Chapter XXIV (continued, part 4)
proclamation was speedily dill'used over the whole country. As the I'liilistines resented wliat Jonathan had done as an overt attempt to throw ofT their yoke, a levy, en
vin.isc, of the people was immedlatc-ly ordered, the rendezvous to be the old camping-ground at <iil«al.
T). The Philistines' Gkkat Host. ."i. Ti>e VliillsOnea gatliered themselves tofvether to flfjlit with Israel^ tlxlrly thousand elinrlois, aii<i six tliousnnd horneineli —Either this number must iuclude ciuirlots of every kind —or the word "cliariots" must mean the men fighting In them (2 Samuel 10. l«; 1 Kings '^0. 21; 1 Chronicles I!). IS)
fully perceive his drift.
()-l(). llK Uni'iiovios Tirr, Vicoi-Ln for Inoratitiidii;. 7. Now tliercfore stand still, tliat I may reason witli yon—The burden of thif laithful and uncompromising address was to show them, that though they hail obtaii\ed the change of government they had so Imporluucly de-
or, us some eminent ciltlcs maintain, SlielMliitit, tliirl.y
1H2
TJu. Sacrifice, of Saul. 1 SAMUEL XIV. Jonathan Smites the rhlUalines.
has crept iiitf> the text, instend of She!oxh, t/iree. The
Entrenched, along with Samuel and Aliiah the high priest, on the top of one of tlio conical or spiierical hills
gathoriii!? of the chariots timi horsemen must be under-
wliicli abound in the Benjamite territory, and favouralile,
Htooil to be on the Pliilistine phiin, before tliey ascended
for an encampment, called Migron (a precipice). 4-. Between the passages i. e., the deep and great ravine ol Suweiiiit. .Jonatiian sought to go over nnto tlte Pliilistines' garrison—A distance of aliout three mil(>s running between two jagged points, or IRO., "teetli of tlie
the western pusses, i\nd pil<:he(l iu the heart of the Kenjiimite hills, in " Michmnsh," (now JUilunas), a "steep pre-
cipitous Viilley" [RoB[^'^jON], ejislvvard from Beth-avea (Beth-ea
6, *!. THK Isit AEMTKS' DlSTKESS. 0. wlkCll tll«M»ieil of
lar'nvl aaw tSjat *!iey were in a strnit—Tlioufili -ShuI's
cliff."' tlaere was a sharp roch on the one* side, and u siiai-p roeii on the oilier side . . . " Bozez"—(^Sliining) from the aspect of the chalky rock. "Seneh"—(The tliorn) probably from a solitary acacia on its top. They are tlie only rocks of the kind in tliis vicinity; and the top of the crag towards Michmash was occupied as the post of the Philistines. The two camps were in sig'at of each otiier, and it was up the steep rocky sides of this isolated eminence th.at Jonathan and his armour-bearer
gallantry was uual)ated, his sulijects displayed no degree
of zeal and energy. Instead of venturing an encounter, they fled in all directions. Some, in their panic, left the country (r. 71, ljut most took refuge iu the hiding-places which the brolten ridges of the neif;hbourhood abundantly
afford. The rocks are perforated in every direction witli "oaves,' and "holes," and " pits "'—crevices and fissures sunk deep in the rocky soil, subterranean granaries or dry wells In the adjoining tields. The name of Jiichmash
(w. (i) made their adventurous approach. This enterprise
is one of the most gallant that history or romance records. The action, viewed in Itself, was rash and contrary to all estatilished rules of military discipline, whicli do not permit soldiers to fight or to undertake any enterprise that may involve important consequences without the order of the generals. 6. It may be that t3ie Lord will work for us—This expression did not imply a douI)t; it signified sinipljr that the object he aimed at was not in his own power—but it depended upon God—and that he expected success neither from his own strength nor his own merit.
(liidden treasure) .seems to be derived from this natural
peculiarity. [.Stanley.] 8. Saul fsirrt<-cl scv«-« daysHe was stil! in the eastern borders of his kingdom, in tl>e valley of Jordan. 8ome bolder spirits had ventured to join tlie camp at Oilgal; but even the courage of tliose stout-hearted men gave way in prospect of this terrible
visitation; and as many of them were stealing away, he tliought some inmiediate and decided step must be taken.
.Saui,, Weary of Staying for Samukl, Sachi-
i'lCES. !>. Sniil gsii<l, Brljag liitlitr a Imrjut <»fi\ i-iiig to me, and prnce offerings—Saul, though patriotic enougii
9, 10. if tliey say, Come up unto us; thessi we will go lip: for the Lord hath delivered them into our hand —When Jon.ithan appears liere to prescribe a sign or token of God"s will, we may infer that the same spirit which inspired tliis enterprise suggested the means of its execution, and put into his heart what to ask of God. (See on Genesis 2J. 12-1-1. ) 11. Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of their holes—As it could not occur to the sentries that two men had come with hostile designs, it was a natural conclusion that they were Israelite desert-
iu his own way, was more ambitious of gaining the glory
of a triumph to liimself than ascribing it to Ood. He did not understand his proper po;<ition as king of Israel, .md although aware of the restrictions under which he held the sovereignty, wished to rule as an autocrat, who pos-
uessetl aijsolute power both in civil and sacred things. This occasion was his first trial. Samuel waited till the
last day of the seven, in order to put tlie constitutional character of the king to the test; and, as Saul, in his impatient and passionate haste knowingly transgressed
ers. And hence no attempt was made to hinder their ascent, or stone tln'.m. li. that first slaughter, wJileh ,Tonathan and liis strnuour-bearer nuade, was all>o»it twejity nten, witJiin as It were an half acre of land wliich a yoke of oxen might plough—This was a very ancient mode of measurement, and it still subsists in the East. The men who saw llieni scrambling up the rock had been surprised and killeil, and the spectacle of twenty corpses would suggest to others that they were attacked by a numerous foi'ce. The success of the adventure was aided by a panic that struck the enemy, produced both by tlie su<lden surprise and the shock of an earthquake. The feat was begun and achieved by the faith of Jonathan, and the issue was of God. 16. tlte wsitflimen of Saul looked—The wild disorder in the euemles" camp was describeii, and the noise of dismay heard on the heights of Gibeah. 17-19. Tlien said Saiil nn<o the people that were ^vith him, Niiw numfjer, and see wlio
(f. 12) by invading the priest's ofHce, and thus showing his unfitness for his high office, as he showed nothing of the faith of Gideon and other Hebrew generals, he incnrred a threat of the rejection whicli his subsequent waywardness confirmed. 15, 16. Samuel gat Tnim tinto Glbenlt . . . niicl Sniil ancl •Toiiatltan his s»», and tlie people that were present with tlicm, abode in Gibeah —Saul removed his camp thither, either in the hope that.
It being liis native town, he would gain an increase of followers, or that he might enjoy the counsels and inlluenee of tlie propliet. 17. the spoilers came out of" the camp
oft the Philistines iu three companies—Ravaging through the three valleys which radiate fi'om the uplands of Michmash to Ophrah on tlie north, througli the pass of Beth-horon on the west, and down the ravines of Zeboim (the hya?nas), towards the Ghor or Jordan valley on the east. 19. now there was no smith tlirougliout Israel—^T!ie country was in tlie lowest state of depression and degradation. The Pliilistines, after the great victory over the sons of Eli, had become the virliuil masters of the land. Tlieir policy in disarming the natives has been often followed in the East. For repairing any serious damage to their agricultural implements, they had to apply to the neighbouring forts. " Yet they had a file," as a kind of privilege, for the purpose of sharpening sundry Bmaller utensils of husbandry.
is gone from us—The idea occurred to him that it might be some daring adventurer belonging to his own little troop, and it would be ea.sy to discover him. Saul said imto Ahiah, Bring liither the ark of God—T'lere is no evidence that the ark had been brought from Kdjath-jearim. The Sept. version is preferable; which, by a slight variation of the text, reads, "the ephod;" i.e., the priestly cape, which the high priest put on when consulting the oracle. That this should be at hand is natural, from the presence of Ahiah himself, as well as the nearness of Nob, where the tabernacle was flien situaled. Wilhdraw thine hand—The priest, invested with the ephod, prayed with raised and extended hands. Saul, perceiving that
Ver. 1-U. Jonathan MiRACULousLySMiTF-STHEPiiii,- ISTINES' Garkison. 1. the Philistines' garrison—J/r/jy/., the Standing camp " in the passage of Miclimash" (cti. l:!. Hi,
tlie opportunity was inviting, and that God apixareo to have sulliciently declared in favour of His pi>opIe, requested the priest to cease, that they miglit ininudiately join in tlie contest. The sf'ason for eonsullation wa.s
2!i), now Wady Ks-Suweinit. " It tiegins in llie lUMghbourhood of Betln (Reth-el) and El-Bireh (Beeroth), and as It breaks through the ridge below these places, its sides form precipitous walls. On the right, about a quarter of an acre below. It again breaks olT, and p.-usses between high perpendicular precipices." [Uoiiinson.J 2. Saul tarried In the iitteriuoat parts of Glbtah—/At.., Geba.
p;ist—the tiiiK! for prompt .action was come. HO-'M. Sani and all the people—All the warriors In the garrison at Gibeah, the Israelite deserters In the camp of tiio Philistines, and the fugitives among the mountains of Eiihraiiu, now all rushed to the pursuit, which was hot
Said SluI to Destroy Amalek, 1 SAMUEL XV. Rejected by Godfor DixuledieTiee.
and sauguina ry. 23. So tlie I.ord saved Israrl that day ; and tlie battle passed over unto Bctli-aven i. e., Beth-el. Jt passed over the forest, now destroyed, on the central
and sleepless hatred during the 500 years thai had elapsed since their doom was pronounced. Being a people of nomadic habits, they were as plundering and dangerous as the Bedouin Arabs, particularly to the southern tribes. The national interest required, and God, as King of Israel, decreed that this public enemy should be removed. Their destruction was to be witiiout reservation or exception. I rememher—I am reminded of \^hfit Amalek did—perliaps by the still remaining trophy or memorial erected by Moses (Exodus 17. 1.3, 16). 4. Saul gathered the people together—The alacrity with which he entered on the necessary preparations for the expedition gave a fair, but delusive promise of faithfulness in
ildge of Palestine, then over to the other side from the eastern pass of Michmash (v. 31), to the western pass of Aijalon, through which they escaped into their own plains. a4. Saul had adjured the people—Afraid lest so precioHS an opportunity of eflectually humbling the Philistine power might be lost, the impetuous king laid an anathema on any one who should taste food until the evening. This rash and foolish denunciation distressed the people, by preventing them taking such refreshments as they might get on the march, and materially hindered the successful attainment of his own patriotic object. as, all they of the laud came to a ivood, and there was honey—The honey is described as "upon the ground," "dropping" froni the trees, and in honeycombs—indicating it to be bees' honey. " Bees in the East ai e not, as in England, kept in hives : they are all in a wild state. The forests literally flow with honey ; large combs may be seen hanging on the trees as you pass along, full of honey." [Roberts.] 31-34:. the people were faint, and flew upon the spoil—At evening, when the time tixed by Saul had expired. Faint and famishing, the pursuers fell voraciously upon the cattle they had taken, and threw them on t'.ie ground to cut off their flesh and eat them raw, so that the army, by Saul's rashness, were defiled by eating blood, or living animals ; probably, as the Abyssinians do, who cut a part of the animal's rump, but close the hide upon it, and nothing mortal follows from that wound. They were painfully couscientious in keeping the king's order for fear of the curse, but had no scruple in transgressing God's command. To prevent this violation of the law, Saul ordered a large stone to be rolled, and those that slaughtered the oxen to cut their throats on that stone. B.v laying the animal's head on the high stone, the blood oozed out on the ground, and suflicient evidence was aflbrded that the ox or sheep was dead before it was attempted to eat it. 36-46. the people rescued Jonathan, tliat he died not—When Saul became aware of Jonathan's transgression in regard to the honey, albeit
its execution. Telaim—or "Telem," among the uttermost cities of the tribe of Judah towards the coast of Edom (Joshua 1.5.21,24). 5. Saul came to a city of Amalek—probably their capital, laid wait iu the valley following the strategic policy of Joshua at Ai (Joshua 6). 6. Kenites—(See on Judges 1. 16.) In con.sequence, probably, of the unsettled state of Judah, they seem to have returned to their old desert tracts. Though now intermingled with the Amalekites, they were not implicated in the offences of that wicked race; but for the sake of their ancestors, between whom and those of Israel there had been a league of amity, a timely warning wasafl'orded them to remove from the scene of danger.
7-9. He Spares Agag and the Best of the Spoil. 7-9. Saul smote the Amalekites—His own view of the proper and expedient course to follow was his rule, not the command of God. 8. he took Agag alive—This was the common title of the Amalckite kings. He had no scruple about the apparent cruelty of it, for he made fierce and indiscriminate havoc of the people. But he spared Agag, probably to en.ioy the glory of displo.ying so distinguished a captive, a)id, in like manner, the most valuable portions of the booty, as the cattle. By this wil-
ful and partial obedience to a positive command, complj'ingwith it in some parts and violating it in others, as suited his own taste and humour, Saul showed his selfish, arbitrary temper, and his love of despotic power, and his utter unfitness to perform the duties of a dolegated king in Israel.
it was done in ignorance and involved no guilt, he was, like Jephtluvh, about to put his son to death, in conformit.y with his vow. But the more enlightened conscience of the army prevented the tarnishing the glory of the day by the blood of tlie young hero, to whose faitli and valour It was chiefly due. 47, 48. So Saul fought against all hU enemies on every side—This signal triumph over the Philistines was followed, not only by their expulsion from the land of Israel, but by successful incursions against various hostile neighbours, whom he harassed though he did not snlxlue them.
10, 11. Gon Rejects Him for Disoredience. 10, 11. Tile word of tlte Lord came unto SamnrI, saying. It reprntetli me that 1 have set up Saul—I!cpcntan(^e i.s attributed in Scripture to Him when bad men give Him cause to alter His course and method of procedure, and to treat them as if He did " repent" of kindness shown. To the heart of a man like Samuel, who was above all envious considerations, and reall.v attached to the king, so painful an ajinouncement moved all liis pit.'V', and led him to pass a sleepless night of earnest intercession. 13. Saul came to Carmcl—In the south of Judah (Joshua l.i.
CHAPTEE XV.
.W; ch.'Z'i.'i). 1/J. he set hiiii up a place i.e., a pillar
(2 Samuel 18. I.S) ; lit., a /irf?K/—indicating that whatever was the form of the monument, it was surmounted, according to the ancient fashion, by the figure of a hand, the symbol of power and energy. The erection of this vainglorious trophy was an additional act of disobedience. His pride had overborne his sense of duty in first raising this monument to his own honour, ;ind then going to Gilgal to iiirer sacrifice to God. 13. Saul said unto him, UlesKed be thou of the liOrd ; 1 have performed the comi»iand«icnt of the L.or«l — Saul was either blinded liy n partial and delusive self-love, or lie was. In his declaration to Samuel, acting the part of a
Ver. I-fi. SauiSent TO DESTnoY Amalfk. 1. Samuel aid unto Saul, The Ijord sent me to anoint thee; now hearken unto the Lord—Several years had liccn jinssed in successful military operations against troublesome neighbours; and during these Saul had been left to act in B great measure at his own discretion as an independent prince. Now a second test is proposed of his possessing the character of a theocratic monarch in Israel; and In announcing the duty required of him, Samuel brought before him his official station as the Lord's vicegerent, and the peculiar obligation under which he was laid to act iu that capacity. lie had formerly done wrong, for which a severe rebuke and threatening were administered to him (ch. 1.1. 13, 11). Now an opporlunUy was afforded him of retrieving that error by an exact ol)edU^nce to the Divine command. 'Z, 3. Amnlek — Tlio powerful tribe which Inhabited the country immediately to the eastward of the iiorMu^rn Cushites. Their lerrllory extended over the whole of tlio eastern portion of the desert of Sinai to Rephldim—was the earliest oppo-
liold and artful hypocrite. He professed to have fulfilled the Divine command, and lliat the blame of an.v defects
in the execution lay with the people. .Samuel saw the real state of tlie case, and In discharge of the c(mimission
lu! had received before setting out, proceeded t.oileiU)nnce his conduct as charact(>rly,ed by pride, rcnelUon, and obstinate di.sohedience. Wlien ftaiil persisted In declaring that lio had obeyed, alleging that the animals, whose bleating was heard, had been reserved for a liberal .sacri-
nent (DeuK ronomy 2ij. IS ; Kxodus 17. 8-l())—the hereditary mill restless enc^niy of Israel (Numbers 1 1. 1'); .ludges .'i. l.'i;
fice of thanlfsgl ving to (»od, his sliullling, prevaricatine
an«W''''r called forth a stern rebuke from the pr(>i)het..
It well deserved It—for the desllnaliou of thesiioil to Ui«
<i.3), and who hud not rejiented (ch. 11. 18; of their bitter 184
Sccmutl Sml by God to Bethlehem. 1 SAMUEL XVr, XVII. He Anoints David.
pre-eminence had been early promised (Genesis 49. 10). /S. How can I go!—Tliis is another instance of human infirmity in Samuel. Since God had sent him on this mission. He would protect him in the execution. I am come to sacrifice — It seems to have been customary with Samuel to do this in the different circuits to which be went, that he might encourage the worship of God. 3. call Jesse to tlie sacrilice i. e., the social least that followed the peace offering. Samuel, being the oflerer, had a right to invite any guest he pleased. 4. tlie elders of
altar was a flimsy pretext—a gross deception, an attempt
»o conceal the selfishness of the original motive under the Cloak of religious zeal and gratitude. 24. I feared tlie people, and oljeyetl their voice—This was a different reason from the former he had assigned; it was the language of a man driven to extremities, and even had it been true, the principles expounded by Samuel showed that it could have been no extenuation of the oflence. The'proi)het then pronounced the irreversible sentence Of the rejection of Saul and his family. He was Judicially cut off for his disobedience. 34r, 35. I liave sinned . . . turn a^ain with me, that I may worship the Lord The erring, but proud and obstinate monarch was now humbled. He was conscience-smitten for the moment, but his confession proceeded not from sincere repentance, but from a sense of danger and desire of averting the sentence denounced against him. For the sake of public appearance, he besought Samuel not to allow their serious difl'erences to transpire, but to join with him in a public act of worship. Under the influence of his pain-
tlie town tremhled at his coming—Betlilehem was an obscure town, and not within the usual circuit of tlie judge. The elders were naturally appreheusive, there-
fore, that his arrival was occasioned by some extraordinary reason, and tliat it might entail evil upon their town, In consequence of the estrangement between Samuel and the king. 5. sanctify yourselves—By tlie preiiaiations described (Exodus 10. II, 15). The elders wei'e to sanctify themselves. Samuel liimself took the great;est care in the sanctiflcation of Jesse's family. Some, however, think that the former were invited onl.y to join in the sacrifice, while the family of Jesse were invited by themselves to the subsequent feast. G-10. Samuel SMid, Surely the Lord's anointed is hcfore liini—Here Samuel, in consequence of taking his impressions from the external appearance, fails into the same error as foriiierly (c!i. 10. 2t).
fully agitated feelings, he designed to offer sacrifice, partly to express his gratitude for the recent victory, and partly to implore mercy and a reversal of his doom. It was, in anotlier view, a politic scheme, that Samuel might be betrayed into a countenancing of his design in reserving the rattle for sacrificing. Samuel declined to accompany him. 27. he laid hold npon the skirt of his innntle %hc moil, upper tunic, official robe. In an agony of men-
U-14. lip: Anoints David. 11. there remaincth yet tlie youngest, and, lieliold, he heepetJi tlie sheep—Jesse having evidently no idea of David's wisdom and bravery, spoke of him as tlie most unfit. God, in his providence, so ordered it, tliat the appointment of David miglit tlie more clearly appear to be a Divine purpose, and not the design
tal excitement, he took hold of the prophet's dress to detain liiiii ; the rending of the mantle was adroitly pointed
to as a significant and mystical representation of his severance trom the tlirone. 29. the strengtli of Israel will not lie—Heb., "He that gives a victory to Israel;" a furtlier rebuke of his pride in rearing the Carmel trophy, and an intimation tiiat no loss would be sustained in Israel by his rejection. 31. Samuel tuniecl again after Saul—Not to worship along with him; but first, that the people might have no ground, on pretence of Saul's rejection, to witlidraw their allegiance from him; and secondly, to compensate for Saul's error, by executing Goil's judgment upon Agag. 32. Agag came iinto him delicately—Or cheerfully, since he had gained tlie favour and protection of the king. 33. 8amnel hewed Agag— This cruel tyrant met the retribution of a righteous Providence. Never has it been unusual for great or oflicial perBonages in the East to perform executions with tlieir own bands. Samuel did it "before the Lord" in Gilgal, appointing that same mode of punishment (liitherto unknown in Israel) to be used towards him, which he had /ormerly used towards others.
eitlier of Samuel or Jesse. David, having not been sanc-
tified with the rest of his family, it is proljable tliat he returned to his pastoral duties the moment the special business on wliicli lie liad been summoned was done. 12.' he was iiKldy, i&c-Josephus says that David was ten, while most modern commentators are of the opinion that he must have been fifteen years of age. 13. Tlien Samuel took the liorn of oil, and anointed liim—This transaction must have been strictly private. 14-18. Tlie Spirit of the liOrd departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him—His own gloomy refleclious—the consciousness that he had not acted up to tlie cliaracter of an Israelitislr king—the loss of his tlirone, and the extinction of his royal house, made him jealous, irritable, vindictive, and subject to fits of morbid melanclioly. 19. Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David—In the East the command of a king is iinpei'ative, and Jesse, however reluctant and alarmed, liad no alternative but to comply. 20. Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them
. . . unto Saul—as a token of homage and respect. 21. David came to Saul—Providence thus prepared David for his destiny, by placing him in a way to become acquainted with the manners of the court, the business of government, and the general state of the kingdom, became his armour-bearer—This choice, as being an expression of the king's partiality, shows how honourable the oflice was held to be. 2,3. David took an harp, and played with his hand : so Saul w.is refreshed, and well —The ancients believed that music had a myslerious influence in healing mental disorders.
Ver. 1-10. Samuel Sent by God to BETni.KirEM. 1. The liOrd said uuto Samuel, How long %vilt tliou mourn for Saul—Samuel's grief on account of Saul's rejection, accompanied, doul)tless, by earne.st pra.vers for his restitution, showed the amiable feelings of the man; but they were at variance witli his public duty as a proph-
et. The declared purpose of God to transfer the kingdom of Israel into other hands than Saul's, was not an angry menace, but a fixed and immutable decree; so that Samuel ought to have sooner submitted to the peremptory manifestation of the Divine will; but to leave him no longer room to doubt of its being unalterable, he was sent on a private mission to anoint a successor to Saul (see on ch. 10. 1). The immediate designation of a king was of the greatest importance for the interests of the nation in the event of Saul's death, which, to this time, was dreaded; it wouUI establisli David's title, and coTnfortthe minds of Samuel and other good men with a right settlement, whatever contingency might haiipeii. I have provided me a king—The language Is remarkatile, and intimates a difference between this and the former king. Paul was the people's choice—the fruit of their wayward and sinful desires for their own honour and aggrandizement; the next was to be a king who would consult the JUvinc glory, arid selected from Miat tribe to which the
Ver. 1-.3. The IsnAEi.iTKS and Philistines hkino Ready to Battle. 1. the Philistines gathered together their armies—Twenty-seven years after tlieir overthrow at Michniash. Having now recovered their spirits and strength, they sought an oiijiortunity of wiping out tlie infamy of that national <iisaster. as well as to regain tlieir
lost ascendene.y over Israel. Shocoh—now Shuwcilieh, a town in the western plains of Judah (Joshua irj. 3o), nine Roman miles from Eleutlieropolis, toward Jerusalem, (RoniNSON.) Az^kah—a small place in tlie neighbourhood, Kphes-danimlm — or I'as-daminim il Cliroii icles 11.13), "the portion or eftusioL of blood,"' situated between t-a
J 85
Quliaih ChuUenyes the Isradiles. 1 SAMUEL XVIII. David Accepts the Chcdlcnye, und Slays ITtm.
otlier two. 3. -valley of £Iali i. e., the Terebinth, now Wady Er-Sumt. [Robinson.] Anollieivalley somewhat to the north, now called Wady Beit Hauina, has been tlxed on by tlie tradition of ages.
and especially an Oriental youth, to make a parade of hla gallantry. But David's piety sank all consideration of his own prowess, and ascribed the success of t hose aoh ievements to the Divine aid, which he felt assured would not
4-H. iJoLiATH Challenges a Combat. 4-11. a cUampiou— Hib., a man between two; i.e., a person who, on
Vie witlilield from him in a cause which so intimately concerned the safety and honour of His people. Sanl said, Go, and the Lord be witJi tliee—The pious language of the modest but valiant youth impressed the monarch's heart. He felt that it indicated the true military confidence for Israel, and, therefore, made up his mind, without any demur, to sanction a combat on which the fate of his kingdom depended, and with a champion supporting his interests apparently so unequal to the task. 38, 39. Sunl armed David witli his armour— The ancient Hebrews were particularly attentive to the personal safety of their warriors, and hence Saul equipped the youthful champion with his own defensive accout reineuts, whi<-h would be of the best style. It is probable that Saul's coat of mail, or corslet, was a loose shirt, otliorwise
t)fee part of his own people, undertook to determine the national quarrel by engaging in single combat with a Ciiosfn warrior in the hostile army. 5. Ueliiiet of brass —The Philistine helmet had the appearance of a row of feathers set in a tiara, or metal band, to which were attached scales of the same material, for the defence of the neck and the sides of the face. [Osborn.] a coat ofmaU —a kind of corslet, quilted with leather or plates of metal, reaching only to the chest, and supported by shoulder straps, leaving the shoulders and arms at full liberty. 6. greaves of brass—boots, terminating at the ankle, made In one plats of metal, but round to the shape of the leg, and often lined with felt or sponge. They were useful in guarding the legs, not only against the spikes of the enemy, but in making way among thorns and briers, a target of hrass—a circular frame, carried at the back, suspended by a long belt which crossed the breast from the shoulders to the loins. 7. stall' of Iiis spear—rather under five feet long, and capable of being used as a javelin
it could not have fitted both a stripling and a man of the colossal stature of tlie king. 40. brook—Wady. bag—Or scrip for containing his daily food, sling—Tlie sliny co"iisisted of a double rope with a thong, probably of leather,
to receive the stone. The slinger held a second stone iu his loft hand. David chose five stones, as a reserve, in case the first should fail. Shepherds in the East carry a sling and stones still, for the purpose of driving away, or killing, the enemies that prowl about the tlook. 4:;i-47. the Philistine said . . . David said to the Pliillstinc— When the two champions met, tliey generally made each of tlu in a speech, and sometimes recited some verses,
(eh. in. 10). It luid an iron head, one beariHg a stiield— In consequence of their great size and weight, tlie Oriental warrior had a trusty and skilful friend, whose office it was to bear the large shield behind which he avoided the missile weapons of the enemy. He was covered, cap-apie, with defensive armour, while he had only two otleusive weapons — a sword by his side and a spear in his hand. 8-11. I rtefy tUe armies of Israel; give me a mail, tixat we may figUt together—In cases of single combat, a warrior used to go out in front of his party, and advancing towards the opposite ranks, challenge some one to fight with him. If his formidable appearance, or great reputation for physical strength and heroism, deterred any from accepting the challenge, he used to parade himself withiu hearing of the enemy's lines, specify in a loud, boastful, bravado style, defying them, and pouring out torrents of abuse and insolence to provoke their resent in en t.
filled with allusions and epithets of the most opprobrious kind, and hurling contempt and defiance at one another. This kind of abusive dialogue is common among the Arab combatants still, David's speech, however, presents a striking contrast to the usual strain of these invectives.
It was full of pious trust, and to God he ascribed all the glory of the triumph he auti<'ipated. 40. Smote the Philistine in his forehead—At tlio opening for the eyes —that was the only exposed part of his body. 51. cnt off his liiead—Not as an evidence of the giant's death, for his slaughter had been ettected in presoiioe of the whole army, l)ut as a trophy to be borne to Saul. The heads of slain eiKMiiies are always regarded in the East as the most welcome tokens of victory. 5^. Shaaraim—See Joshua l"). :;(). 54. tent—The sacred tabernacle. David dedicated the sword of Goliath as a votive otfering to the
l^-ys. David Accepts the Challenge, and Slays
Hl.^I. 17. T.ilte isow for tUy bretliroii an eplialk of tills parched corn, and these ten loaves—In those times campaigns selilom lasted above a few days at a time. The soldiers were volunteers or militia, who wore supplied with provisions from time to time by their friends at home. IS. talcc tlieir pledge—Toliens of the soldiers' health and salcty were sent home in the convenient form of a look of their hair, or piece of their ijail, or such like, carry these (en cheeses to the captain—to enlist his kind Bltontion. Oriental cheeses are very small, rosonililing in shape iuid sii;eour penny loaves; and aUliougli they are frequently made of so soft a consistence as to rosi'mblo curds, those which Uavid carried seem to have been fully formed, pressed, and sufliciently dried to admit of their being carried. H'Z. David lefttlte sheep wlith a keeper This is tlie only iiistanc'c in wlii('h the hired sliophord is distinguished from the ituister or one of his fanrily. trench—some feeble attempt at a rampart. It appears
Lord. 5,'i-58. Saul said unto Abner . . . -whose son Is
tills youth i—A young man is more spoken of in many Kasleru countries by his father's name than his own. The gi-ov.'l h of tlie beard, and otlier changes on a no-\v fullgrown youth, prevented the king from recognizing his former favourite minstrel.
Ver. l-f. Jonathan Loves David. 1. the soul of .Tonnthan was knit -(vlth the soul of David-They were nearly of an age. The prince had taken little inten-st in David as a. minstrel ; but his heroism and modest, manly bearing, liis piety and high eiulownionts, kindled the flame not of admiration only, but of all'eotion, in the cougenial niinil of Jonathan, ii. Saul would let l»lm go na more home—He was established as a permaiiont resident
(see Mart/.) to have been formed by a line of carts or
cliariols, which, from the earliest times, w;is the practice of nomad jx^ople. '/i-i. left his carriage In the liand of the keeper of the carriage—to nuvlvi; his way to tlie Standard of .ludali. make his father's house free In iKrael— His family should be exempted from the impositions and services to which the gtmeral l)ody of the Lsraelites were sul).jected. 34-.'Jfl. a lion and a bear These were two diU'erent rencontres, for those animals prowl alone. Tlie bt^ar must have been a Syrian bear, which is believed to be a distinct species, or perhaps a variety, of thi^ brown bear. The beard applies to the lion alone. Those feats seem to have been iierformod with no •weapons more odoeti ve than the rude staves and stones of the field, or his Hhepherd's crook. 37. Tine Lord tliat delivered me— It would have been natural for a youth, m
at court. 3. Then .lonalliaii and David made a covenant—Such covenants of brotherhood are frequent In thu
East. Thoy are ratified by certain ceremonies, and in presence of witnesses, that tin; persons covenanting will be sworn brothers for life. 4. .Toiiathnn stripped him*
s«'lf of tlic robe that was upon him, and gave it to David-To receive any part of the dress which had been
nwrii by a sovereign, or his eld(>st son and heir, is doomed,
in the East, l\n': liighesl honour which can beconforred ou a subject (see on Esther G. 8). The girdle, lieing conniKjted with the sword and the bow, may be considered as belnft part of the military dress, and great value is attached tc
It in the East.
5-9. Haul Envies his Puaise. 0. tlic women canu
Saul Offers Durkl liia Dauyhter. 1 SAMUEL XIX. SauCs Huge (lyainst DavCd.
within which tliis exploit was to be aclveved was not exhausted. SJ7. David slew of ttie Philisilnes two hundred men—The number was doubled, partly lo sliow
ont of nil tlie cities of Israel—In the homeward march
from tlie pursuit of t!ie PluHstines. This is a cliaraeter-
Istio trait of Oriental manners. On the return of friends
his respect and attachment to the princess, and parity to oblige Saul to the fulfilment of his pledge. 39. Saitl vvaa yet the more afraid of David—Because Providence had visibly favoured him, by not only defeating the conspiracy against his life, but tlirough his royal alliance paving his way to the tlirone.
lout! ubsent.and particularly on tlie retuxn of a victorious army, bands of women and children issue from the towns and \ ina^es, to form a triumphal procession, to celel)rate
the victory, and, as they go along, gratify the soldiers
with dancins, instrumental music, and extempore songs.
In honour of the generals who have earned tlie highest
distinction by feats of gallantry. The Hebrew women,
therefore, were merely paying the customary gratula-
tions to David as the deliverer of their country, but they committed a great indiscretion by praising a suli.ject at
Ver. 1-7. Jonathan Discloses iiis Father's Pt;i;rw,K TO KlLl^ David. 1. Saul spake to Jonaifliaii Itis s<fn, and to all his servants, tli,at <iiey should kill David
the expense of their sovereign. 9. Sanl eyed David—
t. e , invidiou.sly, witti secret and malignant hatred.
Tlie murderous design he had secretly cherished lie now reveals to a few of his intimate friends. Jonathan was among the number. He prudently said nothing at the time, but secretly apprised David of his danger, and waiting till the morning, when his father's excited temper v/ould be cooled, stationed his friend in a place of concealment, where, overhearing the conversation, he might learn how matters really stood, and take iminer'dato
1>'.2. Skkks to Kili, Hni. 10. on tlie inoi-row tlie
evil spii-it from (vo<l c-nnie upon Saul—This rankling
thouglit bronglit on a svulden paroxysm of his mental malady. lie iirojiTnesiietl-The term denotes one under
the influence either of a good or a bad spirit. In the present it is used to express tliat Ravil was in a frea/.y. David, perceiving the symptoms, hastened, by the sooth-
ing strains of his liarp, to allay the stormy agitation of the royal mind. lint ere its mollifying influence could be felt, Saul hurled a javelin at the head of tlie young musician, tliere wns a jnvelin In Saul's linncl—Had it been followed by a fatal result, the deed would have been considered the act of an irresponsible maniac. It was repeated more than once ineffectually, and Saul became Impressed wiili a dread of David as under the special pro-
fliglit, if necessary. 4-7. Jonathan spake good of David—He told his father he was committing a great sin to plot against the life of a man who had rendered the most invaluable services to his country, and whose loyalty had been tiniformly steady and devoted. The strong remonstrances of Jonathan produced an effect on the impulsive mind of his lather. As he was still susceptible of good and honest impressions, he bound him-
tection of Providence.
]:V1(). Fears H!M fon his Good Success. 13. Therefore .'jaul removed liitii li-oiii liim—Sent him a way truin
self by an oath to relinquish his hostile purpose; and thus, tlirough the intervention of tiie noble-minded prince, a temporary reconciliation was effected, in consequence of wliicli David was again employed in the public service.
the court, wliere the principal persons, including his own
son, were spell-bound with admiration of the young and pious warrior, nnd made Him CiJi>taii« over aCiioMsnnd —Gave him a military commission, which was intended
8-17. Saul's Malicious Race Bueaks Out against David. 8-10. David went out and fo'i^-^iit with the PJillistineji, and slew ttienn with a great sli-uglitor—
to be an lionourable exile. But this post of duty served only to draw out before the public the extraordinary and varied qualities of his character, ^nd to give him a stronger hold of the people's affections.
brilliant victory was gained over tlie public enemy. But these fresh laurels of David re-awiikeiied in the moody
17-21. He Oi-'FERS III.M iri.S DAL'GirTEK FOR A SNAKE.
lireast of Saul the former spirit of envy and melancholy. On David's return to court, the temper of Saul became move fiendish than ever; the melodious strains of the harp had lost all their power to charm ; and in a paroxysm of uncontrollable frenzy he aimed a Javelin at the person of David—the missile having been fiirown with such force that it pierced the chamber wall. David providentially escaped; but the king, having now thrown off the mask and being bent on aggressive measures, ma<!e liis son-inlaw's situation everywhere perilous. 11, I'-J. Said sent messengers unto David's house to watch liim, and to slay Him—The fear of causing a com.motion in the town, or favouring his escape in tlio darlcness, seemed to have influenced the king in ordering them to patrol till the morning. This infatuation was overruled by Providence to favour David's escape; for his wife, seci'etly apprised by Jonathan, who was privy to the design, or spying persons in court livery watching the gate, let him <lown
17. Saul said to David, Beliold my elder daugliter Merab, Jier -will 1 Rive thee to wife—Though bound to
this already, lie had found it convenient to forget his former promise, and now liolds it out as a new ofl'er, which would teinpt David to give additional proofs of
his vah/ur. But the fickle and perfidious monarch broke
his pledge at the time when the marriage was on the eve
of being celebrated, and bestowed Jlerab on another man
(see on 2 Samuel 21.8); an indignity as well as a wrong, which was calcidated deeply to wound the feelings and provoke the resentment of David. Perhaps it was intended to do so, that aiivantage might be taken of his in-
discretion. Bat David was preserved from this snare. aO. Sliclial, Saul's daughter, loved David-This must have Uappemsl some lime after, tliey told Sacil, and the tiling please*! liini—Not from any favour to David, but he saw that it would be turned to the advancement of his malicious pmposes, and the more so when, by the
tlirougti a window (see on Joshua 2. 15). 13, l*. Michol took an linage, and laid it in the bed—"An image,"
artful Intrigues an<l flattery of his spies, the loyal sentiments of Da vid were discovered. 35. Tlie king deslreth not any dowry—In Eastern countries the husband pnr-
HI., "the teraphim," and laid, not in the bed, but liter-
ally on the " divan ;" and "the pillows," /. e., the cushion, which usually lay at tiie back of the divan, and was stuffed with "goat's hair;" she took from its bolster or heading at the upper part of the divan; this she placed lower down, and covered with a mantle or hyke, as if to
chajieH his wife either by gifts or services. As neitlier David nor his family were in circumstances to give a suitable dowry for a princess, the king intimated that he would be graciously pleased to accept some gallant deed
foster a proper warmth in a patient; at the same time spreading the goat's hair skin .so as to resemble human hair in a dishevelled state. The pretext was that David lay there sick. The first messengers of Saul, keeiiing at a respectable distance, were deceived; but the imposition was detected on a closer inspf'Ction. 1.5. Ilriiig him to me in the lied—a portable couch or mattress.
In the public .service, a linndred foreskins of tlie PliilIstlnea—Such mutilations on the bodies of their slain enemies were commonly practised in ancient war, and
the number told Indicated the glory of the victory. Saul's willingness to accept a public service had an air of lilx^r-
allty, while his choice of so difficult and liazardous a Bervice seemed only putting a proper value on gaining the hand of a king's daughter. Hut he covered unprincipled malice against David under this proposal, which exhibited a zeal for God and the covenant of circumcision. 36. the days were not expired— The period
18-2:?. David I''lees to Samuel. 18-31, David fled, antl came to Kamah—.Samuel was living In great retirement, superintending the school of the prophet*,
estubllslied in the little hamlet of Naloth, in the neigh-
David Considls with Jonalhan. 1 SAMUEL XX. Said Secl-g to Kill Jonathan.
bourhood of Ramah. It was a retreat congenial to the mind of David; but Saul, having found out liis asylum, sent three successive bodies of men to apprehend him. The character of the place, and the influence of the sacred exercises produced such aji etfect on tliem, that they were Incapable of discharging their commission, and were led, by a resistless impulse, to join in singing tiie praises of God. Saul, in a lit of rage and disappointment, determined to go himself. But, before reaching the spot, his mental susceptibilities were roused even more tlian his mes.seTigers, and he was found, ere long, swelling tlie ranks of the young prophets. This singular change can be ascribed only to tlie power of Him wlio can turn the hearts of men even as the rivers of water.
part of the conditions—the reiteration of this covenant on botli sides (?•. 17) to make it indissoluble ; all this indicates sucJi a power of mutual aflection, such magnetic attractiveness in the character of David, such susceptibility and elevation of feeling in the heart of Jonathan, that
tills interview for dramatic interest ami moral beauty stands unrivalled in the records of human friendsliip. 19. wlien tlion liast stayed tliree days—Either with your family at Bethlehem, or wherever you find it convenient, come to tlie place wliere tlion <Ud!>t Iiide tliyself vi'lien tUe bnsiness was in liand Hch., " in the day or time of the liusiness," when the same matter was under inquiry formerly (ch. 19. 22). remain by tlie stone Ej.el Heb., "the stone of the way;" a sort of miiestone wliich directed travellers. He was to conceal himself in some cave or hiding-yilace near that spot. as toncUing the matter wliieti tliou and I Itave spokeik of—The plan being concerted, the friends separated for a time, and the amiable character of Jonathan again peers out in his parting allusion to their covenant of friendship.
24. Saul Prophesies. a4. lay dotvn naked—j. e., divested of his armour and outer robes—in a state of ti-ance. Thus God, in making the wrath of man to praise Him, preserved the lives of all the prophets, frustrated all the purposes of Saul, and preserved the life of his servant.
OHAPTER XX.
2t-40. Saul, Missing David, Seeksto Kill Jonathan. 25. tlie king sat npon liis seat, as at otlier times . . , by tUe wall—The left-hand corner at the upper end of a room was and still is in the East, the most honourable place. The person seated there has his left arm confined by the wall, but his right hand is at full liberty. From Aimer's position next the king, and David's seat being
Ver. 1-10. David Consults with Jonathan for his Safety. 1. David fled fi-oin Naiotli in Rnmali, and came and said before Jonatlian—He could not remain In Naioth, for he had strong reason to fear, tliat when the religious fit, if we may so call it, was over, .Saul would relapse into his usual fell and sanguinary temper. It may be thought that David acted imprudently in directing his flight to Gibeah. But he was evidently prompted to go thither by the most generous feelings—to inform his friend of what had recently occurred, and to obtain that friend's sanction to the course he was compelled to adopt. Jonathan could not be persuaded there was any real danger after the oath his father had taken ; at all events, he felt assured his father would do nothing without telling him. Filial attachment naturally blinded the prince to defects in tlie parent-iil character, and made him reluctant to believe his father capal)le of such atrocity. David repeated his unshaken convictions of Saul's murderous purpose, but in terms delicately chosen (v. 3), not to wound the filial feelings of his friend; while Jonathan, clinging, it would seem, to a hope that the extraordinary scene enacted at Naioth might have wrought a sanctified improvement on Saul's temper and feelings, undertook to inform David of the result of his observations at home. 5. David t>ald to •Tonatlian, To-morrow is tiie ne%v moon, and I slioiilfl not fail to Kit willt (lie king at meat—Tlie beginning of a new montli or moon was always celebrated by special .sacrifices, followed by feasting, at which the head of a family expected all its members to be present. David, both as the king's son-in-law and a distinguished courtier, dined on such occasions at the royal tal)le, and from its being generally known that David had returned to Gibeah, his presence in the jialaee would be naturally expected. This occasion was chosen by the two friends for testing the king's state of feeling. As a suitable pretext for David's al)senco, it was arranged that he should visit his family at Bethlehem, and thus create an opportunity of ascertaining how his non-appearance would be viewed. The time and p\;ice were fixed for Jonatlian reporting to David ; butas circumstances might render another interview unsafe, it was deemed expedient to communicate by a concerted signal.
left empty, it would seem that a state etiquette was observed at the royal table, each of the courtiers and ministers having places assigned them according to their respective gradations of rank. Jonathan arose—Either as a mark of respect on the entrance of the king, or in conformity with the usual Oriental custom for a son to stand in presence of ins father. 30, he is not clean—No notice was taken of David's absence, as he might be labouring under sofne ceremonial defilement. 27. on the morrow, whicli was the second day of the montli—The time of the moon's appearance being uncertain—whether at midday, in tlie evening, or at miilnight, the festival was extended over two days. Custom, not the law, liad introduced tllis. Sanl said unto Jonathan, AVIierefore Cometh not the son of Jesst—The questi<m was asked, as it were, casually, and with as great an air of indilference as he could assume. And Jonathan having replied that David liad asked and obtained his permission to attend a family auniversar.y at Bethlehem, the pent-up passions of the king burst out in a most violent storm of rage and Invective against his son. 30. thon son of the pervei-se woman—This is a striking Oriental form of abuse. Saul was not angry with his wife; it was the son alone, upon whom he meant, by this style of address, to discharge his resentment; and the principle on which It
is founded seems to be, that to a genuine fllial instinct It
is a more inexpiable o/fence to hear the name or character of 11 parent traduced, tlian any personal reproach. Thia was, undoubtedly, one cause of "the lli'rce anger" lu which the high-niiiided iirince lelf the table without tasting a morsel. 33. Soul cast q Jnvellii at liim—This
is a sa<l proof of the maniacal frenzy into which tlic unhappy monarch was transported. 35. Jonatlian went into tlie field at tlie time np|n>infcd—or, "at tlu> jilace appointed." '>(>. Ike said (o the liid, Kiiii, find out the arrows which I slkoot— the direction gi\ eii aloud to the attendant was the signal iireconcertinl with David. It implied danger. 40. Jonathan gave his artillery unta his lad— r., his missive weapons. The French word " artillerle," slguSties "arcliery," and the term is still used in England, in the designation of the "artillerj company of liOndon," the association of archers, thoiigli they have long disused bows and arrows. Jonathan's boy being despatched out of the way, the fi'lends enjoyed the satisfaction of a final meeting.
U-2.'i. Their Covenant Renewed nv Oath. ll..Tonatlinn said to David, Come, l<^t ns go into tike tleld—The privati^ dialogue, which is Ikm-c detailed at full length, presents a most beautiful exhiliition of these? twoainialile and noble-minded friends. Jotialhan was led, in tliecircumstane(!S, to bo the cliief speaker. Tlie strength of his attachment, his pure disinterestedness, his w.arm piety —his Invocation to God, consisting of a prayer and a Folemn oath combined-the calm and lull exi)ression he gave of his conviction that his own family were, liy the Divine will, to be disinherited, and David clevaled to the possession of the tlirono—the covenant entered Into with David on behalf of his descendants, and the Imprecation
41, 12. Jonathan and David I.ovincjt.y Part. 41,4!}. IJavld IV'll on his face ami I>om cil three times—a token of liomiige to the prince's rank; but on a close apiiroach,
( very otlier consideration was sunk in the lull How of tha purest brotlierly ad'ection. 43. Jonnthnn said 1o Davidi t.o in peace—The Interview being a stolen one, and every
(v. denounced on unv of them who should violate his
David Ohtaina Hallowed Bread. 1 SAMUEL XXI, XXII. His Kinsmen Resort to Him at Adullam.
Achish was generous (ch. 27. G). He might wish to weaken the resources of Saul, and it was common in ancienl times for great men to be harboured by neighbouring princes. 13. feigned himselfmad—It is supposed to have been an attack of epilepsy, real, or perhaps only pretended. This disease is relieved by foaming at the mouth, let fall hig spittle upon his beard—No wonder that Achish supposed him insane, as such an indignity, whether done by another, or one's self, to the beard, is considered in tlie East an intolerable insult.
moment precious, it was kindness in Jonathan to hasten
his friend's departure.
Ver. 1-7. David, AT Nob, Obtains OF Ahimblech HalI/OWED BkEAD. 1. Tlien came David to Alvtmelecli Nob, a city oi the priests (cli. 22. 19), was in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives—a little north
of tlie top, and on tlie nortli-east of the city. It is computed to liave been about five miles distant from Gibeah. Ahimelecli, the same as Aliiah, or perliaps liis brotlier, both being sons of Ahitub (cf. ch. 11. 3, with ch. 22. 4-11, 20). His object in fleeing to this place, was partly for the supply of his necessities, and partly for comfort and counsel, in the prospect of leaving the kingdom. Aliimelecli was afraid at tlie meeti«»g of David—suspecting some extraordinary occurrence by his appearing so suddenly, and in
Ver. 1-8. David's Kindbed and Othees Resort to Him at Aduulam. 1. David . . . escaped to tlic cave Adnllam—Supposed to be that now called Deir-Dubban, a number of pits or underground vaults, some nearly square, and all about fifteen or twenty feet deep, with perpendicular sides, in the soft limestone or chalky rocks. They are on the borders of the Pliilistine plain, at the base of the Judea mountains, six miles soutU-west from Bethlehem, and well adapted for concealing a number of refugees. Ills bretliren, and all Ivls fatlier's lioiise . . . went down—To escape the elTects of Saul's rage, which seems to have extended to all David's family. From Bethlehem to Deir-Dubban it is, indeed, a descent all tlie way. 3. every one that was in distress—(see on Judges
sucli a style, for his attendants were left at a little dis-
tance, 'iThe king liatli eoininaiided me a busiuess, and liath said nnto me, Let no man know—This was a
direct falsehood, extorted through fear. JJavid probably supposed, like many other persons, that a lie is quite excusable which is told for the sole purpose of saving the speaker'.s life. But what is essentially sinful, can never, from circumstances, change its immoral character; and David liad to repent of this vice of lying (Psalm 119.29). 4. there is no hallowed bread—Tliere would be plenty of bread in his house; but there was no time to wait for
11. 3.) 3. David went tlience to Mizpeh of Moab—Mizpeh signifies a watch tower, and it is evident that it must be taken in this sense here, for {v. 4) it is called " the hold" or fort. The king of Moab was an enemy of Saul (ch. 14.
it. "The liallowed bread" was the old sliew-bread, which had been removed the previous day, and wliich was reserved for the use of the priests alone (Leviticus 24.9). Before entertaining the idea that this bread could be lawfully given to David and liis men, the higli priest seems to have consulted the oracle (ch. 22. 10) as to the course to be followed in this emergency. A dispensation to use tlie hallowed bread was specially granted by God himself. 6. these three days—as required by law (Exodus 19. 15). David and hi.s attendants seem to have been lurking in some of the adjoining caves, to elude pursuit, and to have been, consequently, reduced to great extremities of hun-
47), and the great-grandson of Ruth, of course, related to the family of Jesse; David, therefore, had less anxiety in seeking an asylum within the dominions of this prince than those of Achish, because the Moabites had no grounds for entertaining vindictive feelings against him, and their enmity to Saul rendered tliem the more willing to receive so illustrious a I'efugee from his court. 5. tlie prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold—
'it'uis sound advice, no doubt, came from a liigher source than Gad's own sagacity. It was right to appear publicly amongst the people of his own tribe, as one conscious of innocence and trusting in God ; and it was expedient that, on the death of Saul, his friends might be encouraged to support his interest, forest of Harath—south-west of Jerusalem. 6. Saul abode under a ti-ee in Ramali lit., under a grove on a hill. Oriental princes frequently sit with their court under some shady canopy in the open
gf»". the bread is in a manner common i. e., now that
It is no longer standing on the Lord's table. It Is eaten by the priests, and may also, in our circumstances, be eaten by us. yea, thongh it were Banctlfled this day in the vessel—i.e., though the hallowed bread had been but newly placed on the vessel, the ritual ordinance would have to yield to the great law of necessity and mercy (see on Matthew 12. 3; Mark 2. 2-5; Luke 6.3). 6. tliere is no bread there—in the tabernacle. The removal of the old and the substitution of the new bread was done on the Sabbath (Leviticus 24. 8), the loaves being kept warm in an oven heated the previous day. 7. Doeg, an Cdomite who had embraced the Hebrew religion, detained before theliord—at the tabernacle, perhaps, in tlie performance of a vow, or from its being the Sabbath, which rendered it unlawful for him to prosecute his journey, the chlefest of the herdsmen that belonged to Saul—Eastern monarchs anciently' had large possessions in flocks and herds; and the office of the chief shepherd was an Important one.
air. A spear was the early sceptre. 7. Hear now, ye Benjamites—This was an appeal to stimulate the patriotism or jealousy of his own tribe, from which he insinuated it was the design of David to transfer the kingdom to another. This address seems to have been made on hearing* of David's return with his four hundred men to Judah. A dark suspicion had risen in the jealous mind of the king that Jonathan was privy to this movement, which he dreaded as a conspiracy against tJie crown.
9-16. DoBG Accuses Ahimelech. 9. Doeg set over
the sei-vants Sept., the mules of .Saul. 10. lie inquired of the Liord for him—Some suppose that tliis was a malicious fiction of Doeg to curry favour with the king, but Ahimelech seems to acknowledge the fact. The poor simple-minded high priest knew nothing of the existing family feud between Saul and David. The informer, if he knew it, said nothing of the cunning artifice by which David obtained the aid of Ahimelech. The facts looked against him, and the whole priesthood along with hira were declared abettors of conspiracy.
9. He Takes Goliath's Sword. 9. sword of Goliath —(see on ch. 18. .54.) behind the ephod— In the place allowed for keeping the sacred vestments, of which the ephod is mentioned as the chief. The giant's sword was deposited in that safe custody as a memorial of the Divine goodness in delivering Israel, there Is none like that— Not only for its size and superior temper, but for its being a pledge of the Divine favour to him, and a constant stimulus to his faith.
17-19. .Saul. Commands to Kill the Priests. 17. th« footmen that stood about him—His body-guard, or riis runners (ch. 8. 11 ; 2 Samuel 15. 1 ; 1 Kings 1. 5 ; 1 Ki ngs 14.
10-15. At Gath He Feigns Himself Mad. 10. David
. . . fled ... to Achislk, king of Gath—which was one of the five principalities of the Philistines. In this place his person must have been known, and to venture into that country, he their greatest enemy, and with the sword of Goliath In his hand, would seem to have been a perilous experiment; but, doubtless, the protection he received Implies that he had been dlrect«d by the Divine oracle.
28), who held an Importint place at court (2 Chronicles 12.
10). But tliey chose rather to disobey the king than to offend God by imbruing their hands in the blood of his ministering servants. A foreigner alone (Psalm 52. 1-3) could be found willing to be the executioner of this bloody and sacrilegious sentence. Thus was the doom of tlie house of Eli fulfilled. 19. Nob, the city of the priests, 189
Sard Pursues David. 1 SAMUEL XXIII, XXIV. David Spares SauFs Life.
mote lie with the edge of the sworrt—The barbarous atrocities perpetrated agaiu^t this city seem to have been designed to terrify all the subjects of Saul from altbrdiiig either aid or an asylum to David. But tliey proved ruinous to Saul's own interest, as they alienated the priesthood, and disgusted all good men in the kingdom.
athan have won, ere he could seek such an interview, and give utterance to such sentiments! To talk wiln calm and assured confidence of himself and family lu ing superseded by the man who was his friend by the bonds of a holy and solemn covenant, could only have been done by one who, superior to all views of worldly policy, looked at the course of things in the spirit and tiirougli the principles of that theocracy which acknowledged (Jod as the only and supreme Sovereign of Israel. Neither history nor fiction depicts the movements of a friemlsliip purer, nobler, and more self-denying than Jonathan's!
20-23. Akiathar Escapes and Fi.kes after David. no. one of the sons of Ahlmelech . . . escaped—This was Abiathar, who repaired to David in the forest of Hareth, rescuing, with his own life, the high priest's vestments {cli. 23.6, 9). On hearing his sad tale, David declared that he had dreaded such a fatal result from the malice and intriguing ambition of Doeg; and, accu.sing himself as having been the occasion of all the di.saster to Abiathar's family, invited him to remain, because, firmly trusting himself in the accomplisliment of the Divine promise, David could guarantee protection to him.
19-29. S.\rL PuilSUES Him. I'J-33. then came tJie Ziidiites to Saul, saying. Doth not David hide himself with nsl—From the tell of Ziph a panorama of the whole surrounding district is to be seen. No wonder, then, that the Ziphites saw David and his men passing to and fro in the mountains of the wilderness, and spying him at a distance, when he ventured to show himself on the hill of Haeliilah, "on the right hand of the wilderness," I. c, the south siile of Ziph, sent in haste to Saul, to
tell him of the lurking-place of his enemy. [Van de Vei.de.] /J'i. David came «lown into a rock, and aliode In the wilderness of Maon—Tell Main, the hillock on which was situated the ancient Maon (Joshua 15. 55), and from wiiich the adjoining wilderness took its name, is one mile nortli, ten east from Carmel. The mountain plateau seems here to end. It is true the summit ridge of the southern hills runs out a long way further towards the south-west; but towards the .south-east the ground sinks more and more down to a table-land of a lower level, which is called "the plain to tlie right hand (i. e., to the soutli)of the wilderness." [Van de Vei.de.] S9. David went up from tlienee, aitd dwelt in strongholdK nt En-p;e€lt— ('. p., "the spring of the wild goats or gaz<'lU'.i" —a name given to it from the vast number of ibexes or Syrian chamois wliich inhabit these clills on the western shore of the Dead Sea (Joshua 15. 62). It Is now called .Wn Jiddy. On all sides tlie country Is full of caverns, wlilcb might then serve as lurking-places for David and his men, as they do for outlaws at the present day. [Robinson.]
Ver. 1-6. David Rescues Keilah. 1. Then they told David—rather, "now they had told ;" for this information had reached him previous to his hearing (v. 6) of the Nob tragedy. Keilah—A city in the west of Judah (Joshua 1').
44), not far from the forest of Hareth. nnd theyrol> the threshing-floors—These were commonly situated on the
fields, and were open to the wind (Judges 6. 11 ; Kutli 3. 2). 3. David inquired of the Lord—most probably tlirough Gad (2 .Samuel 24.; 1 Chronicles 21. 9), who was present in David's camp (ch. 22. 5), prol)al)ly by the recommendation of Samuel. To repel unprovoked assaults on unoffi-nding peo))le who were engaged in their harvest oi)erations, was a humane and benevolent service. But it was doul)tful how far it was David's duty to go against a public enemy without the royal commission; and on that account lie asked, and obtained, the Divine counsel. A demur on the part of his men led David to renew the consultation for their satisfaction ; after which, being fully assured of his duty, he encountered the aggressors, and, by a signal victory, delivered tlie people of Keilah from further molestation. G. an ephod—in which was the Urim and Tliummim (Exodus 2.S. 30). It had, prol)ai)ly, been committed to his care, while Ahlmelech and the other priests repaired to Gibeah, in obedience to tlie summons of Saul.
CHATTER XXIV.
Ver. 1-7. D.wiD iN A Cave at En-gedi cuts ovv Sau l'8 Skirt, bitt Spares his Life. 8. Saul went . . . <o seek Dnvid . . . upon the rocks of the wild goats Nothing but the blind infatuation of fiendish rage could have led the king to pursue his outlawed son-in-law among those craggy and periiendieular precipices, where were Inaccessible liiding-places. The large for<e he took with him seemed to give him every prospect of succeed-
7-13. Saul's Coming, and Theachkuy of the Keil-
ITES. 7. it was told Saul tliat David was come to Keilah—He imagined himself now certain of his victim, who would be hemmed within a fortified town. The wish was I'atlier to the thought. How wonderfully slow and unwilling to l)e convinced by all his experience, that the special protection of Providence shielded David from all his snares! 8. Saul called all the people togetlier to war—not the united tribes of Israel, l)ut (lie iulial)itants of the adjoining districts. This force was raised, prob-
ing. But the overruling providence of God frustrate<l all his vigilance. 3. he euine to the sheep-cotes— Most probably in the upper ridge of Wady Cliareitun. There Is a large cave— I am quile disposed to say Wic cave— lies hardly
ably, on the ostensible pretext of opposing the I'hilistlnes,
live minutes to the east of the village ruin, on the .south side of tlie wady. It is high upon the side of the calcareous rock, and it has uudergcine no change since David's time. The same narrow natural vaulting at tli(> entrance; the same huge natural cliamber in the rock, probably tli9 place where Saul lay down to rest in the heat of the day; the same side vaults, too, where David and his men concealed, when, accustomed to the obscurity of the cavern, they saw Saul enter, while, blinded by the glare of the light outside, he saw nothing of him whom he so bitterly persecuted. 4-7. tlie men of David said . . . Ileliold the day <if which ilie I>ord said uniolliee. Ifeliold, I will deliver ihine enemy Into thine hand— (iod bail never made any promise of delivering Saul into David's hiind; but, from the general and repeated in-omises of
wliile, in reality, it was secretly to arouse mischief against David. O. he said to Abiathar the prie»it, lirliii; Iiiiher the epltod—The consultation was ntade, iiiid tl>e i)ray("r uttered, l)y means of the priest. The alternative comlltions here described have often been referred to as illustrating the doctrine of God's foreknowledge and preordination of events.
11-18. DAVti) Escapes to Ztph. 1*, 15. Dtivld al;ode in the wildemesH of Ziph—A mountainous and sequestered region was generally called a wilderness, and took
its name from some large town in thedistrlct. Two tulles
Boutli-east of Hebron, and In the midst of a !(-vel plain, is
Tell-/ipb, an isolated and conical hillock, about UN) feet high, probably the acropolis [Van dk VkldeJ, or the ruins [UoHiNSON] of the ancient (rity of /,iph, from which
tlii^ kingdom to him, they concluded that the king's death was to be eli'eeted by taking advantage of some sui h opporl unity as the present. David steadily opposed the lugcnt Inst Igal Ions of bis loUowers to put an end to liiii and their trouliles by the death of their pei-secutor (a revengeful heart would have followed their advice, but David rather wished to oven-ome evil with good, and
the surrounding wilderness was called. It seems, an-
ciently, to have been covered by an extensive wood. The country liiis for cent uries lost its woods and forests, owing
to the devaHlatlons caused liy man. Ki. .roiiailinn w<'iit
to Dnvld ijito tlie wood, and streiiRtliencd his liand in God—by the recollection of the Divine promises, and of
their mutual covenant. 'What a victory over niitural
lu ap coals of tire upon his head); he, however, cut oil a
feelings and lower considerations nnist the fnllli of Jon-
Death of Samuel. 1 SAMUEL XXV. AhigaiVs Diacreet Conduct.
stood anciftit ]^^.^on. tire man v.as very great— His property consisted in cattle, and he was considered weaUh3', according to the ideas of that age. 3. he wa» of the house of Caleb—of course, of the same tribe with David himself; but many versions consider Caleb (dog) not as a propei-, but a common noun, and render it, "he was snappish as a dog." 4-9. N.iltal <lisl shear his sheep, and David sent ten young men, &c.—David and his men lurked in these deserts, associating with the herdsmen and shepherds of Nabal and others, and doing them good offices, probably in return for information and supplies obtained tlirougli them. Hence wlieu Nabal held his annual sheep-shearing in Carmel, David felt himself entitled to share in the festival, and sent a message, recounting his own services, and asking for a present. " In all these particulars we were deeply st rui-k with the truth and strength of the biblical description of manners and customs almost identically tlie same as they exist at the present day. On such a festive occasion, near a town or village, even in our own time, an Arab sheick of the neighbouring desert weuld liardly fail to put in a word eitiier in person or by message ; and liis message, both iu form and substance, would be only a transcript of that of David." [Robinson.]