3 Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to † blind mine eyes therewith? and 'I will restore it you.

4 And they said, *Thou hast not defrauded us, nor op pressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand.

1

5 And he said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that "ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, He is witness.

6 And Samuel said unto the people, P It is the LORD that ‡advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.

7 Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD, of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.

8 When Jacob was come into Egypt, and your fathers 'cried unto the LORD, then the LORD sent Moses and Aaron, which "brought forth your fathers out of Egypt and made them dwell in this place.

9 And when they y forgat the LORD their God, he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the host of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the

III. On this appeal, he is honorably acquitted; he did not expect they would do hím honor at parting, though he well deserved it, therefore he mentioned none of the good services he had done, for which they ought to have returned him thanks; all he desired was, that they should do him justice, and that they did, (v. 4.) readily owning, 1. That he had not made his government oppressive, nor used his power to their wrong. 2. That he had not made it expensive.

and to his successor a good example before him. | 1: 18. The work of ministers is, to reason with
In the close of his discourse, he designed to re- people; not only to exhort and direct, but to per-
prove the people, therefore he begins with a vin- suade; to convince the judgment, and so gain the
dication of himself: for he that will, with confi- will and affections. Let reason rule men, and they
dence, tell another of his sin, must see to it, that will be good. He reasons of the righteous acts
he himself be clear. He also honors Saul, by of the Lord. His favors are called his righteous
owning himself accountable to him, if he had been acts, (Judg. 5: 11.) because in them He is just to
guilty of any wrong.
his own honor. He not only reminds them of
what God had done for them in their days, but
of what He had done of old, in the days of their
fathers, because the present age had the benefit
of God's former favors. We may suppose his
discourse was much larger than as here related.
We read not of Bedan, elsewhere: he might be
some eminent person, instrumental of salvation to
them, though not recorded in the book of Judges;
(such a one as Shamgar, of whom it is said, that
The delivered Israel, but not that he judged them,
Judg. 3: 31.) perhaps, he guarded and delivered
them on one side, at the time some other judge
appeared and acted for them on the other. Some
think it was the same with Jair, so Mr. Poole;
others, the same with Samson, who was Ben Dan,
a son of Dan; and the Spirit of the Lord came
upon him, Be-Dan, in Dan, in the camp of Dan.
Samuel mentions himself, not to his own praise,
but to the honor of God, who had made him an

IV. This honorable testimony to Samuel's integrity, is left on record to his honor; (v. 5.) The Lord is Witness, who searcheth the heart, and his anointed is witness, who trieth overt acts; and the people agree to it, He is witness. Note, The testimony of our neighbors, and especially the testimony of our own consciences for us, that we have in our places lived honestly, will be our comfort, under slights and contempts. Demetrius is a happy man, that has a good report of all men, and of the truth itself.

V. 6-15. Samuel, having sufficiently secured his own reputation, instead of upbraiding their unkindness, sets himself to instruct them, and keep them in the way of duty, and then the change of government would be less damage.

I. He reminds them of the great goodness of
God to them, and to their fathers; gives them an
abstract of the history of their nation, that, by
the consideration of the great things God had done
for them, they might be for ever engaged to love
Him and serve Him. Religion has reason on its
side, and he would reason with them; v. 7. Isa.

hand of the king of
Moab, and they fought
against them.

10 And they cried
unto the LORD, and
said, We have sinned,
because we have for-
saken the LORD, and
have served d Baalim
and Ashtaroth: but
now deliver us out of
the hand of our ene-
mies, and we will serve
thee.

words intimate that Samuel had deprived them of their public em-
ployment, and reduced them to the level of the common people.'
Dr. A. CLARKE.

Verses 11-13.

(M. R.-Notes, Judg. 6:-11 :) Bedan may be considered as a contraction of Ben-dan, or the son of Dan; and it is probable that Samson is intended. (Judg. 13:-16: The Sept. has Barak.-Samuel joins himself to the number of those, by whom the Lord had delivered the people; to impress more deeply on their minds the conviction, that, in rejecting him, they had refused to continue any longer under the immediate government of God, by judges of his appointment, which had been their honor and happiness. SCOTT.

(11.) Bedan.] Jair, the Manassite, Judg. 10: 3. so some, because here named after Gideon and before Jephthah; and because he was the grandson of Machir the Manassite, who is called Bedan, 1 Chron. 7: 17. a name given him to distinguish him from an elder Jair, de

instrument.

At last, he reminds them of God's late favor to the present generation, in gratifying them with a king, when they would prescribe to God, by such a one, to save them out of the hand of Nahash, king of Aminon, v. 12, 13. He told them God was Commander-in-chief in all their wars, and they needed no other.

II. He shows them, they were now on their good behavior, they and their king; let them not think they had cut themselves off from all dependence on God, and that now, having a king of their own, the making of their own fortunes (as men foolishly call it) was in their own hands; no, still

ye said unto me, 'Nay,
but a king shall reign
over us; In when the
LORD your God was
your King.

13 Now therefore
n behold the king
whom ye have chosen,
and whom ye Phave
desired! and, behold,
the LORD hath set a
king over you.

14 If ye will fear
the LORD, and serve
him, and obey his voice,
and not rebel against
the T commandment of

g 5. 10:1. 24:6. 2 Sam. 1:14-16.
Matt, 22:21. Rom. 13:1-7.

h Num. 16:15. Acts 20:33. 1 Thes. 2:
5,10. 1 Pet. 5:2.

scended from Manasseh, Num. 32: 41.' ASSEMB. ANN.-'Houbigant, on the authority of the Sept. reads, "Barak," instead of Bedan; and, following the Syriac and Arabic versions, substitutes "Samson" for "Samuel." Indeed it is not probable Samuel would enumerate himself. Therefore the list of names was originally, perhaps, Jerubbaal, Deborah, and Barak, Jephthah and Samson. This seems confirmed, in some measure, by the author of Heb. 11: 20.' HEWLETT.

(12.) The word nay, seems to signify that Samuel told them God would be with them to deliver them; or that he offered himself to be their leader under God; but they refused his offer, and continued to demand a king.' PATRICK. Verse 14.

Following, &c.] Depending on God, adhering to his worship and service, and protected by Him; and so, a holy and happy people. (15: 11. Num. 14: 24. Hos. 6: 1—3.) SCOTT.

2. He cautions them against idolatry, and so far from upbraiding them with their disrespect to This storm startled the people very much, as him, he promises them much more than they asked. well it might. (1.) They greatly feared the Lord (1.) They asked his prayers as a favor; he proand Samuel. They had a king, and were ready mised them as a duty, and startles at the thought to think they must fear him only, but God made of neglecting to pray for them. Note, It is a sin them know that He is greatly to be feared, and his against God, not to pray for the Israel of God, prophets for his sake. (2.) They own their sin especially those under our charge: and good men and folly in desiring a king, v. 19. Samuel did are afraid of the guilt of omissions. (2.) They not extort this confession from them till the matter asked him to pray for them at this time, and on was settled, and the king confirmed, lest it should this occasion, but he promises to continue his look as if he designed by it rather to establish prayers for them, as long as he lived. Our rule himself in the government, than to bring them to is, to pray without ceasing; we sin if we restrain repentance. (3.) They earnestly begged Samuel's prayer in general, and in particular if we cease

x 7:9,10. Josh. 10:12. Pa. 99:6. Jer.
15:1. Jam. 5:16-18.
See on 8:7.

& Ex. 9:23-25. Rev. 11:5,6.

a Ex. 14:31. Ezra 10:9. Ps. 105:12, 13.

b 7:5,8. Gen. 20:7. Ex. 9:23. 10:17.
Job 42:8. Pa. 78:34,35. Mal. 1:9.
Acts 8:24. 1 John 5:16.
Ex. 20:19,20. 1 Pet. 3:5.

d Deut. 11:16. 31:29. Josh. 28:6. Fs.
40:4. 101:3. 125:5.

Jer. 2:5,13. 10:8,15.
Jon. 2:8. Hab. 2:18.

to be dismayed by the dread of immediate destruction. (Note, Ex.
20: 18-20.)-Reverence of the majesty and authority of God, and
fear of his displeasure, when counterpoised by the hope of his favor,
quicken men in seeking and serving Him: but such a fear of wrath,
as occasions despondency and hard thoughts of Him, drives men from
their duty, and exposes them to manifold temptations. (Gen. 45: 5.
Ps. 130: 3, 4. 2 Tim. 1: 6-8.
Verse 22.

In preferring the seed of Jacob to other families, the Lord acted as a sovereign, who is not bound, and does not deign, to assign his reasons: but having made them his people, the honor of his perfections required, that He should not entirely forsake them till the promised Seed arose, however severely He corrected them; nor even then, finally and absolutely; and this consideration was suited to excite and encourage their obedience. (M. R.-Ps. 94: 12-14. 33: 23-26. Rom. 11: 1-10, 25-32.) Verse 23. In these respects, [i. e. praying for them, and devoting the remnant (7: 15.) of life to their service,] he judged them all the days of his life. Nothing can be well imagined, more expressive of genuine excellency of character, and a right state of heart, than this simple but [57]

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

surprised, if they are at length cast off with neglect and ingratitude: but when the perverseness of their brethren prevents them from doing all that good which they desired to do, they should still do all the good they can. This is a general rule for all; and no provocations should tempt us to sin against God in ceasing to pray for our children, relations. friends, people, fellow sinners, or even our inveterate enemies. Yet the prayers of the church, and the intercession of Christ, will in the event appear to have been united against impenitent sinners; yea, the whole creation will shortly be arined against them. The belief of this should warn them to flee from the wrath to come,' to confess their sins, to obey the Gospel, and to desire the prayers and counsels of its ministers.In the day of judgment all those things which men have inordinately loved, and for which they have forsaken God, will be found vain, and such as cannot profit or deliver,' even though they were the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them.' Happy then are they, whom the Lord has pleased to make his people! He will never leave nor forsake them,' but will glorify his great name in their eternal salvation. None, however, can know assuredly, that these blessings belong to them, except they attend to the good and the right way, and fear the LORD, and serve Him with all their heart: (Notes, Jer. 32: 38-11. John 10: 2631. 1 Pet. 1: 3-5.) and if we consider what great things He hath done for us,' especially in the work of our redemption and regeneration, we cannot want motive, or encouragement, or assistance for so doing.

to the time he was anointed and crowned at Gilgal; in which year,
Nahash was defeated, the siege raised before Jabesh-Gilead, the peo-
ple assembled at Gilgal, and Samuel's inaugural and valedictory dis-
course delivered, as mentioned in the two former chs.' ASSEMB. ANN.
Boothroyd, after Houbigant, following 1 ms.) for Saul reigned one
year,' reads Saul, when he began to reign, was 30 years old. Geddes
reads the v. "Saul was .... years old when he was made king and
reigned
lost.
years over Israel." -Supposing the true reading to be
ED.
(2.) Michmash.] 'East of Bethaven or Bethel, and about 9 miles
from Jerusalem towards Rama.'
Eusebius, in WILLIAMS.
Verses 3, 4.
After Saul had defeated Nahash, and had been confirmed in the

Philistines heard of it: and Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. 4 And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also * was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul 'to Gilgal.

5 And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Beth

aven.

6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

as

II. Never did the Philistines appear in such a | formidable body as now; we may suppose they had great assistance from their allies; (v. 5.) horses, in those times, were not so much used in war as they now are, and here was a great body, the number of chariots, also, was incredible: most of them, we may suppose, carriages for baggage, not chariots of war. Their foot was innumerable as the sand of the sea-shore; so jealous were they for the honor of their nation, and so much enraged at the baseness of the Israelites in destroying their garrison. Had Saul asked counsel of God before he had thus provoked the Philistines, he and his people might the better have borne this threatening trouble. But they had brought it on themselves by their own folly.

This was Saul's offence, and what aggravated it, was, 1. He did not send any messenger to Samuel, to know his mind, though he had enough about him that were swift of foot. 2. When Samuel came, he rather boasted of what he had done, and seemed pleased with the opportunity of letting Samuel know that he could do well enough without him. He went out to bless him, so the word is, as if he now thought himself a complete priest, empowered to bless as well as sacrifice, whereas he should have gone out to be blessed by him. 3. He charged Samuel with breach of promise, (v. 11.) therefore if any thing was amiss, Sanuel must bear the blame; whereas Samuel did come according to his word, before the seven days were expired. Thus the scoffers of III. Never were the Israelites so faint-hearted, the latter days think the promise of Christ's coming so very cowardly, as now. Many, it may be, is broken, because He does not come in their time, came to Saul to Gilgal, but, hearing of the Phi- though it is certain He will come at the set time. listines' numbers and preparations, their spirits 4. When charged with disobedience, he justified sunk; some think, because they did not find Sam- himself in what he had done, and gave no sign at uel there with Saul. They that, awhile ago, all of repentance for it. It is not sinning that were weary of him, and wished for a king, now ruins men, but sinning and not repenting; falling had small joy of their king, unless they could see and not getting up again. See what excuses he him under Samuel's direction. Sooner or later, made, r. 11, 12. He would have this act of dismen will be made to see that God and his prophets obedience pass, (1.) For an instance of his pruare their best friends. 1. Some absconded, See what work sin makes; it exposes men to from him, and he had no other way, to keep those v. 6. dence; the people were most of them scattered perils, and then dispirits them. A single person, with him, and to prevent their deserting too. If by faith, can say, I will not be afraid of ten thou- Samuel neglected the public concerns, he would sand; but here, thousands of degenerate Israelites not. (2.) For an instance of his piety; he would trembled at the approach of these Philistines. be thought very devout, and in great care not to Guilt makes men cowards. 2. Others fled, v. 7. engage the Philistines till he had by prayer and went over Jordan to Gilead, as far as they could sacrifice engaged God on his side. Thus he covfrom the danger, where they had lately been vic-ered his disobedience to God's command, with a torious over the Ammonites: where they had tri- pretence of concern for God's favor. Hypocrites umphed, they hoped to be sheltered. 3. Those lay great stress on the external performances of that stayed with Saul, followed him trembling, ex- religion, thinking thereby to excuse their neglect pecting no other than to be cut off, and having of the weightier matters of the law. And yet, lastly, their hands and hearts weakened by the desertion he owns it went against his conscience to do it; of so many of their troops. And, perhaps, Saul I forced myself, and offered a burnt-offering; perhimself, though he in honor stood his ground, yet haps boasting he had broken through his convichad no courage to spare, wherewith to inspire his tions, and got the better of them; or, at least, trembling soldiers.

uel

7 And some of the V. S-14. Here is, I. Saul's offence in offerHebrews went over ing sacrifice before Samuel came. See ch. 10: 8. Jordan to the land of It is plain he understood he was to stay till SamGad and Gilead: came, else he would not have made so many excuses as he did, for not staying, v. 11. But he for Saul, he was yet had not patience to wait till the end of the seventh in Gilgal, and all the day; perhaps, he began to reproach Samuel as people † followed him false to his word, careless of his country, and distrembling. respectful to his prince; and thought it more fit 8 And he tarried Samuel should wait for him, than he for Samuel: seven days according so he offered sacrifice; as if, because he was a to the set time that king, though he was neither priest nor prophet, he might do any thing; a piece of presumption, Samuel had appointed: king Uzziah paid dear for, 2 Chron. 26: 16, &c. but Samuel came not Samuel had promised to show him what he should to Gilgal, and the peo- do, but he determined to engage the Philistines ple were scattered without Samuel's directions. So self-sufficient from him. was Saul, that he thought it not worth while to stay for a prophet of the Lord, either to pray for him, or advise him.

9 And Saul said, Bring hither a burntoffering to me, and peace-offerings.

e Judg. 3:27. 6:34. 2 Sam. 2:28. 20:1.
Heb. did stink. Gen. 34:30, 46:34.
Ex. 5:21. Zech. 11:8.

10:8. 11:14,15. Josh. 5:9.

g Gen. 22:17. Josh. 11:4. Judg. 7:12.
2 Chr. 1:9. Is. 48:19. Jer. 15:8.
Rom: 9:27.

And he offered the burntoffering. kingdom, and after he had joined with Samuel in offering sacrifices, and had obtained the benefit of his prayers; it must be concluded that he ought to have marched directly with his victorious army against the Philistines, who possessed strong-holds in the land, and had become very formidable; and that true policy required this of him. (9: 16. 11: 12-15.) But it is probable, that he was elated with success, pleased with the show of royalty, and disposed to ease and indulgence. Thus the favorable opportunity was lost, the ardor of his followers was suffered to abate, and perhaps some of them were disgusted and the Philistines, doubtless learning that a king had been chosen, with a view to deliver Israel from their power; assiduously employed the time given them, in preparing for war, and in weakening and disarming the Israelites. SCOTT.

(S.) The Hebrews.] Lit." those beyond," i. e. the Jordan: as the use of the word, v. 7. shows. So Mich. Dathe, &c.' BOOTHROYD.

Verse 5. Thirty thousand chariots. Many here read, (which the Hebrew will bear) three for thirty; but even 3,000 chariots is incredible. Patrick therefore prefers to understand most to have been carriages for baggage. Mithridates' army,' he observes, 'had but 100 chariots,

thinking this extenuated his fault, that he knew he should not have done as he did, but did it with reluctancy. Foolish man! to think God would be well pleased with sacrifices offered in direct opposition both to his general and particular command.

1. He shows him

II. The sentence passed on Saul for this of-
fence: Samuel found him standing by his burnt-
offering; but, instead of an answer of peace, he
let him know the sacrifice of the wicked is abomina-
tion to the Lord, much more when he brings it, as
Saul did, with a wicked mind.
the aggravations of his crime; and says to this
king, Thou art wicked; which it is not for any but
a prophet of the Lord to say, Job 34: 18. He
charges him with being an enemy to himself and
his interest. Thou hast done foolishly; and rebelled
against God and his government, Thou hast not
kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, that
command wherewith He intended to try thy obe-
dience.' Note, Those that disobey the command-

h 14:23. Josh. 7:2. 18:12. Hos. 4:15.
5:8. 10:5.

i Ex. 14:10-12. Josh. 8:20. Judg. 10:
9. 20:41. 2 Sam. 24:14. Fhil. 1:23.
k 14:11. 23:19. 24:3. Judg. 6:2. Is.
42:22. Heb. 11:38.

m Num. 32:1-5,33-42. Deut. 3:12. Josh. 13:24-31.

↑ Heb. trembled after him. Deut. 20:8. Judg. 7:3. Hos. 11:10,11. n 10:8. 12,13. 14:18. 15:21,22. Deut. 12:6. 1 Kinga 3:4. Ps. 37:7. Prov. 15:8. 20:22. 21:3,27. Is. 66:3.

1 Lev. 26:17,36,37. Deut. 28:25. Darius' 200, and Antiochus Epiphanes' but 300.' Poole, with greater probability still, perhaps, suggests that chariots here may be used by way of metonymy, for the men who rode in, and fought from, them; as 2 Sam. 10: 18. where it is said, in the Heb. David slew 700 chariots; that is, 700 men which fought from chariots, as explained, 1 Chron. 19: 18. and 1 Kings 20: 21.' This use of language is common, as he shows. See Deut. 28: 5, 17 32 11. and Jer. 49: 12. 1 Cor. 10: 21. ED.

For

Thirty.] Heb. Shishym. This same word is transl. 'captains' at Ex. 14: 7. and in the note, Ex. 15: 4. it is shown to refer most probably to a kind of chariots, (see cut there,) in use anciently in Egypt. Considering then the word to be the name of this sort of war chariot, may we understand Of the Shalishim kind, 1000 chariots,' &c. ? This the construction might admit (see Stuart's gram. sect. 461). 30,000 the Syr. and Arab. read 3,000, the rest 30,000. Sir Isaac Newton, who places this affair at about 1100 B. C. supposes the Hycshos, (notes, c. p. 14, vol. 1. and end of Gen.) now finally expelled from Egypt, to have greatly augmented the Philistine army. Verses 8, 9.

ID.

(10: 8.) As no priest is mentioned, it has been thought that Saul,

ments of God, do foolishly for themselves. Sin
is folly, and sinners are the greatest fools. 2. He
reads his doom, v. 14. The sentence is, in effect,
the same with Mene tekel. Only now there seems
room left for Saul's repentance, upon which this
sentence should have been reversed; but, upon
the next act of disobedience, it was made irrever-
sible, ch. 15: 29. better a thousand times he had
continued in obscurity tending his asses.

But was not this hard, to pass so severe a sen-
tence on him and his house for a single error, and
that seemed so small, and in excuse for which he
had so much to say? No, The Lord is righteous
in all his ways, and does no man any wrong; will
be justified when He speaks, and clear when He
judges. By this, (1.) He shows there is no sin
little, because no little God to sin against; but
that every sin is a forfeiture of the heavenly king-
dom, for which we stood fair. (2.) He shows,
that disobedience to an express command, though
in a small matter, is a great provocation; as in
the case of our first parents. (3.) He warns us
to take heed of our spirits; for that which to men
may seem but a small offence, yet to. Him that
knows from what principle, and with what dispo-
sition of mind, it is done, may appear a heinous
crime. (4.) God, in rejecting Saul for an error
seemingly little, sets off, as by a foil, the lustre

15 And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men.

16 And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in § Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.

17 T And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines, in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual:

d

18 And another com

presuming on his kingly authority, usurped the priesthood also: but this is doubtful. It is certain, however, that he took too much upon him.

Verses 13-15.

SCOTT.

This commandment of the Lord by Samuel, was probably intended as a test of Saul's disposition: and his transgression proved, that he did not regard the word of God, when it greatly interfered with his own inclinations or sentiments; by which it appeared that he was unfit to rule, as the vicegerent of the Lord over his people. He was 'weighed in this balance, and found wanting.' Had he behaved properly, the kingdom would have been permanently confirmed in his family; and it is probable Samuel came to Gilgal, expecting to make this settlement of the kingdom by divine authority: but now, Saul was sentenced to be removed, to make way for one of a more obedi. ent disposition. This the omniscient God foresaw: but his secret purpose was not the motive of Saul's conduct; which to the Searcher of hearts doubtless appeared much more aggravated than it does to us. (Notes, Gen. 2: 16, 17. 3: 6.)-Samuel on this occasion departed from Saul; yet, as he went to Gibeah of Saul, and not to Ramah, and as he came to him afterwards, (15: 1, 13, 34, 35.) it is conjectured that the sentence was not irreversible; but that, if Saul had repented of this sin, and been more obedient in future, he might notwithstanding have been continued in the kingdom.

ID.

(14.) After his own heart.] David could not be thus characterized on account of his private virtues; but for his public conduct, particularly with respect to religion; for his abhorrence of superstition and idolatry, when surrounded with examples of both, and for his zealous, uninterrupted attachment to the worship of the true God. The expression also will be further qualified, by considering it as applied to David by way of contrast to the fickle character of the wretched, wavering, disobedient Saul.' HEWLETT.

Verse 17.

of his mercy, in forgiving such great sins as those of David, Manasseh, and others. (5.) We are taught hereby, how necessary it is to wait on our God continually. Saul lost his kingdom for want of two or three hours' patience.

V. 15-23. 1. Saul has set up for himself, and now he is left to himself, Samuel gat him from Gilgal, (v. 15.) in displeasure, and it does not appear that he either prayed with Saul, or directed him. Yet, in going up to Gibeah, Saul's city, he inti mated he had not quite abandoned him, but waited there to do him a kindness another time. Or, he went to the college of the prophets, there to pray for Saul, when he did not think fit to pray with him. 2. Saul goes after him to Gibeah, and there musters his army, and finds but 600 men, v. 15, 16. Thus were they for their sin dimin ished and brought low. 3. The Philistines ravaged the country, and put all the adjacent parts under contribution. The body of their army, or standing camp, (so the marg. v. 23.) lay in an advantageous pass at Michmash, but thence they sent out three several parties, to plunder provisions for the army, v. 17, 18. Isa. 42: 24.

4. Those that took the field with Saul had only slings and clubs, but not a sword or spear among them all, except Saul and Jonathan, v. 19-22. The politic Philistines put down all the smith's

pany turned the way
to Beth-horon: and
another company turn-
ed to the way of the
border, that looketh to
the valley of Zeboim,
toward the wilderness.

19 Now there was
no smith found through-
out all the land of Is-
rael: for the Philistines
said, Lest the Hebrews
make them swords or
spears:

20 But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.

21 Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to

¶ sharpen the goads.

22 So it came to pass in the day of battle, that i there was neither sword nor spear found P 15:13.

Heb. bless him. 15:13. Ruth 24.
Fm. 129:8.

q Gen. 3.13. 4:10. Josh. 7:19. 2 Sam.
3:24. 2 Kings 5:25.

r 2,5,16,23. 14:5. l. 10:28.

1 Kings 12:26,27.

↑ Heb. intreated the face of, &c.

t 21:7. Fr. 66:3. Am. 8:5. 2 Cor. 9:7.

v 2 Sam. 12:7-9. 1 Kings 18:18. 21:
20. 2 Chr. 16:9. 19:2. 25:15,16.
Job 34:18. Prov. 19:3. Matt. 14:
3.4.

x 15.11,22. Ps. 50:8-15.
y 2:30. 15:28.

16:1,12. 2 Sam. 7:15,16. Ps. 78:70.
89:19,20,&c. Acts 13:22.

a 9:16. 2 Sam. 6:2. 2 Kings 20:5. Heb. 2:10.

Heb. found.

b 2,6,7,

14:2.

§ Heb. Geba. See on 3.

€ 11:11.

d Josh. 18:23.

e Josh. 19:3.

f Josh. 10:11. 16:3,5. 18:13. 1 Chr. 6:68. 2 Chr. 8:5.

g Gen. 14:2. Neb. 11:34. Hos. 11:8. h Judg. 5:8. 2 Kings 24:14. Jer. 24:1. Heb. a file with mouths.

Heb. set.

i 17:47,50. Judg. 5:8. Zech, 4:6. I Cor. 1:27-29. 2 Cor. 4:7.

others, in Manasseh, where Gideon was born.-Shual.] So called because it abounded with foxes; so Bochart.' PATRICK. Verse 18.

Valley of Zeboim.] I. e. the valley of vipers; so the Chald. Zeboa signifying a sort of speckled serpent, abundant in this valley, which lay towards the wilderness of Jericho in Benjamin.' ID. Verses 19-21.

Similar restrictions were imposed in other instances by conquerors; as by Porsenna on the Romans, the Chaldeans on the Jews, and Cy

Ophrah.] In the tribe of Benjamin, Josh. 18: 23. or rather, as goad, in the note on Judg. 4: 31.

rus on the Lydians.
See Dr. 4. Clarke, and
Calmet.
ED.
(20-21.) Mattocks..
coulters, share, forks,
goad.] Gen. 41: 57.
A cut is given of orien
tal ploughs,
a mattock,
from Nie-

buhr, and

also a fork

from the an

cient Egyp

tian monu

ments. See

a description of the

ED.