1 Samuel 1:1--19:24
The First Book of SAMUEL, otherwise called The First Book of the KINGS 1 Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh. 4 He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah. 9 Hannah in grief prays for a child. 12 Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her. 19 Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned. 24 She presents him, according to her vow, to the Lord.
Ramathaim Zophim <07436> [Ramathaim-zophim.]
This ancient town, now called Ramla, is, according to Phocas, about thirty-six miles west of Jerusalem, and, according to modern travellers, about nine miles from Joppa and a league from Lydda, between which it is situated. It is built on a rising ground, on a rich plain, and contains about two thousand families.
[Arimathea. mount.]
Elkanah <0511> [Elkanah.]
Zuph <06689> [Zuph.]
Ephraimite <0673> [Ephrathite.]
two <08147> [two.]
Hannah ............... Hannah <02584> [but.]
<03117> [yearly. Heb. from year to year.]
worship <07812> [to worship.]
Shiloh <07887> [Shiloh.]
two <08147> [And the.]
sacrifice <02076> [offered.]
double portion <0259 0639 04490> [a worthy portion. or, a double portion.]
The Hebrew phrase, {manah achath appayim,} is correctly rendered by Gesenius, {ein Stud fur zwei personen, doppelle Portion,} "a portion for two persons, a double portion;" for {aph} in Hebrew, and [prosopon] in Greek, which literally mean a face, are used for a person.
loved <0157> [he loved.]
not enabled ... to have children <05462> [shut up.]
rival <06869> [adversary.]
upset ...... worry <03707 03708> [provoked her. Heb. angered her.]
year ... year <08141> [year.]
Whenever ... went up <01767 05927> [when she. or, from the time that she. Heb. from her going up.]
weep <01058> [why weepest.]
better <02896> [am not.]
very upset <05315 04751> [in bitterness of soul. Heb. bitter of soul.]
prayed <06419> [prayed.]
weeping uncontrollably <01058> [wept sore.]
<05087> [vowed.]
look <07200> [look.]
remembering <02142> [remember.]
child <0582 02233> [a man child. Heb. seed of men. I will give.]
Samuel, as a descendent of Levi, was the Lord's property, from twenty-five years of age till fifty; but the vow here implies that he should be consecrated to the Lord from his infancy to his death, and that he should not only act as a Levite, but as a Nazarite.
<04177> [there.]
praying <06419 07235> [continued praying. Heb. multiplied to pray.]
speaking <01696> [spake.]
drunk <07910> [she had.]
get drunk <07937> [How long.]
Put away <05493> [put away.]
lord <0113> [No, my Lord.]
stress <07186 07307> [of a sorrowful spirit. Heb. hard of spirit. poured.]
woman <01323> [a daughter.]
deep <07230> [out of.]
pain <07879> [complaint. or, meditation.]
<03212> [Go.]
God <0430> [the God.]
servant <08198> [Let thine.]
early <07925> [they rose.]
marital relations <03045> [knew.]
Lord ................... Lord <03068> [and the Lord.]
time <08622 03117> [when the time was come about. Heb. in revolution of days.]
Samuel. that is, Asked of God. Because.
bring <0935> [then.]
remain <03427> [and there.]
from then on <05704 05769> [for ever.]
Do .... think <06213 05869> [Do what.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
nursed ... son <03243 01121> [son suck.]
took ... up <05927> [A.M. 2839. B.C. 1165. An. Ex. Is. 326. she took.]
three bulls <06499 07969> [three bullocks.]
The LXX., Syriac, and Arabic, read "a bullock of three years old;" which is probably correct, as we read (ver. 25) that they slew {eth happar,} "the bullock."
house <01004> [house.]
brought <0935> [brought.]
alive <05315> [as thy soul.]
boy <05288> [For this.]
Lord <03068> [and the Lord.]
[lent him. or, returned him, whom I have obtained by petition, to the Lord.]
The word {hishilteehoo}, "I have lent him," is the {Hiphil} conjugation of {shu„l,} "he asked," (ver. 27,) and refers to the name of Samuel.
dedicate ............ dedicated <07592> [he shall be. or, he whom I have obtained by petition shall be returned. he worshipped.]
prayed <06419> [prayed.]
heart <03820> [My heart.]
horn <07161> [mine horn.]
<06310> [my mouth.]
happy <08055> [I rejoice.]
holy <06918> [none holy.]
than <01115> [none beside.]
rock <06697> [rock.]
proud <06277> [let not arrogancy. Heb. hard.]
God <0410> [a God.]
do <05949> [by him.]
bows <07198> [The bows.]
stumble <03782> [stumbled.]
well-fed <07649> [full.]
barren <06135> [the barren.]
withers away <0535> [waxed feeble.]
both kills <04191> [killeth.]
down <03381> [he bringeth.]
impoverishes .... wealthy <03423 06238> [maketh.]
humbles <08213> [bringeth.]
weak <01800> [the poor.]
seat .... princes <03427 05081> [set them.]
foundations <04690> [the pillars.]
watches over <08104> [will keep.]
holy ones <02623> [his saints.]
speechless <01826> [be silent.]
strength <03581> [by strength.]
adversaries .... against <07378> [adversaries.]
heavens <08064> [out of heaven.]
The LXX. insert, "Let not the wise glory in his wisdom, nor the strong glory in his strength, nor the rich glory in his riches; but let him who glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth the Lord, and executeth judgment and righteousness in the midst of the earth."
thunders <07481> [he thunder.]
executes <01777> [judge.]
will <05414> [he shall.]
exalt <07311> [exalt.]
anointed one <04899> [anointed.]
serving <08334> [minister.]
sons <01121> [the sons.]
sons ..... wicked <01100 01121> [sons of Belial.]
recognize <03045> [knew.]
fork <04207> [all that the flesh-hook.]
First <03117> [presently. Heb. as on the day.]
take ..................... take <03947> [I will take.]
sight <06440> [before.]
treated <05006> [abhorred.]
ministering <08334> [ministered.]
linen ephod <0646 0906> [a linen ephod.]
small robe <04598 06996> [a little coat.]
{Meil katon,} "a little cloak" or {surtout;} an upper garment: see note on Ex 28:4.
at ... intervals when <03117> [from year to year.]
The natural place for this verse seems to be before the 11th, after which the 21st should probably come in; and after the 21st, perhaps the 26th should follow.
bless <01288> [blessed.]
one <07596> [loan. or, petition which she asked, etc.]
So ..... attended <06485> [visited.]
grew <01431> [grew.]
Eli <05941> [Now.]
Israel <06213 03478> [did unto.]
women <0802> [women.]
It is probable that these were persons who had some employment about the tabernacle: see note on Ex 38:8.
stationed <06633> [assembled. assembled by troops.]
do ... behave <06213> [Why.]
hear <08085> [I hear, etc. or, I hear evil words of you. by all.]
good <02896> [no good.]
Lord's <03068> [ye make.]
circulating <05674> [transgress. or, cry out.]
man sins .... man ............. man sins .... Lord ................... Lord <02398 0376 03068> [sin against.]
man ..... man ............. man <0376> [if a man.]
appeal .................. intercede <06419> [who shall.]
listen <08085> [hearkened.]
Lord ................... Lord <03068> [because.]
Rather, therefore, as the particle {kee} also signifies (see Ps 116:10:) so Noldius, {Ideo voluit Jehova eos interficere,} "Therefore Jehovah purposed to destroy them."
growing <01432 01980> [grew on.]
finding favor <02896> [was in.]
man <0376> [a man.]
plainly reveal <01540> [Did I.]
chose ............................... gave <0977 05414> [And did I.]
gave <05414> [did I give.]
scorning ... sacrifice <01163 02077> [kick ye.]
offering ............................... offerings <04503> [and at mine.]
They disdained to take the part allowed by the law; and would take for themselves what part they pleased, and as much as they pleased.
dwelling place <04583> [habitation.]
honored <03513> [and honourest.]
By permitting his sons to deal thus with the sacrifices, and to be served first, by taking their part before the fat, etc., was burnt to the Lord, Eli thus honoured his sons above God.
made yourselves fat <01254> [make.]
say <0559> [I said.]
May it never be <02486> [Be it far.]
honor .... honor <03513> [them.]
honor .... honor <03513> [I will honour.]
despise <0959> [that despise.]
remove <01438> [I will cut.]
That is, I will destroy the strength, power, influence, and authority of thee and thy family; of which the arm of man being the instrument, is used as the emblem.
trouble <06862> [an enemy, etc.]
Or, the affliction of the tabernacle, for all the wealth which God would have given Israel. This appears to be the right translation; for, agreeably to this prediction, he did see the tabernacle deprived of the ark, which was its glory, and lived to hear that it was captured by the Philistines.
old man <02205> [an old man.]
cause .... to fail <03615> [to consume.]
<0582> [in the flower, etc. Heb. men.]
sign <0226> [a sign.]
single day <0259 03117> [in one day.]
raise up <06965> [I will raise.]
build <01129> [I will build.]
heart ................. chosen one <03824 04899> [mine.]
remains <03498> [is left.]
Assign <05596> [Put. Heb. Join. one of the priest's offices. Heb. somewhat about the priesthood. eat.]
boy <05288> [the child.]
Word <01697> [the word.]
eyes <05869> [his eyes.]
lamp <05216> [ere.]
Before sun-rise: for it is probable the lamps were extinguished before the rising of the sun; see the Parallel Passages.
lamp <05216> [the lamp.]
temple <01964> [the temple.]
called ... Samuel <07121 08050> [called Samuel.]
Samuel <08050> [Now Samuel.]
Or, Thus did Samuel before he knew the Lord, and before the word of the Lord was revealed unto him.
yet ............ yet <02962> [did not yet.]
Samuel was not destitute of the knowledge of God, in that sense which implies the total absence of true piety, as Eli's sons were; for he knew and worshipped the God of Israel: but he did not know him as communicating special revelations of his will to him, in the manner in which he made it known to the prophets.
third <07992> [the third.]
Although Samuel did not apprehend the way in which God reveals himself to his servants the prophets--by the "still small voice"--yet when this direct communication from the Almighty was made the third time, in a way altogether new and strange to him, it seems astonishing that he did not immediately apprehend. Perhaps he would have been sooner aware of a divine revelation, had it come in a dream or a vision. Those who have the greatest knowledge of divine things, should remember the time when they were as babes, unskilful in the word of righteousness. # 1Co 13:11,12
Speak <01696> [Speak.]
Lord came <0935 03068> [the Lord came.]
This seems to imply a visible appearance, as well as an audible voice.
<06471> [as at other.]
Samuel did not now rise and run as before, when thought he Eli called, but lay still and listened. All must be silent, when God speaks. Observe, however, Samuel in his reply left out one word: he did not say, Speak, Lord, but only Speak, for thy servant heareth; perhaps, as Bp. Patrick suggests, out of uncertainty, whether it was God that spake to him or not. However, by this answer way was made for the message he was now to receive, and Samuel was brought acquainted with the words of God and visions of the Almighty.
do <06213> [I will do.]
both .... ears <0241 08147> [both the ears.]
carry out <06965> [I will perform.]
start <02490> [when I begin, etc. Heb. beginning and ending.]
tell ........ judge <05046 05704 08199> [For I have told him. or, And I will tell him, etc.]
judge <08199> [I will.]
knew <03045> [which he knoweth.]
sons <01121> [his sons.]
cursing <07043> [vile. or, accursed. restrained them not. Heb. frowned not upon them.]
sin <05771> [the iniquity.]
opened <06605> [opened.]
Samuel ................ Samuel <08050> [Samuel.]
Samuel reverenced Eli as a father, and feared to distress him by shewing what God had purposed to do. It does not appear that God commanded Samuel to deliver this message; he therefore did not attempt it till adjured by Eli. It might be supposed that Samuel would have been so full of ecstasy as to have forgotten his ordinary service, and run amongst his friends to tell them of the converse he had with God in the night: but he modestly keeps it to himself. Our secret communion with God is not to be proclaimed on the house-top.
afraid <03372> [feared.]
conceal ............ conceal <03582> [I pray thee.]
God <0430> [God.]
severely <03254> [more also. Heb. so add. thing. or, word.]
<01697> [every whit. Heb. all the things, or, words.]
Whit, or wid, comes from the Anglo-Saxon {wiht,} which signifies person, thing, etc.: every whit is every thing: equivalent to every jot.
Lord <03068> [It is the Lord.]
grow <01431> [grew.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
prophecies ...... unfulfilled <01697> [let none.]
Dan <01835> [Dan.]
confirmed <0539> [established. or, faithful.]
Lord ............. Lord ............ Lord <03068> [And the Lord.]
{Wyyoseph yehowah lehairaâ€h,} "And Jehovah added to appear:" that is, He continued to reveal himself to Samuel at Shiloh.
appeared <07200> [appeared.]
word <01697> [the word.]
Israel .... Israelites <03478> [A.M. 2863. B.C. 1141. An. Ex. Is. 350. came. or, came to pass. Heb. was.]
Ebenezer <072> [Eben-ezer.]
That is, the place afterwards so called: See the Parallel Texts.
Aphek <0663> [Aphek.]
This Aphek was situated in the tribe of Judah, and is probably the same as Aphekah.
It must be carefully distinguished from that near Jezreel, and another in Asher. .# 29:1 Jos 19:30 1Ki 20:30
arranged <06186> [put.]
battle spread <04421 05203> [they joined battle. Heb. the battle was spread. Israel.]
killed <05221> [and they.]
battle line <04634> [the army. Heb. the array.]
Lord ..................... Lord <03068> [Wherefore.]
take <03947> [Let us.]
take <03947> [fetch. Heb. take unto us. the ark.]
save <03467> [it may save.]
sits <03427> [which dwelleth.]
cherubim <03742> [the cherubims.]
Hophni <02652> [Hophni.]
ark ............................ ark <0727> [with the ark.]
Israel <03478> [all Israel.]
They vainly supposed that the ark would save them, when the God of it had departed from them because of their wickedness.
sound <06963> [What meaneth.]
scared <03372> [were afraid.]
<0865> [heretofore. Heb. yesterday or the third day.]
struck <05221> [smote.]
strong <02388> [Be strong.]
serving ........ served <05647> [as they have.]
like ..................... like <0582 01961> [quit yourselves like men. Heb. be men.]
Israel <03478> [Israel.]
they <0376> [every man.]
very great <01419 03966> [a very great.]
ark <0727> [the ark.]
two sons <01121 08147> [the two sons.]
killed <04191> [were slain. Heb. died.]
clothes ... torn <04055 07167> [with his clothes rent.]
These, as we have already remarked, were the general signs of sorrow and distress.
dirt <0127> [with earth.]
sitting .... chair <03427 03678> [sat upon.]
worried <03820> [his heart.]
outcry ....... commotion <06963> [What meaneth.]
ninety-eight <08673> [ninety.]
eyes <05869> [and his eyes.]
straight ahead <06965> [were dim. Heb. stood.]
things <01697> [What is there done. Heb. What is the thing.]
son <01121> [my son.]
Israel <03478> [Israel.]
mentioned <02142> [when he made.]
neck <04665> [his neck.]
judged <08199> [And he had.]
"He seems to have been a judge to do justice only, and that in south-west Israel."
afraid ..... birth <03372 03205> [Fear not.]
pay <07896> [neither did she regard it. Heb. and set not her heart.]
Ichabod <0350> [I-chabod. that is, Where is the glory?. or, There is no glory. The glory.]
glory <03519> [The glory.]
captured <03947> [took.]
Ebenezer <072> [Eben-ezer.]
Ashdod <0795> [Ashdod.]
Ashdod, called Azotus by the Greeks, was one of the five satrapies of the Philistines, and a place of great strength and consequence. It was situated near the Mediterranean, between Askelon and Jamnia, thirty-four miles north of Gaza, according to Diodorus Siculus, and the Antonine and Jerusalem Itineraries. It is now called Shdood; and Dr. Richardson says they neither saw nor heard of any ruins there. "The ground," he observes, "around Ashdod is beautifully undulating, but not half stocked with cattle. The site of the town is on the summit of a grassy hill; and, if we are to believe historians, was anciently as strong as it was beautiful."
[Azotus.]
Dagon ....... Dagon <01712> [of Dagon.]
Dagon ... lying .............. Dagon <01712 05307> [Dagon was.]
back .... place <07725 04725> [set him.]
head <07218> [the head.]
Dagon ................. Dagon ................ Dagon's <01712> [of Dagon.]
The name of this idol, Dagon, signifies a fish: and it is supposed to be the Atergatis of the Syrians, corruptly called Derceto by the Greeks, which had the upper part like a woman, and the lower part like a fish; as Lucian informs us: [Derketous de eidos en Phoinike ethe‚sam‚n, the‚ma xenon; ‚misen men gyn‚; to de okoson ek m‚r¢n es akrous podas, ichtlyos our‚ apoteinetai;] "In Phoenicia I saw the image of Derceto; a strange sight truly! For she had the half of a woman, but from the thighs downward a fish's tail." Diodorus, (1. ii.) describing the same idol, as represented at Askelon, says, [to men pros¢pon echei synaikos, to d'allo s¢ma pan ichthyos.] "It had the head of a woman, but all the rest of the body a fish's." Probably Horace alludes to this idol, in De Art. Poet. v. 4; {Desinat in piscem, mulier formosa superne:} "The upper part a handsome woman, and the lower part a fish." If such was the form of this idol, then everything that was human was broken off from what resembled a fish.
Dagon ................. Dagon ................ Dagon's <01712> [the stump. or, the fishy part.]
priests <03548> [neither.]
<01869> [tread.]
attacked <03027> [the hand.]
<02914> [emerods.]
[thereof.]
The LXX. and Vulgate add: [Kai meson t‚s choras aut‚s anephy‚san myes kai egeneto synchysis thanatou megal‚ en t‚ polei; {Et ebullierunt vill‘ et agri in medio regionis illius, et nati sunt mures; et facta est confusio mortis magn‘ in civitate; "And [the cities and fields in Vulg.] the midst of that region produced mice; [Vulg. burst up, and mice were produced;] and there was the confusion of a great death in the city."
When <07200> [saw.]
ark <0727> [The ark.]
God ................. god Dagon <0430 01712> [upon Dagon our god.]
do <06213> [What shall.]
Gath <01661> [Gath.]
attacked <03027> [the hand.]
great deal <03966> [with a very.]
<02914> [and they had emerods.]
God ... Ekron ....... God .... Ekron ................ God <06138 0430> [God to Ekron.]
kill ... people <05971 04191> [us, to slay us and our people. Heb. me, to slay me and my people.]
people <05971> [us not, and our people. Heb. me not, and my people. a deadly.]
attacking <03027> [the hand.]
die <04191> [died.]
cry for help <07775> [the cry.]
ark <0727> [A.M. 2864. B.C. 1140. An. Ex. Is. 351. the ark.]
called <07121> [called.]
send <07971> [wherewith.]
empty <07387> [empty.]
guilt offering <0817> [a trespass.]
understand <03045> [known.]
five ..... gold .... five gold <02568 02091> [Five golden.]
leaders .......................... leaders <05633> [you all. Heb. them.]
mice <05909> [mice.]
Bochart has collected many curious accounts relative to the terrible devastations made by these mischievous animals. William, Archbishop of Tyre, records, that in the beginning of the twelfth century, a penitential council was held at Naplouse, where five and twenty canons were framed for the correction of the manners of the inhabitants of the Christian kingdom of Jerusalem, who they apprehended had provoked to bring upon them the calamities of earthquakes, war, and famine. This last he ascribes to locusts and devouring mice, which had for four years together so destroyed the fruits of the earth as to cause an almost total failure of their crops. It was customary for the ancient heathen to offer to their gods such monuments of their deliverance as represented the evils from which they had been rescued; and Tavernier informs us, that among the Indians, when a pilgrim goes to one of the pagodas for a cure, he brings the figure of the member affected, made of gold, silver, or copper, according to his circumstances, which he offers to his god.
honor <03519 05414> [give glory.]
grip <07043> [lighten.]
land ...... God ............. gods .... land <0430 0776> [off your.]
harden ............ treated <03513> [harden.]
<04714> [the Egyptians.]
harshly <05953> [wonderfully. or, reproachfully. did they not.]
send <07971> [the people. Heb. them.]
new cart ....................... cart <02319 05699> [new cart.]
placed <05927> [on which.]
objects <03627> [jewels.]
Beth Shemesh <01053> [Beth-shemesh.]
then <06213> [he. or, it.]
know <03045> [we shall.]
hand <03027> [not his hand.]
accident <04745> [a chance.]
put <07760> [they laid.]
offered <05927> [offered.]
five <02568> [the five.]
returned <07725> [they returned.]
gold <02091> [these.]
Ashdod <0795> [Ashdod.]
Gaza <05804> [Gaza.]
Ashkelon <0831> [Askelon.]
Gath <01661> [Gath.]
Ekron <06138> [Ekron.]
five leaders <05633 02568> [the five lords.]
greater Abel <01419 059> [great stone of. or, great stone.]
struck down .................... struck down ............. struck <05221> [he smote.]
50,070 <02572 0505> [fifty thousand.]
As it is very improbable that the village of Beth-shemesh should contain, or be capable of employing, 50,070 men in the fields at wheat harvest, much less that they could all peep into the ark, and from the uncommon manner in which it is expressed in the original, it is generally allowed that there is some corruption in the text, or that some explanatory word is omitted. The Hebrew is {shivim ish, chamishim aileph ish,} literally, "seventy men, fifty thousand men:" so LXX. [ .] Vulgate, {septuaginta viros, et quinquaginta millia plebis,} "70 (chief) men, and 50,000 common people." Targum, {besabey ƒmma,} "of the elders of the people 70 men, {ovekahala,} and in the congregation 50,000 men." But the Syriac, {chamsho alphin weshivin gavrin,} "5,000 and 70 men;" with which the Arabic agrees; while Josephus has only [ ,] seventy men; and three reputable MSS. of Dr. Kennicott's also omit "50,000 men." Some learned men, however, would render, by supplying [Mˆm,] {mem,} "70 men; fifty out of a thousand;" which supposes about 1,400 present, and that a twentieth part were slain.
Kiriath Jearim <07157> [Kirjath-jearim.]
Kiriath Jearim <07157> [Kirjath-jearim.]
Abinadab <041> [Abinadab.]
longed <05091> [lamented.]
really <07725> [A.M. 2884. B.C. 1120. An. Ex. Is. 371. return.]
remove <05493> [put away.]
<03559> [prepare.]
serve ....... deliver <05647 05337> [serve him.]
Gather <06908> [Gather.]
<04708> [Mizpeh.]
pray <06419> [I will pray.]
drew water <04325 07579> [drew water.]
Grotius says, that the pouring out of water means the shedding of tears; and the Targum reads, "And they poured out their hearts in penitence, as waters, before the Lord." Others suppose that it was done emblematically, to represent the contrition of their hearts, and their desire to wash away their past offences. But some learned men conceive that it was poured out as a libation, in token of joy, after they had fasted and confessed their sin, as they were wont to do in the feast of tabernacles. (See note on Nu. 29:35.)
fasted <06684> [fasted.]
sinned <02398> [We have sinned.]
led <08199> [judged.]
afraid <03372> [afraid.]
Keep <02790> [Cease, etc. Heb. Be not silent from us from crying.]
nursing <0259 02461> [a sucking.]
Lord ... cried ..... Lord ....... Lord <02199 03068> [cried unto.]
answered <06030> [heard. or, answered.]
thundered <07481> [thundered.]
panic <02000> [discomfited.]
Beth Car <01033> [Beth-car.]
This place was probably situated in the tribe of Dan. Josephus calls it [ ;] the LXX. [ ;] Targum, Beth-saron; Syriac and Arabic Beth-jasan; by which Houbigant supposes is meant Beth-shan.
took a stone <03947 0259 068> [took a stone.]
Ebenezer <072> [Ebenezer. that is, The stone of help.]
Lord <03068> [Hitherto.]
defeated <03665> [subdued.]
invade <03254 0935> [came no more.]
Philistines .................. Philistines <06430> [against.]
peace <07965> [peace.]
led <08199> [A.M. 2873-2947. B.C. 1131-1057. judged.]
travel <01980> [he went.]
When he was at Bethel, the tribe of Ephraim and all the northern parts of the country could attend him; when at Gilgal, the tribe of Benjamin and those beyond Jordan could have easy access to him; and when at Mizpeh, he was within the reach of Judah, Simeon, and Gad: but at Ramah was the place of his ordinary abode; and there he held his court, for there he judged Israel: and as it is probable that Shiloh was destroyed, it is said (ver. 17) that there, i.e., at Ramah, "he built an altar to the Lord."
circuit <05437> [in circuit. Heb. and he circuited.]
return <08666> [his return.]
built <01129> [he built.]
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.]
mourn <056> [A.M. 2941. B.C. 1063. An. Ex. Is. 428. How long.]
rejected <03988> [seeing.]
horn ... olive oil <08081 07161> [horn with oil.]
Jesse <03448> [Jesse.]
<03212> [How can I go.]
Take ... heifer <03947 01241> [Take an heifer.]
For the prudent management of the affair, and to avoid suspicion, Samuel was directed to go to Bethlehem to sacrifice, as he probably did from time to time in many different places; and the answer which he was instructed to return was strictly true though he did not tell the principal design of his coming; for though no man in any circumstances should tell a lie, yet, in all circumstances, he is not bound to tell the whole truth, though he must tell nothing but the truth, and so tell that truth that the hearer shall not believe a lie by it.
<03027> [with thee. Heb. in thine hand.]
come <0935> [I am come.]
Then invite Jesse <03448 07121> [call Jesse.]
show you what <03045> [and I will shew.]
anoint <04886> [anoint.]
afraid <02729> [trembled.]
<07125> [coming. Heb. meeting. Comest.]
come ....... Consecrate .... come ......... consecrated <06942 0935> [sanctify yourselves.]
Eliab <0446> [Eliab.]
[Elihu. Surely.]
by ... appearance <05027 04758> [Look not.]
men ... People <0120> [seeth not.]
view ........ look on ........ looks at <07200> [looketh.]
appearance <05869> [outward appearance. Heb. eyes. on the heart.]
Abinadab <041> [Abinadab.]
Shammah <08048> [Shammah.]
[Shimeah.]
[Shimma.]
seven <07651> [seven.]
still <07604> [There remaineth.]
turn <05437> [down. Heb. round.]
ruddy <0132> [ruddy.]
attractive eyes <03303 05869> [of a beautiful countenance. Heb. fair of eyes.]
Lord <03068> [And the Lord.]
anoint <04886> [anoint him.]
anointed <04886> [anointed.]
Spirit <07307> [the Spirit.]
Spirit ............. spirit <07307> [the Spirit.]
Spirit ............ evil spirit <07307 07451> [evil spirit.]
The evil spirit was either sent immediately from the Lord, or permitted to come; but whether this was a diabolic possession, or a mere mental malady, is not agreed: it seems to have partaken of both. That Saul had fallen into a deep melancholy, there is little doubt; and that an evil spirit might work more effectually on such a state of mind, there can be little question. His malady appears to have been of a mixed kind, natural and diabolical: there is too much of apparent nature in it to permit us to believe it was all spiritual; and there is too much of apparently supernatural influence, to suffer us to believe it was all natural.
tormented <01204> [troubled. or, terrified.]
before .... look <06440 01245> [before thee.]
play ................ play <05059> [play.]
warrior <01368> [a mighty.]
articulate <0995> [and prudent.]
articulate <01697> [matters. or, speech. a comely.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
sheep <06629> [with the sheep.]
donkey .... bread <02543 03899> [an ass laden.]
{Chamor lechem,} literally, "an ass of bread," rendered by the LXX. [gomor arton,] a {gomor} of bread; meaning, probably, not an animal, but a vessel containing a certain measure of bread.
stood before <06440 05975> [stood before him.]
liked .... great <0157 03966> [loved him.]
spirit .............................. spirit <07307> [the evil spirit.]
Saul ............... Saul <07586> [Saul.]
gathered ....... assembled <0622> [gathered.]
Socoh .......... Socoh <07755> [Shochoh.]
[Socoh.]
[Shoco.]
[Shocho. Azekah.]
Ephes Dammim <0658> [Ephes-dammim. or, the coast of Dammim.]
[Pas-dammim.]
valley <06010> [the valley.]
arranged ... battle lines <06186 04421> [set the battle in array. Heb. ranged the battle.]
Goliath <01555> [Goliath.]
Gath <01661> [of Gath.]
tall <01363> [whose height.]
seven feet <0520 08337> [six cubits.]
According to Bp. Cumberland's calculation, the height of Goliath was about eleven feet ten inches; but Parkhurst estimating the ordinary cubit at seventeen inches and a half, calculates that he was nine feet six inches high. Few instances can be produced of men who can be compared with him. Pliny says, "The tallest man that hath been seen in our days was one name Gabara, who, in the days of Claudius, the late Emperor, was brought out of Arabia: he was nine feet nine inches." Josephus mentions a Jew, named Eleazar, whom Vitellius sent to Rome, who was seven cubits, or ten feet two inches high. Becanus saw a man near ten feet, and a woman that was full ten feet. And, to mention no more, a man of the name of John Middleton, born at Hale, near Warrington, in Lancashire, in the reign of James the First, was more than nine feet high. Dr. Plott, in his history of Staffordshire, says, that "his hand, from the carpus to the end of the middle finger, was seventeen inches, his palms eight inches and a half broad, and his whole height was nine feet three inches; wanting but six inches of the height of Goliath of Gath."
wearing <03847> [armed. Heb. clothed.]
bronze ......... bronze javelin <05178 03591> [target of brass. or, gorget.]
<06086> [the staff.]
servants ... Saul <07586 05650> [servants to Saul.]
serve <05647> [and serve us.]
defy <02778> [I defy.]
Give .... man <05414 0376> [give me.]
upset <02865> [dismayed.]
David <01732> [David.]
<0376> [Ephrathite.]
son ............. eight sons <01121 08083> [eight sons.]
names <08034> [the names.]
Shammah <08048> [Shammah.]
[Shimeah.]
youngest <06996> [the youngest.]
back <07725> [returned.]
forty days <03117 0705> [forty days.]
Take ... brothers .................... brothers <03947 0251> [Take now.]
roasted grain .... ten <07039 06235> [parched corn.]
take <0935> [carry.]
cheese <02461> [cheeses. Heb. cheeses of milk.]
officer <0505> [their thousand. Heb. a thousand. look.]
valley <06010> [the valley.]
Dr. Richardson says, that in about twenty minutes, in an easterly direction, form the cave of St. John, (which is about two hours or six miles, in a westerly direction, from Jerusalem,) they came to the valley of Elah; which position seems to agree with that of Shochoh and Azekah. He describes it as "a small valley, and the place of the encampment is pointed out where it narrows into a broad, deep ravine; part of it was in crop, and part of it was under the plough, which was drawn by a couple of oxen. A small stream, which had shrunk almost under its stony bed, passes through it from east to west, from which we are informed that David chose out five smooth stones, and hasted and ran to meet the haughty champion of Gath. A well of water under the bank, with a few olive trees above, on the north side of the valley, are said to mark the spot of the shepherd's triumph over his boasting antagonist. Saul and his men probably occupied the side of the valley which is nearest to Jerusalem, on which the ground is higher and more rugged than on the other side."
entrusted ... flock <06629 05203> [left the sheep.]
camp <04570> [trench. or, place of the carriage.]
battle lines <04634> [fight. or, battle array, or place of fight.]
cargo ....... supply <03627> [his carriage. Heb. the vessels from upon him. saluted his brethren. Heb. asked his brethren of peace.]
<0428> [according.]
presence <06440> [him. Heb. his face.]
very <03966> [sore.]
king <04428> [the king.]
Israel ................. Israel ............................... exempt ...... Israel <03478 02670> [free in Israel.]
humiliation <02781> [reproach.]
uncircumcised <06189> [uncircumcised.]
defies <02778> [defy.]
done <06213> [So shall it.]
Eliab ........ he ... angry <0639 0446> [Eliab's anger.]
entrust <05203> [with.]
familiar <03045> [I know.]
question ....... same answer <01697> [manner. Heb. word.]
overheard ....... called <03947> [sent for him. Heb. took him.]
The preceding twenty verses, from the 12th to the 31st inclusive, the 41st, and from the 54th to the end of this chapter, with the five first verses and the 9th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, and 19th, of ch. 18, are all wanting in the Vatican copy of the LXX.; and they are supposed by Dr. Kennicott, and others, to be an interpolation. But, as Bp. Horsley observes, it appears, from many circumstances of the story, that David's combat with Goliath was many years prior to Saul's madness, and David's introduction to him as a musician. In the first place, David was quite a youth when he engaged with Goliath, (ver. 33, 42:) when introduced to Saul he was of full age, (ch. 16:18.) Again, this combat was his first appearance in public life, and his first military exploit, (ver. 36, 38, 39:) when introduced as a musician, he was a man of established character, and a man of war (ch. 16:18.) Now the just conclusion is, that the last ten verses of ch. 16 have been misplaced; their true place being between the ninth and tenth verses of ch. 18. Let them be removed there, and the whole apparent disorder will be removed.
anyone <0120> [Let.]
servant <05650> [thy.]
able <03201> [Thou art not.]
[for thou are but.]
sheep <07716> [lamb. or, kid.]
strike ... down ... rescue .................... strike .... kill <05221 05337 04191> [smote him.]
uncircumcised <06189> [this.]
defied <02778> [seeing.]
Lord ............................ Lord <03068> [The Lord.]
<03212> [Go.]
clothed David ..... fighting attire ............ put <03847 01732 04055> [armed David with his armour. Heb. clothed David with his clothes.]
removed <05493> [put them off.]
staff <04731> [staff.]
stream <05158> [brook. or, valley. bag. Heb. vessel.]
despised <0959> [disdained.]
boy <05288> [a youth.]
dog <03611> [Am.]
cursed <07043> [cursed.]
give <03212 05414> [Come to me.]
give <05414> [I will give.]
Parallel instances of vaunting occur in some writers of a more recent date:--The conspirators against the emperor Maximinus having slain him, his son, and several of his best friends, threw out their bodies to be devoured by dogs and the fowls of the air. This custom appears to have been frequently threatened; and, however shocking to human feelings, was often carried into effect.
coming ............. coming <0935> [Thou comest.]
name <08034> [in the name.]
defied <02778> [defied.]
Lord <03068> [will the Lord.]
deliver ..... hand <05462 03027> [deliver thee. Heb. shut thee up.]
off ... head <05493 07218> [take thine.]
corpses <06297> [carcases.]
land ..... land <0776> [all the earth.]
sword ....... saves <03467 02719> [saveth not.]
battle <04421> [the battle.]
him ... David quickly <01732 04116> [David hasted.]
striking <05221> [smote.]
David prevailed .................... David <01732 02388> [So David prevailed.]
The tradition of the combat between David and Goliath, in which the latter was killed, is preserved among the Arabs; for he is mentioned in the Koran, where he is called Galut or Jalut. The Arabs also call the dynasty of the Philistine kings, who reigned in Palestine when the Hebrews came there, Galutiah, or Jalutiah. Achmed Al Fassi says, "Those kings were as well known by the name of Jalaut, as the ancient kings of Egypt by that of Pharaoh. David killed the Jalaut who reigned in his time, and entirely rooted out the Philistines, the rest of whom fled into Africa, and from them descended the Brebers or Berbers, who inhabit the coast of Barbary." It is remarkable that the Berbers themselves should acknowledge their descent from the Philistines. "The name Goliath, which they pronounce Sghi…lud, is very common among the Brebers, and the history of the champion of the Philistines is very well known to the Moors. When children quarrel, and the bigger one challenges the smaller to fight the latter answers, 'Who will fight with you? {Enta men ulid Sgi…lud.} You are of the race of Golaith.' The Jews who dwell among them, on the mountains, all call them Philistines."
sword <02719> [but there was.]
sword <02719> [his sword.]
cut off <03772> [cut off.]
ran away <05127> [fled.]
Israel <03478 0582> [the men of Israel.]
valley <01516> [valley.]
looted <08155> [they spoiled.]
took ... head <03947 07218> [took the head.]
son <01121> [whose son.]
head <07218> [the head.]
son ........... son <01121> [Whose son.]
To account for the apparent inconsistency of Saul not knowing David, see the Note at the end of ver. 31.
son ........... son <01121> [I am the son.]
Jonathan ......... friendship Jonathan ........... life <03083 05315> [the soul of Jonathan.]
The modesty, piety, and courage of David were so congenial to the character of the amiable Jonathan, that they attracted his most cordial esteem and affection; so that the most intimate friendship subsisted between them from that time, and they loved each other with pure hearts fervently. Their friendship could not be affected by the common vicissitudes of life; and it exemplifies by fact what the ancients have written on the subject; [Ten philian isoteta einai, kai mian psychen ton philon heteron auton.] "Friendship is an entire sameness, and one soul: a friend is another self."
friendship ... loved .......... life <0157 05315> [loved him.]
retained ..... day <03947 03117> [took him.]
made ... covenant <03772 01285> [made a covenant.]
took off ... robe <06584 04598> [stripped himself.]
Presents of clothes or rich robes, as tokens of respect or friendship, are frequent in the East.
achieved <07919> [behaved. or, prospered.]
achieved <07919> [wisely.]
men ... war <04421 0582> [the men of war.]
Philistine <06430> [Philistine. or, Philistines. the women.]
instruments <07991> [instruments of music. Heb. three stringed instruments.]
The original {shalishim,} is rendered by the Vulgate {sistris.} The {sistrum} was an ancient Egyptian instrument made of brass, with three, and sometimes more brass rods across; which, being loose in their holes, made a jingling noise when shaken.
sang <06030> [answered.]
Saul <07586> [Saul.]
statement <01697> [the saying.]
[displeased him. Heb. was evil in his eyes.]
kingdom <04410> [and what.]
David <05770 01732> [eyed David.]
evil spirit <07307 07451> [the evil spirit.]
prophesied <05012> [and he prophesied.]
{Wyyithnabbai,} rather, "and he pretended to prophesy; for the verb is in {Hithpa‰l,} the signification of which conjugation is not only reflex action, but also affectation of the action: Jer 29:26, 27. The meaning seems to be, that Saul, influenced by the evil spirit, feigned to be prophesying, the better to conceal his murderous intentions, and to render David unsuspicious.
playing <05059> [played.]
spear <02595> [and there was.]
{Wehachanith beyad Sh„ool,} rather, "and the javelin was in the hand of Saul;" for the javelin or spear was the emblem of regal authority; and kings had it always in their hand, as may be seen represented on ancient monuments. In ancient times, says Justin, kings used a spear instead of a sceptre.
threw ... spear <02904 02595> [cast the javelin.]
David ...... David <01732> [And David.]
feared <03372> [afraid.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
departed <05493> [departed.]
removed <05493> [removed.]
out <03318> [he went out.]
Saul was sensible that the Lord was departed from him; while he perceived, with evident sorrow of heart, that the Lord had given David peculiar wisdom, and that he was with him to prosper all his undertakings. This increased the disquietude of his malevolent mind, and his dread of David as a prevailing rival: he therefore removed him from his presence. This impolitic step, however, served the more to ingratiate David with the people, by affording him the opportunity of leading them forth to victory over their enemies.
achieved <07919> [behaved. or, prospered.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
successful <07919> [wisely.]
Israel <03478> [all Israel.]
leading ... out <03318> [he went.]
give <05414> [her will I give.]
brave warrior <01121> [valiant. Heb. a son of valour. the Lord's.]
hand ........ hand <03027> [Let not mine.]
<02416> [Who am I.]
Adriel <05741> [Adriel.]
Meholah <04259> [Meholathite.]
loved David <0157 01732> [loved David.]
[Ge 29:18,20 34:3 Jud 16:4,15 2Sa 13:1 1Ki 11:1,2 Ho 3:2]
[pleased him. Heb. was right in his eyes.]
snare <04170> [a snare.]
hand <03027> [the hand.]
Today <03117> [this day.]
instructed <06680> [commanded.]
servants .............. servants <05650> [servants.]
insignificant <07043> [a light.]
poor .... man <0376 07326> [a poor man.]
lightly-esteemed <07034> [and lightly.]
<01697> [On this manner. Heb. According to these words.]
price .... bride <04119> [dowry.]
hundred <03967> [but an hundred.]
That is, Thou shalt slay one hundred Philistines, and thou shalt produce their foreskins as a proof, not only that thou hast killed one hundred men, but that these are of the uncircumcised Philistines.
foreskins <06190> [foreskins.]
avenged <05358> [to be avenged.]
thinking <02803> [thought.]
time ..... expired <03117> [the days.]
expired <04390> [expired. Heb. fulfilled.]
<0582> [his men.]
struck down <05221> [slew.]
men ........ hundred ... men <03967 0376> [two hundred men.]
The Septuagint has only [ ,] one hundred men; and as Saul covenanted for a hundred, as David himself says, (2 Sa 3:14,) that he espoused Michal for a hundred, it is very probable that this is the true reading.
more <03254> [yet the.]
Saul ....... him Saul ........ David <07586 01732> [Saul became.]
leaders <08269> [the princes.]
Of this war we know no more than that David, whose military skill was greater, was more successful in it, than all the other officers of Saul.
Then ........ march out ........ so <03318> [went forth.]
did .... achieved <07919> [behaved himself.]
esteem <03365> [set by. Heb. precious.]
Saul .............. Saul's <07586> [And Saul.]
Saul's enmity now burst forth, in the avowed purpose of putting David to death; and nothing less than the especial interposition of Providence could have saved David's life, when every officer about the king's person, and every soldier, had positive orders to dispatch him.
<02654> [delighted.]
Jonathan <03083> [Jonathan.]
When I find ... what <07200 04100> [what I see.]
spoke .... behalf .................................. beneficial <01696 02896> [spake good.]
sin .... servant ....... sinned <02398 05650> [sin against.]
actions <04639> [because his works.]
risked <05315 07760> [put his life.]
struck <05221> [slew.]
<06213> [wrought.]
sin ... innocent <05355 02398> [sin against innocent.]
reason <02600> [without a cause.]
took an oath <07650> [sware.]
[he shalt not.]
formerly <0865> [in times past. Heb. yesterday, third day.]
David <01732> [David.]
[him. Heb. his face]
tried <01245> [sought.]
nail <06362> [he slipped.]
escaped <04422> [and escaped.]
sent messengers <04397 07971> [sent messengers.]
guard ..... kill ....................... dead <08104 04191> [to watch him.]
Michal <04324> [Michal.]
lowered David <03381 01732> [let David.]
household idol <08655> [an image. Heb. teraphim.]
quilt <03523> [a pillow.]
Rather, "the net-work of goat's hair at its (the Teraphim's) pillow;" for the {kevir,} (whence the Chaldee and Syriac {kavreetho,} a honey-comb, from its net-like form), seems to have been a kind of mosquito-net, which, says Dr. Shaw, is "a close curtain of gauze, used all over the East, by people of fashion, to keep out the flies." That they had such anciently cannot be doubted. Thus when Judith had beheaded Holofernes in his bed, (ch. 13:9, 15) "she pulled down the canopy (or the mosquito net, [ ,] from [ ,] a gnat, or mosquito, whence our word canopy) wherein he did lie in his drunkenness, from the pillars."
said <0559> [she said.]
Bring ... up <05927> [Bring him.]
The eastern beds consist merely of two thick cotton quilts, one of which, folded double, serves as a mattress, the other as a covering. Such seems to have been the bed of David, which could easily have been carried, with himself in it, to the presence of Saul.
messengers <04397> [And when.]
It is highly probable that David, when supposed to be sick, was thought to be hid in the harem or chamber of Michal. "The harems," says De La Motraye, "are sanctuaries, as sacred and inviolable, for persons pursed by justice for any crime, debt, etc., as the Roman Catholic churches in Italy, Spain, Portugal, etc." Thus we find, that to effect his purpose, Saul sent messengers to Michal, but they treated her harem with too much respect to enter it at first; but being authorised by Saul, they entered even into her chamber; and during the delay occasioned by respect for the privacy of Michal, David escaped.
deceived <07411> [Why hast.]
enemy <0341> [mine enemy.]
Michal .................. Michal <04324> [And Michal.]
said ..................... replied ..... said <0559> [He said.]
kill <04191> [why should.]
Samuel ................. Samuel <08050> [to Samuel.]
So ... sent messengers ........................... messengers <07971 04397> [sent messengers.]
saw <07200> [when they.]
sent ... messengers ........ sent messengers <04397 07971> [sent messengers.]
prophesied ............. prophesied <05012> [prophesied also.]
Spirit <07307> [the Spirit.]
came <0935> [until he came.]
stripped <06584> [stripped.]
lay <05307> [lay. Heb. fell.]
Saul <07586> [Is Saul.]
