Num 23:24, Judg 3:15-29, 20:21, 25, 1Sa 11:4-11, 1Sa 14-15, 1Sa 17 | TSK | STEP

Numbers 23:24

as a great.

24:8,9; Ge 49:9; De 33:20; Ps 17:12; Pr 30:30; Isa 31:4; Am 3:8

Re 5:5

he shall.

24:17; Ge 49:27; Da 2:44; Mic 5:8,9; Zec 10:4,5; 12:6; Re 19:11-21

Judges 3:15-29

A.M. 2679. B.C. 1325. An. Ex. Is. 166. cried unto.

9; Ps 50:15; 78:34; 90:15; Jer 29:12,13; 33:3

a Benjamite. or, the son of Jemini. left-handed. Heb. shutof his right hand. This Hebrew phrase intimates that, either through disease or disuse, he made little or no use of the right hand, but of his left only, and so was the less fit for war, because he would most likely wield a dagger awkwardly: yet God chose this left-handed man to be the minister of his retributive justice. It was God's right hand that gained Israel the victory, Ps 44:3; not the right hand of the instruments he employed.

20:16; 1Ch 12:2

sent a present.

1Sa 10:27; Pr 18:16; 19:6; 21:14; Isa 36:16

two edges.

Ps 149:6; Heb 4:12; Re 1:16; 2:12

upon.

21; Ps 45:3; So 3:8

a very fat.

29; *marg:

1Sa 2:29; Job 15:27; Ps 73:7,19; Jer 5:28; 50:11; Eze 34:20

quarries. or graven images.

Jos 4:20

a secret.

20; 2Ki 9:5,6; Ac 23:18,19

And all that.

Ge 45:1

a summer parlour. Heb. a parlour of cooling.The {âleeyah,} or upper chamber, seems to have been of the same description as the {olëah} of the Arabs, but properly ventilated, described by Dr. Shaw, who says, that to most of their houses there is a smaller one annexed, which sometimes rises one story higher than the house; at other times, it consists of one or two rooms only, and a terrace; while others that are built, as they frequently are, over the porch or gateway, have, if we except the ground floor, which they want, all the conveniences that belong to the house itself. There is a door of communication from them into the gallery of the house; besides another, which opens immediately from a private staircase, down into the porch or street, without giving the least disturbance to the house. In these back houses strangers are usually lodged and entertained; and to them likewise the men are wont to retire from the noise and hurry of their families, to be more at leisure for mediation or diversions.

Am 3:15

I have.

19; 2Sa 12:1-15; 24:12; Mic 6:9

he arose.

Ps 29:1; Jer 10:7

thrust it.

Nu 25:7,8; 1Sa 15:33; Job 20:25; Zec 13:3; 2Co 5:16

the dirt came out. or, it came out at the fundament.

covereth, etc. or, doeth his easement.

1Sa 24:3

the quarries.

he blew.

5:14; 6:34; 1Sa 13:3; 2Sa 20:22; 2Ki 9:13

mountain.

7:24; 17:1; 19:1; Jos 17:15,18

Follow.

4:10; 7:17

the Lord.

7:9,15; 1Sa 17:47

the fords.

12:5; Jos 2:7

lusty. Heb. fat.

17; De 32:15; Job 15:27; Ps 17:10

Judges 20:21

the children.

Ge 49:27; Ho 10:9

destroyed.

De 23:9; 2Ch 28:10; Ps 33:16; 73:18,19; 77:19; Ec 9:1-3; Jer 12:1

Judges 20:25

destroyed.

21; Ge 18:25; Job 9:12,13; Ps 97:2; Ro 2:5; 3:5; 11:33

1 Samuel 11:4-11

to Gibeah.

10:26; 14:2; 15:34; 2Sa 21:6

lifted up.

30:4; Jud 2:4; 21:2; Ro 12:15; 1Co 12:26; Ga 6:2; Heb 13:3

after the herd.

9:1; 1Ki 19:19; Ps 78:71

What aileth.

Ge 21:17; Jud 18:23; Isa 22:1

Spirit of God.

10:10; 16:13; Jud 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 13:25; 14:6

his anger.

Ex 32:19; Nu 12:3; Mr 3:5; Eph 4:26

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.

hewed.

Jud 19:29

Whosoever.

Jud 21:5-11

the fear.

Ge 35:5; 2Ch 14:14; 17:10

with one consent. Heb. as one man.

Jud 20:1

Bezek.

Jud 1:4,5

the children.

13:15; 15:4; 2Sa 24:9; 2Ch 17:12-19

help. or, deliverance.

Ps 18:17

To-morrow.

2,3

on the morrow.

Ge 22:14; Ps 46:1

in three.

Jud 7:16; 9:43

morning.

Ex 14:24

slew.

2; Jud 1:7; Mt 7:2; Jas 2:13

so that two.

30:17,18; Jud 4:16

1 Samuel 14

1 Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison.

15 A divine terror makes them beat themselves.

17 Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them.

21 The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them.

24 Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory.

31 He restrains the people from eating blood.

35 He builds an altar.

37 Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people.

47 Saul's victories, strength, and family.

A.M. 2917. B.C. 1087. An. Ex. Is. 404. it came to passupon a day. or, there was a day. Jonathan.

39-45; 13:2,22; 18:1-4; 2Sa 1:4,5,25,26

he told not.

25:19; Jud 6:27; 14:6; Mic 7:5

in the uttermost.

13:15,16; Isa 10:28,29

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.

Ahiah.

22:9-12,20

called Ahimelech. I-chabod's.

4:21

wearing.

2:28; Ex 28:26-32

the passages.

13:23

forefront. Heb. tooth.

Bozez. i.e., shining. Seneh. i.e., a bush or tooth.

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.

17:26,36; Ge 17:7-11; Jud 15:18; 2Sa 1:20; Jer 9:23,26

Eph 2:11,12; Php 3:3

it may be.

2Sa 16:12; 2Ki 19:4; Am 5:15; Zep 2:3

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.

De 32:30; Jud 7:4-7; 2Ch 14:11; Ps 115:1-3; Zec 4:6; Mt 19:26

Ro 8:31

Do all.

10:7; 2Sa 7:3; Ps 46:7; Zec 8:23

we will pass.

Jud 7:9-14

they.

Ge 24:13,14; Jud 6:36-40

Tarry. Heb. Be still.

this shall be a sign.

10:7; Ge 24:14; Jud 7:11; Isa 7:11-14

out of the holes.

22; 13:6; Jud 6:2

Come up to us.Meaning, that they would cause them to repent of their audacity. This was the favourable sign which Jonathan had requested.

10; 17:43,44; 2Sa 2:14-17; 2Ki 14:8

Come up after me.

Ge 24:26,27,42,48; Jud 4:14; 7:15; 2Sa 5:24

climbed up.

Ps 18:29; Heb 11:34

fell.

Le 26:7,8; De 28:7; 32:30; Jos 23:10; Ro 8:31

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.

there was trembling.

Jos 2:9; Jud 7:21; 2Ki 7:6,7; Job 18:11; Ps 14:5

the spoilers.

13:17,23

the earth quaked.

Ex 19:18; Mt 24:6; 27:50,51

very great trembling. Heb. trembling of God.

Ge 35:5; Le 26:36,37; 2Sa 5:24; Da 5:6God 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.

melted away.

Ps 58:7; 68:2

beating down.

20; Jud 7:22; 2Ch 20:22-25; Isa 19:2

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.

4:3-5; 30:8; Nu 27:21; Jud 20:18,23,27,28; 2Sa 11:11; 15:24-26

For the ark.

5:2; 7:1

noise. or, tumult. Withdraw.

24; 13:11; Jos 9:14; Ps 106:13; Isa 28:16

assembled themselves. Heb. were cried together. everyman's.

16; Jud 7:22; 2Ch 20:23; Isa 9:19-21; 19:2

the Hebrews.Probably such as they held in bondage, or who were their servants. Instead of (häivrim,} "the Hebrews," the LXX. evidently read {haâvdim,} for they have [Loi douloi,] "the slaves;" but this reading is not countenanced by any other version, nor by any MS.

29:4; Jud 7:23

hid themselves.

13:6; 31:7

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.

the Lord.

Ex 14:30; Jud 2:18; 2Ki 14:27; Ps 44:6-8; Ho 1:7

Beth-aven.

13:5

Cursed.

27-30; Le 27:29; Nu 21:2; De 27:15-26; Jos 6:17-19,26; Jud 11:30

Jud 11:31; 21:1-5; Pr 11:9; Ro 10:2; 1Co 16:22

I may be.

Jud 5:2; 1:28; Ps 18:47

all they.

De 9:28; Mt 3:5

honey.This was wild honey, which to this day abounds in Judea; and bursting from the comb, runs down the hollow trees, rocks, etc.

Ex 3:8; Nu 13:27; Mt 3:4

the people.

Ec 9:2

his eyes.

29; 30:12; Pr 25:26

Cursed.

24,43

faint. or, weary.

My father.

1Ki 18:18

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.

had there.

Ec 9:18

from Michmash.The distance, Calmet states to be three or four leagues.

Aijalon.

Jos 10:12; 19:42

flew.

15:19

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.

did eat.

Ge 9:4; Le 3:17; 7:26,27; 17:10-14; 19:26; De 12:16,23,24

Eze 33:25; Ac 15:20,29

transgressed. or, dealt treacherously.

Mt 7:5; Ro 2:1

with him. Heb. in his hand.

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.

7:9,17; Jud 21:4; Ho 8:14; 2Ti 3:5

the same, etc. Heb. that altar he began to build unto theLord.

Let us go.

Jos 10:9-14,19; Jer 6:5

let us not leave.

11:11; Jos 11:14

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.

Nu 27:21; Ps 73:28; Isa 48:1,2; 58:2; Mal 2:7; Jas 4:8

Shall I go.

23:4,9-12; 30:7,8; Jud 1:1; 20:18,28; 2Sa 5:19,23; 1Ki 22:5,15

he answered.

28:6; Eze 14:3-5; 20:3

Draw ye near.

10:19,20; Jos 7:14-26

chief. Heb. corners.

Nu 24:17; Jud 20:2; 2Sa 18:3; Ps 47:9; Zec 10:4; Mt 21:42; Eph 2:20

24,44; 19:6; 20:31; 22:16; 28:10; 2Sa 12:5; Ec 9:2

Do what seemeth.

7,36; 2Sa 15:15

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 quòd non responderis servo tuo hodie? Si in me, aut in Jonatha filio meo est iniquitas hæc, da ostensionem: aut si hæc 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.]

Give a perfect lot. or, Shew the innocent.

Pr 16:33; Ac 1:24

And Saul.

10:20,21; Jos 7:16-18; Jon 1:7

escaped. Heb. went forth.

Tell me.

Jos 7:19; Jon 1:7-10

I did but.

God.

25:22; Ru 1:17; 2Sa 3:9; 19:13

thou shalt.

39; Ge 38:24; 2Sa 12:5,31; Pr 25:16

who hath.

23; 19:5; Ne 9:27

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.

2Sa 14:11; 1Ki 1:52; Mt 10:30; Lu 21:18; Ac 27:34

he hath.

2Ch 19:11; Isa 13:3; Ac 14:27; 15:12; 21:19; Ro 15:18; 1Co 3:9

2Co 6:1; Php 2:12,13; Re 17:14; 19:14

the people.

Saul.

fought.

Ammon.

Zobah.

gathered an host. or, wrought mightily. smote.

15:3-7; Ex 17:14; De 25:19

Jonathan.

31:2; 1Ch 8:33; 9:39

name of the first-born.

18:7-21; 25:44; 2Sa 3:13-16; 6:20-23

the name of the captain.

17:55; 2Sa 2:8; 3:27

Abner. Heb. Abiner.

Kish.

9:1,21

when Saul.

8:1,11

1 Samuel 15

1 Samuel sends Saul to destroy Amalek.

6 Saul favours the Kenites.

7 He spares Agag and the best of the spoil.

10 Samuel denounces unto Saul God's rejection of him for his disobedience.

24 Saul's humiliation.

32 Samuel kills Agag.

34 Samuel and Saul part.

A.M. 2925. B.C. 1079. An. Ex. Is. 412. The Lord.

17,18; 9:16; 10:1

hearken.

16; 12:14; 13:13; 2Sa 23:2,3; 1Ch 22:12,13; Ps 2:10,11

I remember.

Jer 31:34; Ho 7:2; Am 8:7

Amalek.

Ex 17:8-16; Nu 24:20; De 25:17-19

Now go.The Amalekites, a people of Arabia Petræa, 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.

utterly destroy.

Le 27:28,29; Nu 24:20; De 13:15,16; 20:16-18; Jos 6:17-21

slay.

Ex 20:5; Nu 31:17; Isa 14:21,22

ox and sheep.

Ge 3:17,18; Ro 8:20-22

Telaim.

Jos 15:24

Telem. two.

11:8; 13:15

laid wait. or, fought.

the Kenites.

27:10; Nu 24:21,22; Jud 1:16; 4:11; 5:24; 1Ch 2:55

Go, depart.

Ge 18:25; 19:12-16; Nu 16:26,27,34; Pr 9:6; Ac 2:40; 2Co 6:17

Re 18:14

ye shewed.

Ex 18:9,10,19; Nu 10:29-32; 2Ti 1:16

smote.

14:48; Job 21:30; Ec 8:13

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.

Ge 2:11; 25:18

Shur.

27:8; Ge 16:7

Agag.

3; Nu 24:7; 1Ki 20:30,34-42; Es 3:1

utterly.

27:8; 30:1; Jos 10:39; 11:12

the best.

3,15,19; Jos 7:21

the fatlings. or, the second sort.

2Sa 6:13

repenteth me.

35; Ge 6:6; 2Sa 24:16; Ps 110:4; Jer 18:7-10; Am 7:3; Jon 3:10; 4:2

turned.

Jos 22:16; 1Ki 9:6; Ps 36:3; 78:41,57; 125:5; Zep 1:6; Mt 24:13

Heb 10:38

hath not performed.

3,9; 13:13

it grieved.

35; 16:1; Ps 119:136; Jer 9:1,18; 13:17; Lu 19:41-44; Ro 9:1-3

he cried.

12:23; Ps 109:4; Mt 5:44; Lu 6:12

Carmel.

25:2; Jos 15:55; 1Ki 18:42

he set him.

7:12; Jos 4:8,9; 2Sa 18:18

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."

Blessed.

13:10; Ge 14:19; Jud 17:2; Ru 3:10

I have performed.

9,11; Ge 3:12; Pr 27:2; 28:13; 30:13; 31:31; Lu 17:10; 18:11

What meaneth.

Ps 36:2; 50:16-21; Jer 2:18,19,22,23,34-37; Mal 3:13-15; Lu 19:22

Ro 3:19; 1Co 4:5

for.

9,21; Ge 3:12,13; Ex 32:22,23; Job 31:33; Pr 28:13

to.

Mt 2:8; Lu 10:29

Stay.

9:27; 12:7; 1Ki 22:16

When thou.

9:21; 10:22; Jud 6:15; Ho 13:1; Mt 18:4

the Lord.

1-3; 10:1

the sinners.

Ge 13:13; 15:16; Nu 16:38; Job 31:3; Pr 10:29; 13:21

they be consumed. Heb. they consume them.

fly upon.

Pr 15:27; Jer 7:11; Hab 2:9-12; 2Ti 4:10

didst evil.

2Ch 33:2,6; 36:12

Yea.

13; Job 33:9; 34:5; 35:2; 40:8; Mt 19:20; Lu 10:29; 18:11; Ro 10:3

have brought.

3,8

the people.

15; Ge 3:13; Ex 32:22,23

Hath the Lord.

Ps 50:8,9; 51:16,17; Pr 21:3; Isa 1:11-17; Jer 7:22,23; Ho 6:6

Am 5:21-24; Mic 6:6-8; Mt 9:13; 12:7; 23:23; Heb 10:4-10

obey.

Ex 19:5; Ec 5:1; Jer 7:23; 11:4,7; 26:13; Ho 6:6; Mt 5:24; Mr 12:33

rebellion.

12:14,15; Nu 14:9; De 9:7,24; Jos 22:16-19; Job 34:37; Ps 107:11

Jer 28:16; 29:32; Eze 2:5-8

witchcraft. Heb. divination.

Ex 22:18; Le 20:6,27; De 18:10,11; Isa 8:19; 19:3; Re 22:15

stubbornness.

2Co 6:16; Ga 5:20; Re 21:8

thou hast rejected.

2:30; 13:14; 16:1; 2Ki 17:15-20; 1Ch 28:9

I have sinned.

30; Ex 9:27; 10:16; Nu 22:34; 2Sa 12:13; Mt 27:4

I feared.

9,15; Ex 23:2; Job 31:34; Pr 29:25; Isa 51:12,13; Lu 23:20-25

Ga 1:10; Re 21:8

obeyed.

2:29; Ge 3:12,17; Jer 38:5

pardon.

Ex 10:17

I will not.

31; Ge 42:38; 43:11-14; Lu 24:28,29; 2Jo 1:11

for thou.

23; 2:30; 13:14; 16:1; Jer 6:19; Ho 4:6

The Lord.

28:17,18; 1Ki 11:30,31

hath given.

2:7,8; Jer 27:5,6; Da 4:17,32; Joh 19:11; Ro 13:1

a neighbour.

13:14; 16:12; Ac 13:22

Strength. or, Eternity, or, Victory.

De 33:27; Ps 29:11; 68:35; Isa 45:24; Joe 3:16; 2Co 12:9; Php 4:13

will not lie.

Nu 14:28,29; 23:19; Ps 95:11; Eze 24:14; 2Ti 2:13; Tit 1:2

Heb 6:18

honour me now.

Hab 2:4; Joh 5:44; 12:43

that I may worship.

Isa 29:13; Lu 18:9-14; 2Ti 3:5

Agag said.

Jer 48:44; 1Th 5:3; Re 18:7

As thy sword.

Ge 9:6; Ex 17:11; Nu 14:45; Jud 1:7; Mt 7:2; Jas 2:13; Re 16:6; 18:6

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.}

hewed.

Nu 25:7,8; 1Ki 18:40; Isa 34:6; Jer 48:10

Gibeah.

11:4

Samuel.

19:24

Samuel mourned.

11; 16:1; Ps 119:136,158; Jer 9:1,2; Ro 9:2,3; Php 3:18

repented.

11; Ge 6:6

1 Samuel 17

1 The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready to battle,

4 Goliath challenges a combat.

12 David, sent by his father to visit his brethren, takes the challenge.

28 Eliab chides him.

30 He is brought to Saul;

32 shews the reason of his confidence;

38 and slays the giant.

55 Saul takes notice of David.

gathered.

7:7; 13:5; 14:46,52; Jud 3:3

Shochoh.

Jos 15:35

Socoh.

2Ch 11:7

Shoco.

2Ch 28:18

Shocho. Azekah.

Jos 10:10,11; 15:35; Jer 34:7

Ephes-dammim. or, the coast of Dammim.

1Ch 11:13

Pas-dammim.

the valley.

19; 21:9

set the battle in array. Heb. ranged the battle.

Goliath.

23; 21:9,10; 2Sa 21:19; 1Ch 20:5

of Gath.

27:4; Jos 11:22; 2Sa 21:16-22; 1Ch 20:4-8

whose height.

De 3:11; 1Ch 11:23; Am 2:9

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."

armed. Heb. clothed.

target of brass. or, gorget.

1Ki 10:16; 2Ch 9:15

the staff.

2Sa 21:19; 1Ch 11:23; 20:5

servants to Saul.

26; 8:17; 2Sa 11:11; 1Ch 21:3

and serve us.

11:1

I defy.

25,26,36,45; Nu 23:7,8; 2Sa 21:21; 23:9; Ne 2:19

give me.

Job 40:9-12; Ps 9:4,5; Pr 16:18; Jer 9:23; Da 4:37

dismayed.

De 31:8; Jos 1:9; Ps 27:1; Pr 28:1; Isa 51:12,13; 57:11

David.

58; 16:1,18; Ru 4:22; Mt 1:6; Lu 3:31,32

Ephrathite.

Ge 35:19; Ps 132:6; Mic 5:2; Mt 2:1,6

eight sons.

16:10,11; 1Ch 2:13-16

the names.

28; 16:6-9; 1Ch 2:13

Shammah.

2Sa 13:3,32; 21:21

Shimeah.

the youngest.

returned.

forty days.

Take now.

parched corn.

25:18; Ru 2:14; 2Sa 17:28

carry.

16:20

cheeses. Heb. cheeses of milk.

2Sa 17:29; Job 10:10

their thousand. Heb. a thousand. look.

Ge 37:14; Ac 15:36; 1Th 3:5,6

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."

left the sheep.

28; Eph 6:1,2

trench. or, place of the carriage.

26:5; Lu 19:43

fight. or, battle array, or place of fight.

his carriage. Heb. the vessels from upon him. saluted hisbrethren. Heb. asked his brethren of peace.

Ge 37:14; Jud 18:15; Mt 10:12,13; Lu 10:5,6

according.

4-10

him. Heb. his face.

13:6,7

sore.

11; Le 26:36; Nu 13:33; De 32:30; Isa 7:2; 30:17

the king.

18:17-27; Jos 15:16; Re 2:7,17; 3:5,12,21

free in Israel.

Ezr 7:24; Mt 17:26

reproach.

11:2; Jos 7:8,9; 2Ki 19:4; Ne 5:9; Ps 44:13; 74:18; 79:12; Da 9:16

Joe 2:19

uncircumcised.

36; 14:6

defy.

10; De 5:26; Jer 10:10; 1Th 1:9; 1Jo 5:20

So shall it.

Eliab's anger.

16:13; Ge 37:4,8,11; Pr 18:19; 27:4; Ec 4:4; Mt 10:36; 27:18

Mr 3:21

with.

I know.

16:7; Ps 35:11; Jude 1:10

Pr 15:1; Ac 11:2-4; 1Co 2:15; 1Pe 3:9

manner. Heb. word.

26,27

sent for him. Heb. took him.

Pr 22:29The 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.

Let.

Nu 13:30; 14:9; De 20:1-3; Isa 35:4; Heb 12:12

thy.

14:6; 16:18; Jos 14:12; Ps 3:6; 27:1-3

Thou art not.

Nu 13:31; De 9:2; Ps 11:1; Re 13:4

for thou are but.

42,56

lamb. or, kid.

smote him.

Jud 14:5,6; 2Sa 23:20; Ps 91:13; Da 6:22; Am 3:12; Ac 28:4-6

2Ti 4:17,18

this.

26; Eze 32:19,27-32; Ro 2:28,29

seeing.

10; Isa 10:15; 36:8-10,15,18; 37:22,23,28,29; Zec 2:8; 12:3

Ac 5:38,39; 9:4,5; 12:1,2,22,23

The Lord.

7:12; Ps 11:1; 18:16,17; 63:7; 77:11; 138:3,7,8; 2Co 1:9,10

2Ti 4:17,18

Go.

20:13; 24:19; 26:25; 2Sa 10:12; 1Ch 22:11,16

armed David with his armour. Heb. clothed David with hisclothes.

put them off.

Ho 1:7; Zec 4:6; 2Co 10:4,5

staff.

Jud 3:31; 7:16-20; 15:15,16; 20:16; 1Co 1:27-29

brook. or, valley. bag. Heb. vessel.

Mt 10:10

disdained.

1Ki 20:18; 2Ki 18:23,24; Ne 4:2-4; Ps 123:3,4; 2Co 11:27-29

a youth.

33; 16:12

Am.

24:14; 2Sa 3:8; 9:8; 16:9; 2Ki 8:13

cursed.

Ge 27:29; Nu 22:6,11,12; Jud 9:27; Pr 26:2

Come to me.

1Ki 20:10,11; Pr 18:12; Ec 9:11,12; Jer 9:23; Eze 28:2,9,10

Eze 39:17-20

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.

Thou comest.

Ps 44:6

in the name.

2Sa 22:33-35; 2Ch 32:8; Ps 3:8; 18:2; 20:5-7; 118:10,11; 124:8

Ps 125:1; Pr 18:10; 2Co 3:5; 10:4; Php 4:13; Heb 11:33,34

defied.

10,26,36; Isa 37:23,28

will the Lord.

De 7:2,23; 9:2,3; Jos 10:8

deliver thee. Heb. shut thee up.

Ps 31:8

take thine.

carcases.

44; De 28:26; Isa 56:9; Mt 24:28; Re 19:17,18

all the earth.

Ex 9:16; 15:14,15; Jos 4:24; 1Ki 8:43; 18:36,37; 2Ki 19:19

Ps 46:10; Isa 52:10; Da 2:47; 3:29; 6:26,27

saveth not.

Ps 33:16,17; 44:6,7; Pr 21:30,31; Ho 1:7

the battle.

14:6; 2Ch 20:15-17; Ps 46:11; Isa 9:7; Zec 4:6; Ro 8:31,37

David hasted.

Ps 27:1; Pr 28:1

smote.

1Ki 22:34; 2Ki 9:24; 1Co 1:27,28

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 Sghiàlud, 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 Sgiàlud.} You are of the race of Golaith.' The Jews who dwell among them, on the mountains, all call them Philistines."

21:9; 23:21; Jud 3:31; 15:15

but there was.

39; 13:22

his sword.

21:9; 2Sa 23:21; Es 7:10; Ps 7:15,16; Heb 2:14

cut off.

fled.

Heb 11:34

the men of Israel.

14:21,22; Jud 7:23; 2Sa 23:10

valley.

Jos 15:33-36,45,46