The king being to be chosen out of the sons of Jef's, which was probably communicated to their father, though not to them, we have them here passing in review before Samuel. 1. The eldest came, and being a goodly personage, tall, majef's, Samuel was ready to conclude this was God's elect; so much does a noble presence prejudice us in a man's favour: but God let him know he is mistaken. God judgments not as man, by outward qualifications, but by the heart, the dispositions of which he regards, and with the inquest thought of it he is acquainted. Six more of Jef's sons appear, yet none of these doth God chuse. Note, God's choice is sovereign; he often makes the full to be full. For herespan. 2. Samuel asks Jef's if he has no other children, and receives answer that the youngest, the little one, was with the sheep. Infantly he is first for, his presence was the most needed of any at the feast; he appears in his Shepherd's dress, the bloom of youth was on his ruddy cheek, his countenance, or, as the word signifies, his eyes beautiful and sparkling, and his aspect and manner bespoke the more pleasing dispositions of his mind: this is he. God commands and Samuel shews; the horn of oil is poured upon him, in token of the divine designation, and in or rather from the midst of his brethren he is anointed, as chosen out of them, or in private from them, as it was a secret which required concealment. Note, (1.) Youth and beauty are pleasing recommendations; and when the mind is fraught with divine grace, and natural sweetness, it spreads a new lustre on the gifts of nature, and makes the possessor twice smack. (2.) Diligence in an inferior station is the way to rise to greater honour. (3.) This Shepherd-king is the type of that anointed Jesus, his son and successor, who should feed his flock like a Shepherd. 3. He is no sooner anointed, than the Lord pours out upon him an extraordinary measure of his spirit, fitting him for the great designs he has in view; increasing not only his spiritual gifts and graces, but filling him with courage, and probably beflowing an extraordinary still in music and poetry. Note, Every foul whom God chudes to the heavenly kingdom, hath an ancision from the Holy One; and they who experience the work of his spirit, may be assured of the election of his grace. 4. Samuel now retires to Ramah, where he lives and dies in peace, and is but once more mentioned in this history. He had finished his work, and God brings him shortly to his reward. 14. ¶ But We have, 1. Samuel executing justice upon Agag. He commands Agag to be brought, and he appears dressed like a king, delicately, or as the Vulgate translation, and the Septuagint add, yet trembling, between fear and hope, flattering himself that the bitternes of death is past, but he soon finds his sad mistake; Samuel reproaching him with his former crothers, denounces the just presence of retaliation upon him, and with the sword himself, or some other by his orders, hears him in pieces before the Lord, as a sacrifice to divine justice. Note, (1.) Should kings will meet an avenging God. (2.) Death is bitter to the sinner, but to the believer in Jesus, he being removed from his conscience, the bitternes of death is past. (3.) Many promile themselves life and peace, who do not see the dart of death, like this sword of Samuel, ready to pierce them to the heart. 2. Samuel takes his final leave of Saul, and never came to see him more, to the day of his death; that is, he never visited him as a friend, though he might afterwards undelignedly see him, as he did at Ramah, chap. xix. 24. yet he mourned for him, under the knife of his terrible situation, and the ruin which hung over him, God having utterly rejected him. Note, It is bitter to nature to see those we love in the ways of death and hell; we cannot but mourn over them. CHAP. XVI. At this chapter begins the glory of David, who, both with his sword and his pen, served the honour of God and the interests of Israel, as much as most ever did, and runs as illustrious a type of Christ. 1. Samuel is commissioned to assist one of Jef's sons king, ver. 2—5. 2. All his elder sons are passed by, and David the youngest is chosen and anointed, ver. 6—13. 3. Saul growing melonately, David plays before and relieves him, ver. 14—23. Thus Isaiah are the beginnings of that great man. About 1063. Chap. xx. 11. 21. Chap. x. 1. 9. PC. Ierum. 30. 8 Stat. 1. 16. 9. Chap. ix. 11. 5. 4. 9. 7. Chap. xii. 1. Hol. 10. 20. 9. Heb. Is thy coming peace. 1. Kings ii. 11. 3. Kings 16. 12. 8. Exud. xix. 20. 1. AND the LORD said unto Samuel, 'How long will thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel?' 'till thine horn with oil, and op, I will send thee to Jef's the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. 2. And Samuel said, 'How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with Hors, and say, 'I am come to sacrifice to the LORD. 3. And call Jef's to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee. 4. And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Beth-lehem: and the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, 'Cometh thou peaceably? 5. And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: I sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jef's and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice. We had David great in the court, now he appears greater in the camp. This to handle the fling as wisely as the harp. We have here, 1. The great figure Goliath makes, and his defiance of Israel, ver. 1—11. 2. David's mean figure when providence brought him in the army, ver. 12—30. 3. His understanding to encounter this Philistine, ver. 31—39. 4. His refutation in attacking him, ver. 40—47. 5. The glorious victory he obtained over him with a fling and a flue, and the advantage which the Israelites thereby gained against the Philistines, ver. 48—54. 6. The notice taken of David at court, ver. 55—58. VOL. I. 1. NOW the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belonged to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephes-slamatim. 2. And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in aray against the Philistines. 3. And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. 4. ¶ And there went out a 2 champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, 'who height was six cubits and a span; 5. And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail: and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. 6. And he had grooves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. 7. And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and one bearing a shield went before him. 8. And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to let your battle in aray? am not I a Philistine, and you servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. 9. If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. 10. And the Philistine said, 'I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.' 11. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. 9. 1—11. When David had succeeded, and no relapse for some time made his they hunger excellery, he returned to his father's house at Bethlehem; probably not relishing the absolute manners of a count, and infinitely happier in retirement and communion with God, whilst he kept his father's flock. Here he seems to have been almost, if not altogether, forgotten, till a new incident calls him once more into the evidence and family of the king. 1. The Philistines recover from their late defeat, and encouraged, no doubt, by the accounts they had received of Saul's quarrel with Samuel, and his disfarced state of mind, again invade Israel. But Saul, now recovered, is enabled to make head against them, and with his army encamps on the hill opposite his enemies. Note, The enemies of God's people are always watching to take advantage, and especially to profit by their disputes and divisions. 2. A mighty champion went out of their camp, their boats and glory, and proudly defied the arms of Israel; his bright was prodigious, according to the best calculation somewhat more than eleven feet four inches; his armour was proportioned to his fear, his helmet brass, his coat of mail consisted of plates of brass, that his one over another like fifties scales, and weighed upwards of one hundred and fifty-six pounds, besides the grooves of brass on his legs, and corset of brass between his shoulders; all together a weight more than an ordinary man could well support. His spear soft and huge, the handle large as a weaver's beam, the head of iron weighing six hundred shekels, near nineteen pounds; and his shield carried before him by his esquire, either for pump or to be used, if any during Israelite accepted his challenge. Forth he marches, proud in his strength and stature, and with a voice loud at thunder, challenges the armies of Israelites to send a man to fight with him, offers in bravado to have the fate of either kingdom decided by the issue of the combat, and vaunts his own consideration in thus submitting, though a prince in Philistia, to accept a man out of their army, who were no better than servants to Saul. Note, Pride will sooner or later have a fall. 3. The effect this produced on Saul and the Israelites. They were quite dispirited, and ready to fly before a single Philistine. Note, When we have provoked God to depart from us, fear will terrify us on every approach of danger. 12. ¶ Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth-lehem-judah, whose name was Jesse, and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul. 13. And the three eldest sons of Jesse went, and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle, were Eliab the first-born, and next unto him, Abinadah, and the third Shammah. 14. And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul. 15. But David went, and returned from Saul, to feed his father's sheep at Beth-lehem. 16. And the Philistine drew near, morning and evening, and presented himself forty days. 17. Chap. viii. 4 K And 4. Saul, satisfied, confesses to his going, and prays the Lord to be with him, and give him success; and to equip him for the battle, brings down a fish of armour, and fits it on him; but after assuring to go in it, either his spirit was admonished not to make use of these defenses, half God's arm might not be so much firm; or, more probably, not being accustomed to walk in armour, he felt it encumbered rather than afflicted him, therefore he put it off, resolving to advance just as he was. Note, They have the best armour that go forth with a good conscience in a good cause. 40. And the took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in his Shepherd's bag which he had, even in a krip; and his fling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine. 41. And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David, and the men that have the third most before him. 42. And when the Philistine locked about and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ready, and of a fair convenience. 43. And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with Slaves? and the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44. And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beall of the field. 45. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defend. 46. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand, and I will smit thee, and take thine head from thee, and I will give the carcasses of the hoft of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild bealls of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD Gaveh not with sword and spear: for the battle it the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands. David having put off his armour, in his Shepherd's derfs, with his fling in his hand, marches down toward this proud Philistine, and chases five smooth stones from the brook which ran in the valley, nor was at all certified with the formidable appearance of his antagonists, Isaac God was the strength of his hope. 1. Goliath, looking on such a puny foe, a youth, and, so accoutre'd, with high disdain treated his influence in daring to approach him, as if a dog, to be beaten with a Shepherd's staff; and curling him by his gods, threatens, as easily as a lion tears the lamb, to give his flesh to the birds and bealls. Note, (1.) The curle that is causeless falls only on the head that utters it. (2.) The presumption of the proud deftroys them. 2. David replies with confidence and dependance upon God, and hurls back this brother's threatenings into his face; having authority from the God of Israel, whom, in his people, Goliath had defied, dependent on the arm of that complacent Lord of hosts, who alone giveth victory in the battle, he threatens that his carcass, and those of his countrymen, shall this day afford a nobler feast to the birds and bealls; the nations around shall then acknowledge the glory of Israel's God, and his church and people adore him for a salvation so great and wonderful. 48. And it came to pass when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David haffed, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and flang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone is sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. 50. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a fling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine and flew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. 51. Therefore David ran and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and flew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistine for their champion was dead, they fled. 52. And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ehem; and the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Elston. 53. And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they floated their teens. 54. And David took the head of the Philistines, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent. 55. And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistines, he said unto Abner the captain of the hoft, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, At thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell. 56. And the king said, Enquire thou whofe for the stripping it. 57. And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 58. And Saul said to him, Whose son are thou, take young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jett the Beth-lehemite. We have here the afters of this unequal match, and see the battle is not always to the strong. 1. Like a Colossius huge Goliath strides along, glittering in burnished armour; David, with nimbler flete, haffes to meet him, and having fisted the stone into his fling, aimed at the broad mark of this Philistine's forehead. Swift flew the messenger of death, reafflict; percus through his skull, and backward fell the mighty hero, extended breathless on the plain. Probably despiring such a youth, he turned back the casket of his helmet, or through the eye the stone might enter, as the Targum intimates; or, since it was of God, through the beaten helmet, and hardened forehead, it might pass forth as lightning, and reaffilies as the thunderbolt. With eagerness now David flies on his prey, drawn forth the tranquilized champion's sword, and severs his head from his body, as the trophy of his victory. Note, (1.) Vain is the arm of flesh against the power of God. (2.) Thus hath Jesus conquered the powers of darkness, and spoiled them openly; and thus shall every believer conquer those giant-like corruptions that wage war against his soul. 2. A panic raises the hofts of Philistia, when they behold their boasted hero fallen, whilst Israel's armies, shouting for victory, pursue the disputed fugitives even to the gates of their cities, and on their return plunder the camp. Note, They who trust on man will find their dependence but a broken reed. 3. David spoiled the Philistine of his armour, as well as his head; and having carried the latter in triumph round the cities of Israel, fixed it up at Jerusalem, as a terror to the Jebulses who still held the fortness of Zion; the armour he laid up in his tent, or perhaps in God's tent or tabernacle, as a monument of the victory, where we find the sword of Goliath, chap. xxi. 9. 4. Saul makes enquiries about this young hero, having forgotten David by his absence from court, and so differently fretted, and in so different a character; or if he recollected him, he was, as the question seems to import, solicitous to know his family and extraction, whether he were nobly descended, having engaged so many his daughter to him. Abner professes his ignorance of his family; but David appears and satisfies his enquiries, with a modest account of his parentage, as the son of Jett the Beth-lehemite. Note, It is not nigh birth, but deeds of high desert, that constitute true nobility. We have here, 1. David's settlement at court, and Jonathan's friendship for him, ver. 1-4. 2. He became the darling of his country, ver. 5-7, 10. 3. Saul's envy and wicked attempt, ver. 8-11. 4. His fear, and contrivances to dofry him, ver. 12-17. 5. His proposal to marry his daughter to him; but (1.) He baiss him of the clasp, ver. 19. and, (2.) Gives him the younger sons hard terms, ver. 20-25. 6. David's performance of the conditions, ver. 26, 27. 7. His universal esteem, ver. 28-30. Thus, through much tribulation, we must come to the kingdom. 1. AND it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him, as his own soul. 2. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. 3. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 4. And Jonathan scrip himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle. 5. And David went out whistleblower Saul sent him, and I behaved himself; and Saul let him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants. David is now fixed at court. 1. Saul resided to keep him about his person, advances him to the unintended of a camp, and employs his灵魂 to his affairs of State; in all which David approves himself as faithful and Before Christ 1663. 2. Exod. xxi. 3. 1. God's reformation, Chap. xxi. 9. 4. Chron. xxi. Or, Prof. prot. 5. Ibid. x. 6. Col. xxi. 5. Bifidw.Chrill and diligent fervant. Thus he learnt to obey, before he came to rule. 2. Jonathan, Saul's son; is raviated with the excellences that appear in him, and from his behaviour conceives the warmest affection for him; probably their age was nearly equal, their manners similar, and their souls, as generous spirits always are, susceptible of the tenderest feelings of friendship. To give him an immediate mark of his regard, Jonathan carries him to his tent, strips off his own chaths, even to his fraud and his girdle; and as David must appear at court, will have him decided as a courtier, and suitable to his high defects. There, to perpetuate the hands of friendship, a solemn contempt is made between them, to be faithful to each other 'till death. Nate, (1.) A faithful friend is among the greatest of human blessing. (2.) True friendship is constant, and flatties not at affirances. (3.) They who are Christ's friends would bind themselves to be his for ever. 3. David's conduct got him universal esteem; his valour made him loved abroad, and his humility kept him from being envied at court. Nate, In high flations 'tis a difficult part so to act as to procure honour without provoking envy. 6. And it came to pafs as they came when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistines, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, 'finging and dancing, to meet king Saul, with taberts, with joy, and with instruments of music. 7. And the women 'answered one another as they played, and said, 'Saul hath slain his thoufands, and David his'ren thoufands. 8. And Saul was very wroth, and the faying + displeafed him; and he said, They have afcribed unto David ten thoufands, and to me they have afcribed but thoufands; and what can he have more but the kingdom? 9. And Saul 'eyed David from that day and forward. 10. ¶ And it came to pafs on the morrow, that 'the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and 'he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times; and there was a javelin in Saul's hand. 11. And 'Saul call the javelin; for he said, I will fmin David even to the wall with it: and David avoided out of his precious twice. 9. 6—11. To allay the joy of his preferment his troubles quickly follow. 1. Saul becomes jealous of his growing greatness; having made a triumphant progress through the cities of Israel, after the victory, and being met by the women, finging the praises of the conquerors, his soul is flung with envy to hear ten thoufands slain afcribed to David, and to himself but thoufands. From that day forward his look of complacence changed into the frown of displeafure, and dark fulgicorous troubled him, conscious that his kingdom was forfeited, and fearing that this was his trust, who would dethrone him. Nate, (1.) The praises of merit are, in the ears of envy, grating discord. (2.) An evil and malignant eye betrays the rancour of the heart. 2. He attempts to destroy him. Breeding all night over these dark thoughts, next day his former demonical phenery returns upon him; pretending prophetic impulses, his gothiers were strange, or, perhaps, he really predicted, as a jewish writer says, his own ruin and David's advancement. David, observing his unhappy cafe, ran to his harp, that before had foothold his rage; but Saul, mad with envy, hurts his javelin at him, with such violence as to fallen him with it to the wall. Nate, (1.) They who indulge the evil thoughts of their own hearts, invite the devil to take possession of them. (2.) Jealously is cruel as the grave, and thrifts for the precious life. 3. David escapes the wicked attempt, twice made on his life, either the fame day or one, afterwards, days six, 9. He perhaps observed Saul's trembling hand, and slips away from the stroke aimed at his heart, or God, in watchful mercy, turned the javelin aside. Nate, God guards his people from many a mortal blow their great enemy aims at them, to destroy them. 12. ¶ And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul. 13. Therefore Saul removed him from him, and 'made him his captain over a thoufand; and 'he went out and came in before the people. 14. And David behaved himself widely in all his ways: and the LORD was with him. 15. Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very widely, he was afraid of him. 16. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them. 17. ¶ And Saul said to David, 'Behold, my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou + valiant for me, and fight the LORD's battles: for Saul said, 'Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him. 18. And David said unto Saul, 'Who am I?' and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king? 19. But it came to pafs at the time when Merab Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife. 20. And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleaded him. 21. And Saul said, 'I will give him her, that 'the may be a snare to him, and that 'the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, 'Thou shalt this day be my son-in-law in the one of the twain. 22. And Saul commanded his servants, faying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son-in-law. 23. And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David: and David said, 'Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son-in-law, seeing that 'I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed? 24. And the servants of Saul told him, faying, 'I On this manner spake David. 25. And Saul said, 'Thus shall ye fay to David, 'The king is desireth not 'any dowry, but an hundred forefkins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26. And when his servants told David these words, it is pleaded David well to be the king's son-in-law: and the days were not expired. 27. Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and flew of the Philistines two hundred men; and 'David brought their forefkins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son-in-law: and Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife. 28. ¶ And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him. 29. And 'Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually. 30. Then the princes of the Philistines went forth, and it came to pafs after they went forth, that David behaved himself &more widely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was + much set by. 9. 12—30. What Saul cannot perpetrate by open violence, he seeks to accomplish by secret fraud. 1. His fears, the more increased by the evident blessing of God upon David, put him upon removing him from court. But this he seeks to do in such a way as, under pretence of preferment, to exude him to danger and death; he therefore makes him captain of a thoufand, and fends him out to fight the Philistines, and to wret his ardor, the more to endanger his life, gives him hope; that he will bellow on him his chief daughter to wife, if he returns victorious, and approves himself in deed of valour. This indeed was what he before deserved, though he had not claimed her, and now modestly professes himself unworthy for an honour; ready, however, to obey his sovereign, and zealous for Israel's glory, his exploits favor to spread his fame, and ingrate him with the army, whilst his prudent conduct engages the regard of all. Nate, (1.) God can overrule the wickedest designs of our enemies, for our good, and to the confusion of their authors. (2.) Modest worth shines with double lustre. 2. The more David procures the more Saul fears; therefore, to exasperate him into some rush word, or false fury, he affirms him, by giving his daughter to another, perhaps on the very day fixed for the bridal feast. 3. Saul lays a new snare for him. Though he had robbed him of one daughter he would entice him with the other, and sets his couriers to encourage him to hope for the honour of being yet the king's son-in-law, pretending the pleasure that Saul took in him, and proposing the dowry that Saul expected, an hundred forefkins of the Philistines. He hoped that this expedition might prove fatal to him, as the Philistines would be exasperated at such infelt offered them, and he should get rid thus of his enemy; at least, if he succeeded, he promised himself his daughter would take part with him against her husband. But as wicked men's schemes, however deep laid, often are, he was disappointed of the one by David's valour, and of the other by Michal's love. 4. David at first declined the hints of the couriers, and behaved the more cautiously, as he saw them wait for his halting. He humbly urges the pretends of the honour, and his own unworthiness of it, whose fortune or fashion were not, in any wise, answerable to such a match; but seeing, at last, that it was really the king's mind, he liked very well the proposal, and ere the time proposed was expired, he doubted the number of fore- fkins, that since this was to be the dowry he might not appear deficient: and now he hath Michal's hand, as he before possessed her heart. Nate, (1.) Kings never want wicked instruments to further their baffles defigns. (2.) True humility will make a man rather undervalue than ever-rate his own importance. (3.) If it be such an honour to be a king's son-in-law, how much greater to become the sons and heirs of the eternal king, as every believer is that is joined to the Lord. 5. His marriage kept him not from the field. He distinguished himself again beyond all Saul's servants against the princes of the Philistines, and gained a great name among the people, whilst Saul's envy increased in proportion with David's eminence. So will God confound the wife in their own craftiness, and in spite of every danger exalt the man whom he delighteth to honour. It's have here four escapes of David from the sword of Saul, 1. By the mediation of Jonathan, ver. 1—7. 2. By his own quick-wife, ver. 8—10. 3. By Michal's fidelity, ver. 11—17. 4. By Samuel's protection, ver. 18—24. Thus God has many ways of preserving his people. Providence is never at a life. AND 'Saul spoke to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. 1. But Jonathan Saul's son 'delighted much in David: and 'Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself: 3. And I will go out and stand before my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee: and what I see, that I will tell thee. 4. And Jonathan spoke good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let me the king 'fin against his servant, against David: because 'he hath not finned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-want very good. 5. For 'he did put his life in his hand, and flew the Philistines, and 'the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou saweest it, and didst rejoice; 'wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause? 6. And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul 'sware, as the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain. 7. And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things: and Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past. Saul no longer seeks to cloak his bloody designs, but gives public orders to kill David as a matter, and particularly to Jonathan, to dispatch the rival of his crown; but Jonathan's love was stronger than the ambition of a throne; and Saul's malice, by being undisguised, was the seller disappointed. 1. He warns David of his danger, and bids him hide himself till the morning in some secret place, because of the order which had been given, and by that time he hoped to procure some change in his cruel father, or at least to let David know how to proceed. 2. He takes the first opportunity, the next morning, to ex-populate with his father, and to pacify his resentment. He urges the kindnesses David had shewn him, the great obligations the whole land owed him, nay Saul's own acknowledgments of it. How ungrateful and false then to murder so faithful a servant, and so valiant a subject! Had he committed ought worthy of death indeed this might cancel his past services, but Saul must be conscious of his innocence; and therefore, to shed his blood would be as inhuman as unjust. Nate, Such a friend as Jonathan, so disinterested, so faithful, is rare. 3. Saul having slept, his passion was cooled. Conviction accompanied Jonathan's arguments; he swears to save David harmless, revokes his bloody edict, and restores him to his place at court, with every apparent mark of regard and confidence. Nate, (1.) The oath of a common swearer is bad security. (2.) Good advice, though from an inferior, deserves attention. (3.) Sudden changes of passionate men prognosticate no long continuance. 8. And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and flew them with a great daughter; and they had from him. 9. And 'the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand. 10. And 'Saul fought to smite David Vol. I. even to the wall with his javelin; but he slept away out of Saul's presence: and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and 'escaped that night. David is ever armed in Israel's cause; we find him again in the field, fighting the Lord's battles, and again victorious over the Philistines. But every freth laurel on David's brow puts a sharp thorn in Saul's boilers; his melancholy returns; and willing to relieve him, his son thinks it not beneath his dignity again to handle the harp: but whilst, in kind regard, he sought to soothe the torments of his heart, he lites subjects the spear that stood ready to pierce his own. Swift and violent Saul hurts the javelin, to pierce him to the wall, but his agility avoids the blow, and leaving his presence, where it was no longer life to slay, he seeks, he sights, to have himself from the enraged monarch. Nate, (1.) Something will always be found to allay the joys of our triumphs. (2.) No kindness can cure the rankings of inveterate malice. 11. Saul also 'sent messengers unto David's house to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to-night, to-morrow thou shalt be slain. 12. 'So Michal let David down 'through a window: and he went and fled, and escaped. 13. And Michal took 'an image and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goat's hair for his brother, and covered it with a cloth. 14. And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick. 15. And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him. 16. And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goat's hair for his brother. 17. And Saul said unto Michal, 'Why hast thou deceived me so, and sent away mine enemy, that he is escaped? And Michal answered Saul, He said unto me, Let me go; why should I kill thee? David was now in imminent danger; for Saul supposing him fled to his own house, dispatches a party to watch him and kill him there; but through mercy he escapes. 1. Michal, from whom Saul hoped to ruin him, loves him too well to betray him; no sooner is she apprized of his danger, than she informs him; and in the night, through the window, lets him down, that he might not be perceived by those who had before the house: and in the morning, to give him more leisure to escape, fugues he is sick, puts an image in his bed, and deserves thus the messengers of Saul. Nate, (1.) Wives must love their husbands, and cleave to them even beyond their own parents. (2.) A woman's wife are often shatser than her husband's; it is no disparagement for a man to follow his wife's advice. 2. Saul's rage will not put up with excuse; he will have David brought in his bed, that he may have the satisfaction of murdering him by his own hand. Nate, Wicked men grow worse and worse as they resist their convictions, and provoke God to give them up to their violent passions. 3. Michal, when the cheat was discovered, well knowing her father's mad rage, seeks to appease him; and as she stuck not at one lie to save her husband, she hesitates not at another to excuse herself, even at the expence of her husband's character. Nate, One he usually hardens the conscience for another. 18. 'So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him: and he and Samuel went and slept in Naioth. 19. And 'it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah. 20. And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and 'they also prophesied. 21. And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise: and Saul sent messengers again 'the third time, and they prophesied also. 22. Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah. 23. And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and 'the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on and 'prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah: 24. And he slain off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner + and lay down naked all that day, and all that night. Wherefore they say, 'Is Saul also among the prophets? calls so God to be between them for ever, keeping them faithful to their vows, or as the avenger if they failed. For Jonathan loved David as his own foul, therefore his anxious solicitude appeared so urgent. Note, (1.) It is a great mercy to have the love of those who have the evident blessing of God upon them. (2.) Fervent love seems often importunate, and is jealous of every shadow that might breed a separation. 3. Before they part, if the interview on the third day should be dangerous, Jonathan proposes a method that would convey the intelligence to him, whilst he lay hid in the field, v. 20-22. that so he might retire undiscovered, and save himself if danger was before him. 24. ¶ So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat. 25. And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty. 26. Nevertheless, Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean. 27. And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul had unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jeffe to meat, neither yesterday nor to day? 28. And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me, to go to Beth-lehem: 29. And he said, Let me go, I pray thee, for our family hath a sacrifice in the city, and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there; and now if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away I pray thee, and see my brethren: Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table. 30. Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he laid unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jeffe to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? 31. For as long as the son of Jeffe liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom: wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. 32. And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? 33. And Saul call a javelin at him to smote him; whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. 34. So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame. As was expected, we have here, 1. Saul enquiring for David, His seat was vacant, but the first day Saul imputed it to some ceremonial uncleanness, and therefore repressed his enquiries. When the second day's feath came, and David did not appear, he can no longer contain, but afas in displeasure for the son of Jeffe. Note, They were come to the Lord's table with rancor in their heart, may be assured their offerings are an abomination. 2. Jonathan makes his excuse, that it was not through want of respect to the king, or without leave he was absent; but a family-facrifice, and his elder brother's presiding invitation had made him desirous to pay this duty to his relations, and he had asked of him, and obtained permission to go. 3. Saul's rage can no longer be contained, he publicly abuses Jonathan with opprobrious names as a baffard or traitor; reproaches him as a fool, for his regard to his rival, declares his determined purpose to destroy David, and bids him fetch him instantly from Beth-lehem. Jonathan cannot forbear a vindication of his friend, and Saul now mad with him for such an expostulation, dares his javelin at him, to kill him. With indignation at such treatment, he rises from the table, and passes the day falling, through vexation; grieved for himself to be so visited and ill used, but more grieved for the danger of his friend, whose ruin now he saw resolved upon. Note, (1.) Foul language is always a sign of a bad cause. (2.) Every angry man is a murderer in heart, and wants nothing but provocation and impunity to make him so in deed. (3.) It is a bitter grief to see those who are near and dear to us, act vitally and wickedly. (4.) A generous spirit can sooner bear to be inflicted himself, than bear his friend abused. (5.) Vexation and anguish of mind destroy the appetite, and make us forget to eat our bread. 35. ¶ And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field, at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him. 36. And he laid unto his lad, Rum, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow by sound him. 37. And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, It not the arrow beyond thee! 38. And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haite, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his matter. 39. But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter. 40. And Jonathan gave his artillery unto his lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the city. 41. ¶ And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David it exceeded. 42. And Jonathan said to David, 'Go in peace, S forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy feed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.