Judg 1:7, 1Sa 15:33, Est 7:10, Joe 3:4, Mat 7:2, 2Th 1:6, Jam 2:13, Rev 13:10 | TSK | STEP | their thumbs. Heb. the thumbs of their hands and of theirfeet. This was not an unusual act of cruelty in ancient times towards enemies.--Ælian informs us, that in after ages "the Athenians, at the instigation of Cleon, son of Cleoenetus, made a decree that all the inhabitants of the island of Ægina should have the thumb cut off from the right hand, so that they might ever after be disabled from holding a spear, yet might handle an oar." It was a custom among those Romans who did not like a military life, to cut off their thumbs, that they might be incapable of serving in the army; and for the same reason, parents sometimes cut off the thumbs of their children. gathered. or, gleaned. as I have.

Judges 1:7

their thumbs. Heb. the thumbs of their hands and of theirfeet. This was not an unusual act of cruelty in ancient times towards enemies.--Ælian informs us, that in after ages "the Athenians, at the instigation of Cleon, son of Cleoenetus, made a decree that all the inhabitants of the island of Ægina should have the thumb cut off from the right hand, so that they might ever after be disabled from holding a spear, yet might handle an oar." It was a custom among those Romans who did not like a military life, to cut off their thumbs, that they might be incapable of serving in the army; and for the same reason, parents sometimes cut off the thumbs of their children.

gathered. or, gleaned. as I have.

Ex 21:23-25; Le 24:19-21; 1Sa 15:33; Isa 33:1; Mt 7:1,2

Lu 6:37,38; Ro 2:15; Jas 2:13; Re 13:10; 16:6

1 Samuel 15:33

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