1 Samuel 14:1--15:35
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.]
