.]
sword <02719> [As thy sword.]
Samuel ..................... Samuel <08050> [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.}
hacked ... to pieces <08158> [hewed.]
Gibeah <01390> [Gibeah.]
Samuel ....... Samuel <08050> [Samuel.]
Samuel ....... Samuel .... mourn <08050 056> [Samuel mourned.]
regretted <05162> [repented.]
