1 Samuel · Chapter 14

Verse 1. Come, and let us go over] This action of Jonathan 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 likely that he was led to this by a Divine influence.

The armour-bearer is the origin of what we call esquire, from escu, old French, a shield; armiger is the Latin, from arma, weapons, and gero, I bear. In the times of chivalry, the armiger, or esquire, was the servant of the knight who went after him, and carried his lance, shield, &c. It is now (strange to tell!) a title of honour.

JONATHAN’S ADVENTURE, AND THE ROUT OF THE PHILISTINES, 1-23.

1. The young man that bare his armour — An officer much like the aid-de-camp in modern service, and usually a favourite of the commander. 1 Samuel 16:21. He told not his father — For probably his father would have opposed such a daring enterprise.

V. 2. Tarried-In the outworks of the city where he had entrenched himself to observe the motion of the Philistines. In-Or, towards Migron, which was near Gibeah.

Verse 2. Under a pomegranate tree] Under Rimmon, which not only signifies a pomegranate tree, but also a strong rock, in which six hundred Benjamites took shelter, Judges 20:45. Probably it was in this very rock that Saul and his six hundred men now lay hidden.

Verse 2. Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah — In the outworks of the city, where he had intrenched himself to observe the motions of the Philistines. Under a pomegranate-tree — A grove of pomegranate-trees. Which is in (or toward) Migron — A place near Gibeah.

Verse 2. Under a pomegranate tree. ˆmr Rimmon, a rock in the tribe of Judah. Joshua 15:32. Judges 20:47. This reading agrees best with the position of Saul’s army, in a place of safety.

2. The uttermost part of Gibeah — The outskirts of the city, or, as Keil supposes; the extreme northern end. Migron — This place must have been in the immediate vicinity of Gibeah, but its exact position is unknown. The Migron of Isaiah 10:28 seems to have been north of the Wady es-Suweinit, and, if so, must have been a different place from this.

V. 3. Ahiah-The same who is called Abimelech, 1 Samuel 22:9,11,20, the high-priest, who was here to attend upon the ark which was brought thither, ver. 18. Ephod-The high-priest’s ephod, wherein the Urim and Thummim was.

Verse 3. Ahiah, the son of Ahitub] Phinehas, son of Eli the high priests had two sons, Ahitub and I-chabod; the latter was born when the ark was taken, and his mother died immediately after. Ahiah is also called Ahimelech, 1 Samuel 22:9.

Wearing an ephod.] That is, performing the functions of the high priest. This man does not appear to have been with Saul when he offered the sacrifices, 1 Samuel 13:9, &c.

Verse 3. And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub — The high-priest, who was here to attend upon the ark, which had been brought hither, verse 18. The son of Eli, the Lord’s priest in Shiloh — These last words manifestly belong not to Ahiah, but to Eli, who was high-priest while the tabernacle was at Shiloh. Wearing an ephod — Or rather, the ephod; that is, the high-priest’s ephod, comprehending the breast-plate with the Urim and Thummim, which were inseparable from it. These Ahiah, being high-priest, now wore. Saul, being now in great distress, probably had sent for Ahiah, that he might consult God for him, as there should be occasion.

Ver. 3. Ahiah. Ahimelech, whom Saul slew with all the priests of Nob: 1 Samuel 22:9.

3. Ahiah — Here we meet again with the descendants of Eli. See note on 1 Samuel 2:33. It is generally supposed, and quite probable, that Ahiah is only a different name for Ahimelech, mentioned 1 Samuel 22:9; still, it is possible that Ahimelech may have been his brother, and successor in the office of high priest. The presence of the priest with Saul is here mentioned in anticipation of what is to be stated in verses 18, 19, 36, 37.

V. 4. Passages-Two passages, both which Jonathan must cross, to go to the Philistines, between which the following rocks lay, but the words may be rendered, in the middle of the passage, the plural number being put for the singular. Rock-Which is not to be understood, as if in this passage one rock was on the right hand, and the other on the left; for so he might have gone between both: and there was no need of climbing up to them. But the meaning is, that the tooth (or prominency) of one rock, (as it is in the Hebrew) was on the side; that is northward, looking towards Michmash (the garrison of the Philistines) and the tooth of the other rock was on the other side; that is, southward, looking towards Gibeah, (where Saul’s camp lay): and Jonathan was forced to climb over these two rocks, because the common ways from one town to the other were obstructed.

Verse 4. The name of the one was Bozez] Slippery; and the name of the other Seneh, treading down.-Targum.

Verse 4. Between the passages — Two passages, both which Jonathan must cross, to go to the Philistines, and between which the following rocks lay; but the words may be rendered, in the middle of the passage; the plural number being put for the singular. There was a sharp rock — Which is not to be understood, as if in this passage one rock was on the right hand, and the other on the left; for so he might have gone between both, and there was no need of climbing up to them. But the meaning is, that the tooth (or prominence) of one rock (as it is in the Hebrew) was on the one side; that is, northward, looking toward Michmash, (the garrison of the Philistines,) and the tooth of the other rock was on the other side; that is, southward, looking toward Gibeah, (where Saul’s camp lay,) and Jonathan was forced to climb over these two rocks, because the common ways from one town to the other were obstructed.

4. Bozez and… Seneh — These rocks were in the valley that lay between Geba and Michmash. The statements of this verse and the next are well explained by Robinson, (Bib. Res., vol. i, p. 441:) “In the valley, just at the left of where we crossed, are two hills of a conical, or, rather, a spherical form, having steep, rocky sides, with small wadies running up behind each, so as almost to isolate them. One is on the side towards Jeba, and the other towards Mukhmas. These would seem to be the two rocks mentioned in connexion with Jonathan’s adventure: they are not, indeed, so ‘sharp’ as the language of Scripture would seem to imply, but they are the only rocks of the kind in this vicinity. The northern one is connected towards the west with an eminence still more distinctly isolated.”

5. Gibeah — Rather, Geba. See note on 1 Samuel 13:16.

V. 6. Uncircumcised-So he calls them, to strengthen his faith by this consideration, that his enemies were enemies to God; whereas he was circumcised, and therefore in covenant with God, who was both able, and engaged to assist his people. It way be-He speaks doubtfully: for tho’ he felt himself stirred up by God to this exploit, and was assured that God would deliver his people; yet he was not certain that he would do it at this time, and in this way. Work-Great and wonderful things.

Verse 6. Let us go over] Moved, doubtless, by a Divine impulse. There is no restraint to the Lord] This is a fine sentiment; and where there is a promise of defense and support, the weakest, in the face of the strongest enemy, may rely on it with the utmost confidence.

Verse 6. The garrison of these uncircumcised — So he calls them, to strengthen his faith by this consideration, that his enemies were enemies to God; whereas he was circumcised, and therefore in covenant with God, who was both able and engaged to assist his people. It may be — He speaks doubtfully; for though he felt himself stirred up by God to this exploit, and was assured that God would deliver his people, yet he was not certain that he would do it at this time, and in this way. That the Lord will work — Great and wonderful things. There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or few — From this it appears that Jonathan had a true faith in the power of God, being fully persuaded that he could do every thing, and needed not the help or co-operation of natural causes.

Ver. 6. Let us go over to the garrison. bxm Matzab, a station, an out-post of the army. Hence Mythe, near Tewkesbury, a Roman station. In the time of sore calamity, which is a time of prayer, God prompted Jonathan, like Samson, to effectuate the salvation of the nation.

6. No restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few — Jonathan was confident in the arm of Jehovah. He seems to have made this adventure a subject of prayer, as Abraham’s servant did the matter about which his master had sent him. Genesis 24:12.

Verse 7. Behold, I am with thee] I shall accompany thee whithersoever thou goest, and share all thy dangers.

JONATHAN’S ADVENTURE, AND THE ROUT OF THE PHILISTINES, 1-23.

1. The young man that bare his armour — An officer much like the aid-de-camp in modern service, and usually a favourite of the commander. 1 Samuel 16:21. He told not his father — For probably his father would have opposed such a daring enterprise.

JONATHAN’S ADVENTURE, AND THE ROUT OF THE PHILISTINES, 1-23.

1. The young man that bare his armour — An officer much like the aid-de-camp in modern service, and usually a favourite of the commander. 1 Samuel 16:21. He told not his father — For probably his father would have opposed such a daring enterprise.

Verse 9. If they say thus unto us] Jonathan had no doubt asked this as a sign from God; exactly as Eliezer the servant of Abraham did, Genesis 24:12.

9. Then we will stand still — For if they come to us they will discover our hostile intentions.

V. 10. A sign-Jonathan not being assured of the success of this exploit, desires a sign; and by the instinct of God’s Spirit, pitches upon this. Divers such motions and extraordinary impulses there were among great and good men in ancient times. Observe; God has the governing of the hearts and tongues of all men, even of those that know him not, and serves his own purposes by them, tho’ they mean not so, neither does their hearts think so.

Verse 10. This shall be a sign unto us — Jonathan, not being assured of the success of this intended exploit, desires a sign, and by the instinct of God’s Spirit pitches on this. He could upon no good ground have spoken in this manner without an impulse from God, who often suggested such thoughts and resolutions unto good men’s minds in ancient times, as we see in the example of Abraham’s servant, Genesis 24:14, &c. God, we must observe, has the governing of the hearts and tongues of all men, even of those that know him not, and serves his own purposes by them, though they mean not so, neither do their hearts think so.

10. Come up unto us — This invitation from the men of the Philistine garrison they would regard as a sign from Jehovah — a prophecy of success. “It was not tempting God for Jonathan to fix upon such a sign by which to determine the success of his enterprise, for he did it in the exercise of his calling, when fighting not for personal objects, but for the kingdom of God, which the uncircumcised were threatening to annihilate. He did it in the most confident belief that the Lord would deliver and preserve his people; and such faith as this God would not put to shame.” — Keil.

Verses 11, 12. Both of them discovered themselves — At the bottom of the rocks. Come up to us, &c. — A speech of contempt and derision. The Lord hath delivered them, &c. — Jonathan, hearing those of the garrison make use of the very words which he had fixed on as a sign of victory, immediately concluded that God had influenced their minds and tongues, and thereby caused them to use the words, and would certainly render his designed attempt successful. And he piously and modestly ascribes the success, which he now foresees, to God only. And he does not say, into our hand, but into the hand of Israel; for he sought not his own glory, but the public good. His faith being thus strengthened, nothing can stand against him: he climbs the rock upon all four, though he had nothing to cover him, none to second him, nor any probability of any thing but death before him.

JONATHAN’S ADVENTURE, AND THE ROUT OF THE PHILISTINES, 1-23.

1. The young man that bare his armour — An officer much like the aid-de-camp in modern service, and usually a favourite of the commander. 1 Samuel 16:21. He told not his father — For probably his father would have opposed such a daring enterprise.

V. 12. Come up, &c.-A speech of contempt and derision. The Lord-He piously and modestly ascribes the success which he now foresees, to God only. And he does not say, into our hand, but into the hand of Israel; for he fought not his own glory, but the public good. His faith being thus strengthened, nothing can stand against him: he climbs the rock upon all four, though he had nothing to cover him, none to second him, but his servant, nor any probability of any thing but death before him.

Verse 12. Come up to us, and we will show you a thing.] This was the favourable sign which Jonathan had requested. The Philistines seem to have meant, Come, and we will show you how well fortified we are, and how able to quell all the attacks of your countrymen.

Verses 11, 12. Both of them discovered themselves — At the bottom of the rocks. Come up to us, &c. — A speech of contempt and derision. The Lord hath delivered them, &c. — Jonathan, hearing those of the garrison make use of the very words which he had fixed on as a sign of victory, immediately concluded that God had influenced their minds and tongues, and thereby caused them to use the words, and would certainly render his designed attempt successful. And he piously and modestly ascribes the success, which he now foresees, to God only. And he does not say, into our hand, but into the hand of Israel; for he sought not his own glory, but the public good. His faith being thus strengthened, nothing can stand against him: he climbs the rock upon all four, though he had nothing to cover him, none to second him, nor any probability of any thing but death before him.

12. We will show you a thing — We will make known something of importance to you. These words, like Ehud’s to the king of Moab, (Judges 3:20,) were spoken in irony, and concealed a deadly intention.

V. 13. They fell-For being endowed with extraordinary strength and courage, and having with incredible boldness killed the first they met with, it is not strange if the Philistines were both astonished and intimidated; God also struck them with a panic; and withal, infatuated their minds, and possibly, put an evil spirit among them, which in this universal confusion made them conceive that there was treachery among themselves, and therefore caused them to sheathe their swords in one anothers bowels.

Verse 13. Jonathan climbed up] It seems he had a part of the rock still to get over. When he got over he began to slay the guards, which were about twenty in number, these were of a sort of outpost or advanced guard to the garrison.

Slew after him] Jonathan knocked them down, and the armour-bearer despatched them. This seems to be the meaning.

Verse 13. They fell before Jonathan — It is probable that the garrison, after they had spoken to Jonathan and his armour-bearer, concerned themselves no further about them, so that they climbed up unperceived, and fell upon the Philistines unawares, and perhaps when they were unarmed. And being endowed with extraordinary strength and courage, and having, with incredible boldness, killed the first they met with, it is not strange if the Philistines were both astonished and intimidated; God also struck them with a panic; and withal, infatuated their minds, and possibly put an evil spirit among them, which in this universal confusion made them conceive that there was treachery among themselves, and therefore caused them to sheath their swords in one another’s bowels.

JONATHAN’S ADVENTURE, AND THE ROUT OF THE PHILISTINES, 1-23.

1. The young man that bare his armour — An officer much like the aid-de-camp in modern service, and usually a favourite of the commander. 1 Samuel 16:21. He told not his father — For probably his father would have opposed such a daring enterprise.

Verse 14. A half acre of land] The ancients measured land by the quantum which a yoke of oxen could plough in a day. The original is obscure, and is variously understood. It is probably a proverbial expression for a very small space.

Verses 14, 15. Within a half acre of land — The garrison seems to have been divided into several bands, and posted upon several craggy eminences; for this first party that Jonathan attacked seems to have been quite separate from the rest. There was a trembling in the host — That is, in the whole host which was in the field. The Philistines, hearing of this slaughter of the twenty men, undoubtedly concluded that they had been attacked by a considerable number of Israelites, which put them into a great consternation. Among all the people — That is, among all the rest of their forces, as well as those in the garrison at Michmash, and the spoilers, mentioned 1 Samuel 13:17; the report of this prodigy, and with it the terror of God, speedily passing from one to another. The Hebrew is, a trembling of God, signifying not only a very great trembling, but such as was supernatural, and came immediately from the hand of God. He that made the heart knows how to make it tremble. To complete their confusion, even the earth quaked; it shook under them, and made them fear it was just going to swallow them up. Those who will not fear the eternal God, he can make afraid of a shadow.

Ver. 14. A yoke; meaning oxen. Our Saxon fathers had much the same phrase, when they measured land by an ox-gang.

14. A half acre of land — Literally, Within about half a furrow of a yoke of land; that is, half a furrow’s length. A yoke of land is what a yoke of oxen would plough in a day. So the Latin word for acre is jugerum, from jugum, a yoke. This first slaughter made by Jonathan and his companion was, therefore, within a comparatively small space of ground.

V. 15. Field-That is, in the whole host which was in the field. All-That is, among all the rest of their forces, as well as those in the garrison at Michmash, as the spoilers, mentioned 1 Samuel 13:17, the report of this prodigy, and with it the terror of God speedily passing from one to another. Trembling-The Hebrew is, a trembling of God, signifying not only a very great trembling, but such as was supernatural, and came immediately from the hand of God. He that made the heart knows how to make it tremble. To complete their confusion, even the earth quaked; it shook under them, and made them fear it was just going to swallow them up. Those who will not fear the eternal God, he can make afraid of a shadow.

Verse 15. There was trembling in the host] They were terrified and panic-struck; the people in general round about, those in the garrison, the spoilers, and the whole country, were struck with terror; the commotion was universal and most extraordinary. The trembling of the earth is probably not to be taken literally, but as a metaphor for a great commotion in the country, though God might have interposed in an extraordinary manner, and produced a real earthquake; but their being panic-struck was sufficient to produce all the requisite confusion and dismay.

Verses 14, 15. Within a half acre of land — The garrison seems to have been divided into several bands, and posted upon several craggy eminences; for this first party that Jonathan attacked seems to have been quite separate from the rest. There was a trembling in the host — That is, in the whole host which was in the field. The Philistines, hearing of this slaughter of the twenty men, undoubtedly concluded that they had been attacked by a considerable number of Israelites, which put them into a great consternation. Among all the people — That is, among all the rest of their forces, as well as those in the garrison at Michmash, and the spoilers, mentioned 1 Samuel 13:17; the report of this prodigy, and with it the terror of God, speedily passing from one to another. The Hebrew is, a trembling of God, signifying not only a very great trembling, but such as was supernatural, and came immediately from the hand of God. He that made the heart knows how to make it tremble. To complete their confusion, even the earth quaked; it shook under them, and made them fear it was just going to swallow them up. Those who will not fear the eternal God, he can make afraid of a shadow.

15. Trembling — Fear, consternation, and horror. The earth quaked — Because of the vast multitude rushing to and fro, and beating one another down. Perhaps, also, an earthquake. A very great trembling — Rather, as the margin, a trembling of God; a supernatural terror infused by God into the hearts of the Philistines.

Verse 16. The watchmen of Saul] Those who were sent out as scouts to observe the motions of the army.

Melted away] There was no order in the Philistine camp, and the people were dispersing in all directions. The Vulgate has, Et ecce multitudo prostrata, “And behold the multitude were prostrate;” many lay dead upon the field, partly by the sword of Jonathan and his armour-bearer, and partly by the swords of each other, 1 Samuel 14:20.

Verses 16, 17. Behold the multitude melted away — Were discomfited and scattered; so that fewer and fewer were seen in a company together. They went on beating down one another — Not being able in this confusion to distinguish their friends from their enemies. Then said Saul, Number now, &c. — Saul, upon the report of the watchmen concerning the seeming confusion in the army of the Philistines, concluded that some of his people had gone out unknown, and attacked them. He therefore ordered them to be numbered, to see who were missing.

16. The watchmen of Saul — Who were stationed where they could observe all the movements of the Philistine army. In Gibeah — We are not to suppose that all the watchmen here referred to were stationed in one spot, but that they were placed on different heights north and northeast of Gibeah; and, being sent out from Saul’s headquarters, they there made their reports. So we need not alter the reading Gibeah. The multitude melted away — Dissolved, and perished by killing one another. Their swords were turned against each other, (verse 20,) for Jehovah interposed as in the days of Gideon, (Judges 7:22,) and set his seal to the faith of the youthful hero Jonathan. They went on beating down one another — This, probably, gives the best sense of the Hebrew, µlhw Ëlyw, and it (that is, the multitude) went and smote. Gesenius renders: “They went on and were scattered, that is, dispersed themselves more and more.” Others, with the Septuagint, take µlh as an adverb, hither, and, supplying its correlate, render, went hither and thither.

Verse 17. Number now] Saul perceived that the Philistines were routed, but could not tell by what means; supposing that it must be by some of his own troops, he called a muster to see who and how many were absent.

Verses 16, 17. Behold the multitude melted away — Were discomfited and scattered; so that fewer and fewer were seen in a company together. They went on beating down one another — Not being able in this confusion to distinguish their friends from their enemies. Then said Saul, Number now, &c. — Saul, upon the report of the watchmen concerning the seeming confusion in the army of the Philistines, concluded that some of his people had gone out unknown, and attacked them. He therefore ordered them to be numbered, to see who were missing.

JONATHAN’S ADVENTURE, AND THE ROUT OF THE PHILISTINES, 1-23.

1. The young man that bare his armour — An officer much like the aid-de-camp in modern service, and usually a favourite of the commander. 1 Samuel 16:21. He told not his father — For probably his father would have opposed such a daring enterprise.

Verse 18. Bring hither the ark of God] He wished to inquire what use he should make of the present favourable circumstances, and to proceed in the business as God should direct.

Verses 18, 19. Saul said, Bring hither the ark of God — Finding only Jonathan and his armour-bearer missing, Saul did not know what to conclude, and therefore called in all haste for Ahiah the priest, to inquire of the Lord concerning it, and in what manner he and the people with him were to act. But before the priest had performed his office, the rout and flight of the Philistines were perceived so plainly that Saul called to the priest to desist, or, as it is expressed, to withdraw his hand, as there was no occasion for further inquiry, it being plain what the matter was, and what they had to do.

Ver. 18. Bring hither the ark. The LXX, Bring hither the ephod, which is evidently the true reading, as the ark was not with Saul. The army would not go to war without the ark of Jehovah’s strength.

18. Bring hither the ark of God — In his excitement and alarm on finding Jonathan and his armourbearer gone, Saul is about to commit as grievous a blunder as did the elders of Israel in a former war with the Philistines. 1 Samuel 4:3. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel — That is, it was at Kirjath-jearim, (1 Samuel 7:1,) and in the possession of the Israelites, from whom it had not been taken since its return from the land of the Philistines. The Hebrew text larcy ynbw, and the children of Israel, gives no sense, and must be an error of the copyist for ynbl or ynbb, to or among the children of Israel. This need not be understood as meaning that the ark was with Saul’s six hundred at Gibeah, but, as explained above, in the possession of the Israelites. This seems to us the most satisfactory way of explaining this verse as it stands in the present Hebrew text. But there are grave reasons for doubting the integrity of this text, and for adopting the reading of the Septuagint, which has ephod instead of ark. The ephod, not the ark, was used for inquiring of God, and the expression, bring hither the ark, is strange in this connexion, but bring hither the ephod is common. See 1 Samuel 23:9; 30:7. The Septuagint reads: Bring hither the ephod, for he (Ahiah) bore the ephod in that day before Israel.

V. 19. Withdraw-Trouble not thyself to enquire; for I now plainly discern the matter.

Verse 19. While Saul talked unto the priest] Before he had made an end of consulting him, the increasing noise of the panic-struck Philistines called his attention; and finding there was no time to lose, he immediately collected his men and fell on them.

Verses 18, 19. Saul said, Bring hither the ark of God — Finding only Jonathan and his armour-bearer missing, Saul did not know what to conclude, and therefore called in all haste for Ahiah the priest, to inquire of the Lord concerning it, and in what manner he and the people with him were to act. But before the priest had performed his office, the rout and flight of the Philistines were perceived so plainly that Saul called to the priest to desist, or, as it is expressed, to withdraw his hand, as there was no occasion for further inquiry, it being plain what the matter was, and what they had to do.

19. While Saul talked unto the priest — The increasing noise and consternation of the enemy led Saul to countermand his order to Ahiah, and hasten on to the battle. Withdraw thine hand — Desist from doing what I have told thee. The people must not linger now to inquire of Jehovah.

Verses 20, 21. There was a very great discomfiture — Namely, in the army of the Philistines; which, it is likely, consisted of various nations, and in the confusion into which they were thrown, they fell upon one another, not distinguishing friends from enemies. The Hebrews that were with the Philistines — Having gone with their army, either by constraint, as servants, or in policy, to gain their favour and protection. They also turned to be with the Israelites — In the midst of this battle they went over to their own countrymen.

JONATHAN’S ADVENTURE, AND THE ROUT OF THE PHILISTINES, 1-23.

1. The young man that bare his armour — An officer much like the aid-de-camp in modern service, and usually a favourite of the commander. 1 Samuel 16:21. He told not his father — For probably his father would have opposed such a daring enterprise.

V. 21. Which went-Either by constraint, as servants; or in policy, to gain their favour and protection.

Verse 21. The Hebrews that were with the Philistines] We may understand such as they held in bondage, or who were their servants. Instead of Hebrews the Septuagint read, oi douloi, the slaves; from which it is evident that, instead of µyrb[ Ibrim, Hebrews, they found in their text µydb[ abadim, servants. But this reading is not countenanced by any other version, nor by any MS. yet discovered.

Verses 20, 21. There was a very great discomfiture — Namely, in the army of the Philistines; which, it is likely, consisted of various nations, and in the confusion into which they were thrown, they fell upon one another, not distinguishing friends from enemies. The Hebrews that were with the Philistines — Having gone with their army, either by constraint, as servants, or in policy, to gain their favour and protection. They also turned to be with the Israelites — In the midst of this battle they went over to their own countrymen.

Ver. 21. The Hebrews, which had been captured and made slaves, came over to their brethren as soon as they could escape.

21. The Hebrews that were with the Philistines — Those who had deserted Saul’s army and gone over to them, and those whom they had taken captive during this last invasion. Instead of Hebrews, the Septuagint reads slaves; and it is altogether probable that in their wars and conquests the Philistines had captured and made slaves of many of the Hebrews. These, seeing the confusion of the Philistines, turned against them and made the confusion worse confounded. Before that time — Before the time of this assault of Jonathan. Literally the Hebrew is, yesterday and the third day. Compare Joshua 3:4, note.

Verse 22. The men-which had hid themselves] See 1 Samuel 13:6. The Vulgate and the Septuagint add here, And there were with Saul about ten thousand men; but this is supported by no other authority.

JONATHAN’S ADVENTURE, AND THE ROUT OF THE PHILISTINES, 1-23.

1. The young man that bare his armour — An officer much like the aid-de-camp in modern service, and usually a favourite of the commander. 1 Samuel 16:21. He told not his father — For probably his father would have opposed such a daring enterprise.

V. 23. The battle-That is, the warriors who were engaged in the battle, and were pursuing the Philistines. Yet it is said, the Lord saved Israel that day: he did it by them: for without him they could do nothing. Salvation is of the Lord.

Verse 23. The Lord saved Israel that day — Their deliverance was evidently effected by him, and that by means very extraordinary, and such as could have produced no such effect without his almighty power working thereby. The battle passed over unto Beth-aven — That is, the warriors that were engaged in the battle, and were pursuing the Philistines.

23. The battle passed over unto Beth-aven — Rather, passed beyond Beth-aven. Assuming that Beth-aven lay west of Michmash, (see on 1 Samuel 13:5,) we suppose the Philistines were chased beyond this place on their way to Aijalon. Verse 31.

V. 24. Distressed-With hunger, and weakness, and faintness, and all by reason of the following oath. Avenged-As Saul’s intention was good, so the matter of the obligation was not simply unlawful, if it had not been so rigorous in excluding all food, and in obliging the people to it under pain of an accursed death, which was a punishment far exceeding the fault.

Verse 24. Saul had adjured the people] He was afraid, if they waited to refresh themselves, the Philistines would escape out of their hands, and therefore he made the taking any food till sunset a capital crime. This was the very means of defeating his own intention; for as the people were exhausted for want of food, they could not continue the pursuit of their enemies: had it not been for this foolish adjuration, there had been a greater slaughter of the Philistines, 1 Samuel 14:30.

Verse 24. The men of Israel were distressed that day — With hunger, and weakness, and faintness, and all by reason of the following rash and inconsiderate oath, whereby Saul had foolishly adjured them, and to which, it is probable, they had consented. Saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening — Saul’s intention in putting this oath was undoubtedly to save time, lest the Philistines should gain ground of them in their flight. But the event showed it was a false policy; for the people were so faint and weak for want of food, that they were less able to follow and slay the Philistines than if they had stopped to take a moderate refreshment. That I may be avenged of mine enemies — As Saul’s intention was good, so the matter of the obligation was not simply unlawful, if it had not been so rigorous in excluding all food, and in obliging the people to it under pain of an accursed death, which was a punishment far exceeding the fault.

Ver. 24. Saul adjured the people not to taste food; whereas the more prudent Gideon had required bread of the men of Succoth for his army.

SAUL’S HASTY ADJURATION, 24-46.

Here again we meet with a display of the rash and impetuous spirit of Saul. He wished to make the most of his opportunity, and inflict the greatest possible disasters on his enemy; but his oath not only failed to accomplish this object, but even led to his own confusion when the people interfered and rescued Jonathan from his curse. Had the victors been permitted to eat freely of the spoil, they would in all probability have been able to have made the defeat of these dreaded enemies tenfold more deadly and disastrous.

24. Were distressed — Fatigued; tired out by the arduous fighting. For Saul had adjured the people — This rendering implies that Saul had made his adjuration before the battle; but in the Hebrew the letter translated for is the conjunction and, (w) and indicates that Saul made the adjuration after he saw the distress of the people. He perceived that his men were faint, but feared that any delay might turn the tide of battle.

Verse 25. There was honey upon the ground] There were many wild bees in that country, and Judea is expressly said to be a land flowing with milk and honey.

Verse 25. All they of the land — The six hundred that were with Saul, and who were now engaged in the pursuit of the Philistines, are chiefly intended here. Many others, however, from different parts of the neighbouring country, had begun to flock in, and join them as soon as they understood that their enemies fled. There was honey upon the ground — Which had dropped, as was usual, from the hollow trees, or the clefts of rocks, where bees were wont to make their combs in that country, as they also use to do in many others, and even upon the very ground.

SAUL’S HASTY ADJURATION, 24-46.

Here again we meet with a display of the rash and impetuous spirit of Saul. He wished to make the most of his opportunity, and inflict the greatest possible disasters on his enemy; but his oath not only failed to accomplish this object, but even led to his own confusion when the people interfered and rescued Jonathan from his curse. Had the victors been permitted to eat freely of the spoil, they would in all probability have been able to have made the defeat of these dreaded enemies tenfold more deadly and disastrous.

24. Were distressed — Fatigued; tired out by the arduous fighting. For Saul had adjured the people — This rendering implies that Saul had made his adjuration before the battle; but in the Hebrew the letter translated for is the conjunction and, (w) and indicates that Saul made the adjuration after he saw the distress of the people. He perceived that his men were faint, but feared that any delay might turn the tide of battle.

V. 26. Honey-Bees often make their hives in the trunks of trees, or clefts of rocks, or holes of the earth; and this in divers countries, but eminently in Canaan.

Verse 26. The honey dropped] It seems to have dropped from the trees on the ground. Honey dews, as they are called, are not uncommon in most countries; and this appears to have been something of this kind. I have seen honey in considerable quantity on the trees and long grass in the fields, and have often eaten of it.

Ver. 26. The honey dropped from the hollow of trees, in that land of milk and honey, through the great heat of the weather. Honey-dews in excessively hot days will drop from the leaves of oaks, &c.; after which the leaf is apt to curl and decay.

26. The honey dropped — Kitto quotes Mr. Roberts as saying: “Bees in the East are not, as in England, kept in hives; they are all in a wild state. The forests literally flow with honey; large combs may be seen hanging in the trees as you pass along, full of honey.” Dr. Thomson says: “I have explored densely wooded gorges in Hermon and in southern Lebanon where wild bees are still found both in trees and in the clefts of the rocks.”

V. 27. Enlightened-He was refreshed, and recovered his lost spirits. This cleared his sight, which was grown dim by hunger and faintness.

Verse 27. His eyes were enlightened.] Hunger and fatigue affect and dim the sight; on taking food, this affection is immediately removed. This most people know to be a fact.

Verses 27, 28. His eyes were enlightened — He was refreshed, and recovered his lost spirits. This cleared his sight, which was grown dim by hunger and faintness. Then answered one of the people — One of them that came with Saul, whose forces were now united with Jonathan’s.

27. His eyes were enlightened — Languor and faintness of the body show themselves in the eye, and this was the case with Jonathan and the people. But this refreshing taste of wild honey reinvigorated Jonathan, and caused his eyes to sparkle with returning strength. There is some confusion here in the pointed Hebrew text. The Keri, after the analogy of wra in verse 29, and with many codices, and the Syriac, Arabic, Chaldee, and Vulgate, read hnrat, from rwa, to become bright. But if we adhere to the Kethib we should change the pointing thus — hnart. In either case the meaning is substantially the same.

V. 28. People-They that came with Saul, whose forces were now united with Jonathan’s.

Verses 27, 28. His eyes were enlightened — He was refreshed, and recovered his lost spirits. This cleared his sight, which was grown dim by hunger and faintness. Then answered one of the people — One of them that came with Saul, whose forces were now united with Jonathan’s.

SAUL’S HASTY ADJURATION, 24-46.

Here again we meet with a display of the rash and impetuous spirit of Saul. He wished to make the most of his opportunity, and inflict the greatest possible disasters on his enemy; but his oath not only failed to accomplish this object, but even led to his own confusion when the people interfered and rescued Jonathan from his curse. Had the victors been permitted to eat freely of the spoil, they would in all probability have been able to have made the defeat of these dreaded enemies tenfold more deadly and disastrous.

24. Were distressed — Fatigued; tired out by the arduous fighting. For Saul had adjured the people — This rendering implies that Saul had made his adjuration before the battle; but in the Hebrew the letter translated for is the conjunction and, (w) and indicates that Saul made the adjuration after he saw the distress of the people. He perceived that his men were faint, but feared that any delay might turn the tide of battle.

29. My father hath troubled the land — Jonathan is quick to see the rashness and folly of his father’s oath, and to point out its injury to the Hebrews’ cause.

Verse 30. How much more if the people had eaten freely — They would have been able to pursue them more swiftly, and to have done greater execution upon them, than they could when they were faint. Thus men, by their rashness, hinder what they most desire.

SAUL’S HASTY ADJURATION, 24-46.

Here again we meet with a display of the rash and impetuous spirit of Saul. He wished to make the most of his opportunity, and inflict the greatest possible disasters on his enemy; but his oath not only failed to accomplish this object, but even led to his own confusion when the people interfered and rescued Jonathan from his curse. Had the victors been permitted to eat freely of the spoil, they would in all probability have been able to have made the defeat of these dreaded enemies tenfold more deadly and disastrous.

24. Were distressed — Fatigued; tired out by the arduous fighting. For Saul had adjured the people — This rendering implies that Saul had made his adjuration before the battle; but in the Hebrew the letter translated for is the conjunction and, (w) and indicates that Saul made the adjuration after he saw the distress of the people. He perceived that his men were faint, but feared that any delay might turn the tide of battle.

Verse 31. They smote the Philistines-from Mishmash to Aijalon] The distance Calmet states to be three or four leagues.

31. From Michmash to Aijalon — A distance of fifteen miles or more. Aijalon, the modern Yalo, was situated on the south side of a beautiful valley, a little to the southwest of the two Beth-horons, and is famous for its association with Joshua’s great battle at Gibeon and Beth-horon. Joshua 10:12.

V. 32. Slew-At evening, when the time prefixed by Saul was expired. With blood-Not having patience to tarry ‘till the blood was perfectly gone out of them, as they should have done. So they who made conscience of the king’s commandment for fear of the curse, make no scruple of transgressing God’s command.

Verse 32. The people did eat them with the blood.] They were faint through hunger, and did not take time to bleed the cattle on which they fed. This was another bad effect of Saul’s rash adjuration.

Verse 32. The people flew on the spoil — Like ravenous birds. They were so faint and hungry that in the evening, when the pursuit was given over, they seized upon and devoured what was eatable of the spoil, and had not patience to wait the killing and draining of the blood from the beasts, in the manner it ought to have been done according to the law. But did eat them with (or rather in) the blood — Thus they who made conscience of obeying the king’s commandment, for fear of the curse, made no scruple of transgressing God’s command.

32. The people flew upon the spoil, and… did eat… with the blood — This was another unfortunate result of Saul’s hasty oath. So voracious did the people become by the evening time that, in their haste to satisfy their hunger, they waited not for proper dressing and cooking, but ate the sheep and oxen with the blood, thus violating an oft-repeated commandment of the law. See marginal references. The reading of the Keri c[yw, from cw[, or cy[, to fly upon, after the analogy of 1 Samuel 15:19, is to be preferred before c[yw of the Kethib, for hc[ gives in this connexion, no good sense.

V. 33. Transgressed-He sees their fault, but not his own, in giving the occasion of it.

Verse 33. Roll a great stone unto me] Probably this means that they should set up an altar to the Lord, on which the animals might be properly slain, and the blood poured out upon the earth; and a large stone was erected for an altar.

Verses 33, 34. Ye have transgressed — He sees their fault, but not his own, in giving the occasion of it. Disperse yourselves among the people — Saul sends out his officers to charge the people that, when any more beasts were to be killed by or for any of them, they should bring them to a particular place, where he had fixed a stone for the purpose, and slay them under the inspection of proper officers.

33. Roll a great stone unto me — For the purpose of building an altar, whereon the peace offerings of sheep and oxen might be properly slain.

Verses 33, 34. Ye have transgressed — He sees their fault, but not his own, in giving the occasion of it. Disperse yourselves among the people — Saul sends out his officers to charge the people that, when any more beasts were to be killed by or for any of them, they should bring them to a particular place, where he had fixed a stone for the purpose, and slay them under the inspection of proper officers.

SAUL’S HASTY ADJURATION, 24-46.

Here again we meet with a display of the rash and impetuous spirit of Saul. He wished to make the most of his opportunity, and inflict the greatest possible disasters on his enemy; but his oath not only failed to accomplish this object, but even led to his own confusion when the people interfered and rescued Jonathan from his curse. Had the victors been permitted to eat freely of the spoil, they would in all probability have been able to have made the defeat of these dreaded enemies tenfold more deadly and disastrous.

24. Were distressed — Fatigued; tired out by the arduous fighting. For Saul had adjured the people — This rendering implies that Saul had made his adjuration before the battle; but in the Hebrew the letter translated for is the conjunction and, (w) and indicates that Saul made the adjuration after he saw the distress of the people. He perceived that his men were faint, but feared that any delay might turn the tide of battle.

Verse 35. Saul built an altar] And this we are informed was the first he had built; Samuel, as prophet had hitherto erected the altars, and Saul thought he had sufficient authority to erect one himself without the prophet, as he once offered sacrifice without him.

Ver. 35. Saul built an altar, as priests and princes had ever done in all parts of the earth. What time he lost whilst the highest duties await his arm! He should have asked counsel when first engaged in this war.

35. The same was the first altar that he built — Literally, It he began to build an altar to Jehovah. Compare margin. This, means, according to Grotius, that Saul commenced the building of the altar by laying the first stone himself. Hervey thinks he began to build an altar, but, in his haste to pursue the Philistines, did not finish it. But the previous sentence states that he did build the altar, and the previous verse implies that sacrifices were offered on it. The more probable meaning is the one conveyed by our version — this was the first altar, or the beginning of Saul’s altar building. The altar of the burnt offerings at Gilgal (1 Samuel 13:9) had been erected by others. It is very supposable and probable that Saul built many other altars to Jehovah.

V. 36. Draw near-To the ark, in order to enquire of God.

Verse 36. Then said the priest] It is evident that Ahiah doubted the propriety of pursuing the Philistines that night; and as a reverse of fortune might be ruinous after such a victory, he wished to have specific directions from the Lord.

Verses 36, 37. Let us go down after the Philistines by night — Having thus refreshed themselves in the evening, Saul proposes to them to renew the pursuit, hoping to cut off the whole army of the Philistines when they were asleep in the night. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God — To the ark, in order to inquire of God. It is probable he stood before the altar, and wished to remind them that it was dangerous to undertake any thing without God’s direction. He answered him not that day — Though the priest, it seems, often asked an answer, yet he received none.

36. Let us draw near hither unto God — Ahiah, the priest, doubted the propriety of the thing proposed by Saul, and would therefore seek counsel of God. Hither unto God does not imply that the ark was there among them, but has reference to the altar on which the sacrifices had been offered, and also to the urim and thummin on the breastplate of the priest.

Verse 37. He answered him not that day.] Why was this answer delayed? Surely Jonathan’s eating the honey was no sin. This could not have excited God’s displeasure. And yet the lot found out Jonathan! But did this argue that he had incurred guilt in the sight of God? I answer: It did not; for Jonathan was delivered, by the authority of the people, from his father’s rash curse; no propitiation is offered for his supposed transgression to induce God to pardon it; nor do we find any displeasure of God manifested on the occasion. See below.

Verses 36, 37. Let us go down after the Philistines by night — Having thus refreshed themselves in the evening, Saul proposes to them to renew the pursuit, hoping to cut off the whole army of the Philistines when they were asleep in the night. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God — To the ark, in order to inquire of God. It is probable he stood before the altar, and wished to remind them that it was dangerous to undertake any thing without God’s direction. He answered him not that day — Though the priest, it seems, often asked an answer, yet he received none.

37. Saul asked counsel of God — By urim and thummin. He answered him not — Thereby indicating that he or the people had in some way incurred the Divine displeasure.

38. Draw ye near hither — For the purpose of casting lots. Chief of the people — twnp, corners, applied to princes and chief men as corner-stones or pillars of the state. Saul supposed that the blame must lie on some prominent man of his army, and he vowed his death, even should it be Jonathan.

V. 39. Answered-None of those who saw Jonathan eating, informed against him; because they were satisfied that his ignorance excused him; and from their great love to Jonathan, whom they would not expose to death for so small an offence.

Verse 39. As the Lord liveth — Here again we have a proof of Saul’s rashness and folly, and of the violence and impetuosity of his temper. As he had before adjured the people, and exposed them to an execration uttered most inconsiderately; so now he lays himself under an execration to put to death, as it turned out, even his son Jonathan, who had been the first and almost sole instrument of effecting this glorious deliverance for Israel, and that for no other fault than tasting a little honey, without knowing that he had thereby exposed himself to his father’s curse. But not a man answered him — None of those that saw Jonathan eating informed against him; because they were satisfied that his ignorance excused him; and from their great love to Jonathan, whom they would not expose to death for so small an offence.

Ver. 39. He shall surely die, though perfectly ignorant, and consequently innocent; for he had broken no known law. Rash vows should rarely be kept. This vow greatly lowers the character of Saul.

SAUL’S HASTY ADJURATION, 24-46.

Here again we meet with a display of the rash and impetuous spirit of Saul. He wished to make the most of his opportunity, and inflict the greatest possible disasters on his enemy; but his oath not only failed to accomplish this object, but even led to his own confusion when the people interfered and rescued Jonathan from his curse. Had the victors been permitted to eat freely of the spoil, they would in all probability have been able to have made the defeat of these dreaded enemies tenfold more deadly and disastrous.

24. Were distressed — Fatigued; tired out by the arduous fighting. For Saul had adjured the people — This rendering implies that Saul had made his adjuration before the battle; but in the Hebrew the letter translated for is the conjunction and, (w) and indicates that Saul made the adjuration after he saw the distress of the people. He perceived that his men were faint, but feared that any delay might turn the tide of battle.

SAUL’S HASTY ADJURATION, 24-46.

Here again we meet with a display of the rash and impetuous spirit of Saul. He wished to make the most of his opportunity, and inflict the greatest possible disasters on his enemy; but his oath not only failed to accomplish this object, but even led to his own confusion when the people interfered and rescued Jonathan from his curse. Had the victors been permitted to eat freely of the spoil, they would in all probability have been able to have made the defeat of these dreaded enemies tenfold more deadly and disastrous.

24. Were distressed — Fatigued; tired out by the arduous fighting. For Saul had adjured the people — This rendering implies that Saul had made his adjuration before the battle; but in the Hebrew the letter translated for is the conjunction and, (w) and indicates that Saul made the adjuration after he saw the distress of the people. He perceived that his men were faint, but feared that any delay might turn the tide of battle.

V. 41. Perfect lot-Or, declare the perfect, or guiltless person. That is, O Lord, so guide the lot, that it may discover who is guilty in his matter, and who innocent. Escaped-They were pronounced guiltless.

Verse 41. Lord God of Israel, Give a perfect lot.] Both the Vulgate and Septuagint add much to this verse: And Saul said to the Lord God of Israel, Lord God of Israel, give judgment. Why is it that thou hast not answered thy servant to-day? If the iniquity be in me, or Jonathan my son, make it manifest. Or if this iniquity be in thy people, give sanctification.

Verses 41, 42. Give a perfect lot — Or, Declare the perfect, or guiltless person. That is, O Lord, so guide the lot, that it may discover who is guilty in this matter, and who innocent. The people escaped — They were pronounced guiltless. Jonathan was taken — God so ordered the lot; not that he approved Saul’s execration, (verse 24,) or his oath that the transgressor should die, (verse 39,) nor that he would expose Jonathan to death; but that Saul’s folly might be chastised, when he saw what danger it had brought upon his eldest and most excellent son; and that Jonathan’s innocence might be cleared.

SAUL’S HASTY ADJURATION, 24-46.

Here again we meet with a display of the rash and impetuous spirit of Saul. He wished to make the most of his opportunity, and inflict the greatest possible disasters on his enemy; but his oath not only failed to accomplish this object, but even led to his own confusion when the people interfered and rescued Jonathan from his curse. Had the victors been permitted to eat freely of the spoil, they would in all probability have been able to have made the defeat of these dreaded enemies tenfold more deadly and disastrous.

24. Were distressed — Fatigued; tired out by the arduous fighting. For Saul had adjured the people — This rendering implies that Saul had made his adjuration before the battle; but in the Hebrew the letter translated for is the conjunction and, (w) and indicates that Saul made the adjuration after he saw the distress of the people. He perceived that his men were faint, but feared that any delay might turn the tide of battle.

V. 42. Jonathan-God so ordered the lot; not that he approved Saul’s execration, ver. 24, or his oath that the transgressor should die, ver. 39, nor that he would expose Jonathan to death; but that Saul’s folly might be chastised, when he saw what danger it had brought upon his eldest and excellent son; and that Jonathan’s innocency might be cleared.

Verse 42. And Jonathan was taken.] The object of the inquiry most evidently was, “Who has gone contrary to the king’s adjuration today?” The answer to that must be JONATHAN. But was this a proof of the Divine displeasure against the man? By no means: the holy oracle told the truth, but neither that oracle nor the God who gave it fixed any blame upon Jonathan, and his own conscience acquits him. He seeks not pardon from God, because he is conscious he had not transgressed. But why did not God answer the priest that day? Because he did not think it proper to send the people by night in pursuit of the vanquished Philistines. Saul’s motive was perfectly vindictive: Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them unto the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them; that is, Let us burn, waste, destroy, and slay all before us! Was it right to indulge a disposition of this kind, which would have led to the destruction of many innocent country people, and of many Israelites who resided among the Philistines? Besides, was there not a most manifest reason in the people why God could not be among them? Multitudes of them were defiled in a very solemn manner; they had eaten the flesh with the blood; and however sacrifices might be offered to atone for this transgression of the law, they must continue unclean till the evening. Here were reasons enough why God would not go on with the people for that night.

Verses 41, 42. Give a perfect lot — Or, Declare the perfect, or guiltless person. That is, O Lord, so guide the lot, that it may discover who is guilty in this matter, and who innocent. The people escaped — They were pronounced guiltless. Jonathan was taken — God so ordered the lot; not that he approved Saul’s execration, (verse 24,) or his oath that the transgressor should die, (verse 39,) nor that he would expose Jonathan to death; but that Saul’s folly might be chastised, when he saw what danger it had brought upon his eldest and most excellent son; and that Jonathan’s innocence might be cleared.

42. Jonathan was taken — But Jonathan had not knowingly transgressed, and by the victory God had set his approving seal to the young hero’s Gideon-like faith, and Saul’s oath was rash, unwise, and without divine counsel; why, then, should the cloud of divine indignation rest upon the people, and why should the Lord God of Israel designate Jonathan as the offender? We answer, This taking of Jonathan by lot was not a designation of him as the special object of the Divine anger, nor did the people so understand it, as we see from their action in rescuing him from death. But though it convicted him of no guilt before God, it did show him to be the violator of the king’s oath; and a solemn oath, made by the anointed king of God’s chosen people, though it be hasty and unwise, must be vindicated in the eye of the nation as a thing not to be treated lightly. The taking of Jonathan led to an investigation of the whole matter of the oath, and resulted in showing that he who violated this oath was not so guilty before God as he who made it. And this result would further show that the sin of the people in eating with the blood (verse 33) was a consequence of Saul’s rash adjuration. The king himself, then, had been the cause of the trouble, and of Jehovah’s refusal to answer him that day, and with a fallen countenance and a saddened heart he returned from the pursuit of the Philistines. They who hold high positions of authority among men should be exceedingly careful how they deal with solemn oaths. In Israelitish history Saul’s rash adjuration was the last relic of the age of vows.

SAUL’S HASTY ADJURATION, 24-46.

Here again we meet with a display of the rash and impetuous spirit of Saul. He wished to make the most of his opportunity, and inflict the greatest possible disasters on his enemy; but his oath not only failed to accomplish this object, but even led to his own confusion when the people interfered and rescued Jonathan from his curse. Had the victors been permitted to eat freely of the spoil, they would in all probability have been able to have made the defeat of these dreaded enemies tenfold more deadly and disastrous.

24. Were distressed — Fatigued; tired out by the arduous fighting. For Saul had adjured the people — This rendering implies that Saul had made his adjuration before the battle; but in the Hebrew the letter translated for is the conjunction and, (w) and indicates that Saul made the adjuration after he saw the distress of the people. He perceived that his men were faint, but feared that any delay might turn the tide of battle.

V. 44. For thou, &c-We have no proof, that Saul did not act in this whole affair from a real fear of God.

Verse 44. And Saul answered-thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.] To save thy rash oath! So must John Baptist’s head be taken off at the desire of an impure woman, because a Herod had sworn to give her whatever she might request! Unfeeling brute! However, the king was JUDGE. But what said the people, who were the JURY?

Verses 44, 45. Thou shalt surely die, Jonathan — This again was most rashly spoken. Saul, however, seems to have been influenced by a real fear of God, and certainly is to be commended for having a greater regard to his oath than to his kindred and natural affection. The people said, Shall Jonathan die? — Hitherto they had expressed themselves in a way that manifested their obedience to Saul, and acquiesced in what seemed good to him. But now that Jonathan is in danger, Saul’s word is no longer a law to them; but with the utmost zeal they oppose the execution of his sentence. Who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel — Shall that life be sacrificed which was so bravely exposed for the public service, and to which we owe our lives and triumphs? No, we will never stand by and see him thus treated whom God has delighted to honour. As the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground — Saul had sworn that he should die; but they oppose their oath to his, and swear he shall not die. They did not rescue him by violence, but by reason and resolution. And Josephus says, “They offered prayers to God that he would forgive Jonathan’s sin,” and that he might be loosed from the curse. He hath wrought with God this day — It is plain the blessing and favour of God have been with him. It has been in concurrence with God that he has wrought this salvation. And God is so far from being offended with Jonathan, that he hath graciously owned him in the great services of this day. We may suppose Saul had not so perfectly forgot the relation of a father, but that he was willing enough to have Jonathan rescued, and well pleased to have that done which yet he would not do himself; and he that knows the heart of a father, knows not how to blame him.

It may be edifying to the reader, and therefore not improper to copy here, the following important observations of a late but anonymous writer, on the foregoing verses: “It may, at first sight, appear strange that the Divine Providence should so order things, by giving no answer to the high-priest, and causing the lots so to fall, that Jonathan, who appears entirely guiltless, should be brought into imminent danger of his life. If we consider this only in respect to Jonathan, it does indeed appear unaccountable; but if we take in his father Saul, it will appear to have been an act of divine wisdom. It is manifest, as well from the unnecessary and unprofitable oath that Saul here exacted from the people, as from many other passages of his life, that Saul was of a hasty, precipitate temper. What better lesson then could God give to him, and to all of such hasty, precipitate tempers, than to bring him into the grievous strait of either breaking a solemn oath or putting his own son to death? That this was the main intention of all that happened on this occasion appears evident, in that God inspired the people with such a courage and love for Jonathan, that they would not, upon any terms, permit even a hair of his head to fall to the ground. For we cannot suppose, if God had intended to punish Jonathan, as guilty of any crime, that the disposition of the people could have prevented his purposes, though they did those of Saul, which had no foundation in justice.”

SAUL’S HASTY ADJURATION, 24-46.

Here again we meet with a display of the rash and impetuous spirit of Saul. He wished to make the most of his opportunity, and inflict the greatest possible disasters on his enemy; but his oath not only failed to accomplish this object, but even led to his own confusion when the people interfered and rescued Jonathan from his curse. Had the victors been permitted to eat freely of the spoil, they would in all probability have been able to have made the defeat of these dreaded enemies tenfold more deadly and disastrous.

24. Were distressed — Fatigued; tired out by the arduous fighting. For Saul had adjured the people — This rendering implies that Saul had made his adjuration before the battle; but in the Hebrew the letter translated for is the conjunction and, (w) and indicates that Saul made the adjuration after he saw the distress of the people. He perceived that his men were faint, but feared that any delay might turn the tide of battle.

V. 45. With God-In concurrence with God, he hath wrought this salvation. God is so far from being offended with Jonathan, that he hath graciously owned him in the great service of this day.

Verse 45. And the people said] “Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid! As the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground.” Here was a righteous and impartial jury, who brought in a verdict according to the evidence: No man should die but for a breach of the law of God; but Jonathan hath not broken any law of God; therefore Jonathan should not die. And because he should not, therefore he shall not.

He hath wrought with God this day.] God has been commander-in-chief; Jonathan has acted under his directions.

So the people rescued Jonathan] And God testified no displeasure; and perhaps he permitted all this that he might correct Saul’s propensity to rashness and precipitancy.

Verses 44, 45. Thou shalt surely die, Jonathan — This again was most rashly spoken. Saul, however, seems to have been influenced by a real fear of God, and certainly is to be commended for having a greater regard to his oath than to his kindred and natural affection. The people said, Shall Jonathan die? — Hitherto they had expressed themselves in a way that manifested their obedience to Saul, and acquiesced in what seemed good to him. But now that Jonathan is in danger, Saul’s word is no longer a law to them; but with the utmost zeal they oppose the execution of his sentence. Who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel — Shall that life be sacrificed which was so bravely exposed for the public service, and to which we owe our lives and triumphs? No, we will never stand by and see him thus treated whom God has delighted to honour. As the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground — Saul had sworn that he should die; but they oppose their oath to his, and swear he shall not die. They did not rescue him by violence, but by reason and resolution. And Josephus says, “They offered prayers to God that he would forgive Jonathan’s sin,” and that he might be loosed from the curse. He hath wrought with God this day — It is plain the blessing and favour of God have been with him. It has been in concurrence with God that he has wrought this salvation. And God is so far from being offended with Jonathan, that he hath graciously owned him in the great services of this day. We may suppose Saul had not so perfectly forgot the relation of a father, but that he was willing enough to have Jonathan rescued, and well pleased to have that done which yet he would not do himself; and he that knows the heart of a father, knows not how to blame him.

It may be edifying to the reader, and therefore not improper to copy here, the following important observations of a late but anonymous writer, on the foregoing verses: “It may, at first sight, appear strange that the Divine Providence should so order things, by giving no answer to the high-priest, and causing the lots so to fall, that Jonathan, who appears entirely guiltless, should be brought into imminent danger of his life. If we consider this only in respect to Jonathan, it does indeed appear unaccountable; but if we take in his father Saul, it will appear to have been an act of divine wisdom. It is manifest, as well from the unnecessary and unprofitable oath that Saul here exacted from the people, as from many other passages of his life, that Saul was of a hasty, precipitate temper. What better lesson then could God give to him, and to all of such hasty, precipitate tempers, than to bring him into the grievous strait of either breaking a solemn oath or putting his own son to death? That this was the main intention of all that happened on this occasion appears evident, in that God inspired the people with such a courage and love for Jonathan, that they would not, upon any terms, permit even a hair of his head to fall to the ground. For we cannot suppose, if God had intended to punish Jonathan, as guilty of any crime, that the disposition of the people could have prevented his purposes, though they did those of Saul, which had no foundation in justice.”

SAUL’S HASTY ADJURATION, 24-46.

Here again we meet with a display of the rash and impetuous spirit of Saul. He wished to make the most of his opportunity, and inflict the greatest possible disasters on his enemy; but his oath not only failed to accomplish this object, but even led to his own confusion when the people interfered and rescued Jonathan from his curse. Had the victors been permitted to eat freely of the spoil, they would in all probability have been able to have made the defeat of these dreaded enemies tenfold more deadly and disastrous.

24. Were distressed — Fatigued; tired out by the arduous fighting. For Saul had adjured the people — This rendering implies that Saul had made his adjuration before the battle; but in the Hebrew the letter translated for is the conjunction and, (w) and indicates that Saul made the adjuration after he saw the distress of the people. He perceived that his men were faint, but feared that any delay might turn the tide of battle.

SAUL’S HASTY ADJURATION, 24-46.

Here again we meet with a display of the rash and impetuous spirit of Saul. He wished to make the most of his opportunity, and inflict the greatest possible disasters on his enemy; but his oath not only failed to accomplish this object, but even led to his own confusion when the people interfered and rescued Jonathan from his curse. Had the victors been permitted to eat freely of the spoil, they would in all probability have been able to have made the defeat of these dreaded enemies tenfold more deadly and disastrous.

24. Were distressed — Fatigued; tired out by the arduous fighting. For Saul had adjured the people — This rendering implies that Saul had made his adjuration before the battle; but in the Hebrew the letter translated for is the conjunction and, (w) and indicates that Saul made the adjuration after he saw the distress of the people. He perceived that his men were faint, but feared that any delay might turn the tide of battle.

V. 47. Took the kingdom-That is, resumed the administration of it, after he had in a manner lost it by the Philistines, who had almost turned him out of it.

Verse 47. So Saul took the kingdom] The Targum appears to give the meaning of this expression: “Saul prospered in his government over Israel.” And the proofs of his prosperity are immediately subjoined. Fought against all his enemies] Of the wars which are mentioned here we have no particulars; they must have endured a long time, and have been, at least in general, successful.

Verses 47, 48. Saul took the kingdom — That is, resumed the administration of it, after he had, in a manner, lost it by the Philistines, who had almost got the entire possession of it, and enslaved Israel. And fought against all his enemies on every side — He did not invade them, as may be gathered from the next verse, but repelled them, and kept them within their own limits. He gathered a host, and smote the Amalekites; which war is described at large in the next chapter.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SAUL’S WARS AND GENEALOGY, 47-52.

Several things occurred during this last Philistine invasion to weaken the people’s confidence in Saul. Nevertheless he was now established in the kingdom, and other successful battles served to strengthen his regal authority and power.

47. Against Moab — These enemies had sought to injure Israel in the days of Moses. Numbers 22. Against the children of Ammon — As described in chap. 11. Against Edom — The descendants of Esau, who had refused the Israelites a passage through their country. Numbers 20:14-21. The kings of Zobah — Zobah seems to have lain somewhere between Damascus and the Euphrates, but its exact position has not been determined. In the days of David it was ruled by a single king, named Hadadezer. 2 Samuel 8:3. Against the Philistines — Against these inveterate foes he carried on war, at intervals, all his days, (verse 52,) and at last was conquered by them. Chap. 31. He vexed them — The Hebrew word thus rendered here is the Hiphil form of the verb [vr, and has been rendered variously. Septuagint, He saved himself. Vulgate, He was victorious. So Gesenius and Furst. Luther, He executed punishment. This last is best supported by the usage of the language.

Verse 48. Smote the Amalekites.] This war is mentioned in the following chapter.

Verses 47, 48. Saul took the kingdom — That is, resumed the administration of it, after he had, in a manner, lost it by the Philistines, who had almost got the entire possession of it, and enslaved Israel. And fought against all his enemies on every side — He did not invade them, as may be gathered from the next verse, but repelled them, and kept them within their own limits. He gathered a host, and smote the Amalekites; which war is described at large in the next chapter.

48. He gathered a host — Rather, he waxed mighty. He acquired mighty influence and power by his many successful battles. Smote the Amalekites — As we read in the next chapter. But as we have detailed descriptions of the wars with Amalek, and Ammon, and the Philistines, how are we to account for the fact that the wars with Moab, Edom, and Zobah are only mentioned with a passing notice? We answer, The sacred writers seek to show us the divine as well as the human side in the history of the chosen people, and therefore they select those facts which serve this purpose best. Saul’s battles with Moab, Edom, and Zobah probably furnished no marked displays of Divine interposition, and for this reason our author paused not to describe them fully.

V. 49. Ishui-Called also Abinadab. 1 Samuel 31:2. Ishbosheth, Saul’s other son is here omitted, because he intended to mention only those of his sons who went with him into the battles here mentioned, and who were afterwards slain with him.

Verse 49. Now the sons of Saul] We do not find Ishbosheth here. Calmet says it was “because he was too young, and did not go with him to the war, for he mentions only those who were with him.” Why then mention his daughters and his wife? Did they go with him to the war?

Verse 49. And Ishui — Called also Abinadab, 1 Samuel 31:2. Ish-bosheth, Saul’s other son, is here omitted because the sacred historian intended to mention only those of Saul’s sons who went with him into the battles here recorded, and who were afterward slain with him.

49. Ishui — Supposed to be the same as Abinadab, mentioned 1 Samuel 31:2; 1 Chronicles 8:33; 9:39. Malchi-shua — This name is sometimes spelled Melchi-shua. His two daughters — Of whom we read again in chapter 18:17-28.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SAUL’S WARS AND GENEALOGY, 47-52.

Several things occurred during this last Philistine invasion to weaken the people’s confidence in Saul. Nevertheless he was now established in the kingdom, and other successful battles served to strengthen his regal authority and power.

47. Against Moab — These enemies had sought to injure Israel in the days of Moses. Numbers 22. Against the children of Ammon — As described in chap. 11. Against Edom — The descendants of Esau, who had refused the Israelites a passage through their country. Numbers 20:14-21. The kings of Zobah — Zobah seems to have lain somewhere between Damascus and the Euphrates, but its exact position has not been determined. In the days of David it was ruled by a single king, named Hadadezer. 2 Samuel 8:3. Against the Philistines — Against these inveterate foes he carried on war, at intervals, all his days, (verse 52,) and at last was conquered by them. Chap. 31. He vexed them — The Hebrew word thus rendered here is the Hiphil form of the verb [vr, and has been rendered variously. Septuagint, He saved himself. Vulgate, He was victorious. So Gesenius and Furst. Luther, He executed punishment. This last is best supported by the usage of the language.

51. Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel — From 1 Chronicles 8:33, we learn that Ner was the father of Kish; so Abner and Kish were brothers, and Abiel, represented as the father of Kish in 1 Samuel 9:1,must be understood as a more remote ancestor.

Verse 52. When Saul saw any strong man] This was very politic. He thus continued to recruit his army with strong and effective men. I SAMUEL

Verse 52. When Saul saw any strong man, he took him — That is, when he saw any one behave well in battle, or of great strength, he took him into his band to be near to him on all occasions, and to go out to battle with him.

Ver. 52. Sore war—all the days of Saul; yea, in most of the days of David also.—Strong man. Saul’s guards were the finest men that the nation could boast.

52. Sore war… all the days of Saul — This statement is given as a reason why Saul pressed into his service every strong man of mark. In this he acted the part of a prudent general.