Justly provoked with the ill conduct of the priests, God had withdrawn his gracious appearances from them. Darkness now reigns in the desolate sanctuary, and neither vision nor dream, for a long time, had been vouchsafed; but God having raised up Samuel for extraordinary services, and early prepared him, by his exemplary piety, for communion with his blessed self, begun, whilst he is yet a youth, to manifest himself to him in Solihah. Now, Early piety is usually favoured with especial communications of divine consolations. We have, 1. The time when God appeared to him, in the night, when Eli, sinking under age and infirmities, was retired for repose, and Samuel in some room near him, to be ready at Eli's call; the lamp of God yet bursting, which seems to intimate, that it was towards morning. Now, We have to bless God for the best of repose, on which we can sleep in peace, and still more if with refreshing dreams he makes that repose doubly profitable for our souls as well as bodies. 2. The manner in which he appeared. By an audible voice, calling Samuel by his name; either awakened with the sound, or Because Eli was so remiss in reproving his sons, God, by the mouth of a prophet, sends him a sharp rebuke. v. He reminds Eli of the peculiar briefings he enjoyed. God had appeared to Aaron, his great progenitor, in Egypt; had conferred on his family, on their delivery from thence, the distinguished honour of the priesthood, and annexed thereto that liberal provision from the sacrifices, which might support the dignity of their office. It was therefore the more culpable in him who enjoyed these favours, to act with such negligence. Now, (1.) Where God hath shewn peculiar menses, he justly expects especial returns. (2.) The honour of mindering before God is great, and his provision an engagement to our fidelity; how criminal then to neglect this service, more to to devoid the wages, and never do the work; and most of all, by open immoralities, to bring a scandal on the holy profession. For these things God will visit. 2. The charge alleged is the abuses committed by his sons, his own concurrence at these abominations, to the difference of God, instead of turning them out of their office, and his partaking with them in the meat thus scandalously obtained. Now, (1.) Our children's sons are our own, when committed under our eye without immediate correction. (2.) They who feed themselves to the full, will quickly kick at God's service. (3.) A fat luxurious priest seems consecrated rather to eat than pray, and to sacrifice to his belly rather than any other god. 3. The punishment denounced on such a disobedient conduct, exclusion from the high-presthood, and the perpetual ignominy and desolation of his family. (1.) Exclusion from the high-presthood. How it came settled in the house of Ithamar, from whom Eli descended, instead of Eleazar, in whose family it had at first been, is not recorded; but had they continued faithful, to walk before God, it had not again reverted to the line of Eleazar. Now the mercy is forfeited, and the honour gone, though not immediately transferred, yet the sentence is palied, and it was fulfilled in Zadok, whom Solomon appointed in the room of Abraham. And the reason of his determination God gives, that that honour me I will honour, but they who depose me shall be lightly esteemed. Now, (1.) They who are a dishonour to the priesthood should be degraded from it. (2.) Though godliness may be now despised, and prosperous iniquity in honour; yet admittance costs him, and certainly hereafter, God will exalt the horn of his people, and come their enemies with shame and confusion. (3.) All God's proceedings will shortly appear to be directed by the most perfect wisdom, and guided by impartial justice. (4.) The desolation and ignominy of Eli's family are threatened. Their power and authority should be destroyed, their days shorried, dying in the flower of youth, their possessions moulded away, the art, before which they ministered, be in the hand of the enemy (or perhaps us, and abuses to the translation of the priesthood in their rivals) which the few who remained of his posterity should be a grief and bitterness to those who began them, and he reduced to low as to beg admittance into the meanest offices of the tabernacle, that they might not fasten through want, for 1 Kings xi. 26, 27. The beginning of these forms his own eyes should see, in the death of his two sons Hophri and Phinehas, in one day, and this should be the sign of the fulfilment of all the rest. Now, (1.) Let every ungodly minister read the doom of Eli's house and tremble. (2.) They who abused their power are justly punished with infamy, and those reduced to want who lived in wantonness. (3.) Better see a child in the grave than living in wickedness. (4.) To serve in the priest's office merely for bread, is miserable service indeed. (5.) They who have been companions in iniquity may expect to perish together. 4. God promises to raise up to himself a faithful priest, and to preserve to him an enduring priesthood, to minister before God's anointed, as were the kings of Israel. This was literally fulfilled in Zadoc, whose posterity continued in this office till the captivity in Babylon, if not till the coming of the Messiah. Spiritually it was accomplished in Chrift, who put an end to the Levitical priesthood, and cernivards a priest for ever. Now, (1.) Though some are unsatisfied to the truth of the ministry, God will take care his church shall not be left utterly destitute. (2.) Every believer is one of that free house which, in Chrift, the great high-prest, is established before God for ever. CHAP. III. Here ii, (1.) God's manifestation of himself to Samuel, ver. 1-10. (2.) The negligent plan to him to Eli, ver. 11-14. (3.) Eli's submission to the righteousness of God, when he bears ii, ver. 15-18. (4.) The establishment of Samuel to be a prophet in Israel, ver. 19-21. 1. AND the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli: and the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 2. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli may laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see: 3. And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep: 4. That the LORD called Samuel, and he answered, Here am I. 5. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I, for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. 6. And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I, for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. 7. Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. 8. And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose, and went to Eli, and said, Here am I, for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. 9. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down, and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak LORD, for thy servant heareth, So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10. And the LORD came, and stood and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, 'Speak, for thy servant heareth. Chap. II. 11. 12. Ibid. 13. Amos viii. 11. 14. Heb. Sloben. Jury. vii. 9. 15. Chap. iii. 16. 17. Ibid. 18. 21. 19. Lev. xii. 3. 20. Chom. xiii. 21. 22. Cor. xii. 23. Col. i. 24. Heb. x. 25. 26. Oly, They all Samuel before he know the Lord, and before, dec. Atti. xii. 2. In this chapter we have, 1. The abode of the ark in Kirjath-jarain for many years, ver. 1, 2. 2. The public appearing of Samuel, as Israel's reformer and judge. He is here active, (1.) In recovering Israel from their idolatry, ver. 3, 4. (2.) In the receiving of religion among them, ver. 5, 6. (3.) In praying for them against the Philistines, ver. 7, 8, 9. over whom God, in answer to his prayer, gave him a glorious victory, ver. 10, 11. (4.) In erecting a thankful memorial of that victory, ver. 12. (5.) In the improvement of that victory, ver. 13, 14. (6.) In the admonification of justice, ver. 15-17. 1. 74. 1. AND the men of Kirjath-jarain came, and fetch up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadah in the hill, and fancihed Eleazar his son, to keep the ark of the LORD. 2. And it came to pass while the ark abode in Kirjath-jarain, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel 'lamented after the LORD. 1. 2. Sam. in. 3. v. 1, 2. Though one place throffs from it the privileges of the gospel, another will receive them. The ark which was a burdensome stone to the eyes of the men of Beth-Shemoth, is a blessing to the men of Kirjath-jarain. 1. They are no sooner called, than they come and bring it up to their city, with great reverence; provide an abode for it in the house of Abinadah, which stood on an eminence: a man, it should form, who counted himself highly honoured with faith a guest, and consecrated his son to keep it, not to offer sacrifice before it, for he was no priest; nor was there here any altar; but to keep the place clean, to prevent curious intruders, and to be ready to wait on those pious Israelites, who might desire to pray before it. Note, (1.) More zeal for God and his cause is often seen in one private Israelite, than in many a priest. (2.) When the church is under persecution, and in distress, a private house may be converted into a temple, and a common Israelite's service be dispensed with. 2. The abode of the ark at Abinadah's house was long, between forty and fifty years in all. During the first twenty of which, it seems to have been almost forgotten and disregarded, till probably by the ministry of Samuel, that spirit of repentance was diffused which was here taken notice of, and they began to lament after the Lord; forcible of their great provocations, and desiring the return of his presence among them. Note, (1.) Though for a time, the church, like the ark, in this city in the woods, be driven into the wilderness, and continue under a cloud, yet shall the again arise, and those bright and glorious as the sun, when the elophe is over. (2.) They who would return to God, must lament over those sins which have estranged them from him. 3. ¶ And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do 'return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then 'put away the strange gods, and Ahtaroth from among you, and 'prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and 'serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 4. Then the children of Israel did put away 'Baalim, and Ahtaroth, and served the LORD only. 5. And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizepeh, and 'I will pray for you unto the LORD. 6. And they gathered together to Mizepeh, and drew water, and 'poured it out before the LORD, and 'failed on that day, and said there, 'We have sinned against the LORD. And 'Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizepeh. Though Samuel is not mentioned, yet he seems to have been instrumental in this repentance, which began to appear; and observing as he went about in circuit, symptoms of returning to God. 1. He solemnly charges them to put away their idols, their male and female deities Baalim and Ahtaroth: there could be no return unto God whilst they were kept back. He therefore calls on them to prepare their hearts for the Lord, and cleave to him alone; and then they might hope he would appear for them, and rescue them from the hand of the Philistines, who had so long oppressed them. Note, (1.) No allowed idol sin must be referred, when we would truly turn to God. (2.) The burden of sin is heavier than the yoke of Philsias; but whoever we repent and believe, it will be lightened. 2. Great was the effect of his exhortation. A general resurrection ensued; they put away their idols, and served the Lord only. To confirm them in those good purposes, therefore, he appoints a solemn assembly in Mizepeh, to perfect what was so happily begun; and promises to pray for them there, that the Divine Blessing and Presence might return again unto them. Note, (1.) God sometimes works great and general changes in the manners of a people, and revives the work of religion, when it seems utterly decayed. (2.) A minister's prayers should accompany his preaching, that God may make his words effectual to the conversion of men's souls. (3.) We shall always enter the pulpit with greater comfort and confidence, when we go thither from our knees. 3. The people readily obey his Summons, and when met in Mizepeh, appear deeply affected with their sins. In times of their sorrow, sincerity, and utter renouncing them, they poured out water before the Lord, wept, stared, and made hopelessness to God, confessing their sins, and imploring forgiveness. Note, (1.) The confessions and tears of penitence are the sure forerunners of peace and joy. (2.) Naismout sins require national fasts, and public humiliation. 4. Samuel judged them there, reformed them from idolatry, punished the incorrigible, established the true worship of God, and administered justice. 7. And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizepeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel: and when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8. And the children of Israel said to Samuel, 'Cause not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hands of the Philistines. 9. ¶ And Samuel took a fucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt-offering wholly unto the LORD; and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel, and 'the LORD heard him. 10. And as Samuel was offering up the burnt-offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but 'the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them, and they were smitten before Israel. 11. And the men of Israel went out of Mizepeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Beth-car. 12. Then Samuel took a stone, and let it between Mizepeh and Shen, and called the name of it: Eben-ezer, saying, 'Hitherto hath the LORD helped us. Satan will begin to roar, when sinners begin to pray. 1. No sooner was Israel assembled at Mizepeh to repent, than the Philistines take the alarm, and assemble to crash them, subjecting (as the subjectious are ever ready to do) that their designs were evil, and construing their repentance towards God, into rebellion against them. Note, The first struggles for glory are often the hardest. 2. The news terrifies the people; broken with their long servitude, though they had never less reason to fear, than when thus found on their knees before God, they cry to Samuel to help them with his prayers; more dependant now on the arm of God for their safety, than on the arm of Beth. Note, Weak as we are to encounter the numerous hosts of our spiritual enemies, we have a prevailing advocate with the Father, and if he prays for us, it is impossible we should finally fail or fail. 3. Samuel is in ready to pray, as they to deject him, deeply interred in Israel's safety; a fucking lamb he offers for a burnt-offering, and with the blood of atonement to plead, in faith and prayer approaches the throne of grace. Note, (1.) Jesus Christ is the slain lamb, offered up to God for us sinners. (2.) Thus the efficacy of his sacrifice, we may come before God; assured whatsoever we all, believing, we shall receive. 4. God hears, and answers his request. The Philistines drew near, whilst the sacrifice was offering, and never was an attack so ill-timed for them, so critical for Israel. Armed with not thunder-bolts, in wrath the God of Israel arose, and who can stand before the blasting breath of his displeasure? The flushing lightnings glare around, the terrible thunder roll above them, terror and amaze seize their affrighted loods, they turn, they fly; whilst the men of Israel, shouting, pursue their defenceless foes, and finite them down, like they appointed for the slaughter. Note, (1.) When God arises, his enemies must be scattered. (2.) Glorious and instant are the answers God often gives to the prayer of faith. 5. Samuel commemorates the glorious victory, by setting up a great stone on the foot, and ending it liberated, The Stone of help. And it is remarkable, this was the very place where Israel, chap. iv. 1. were defeated by the Philistines, in which passage this Chap. VIH. this name is given it by anticipation. Note, (1.) Answers of prayer, defieve memorials of gratitude. (2.) Every christian may, by experience, set up his Ebenezer, and whilst he acknowledges past help, confidently depend on the continuance of the same protection. 13. ¶ So the Philistines were Subdued, and they came no more unto the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines, all the days of Samuel. 14. And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath, and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines: and 'there was peace between Israel and the Amorites. 15. And Samuel judged Israel 'all the days of his life. 16. And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mirpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. 17. And his return was to Ramah; for there our his house: and there he judged Israel, and there he built an altar unto the LORD. Great were the blessings which followed this victory, under Samuel's wife and spirited administration. 1. The Philistines were so broken and intimidated, that they gave Israel no more disturbance, whilst Samuel precinct; but quitted all the cities, which they had taken between Ekron and Gaza peaceably to them. And the Amorites, now struck with terror, were glad to be left quiet, so that peace was perfectly restored within their borders. Note, (1.) When a man's ways pleade the Lord, he maketh his enemies to be at peace with him. (2.) Prayer and penitence can do more for a nation, than the sword. 1. The internal peace of the people was secured to them by the regular administration of justice. Samuel went his yearly circuit, to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mirpeh, where he heard and determined the causes which were brought before him; and at his residence in Ramah, judged Israel, who brought their complaints thither, and abode by his decisions; and perhaps came thither on worship and offer sacrifices, and to hear his preaching, and partake of his prayers: for Samuel had built an altar at Ramah, as no other place was yet fixed for fared offerings to God. As a prophet raised up of God, he might be authorized to offer his own and the people's sacrifices there, till the ark and tabernacle-worship should be again set up. Note, (1.) The administration of impartial justice is among the greatest blessings any land can enjoy. (2.) They will be upright in their decisions among men, who, like Samuel, keep God always before them, and walk in his fear and worship. An irrtitious judge cannot be truly impartial. Israel's good days seldom continue long. We have here, 1. Samuel desiring, ver. 1. 2. His sons degenerating, ver. 2. 3. 3. Israel's petition to Samuel for a king, ver. 4. 5. 4. Samuel's prayer and God's answer, ver. 7—18. 5. Their petition inflicted on, ver. 19, 20. 6. A promise of a king is made them, ver. 21, 22. 1. A ND it came to pass when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. 2. Now the name of his first-born was Joel, and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beer-theba. 3. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after barter, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. Samuel now began to sink under age and infirmities, and being no longer able to undergo the fatigue, appoints his sons afflicted judges; not out of partiality for them, we may hope, but because they were best qualified, had a good education, and promised to tread in his steps; but they sadly degenerated from their father's example, being fixed as Beer-theba, at a distance from him, for the convenience of that part of the country, they took bribes, and perverted judgment; deciding in favour not of him who had most right, but most money. Note, (1.) Old age will put a period to our usefulness, therefore, before the evil days come, what our hand findeth to do, let us do it with our might. (2.) A good education does not always produce a gracious conduct; nor a pious father true that his virtues to his children. (3.) Though outward decency may be kept up, under the eye of a careful inspector, when the heart is unconvented, distance quickly removes the restraint, and the inward corruption appears. (4.) Covetoudes is among the most dangerous foures to the soul. (5.) A corrupt judge is a great cure to any people. 4. Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah. 5. And Vol. I. said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now 'make us a king to judge us like all the nations. 6. ¶ But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us: and 'Samuel prayed unto the LORD. 7. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected 'the, but they have rejected 'me, that I should not reign over them. 8. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods: so do they also unto thee. 9. Now therefore hearken unto their voice: 'Somebody yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. 10. ¶ And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king. 11. And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: 'He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his borkmen, and some shall run before his chariots. 12. And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fences, and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. 13. And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. 14. And 'he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your olive-yards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. 15. And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. 16. And he will take your most servants, and your most servants, and your goodfied young men, and your allies, and put them to his work. 17. He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. 18. And 'ye shall cry out in that day, because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and 'the LORD will not hear you in that day. 19. Neverthebel: the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, 'Nay, but we will have a king over us: 20. That we also may be like all the nations and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. 21. And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD. 22. And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city. We have here a motion made for the alteration of the government, and the introduction of monarchy among the Jewish people. 1. Taking occasion from the ill conduct of Samuel's sons, some intriguing spirits excite the people in general to a change of government, and for this purpose they assemble in a body at Ramah, with a remembrance of their governors, and a petition for redress in the appointment of a king over them, like the nations around them, that he might keep a court, and appear in flute and dignity amongst them. A request not only highly sinful against God, but most ungrateful to Samuel, whose own administration had been so upright, and who deferred no blame for his son's ill conduct, having given them better advice, and being ready to have superseded their commissions on the people's just complaints. Note, It is not unusual for those to meet with ungrateful returns, and to be neglected when they are old, who have spent their lives in the service of the public. 2. Samuel deeply resents the proposal, not because of their ill usage of himself, but sensible of their great sin against God, and therefore are he returns an answer, he flutes to God for direction, and probably intercedes with him for their pardon, fearing least wrath should go forth against them. Note, (1.) When we are in difficulties, it is a great relief to have a God of wisdom and love to cry me. (2.) They who are so ungratefully, must have a remembrance in our prayer, not only to engage God to pardon them, but ourselves to forgive and love them. 3. God answers his prayer, and gives him directions what, to reply to the people. He must not be grieved at the initial offered him, since it was more aimed against God himself. He was their king, and is rejected by them; nor was their ingratitude to their governors a new thing: ever since they came from Egypt, they had acted thus; even to Moses and Aaron; nor was it to be wondered they sought a new king, when they had so often sought new gods: let them have therefore their request, but it shall be a king in anger, and of this Samuel must solemnly warn them; since they will be like the nations 4 G around Before Christ 4. Samuel makes a faithful report of the Divine message, admonishing them of God's displeasure at their request, and the consequences which would follow from the establishment of that kingly government they were so set upon. They looked only to the pomp, but considered not they much bear the burden. Under his despotic sway, their sons would be enslaved, lifted in his guards as soldiers, or as footmen attendant on his chasing, or as servants employed to till and reap his ground. His table, covered with luxury, would require their daughters laborious service, to prepare for it provisions and delicacies: to gratify his favourites, or reward his officers, the instruments of his oppression, the best of their possessions would be plundered; which rivaling the tabernacle of God, another tenth of their increase must be paid for support of his grandeur. When these burdens were felt, they would complain, but in vain: God would justly reject their petitions, and leave them to the misery they had courted. Note, (1.) The gratification of our inordinate desires brings a plague along with it. (2.) They who rejected God, are justly rejected by him. 5. Far from desisting on this representation, they obstinately persevere in their demands, and will have a king, discrediting Samuel's report; perhaps subjecting him of design. They will be like the nations, the slaves, and have a king to go before them to battle; though taught by late experience, how much better it was to have God to fight for them, than to fight for themselves. Note, (1.) No reproofs will restrain the obstinate sinner. (2.) The kindest advice is sometimes liable to be misrepresented as selfish and designing. 6. Samuel, at God's command, confents to their request: having retired to wait upon God, and know his final resolution, he is commanded to assure them, they shall have a king, and bids them in the mean time return, and respect shortly to bear the nomination of the person God would chuse to reign in Israel. We have, 1. The answering of Saul, ver. 1. The sign Samuel gave him, ver. 2-6. And instructions, ver. 7, 8. 2. The accomplishment of these signs is the satisfaction of Saul, ver. 9-13. 3. His return to his father's house, ver. 14-16. 4. His public election by lot, and solemn inauguration, ver. 17-25. 5. His return to his own city, ver. 26, 27. 1. THEN Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and a kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee so he captain over his inheritance? 2. When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's feud, he in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah: and they will say unto thee, The afters which thou wentest to seek are found: and lo, thy father hath left the care of the afters, and borroweth for you, saying, What shall do for my son? 3. Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine. 4. And they will I salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread, which thou shalt receive of their hands. 5. After that, thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines? and it shall come to pass when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place, with a platter, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp before them, and they shall prophesy. 6. And the spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shall be turned into another man. 7. And let it be when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion shall serve thee, for God is with thee. 8. And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal, and behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt-offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace-offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do. Samuel now gives Saul a confirmation of the word of God he had spoken to him. 1. By anointing him solemnly as God's king elect, and kissing him in token of hearty congratulation and cheerful homage. These unclams pointed to the Great King, emphatically called the Messiah, who was anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows, and on whom the fulness of the spirit in all his gifts and graces reflect. 2. By giving him certain signs for the confirmation of his faith in this translation. (1.) That in the way at Rachel's feud, at Zelzah, he should meet two men, who would inform him that the afters he fought were found, and his father now in pain for his return. (2.) That afterwards he should meet three men going to Bethel, where was an high place to sacrifice, with three kids, three loaves, and a bottle of wine; and though unknown to them, they would salute him, and give him two loaves of bread, which he should receive, not only as provision for his journey, but as the first-fruits of his office as king. (3.) That a more extraordinary thing should happen to him at Geba, where was a garrison of the Philistines, and a school of prophets, educated under the care of some eminent man, and trained up in religious exercises, philosophy, and the study of the law: these he should meet coming down from sacrificing on the high place, with instruments of music praising God; hereupon he should be in the hands of the people, and through untaught before, be enabled to join with them in these divine exercises, and prophecy or praise in the midst of them, and in his spirit should also experience a great change, so that he should be another man, filled with those qualifications befitting the high office he was appointed unto. These signs conveyed left, some of instruction; at Rachel's feud, he might read the variety of grandeur; from the bread he received, to be kind to the poor; and from this first connection with God's prophets, to maintain and support those feminaries of religion and learning, which would conclude much to the benefit of his people. 3. Samuel gives him directions to act hereupon, as occasion should deem, according to the written God would give him; and an competence he should go down to Gilgal, where, with- in in every days after notice, Samuel would meet him, and offer facilities for him, and shew him what to do; but he must by no means proceed to sacrifice till Samuel come. The disobedience to this order was afterwards the forfeiture of his kingdom. 9. ¶ And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day. 10. And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him, and the spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. 11. And it came to pass when all that knew him before time, saw, that behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this idea is come unto the son of Kith? 12. Is Saul also among the prophets? 12. And one of the same place answered and said, But "who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets? 13. And when he had made an end of prophecying, he came to the high-place. 14. ¶ And Saul's uncle said unto him, and unto his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To feed the afters; and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel. 15. And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you. 16. And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the afters were found. But "of the matter of the kingdom whereof Samuel spake, he told him not." Saul and Samuel now part. Saul returns homeward, and feels a wondrous change passed upon him; no longer groveling cares, nor servile labours engage his thoughts, but high and elevated sentiments becoming a king, the rednessing Israel's grievances, and the weighty concerns of the fate possess his foul. The signs happened according to the prediction, and the last of them is particularly taken notice of. No sooner was he come to the hall, than he met the prophets, and instantly joined in their devout exercises. As he was to near home, and well known there, those who saw him expressed their astonishment, that an unnatural husbandman, the son of Kith, should be thus engaged; when one of the company well observed, Who is their father? Is not all prophecy from God? What signifies whose son he is, or what was his employment, if God calls and qualifies him? This afterwards became a proverb, when a person of low station was raided to any dignity, or a person of immoral character reclaimed, Is Saul also among the prophets? Note. (1.) Many such a wonder hath divine grace wrought, where the chief of sinners have become most eminent among the saints. (2.) Let not great and sudden changes be too much depended on. A man may have a new tongue, new company, new manners, and yet not truly become a new man. When he had made an end of prophecying, the gift not constructing always, he came to the high place to acknowledge the mercies he had received, and thus returned. His uncle meeting him as he arrived, enquired of his journey, the cause of which he informs him, and their visit to Samuel; on which his uncle, perhaps suspecting something from the universal expectation which was raised of a king, is solicitous to know what passed. But Saul prudently concealed what related to the kingdom; as it seemed not yet a proper occasion to declare himself, and Samuel might have enjoined him to forgery, till the time came, when his election should be publicly notified; and therefore he only speaks of the answer Samuel gave him concerning the afters. Note. (1.) The art of prudent concealment is a piece of true wisdom. (2.) The heirs of God's kingdom will be content to be unknown in the world, till God himself shall proclaim their glory. 17. ¶ And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh; 18. And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you. 19. And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself loved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, "Neg, but let a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands. 20. And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken. 21. When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kith was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found. 22. Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither: and the LORD answered, Behold, "he hath hid himself among the stuff. 23. And they ran and fetched him thence:" and when he stood among the people, "he was higher than any of the people, from his shoulders and upward. 24. And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king. 25. Then Samuel told the people "the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD; and Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house. 26. ¶ And Saul also went home to Gibeah, and there went with him a hand of men, which hearts God had touched. 27. But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents: but he should his peace. The people's impatience for a king is now to be gratified. A solemn convocation is called at Mizpeh, under Samuel as president, in order to file on the person. 1. Samuel opens the convocation, with a severe rebuke of their wickedness in thus resolving to have a king, which was in fact repelling God, who had hitherto governed them most immediately himself, and saved them by multiplied miracles. What man could they chuse like unto him? Note, They who reject God's government, sin against their own mercies. 2. The choice of the person being yet to be referred to God, Samuel causes the tribes to come near, by their repulsion, in order to call him, and Benjamin is chosen. Of the families of Benjamin, the lot falls on Matri, and Saul the son of Kith is fixed upon as the man. But whilst any man besides would have been eager to shew himself, they cannot find him: for perceiving how the lot was going, and expecting from what had passed, that it would come to him, he hid himself, unwilling to take a charge for which he apprehended he was too unqualified; fearing too perhaps, that this crown would be a crown of thorns, when God's displeasure at the matter had been so folemely declared, and the state of affairs from the Philanthies and Amorites looked so lowling and dangerous. 3. The people hereupon enquire farther; whether he who was chosen, should yet come to the assembly, or how they might find him? and they are directed to fetch him from his hidngplace among the beggars, which was immediately done. 4. When he appeared, his majestic presence seemed designed for the dignity to which he was advanced. Samuel bids them look upon him, and as a cedar, and admire the divine choice of a person, to be found to their wishes: hereupon the earth rings with shouting, God save the King, or Let the King live; let his reign be long and glorious, under the Divine protection and blessing. Note, It is the duty of every good subject, to pray for the life and prosperity of the sovereign whom God appoints over him. 5. The King being chosen of God, must rule according to divine prescription. The manner of the kingdom, how he must govern, and they obey, Samuel declares; and for the continual observance of these rules, writes them in a book, to be laid up in the tabernacle, and referred to on occasion. Hereupon the people are dismissed, Saul not immediately taking upon him the exercise of government. Note, King must remember, though they are above others, they are not above law. 6. The congregation broke up with very different sentiments of their king. Some respected the Divine choice, and when Saul returned to his house at Gibeah, they accompanied him as body guard, to do him honour; having their hearts touched of God, inclined to pay the duty they owed their new sovereign. But others, sons of Belial, who had no regard for a king of God's appointment, and arrogantly conceiting they could have chosen a man of greater power, influence, and rank, than the son of Kith; perhaps envious at his advancement, and thinking themselves injured by the preference given him; despised him, as a man contemptible fellow, until to be a king, would not congratulate him on his accession, nor bring him any presents, in token of their submission and allegiance. This contempt Saul wifely overlooked, till a proper occasion offered, to shew how deterting he was of the honour conferred on him, by deeds of valour which should shame his enemies to an acknowledgment of his defect. Note. (1.) When God touches the heart, we shall be inclined to follow cheerfully Jesus our king. (2.) They who are offended at the meanness of Jesus in the manger, will tremble before him, when he shall come at the head of his angelic hofs. (3.) It is wisdom to dissemble sometimes our knowledge of the wrongs done us, lest the breach be made irreparable, which patience and forbearing might have healed. CHAP. Babes Chord with Jungland In this chapter we have the first-fruits of Saul's government, in the refuse of Jabeh-gilead. Here is, 1. The great extremity to which the city was reduced by the Ammonites, ver. 1—2. 2. Saul's readiness to come to their relief, ver. 4—10. 3. The success of his attempt, ver. 11. 4. His modernity to those that had of good him, ver. 12. 13. 5. The public confirmation of his election to the government, ver. 14, 15. 1. THEN Nahath the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeh-gilead: and all the men of Jabeh said unto Nahath, 'Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee. 2. And Nahath the Ammonite answered them, 'On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrift out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel. 3. And the elders of Jabeh said unto him, 'Give us seven days respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coaths of Israel: and then if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee. 4. Then came the messengers to Gibea of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lift up their voices, and wept. v. 1—a Jabeh-gilead is hardly yet reinhabited and recovered from its defoliations, Judg. xvi. 10. before it is threatened with a second scourge from the sword of Ammon. 1. Nahath king of the Ammonites befinger them; and fearing themselves unable to resist his forces, they for for peace, and offer to become tributary. 2. The conditions proposed by this haughty king, are cruel and ignominious; not content with their service, he would torment them with the loss of their right eye, unfit them for war, and leave a brand upon the whole nation, as unable to defend themselves. Note, They who offer to become servants to his and Satan, will find the bitterness and haffness of this service. 3. They defen seven days respite, to acquaint their brethren of their distress; and if during this time they are not successful, they will submit to his tyrannical demands. This being granted from the confidence of the impossibility of help, they tend to Saul at Gibea; and their situation, when known in the city, produces a general lamentation. Note, The fortions of his brethren, a Christian heart forfeits as his own. 5. And behold, Saul came after the 7 herd out of the field, and Saul said, What aileth the people that they wept? and they told him the tidings of the men of Jabeh. 6. And the spirit of God came upon Saul, when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly. 7. And he took a yoke of oxen, and 'hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coaths of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, 'so shall it be done unto his oxen: and the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out I with one consent. 8. And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. 9. And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabeh-gilead, To-morrow by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed it to the men of Jabeh, and they were glad. 10. Therefore the men of Jabeh said, To-morrow we will come out unto you, and ye shall do with us all that heath good unto you. 11. And it was so on the mornor, that Saul put the people in three companies, and they came into the midst of the holt in the morning watch, and flew the Ammonites, until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together. The sins of Belial now shall see whether Saul is able to save them or not. 1. Saul was in the field tending his cattle when the message came. Though chosen to be a king, yet returning to his old employment till God should call him out to action. As he followed his cattle home, the cry of the people excited his enquiry; and when he heard the cattle, anger against the inhuman Ammonite kindled in his bosom; he felt his spirit moved with unusual ardour, and instantly resolves the rescue of Jabeh-gilead. Note, (1) We must not hear the forróms of the afflicted, without kind enquiries, and proffering ready help to alleviate their miseries. (2) A holy indignation against deeds of cruelty and wickedness is highly commendable. VOL. I. 2. The method he took to raise the forces of Israel. He hewed a yoke of oxen in pieces, and sent them by the messengers into all the coaths, threatening to do by their oxen who should be absent from the general rendezvous; and joined Samuel's name with his own, both to pay him into our, and to engage the readers' submission. The effect produced was great; God put his fear upon the people, and they instantly assembled from every quarter, to the number of three hundred thousand men of Israel, besides thirty thousand of Judah; whose proportion, though apparently smaller than might be expected, may easily be accounted for, as the Philistines lay on their brethren, against whom they must be guarded. Note, Where the fear of God is in the heart, there once will make conscience of their duty in every station, and be on principle good subjects, good soldiers, and good servants. 3. Confident of success, Saul sends the messengers back with assurance of immediate relief: he doubted not but on the mornor he should be with them, which killed the city with joy. To perform his promise, he marches instantly in three bodies; and though the distance was forty miles, and all on foot, on the third day before morning watch, he broke into the camp of the Ammonites, called into security with the message the men of Jabeh-gilead had sent them, on the return of the messengers, that they would come out to them the next day. A general rout enlisted; till mid-day they made havoc of the flying Ammonites, and to dispelled and destroyed them, that not two were left together, of all their numerous bolts. Note, When we go out, dependant upon God, we shall return crowned with victory. 12. ¶ And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, 'Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death. 13. And Saul said, 'There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel. 14. Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. 15. And all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal: and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD: and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly. Samuel, it seems, had either accompanied them in the expedition, or met them on their return. And, if not now for the honour of their king, endeared to them by his victory, though they had before taken no notice of the insults, the people apply to him, to judge in Israel, for the death of their sons of Belial, who had deposed the anointed of the Lord. Saul, like a good king, taking more pleased in exercising his clemency, than executing the offenders, intercedes, and will not have that day flamed with Israelish blood, as which God had wrought so great a salvation for them. Note, All our pursuits must be ascribed to God; for it is his arm alone that obtains the victory for us, over our enemies spiritual and temporal. Samuel now shows the favourable disposition of the people, to confirm the kingdom to Saul: He led them to Gilgal; and it must be the joyful impulses for their past victory. Saul is the only invested with the supreme power by universal comfort, and with great solemnity. Note, It is good to make use of the favourable sake that blows. 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. Before Samuel parted with the assembly, he addresses himself to them. 1. By way of appeal for his own integrity among them. He had now resigned the government; their king stood before them, and he was a subject as well as they, and ready to answer any man who would call him to account; and his sons are now private persons, and open to any accusation which might be laid against them. He reminds them of his grey hairs, which they should have regarded with greater reverence, as coming upon him in their service, in which, from earliest infancy he had been employed. He challenges them to lay the least crime to his charge, of bribery or oppression committed by him during all his administration, and therein tacitly reflects upon their own sin and folly in rejecting one who, without the re-reward, had governed them with such impartial justice. Note, (1.) To vindicate one character from the objections of calumny, is a debt due to a man's good name. (2.) They who are conscious of their own integrity, are not afraid of enquiry into their conduct. 2. The people willingly bear testimony to his uprightness among them. He had never oppressed them to the least matter, nor received ought at their hands, as a reward for his service. The Lord therefore is appealed to against any future charge, as their own confessions proclaim his innocence, and they rejoice, He is witness, that they had fully cleared him from every suspicion of mal-administration. Note, It is a great comfort to have the witness of God for our integrity. 5. And Samuel said unto the people, '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 forget the LORD their God, he said them into the hand of Sifera, captain of the hoff of Hazor, and into the hand of the Phulishies, and into the 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 forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth; but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee. 11. And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Betan, and Jerubhah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe. 12. And when ye saw that Nahath the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, 'Nay, but a king shall reign over us; when the LORD your God was your king. 13. Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have 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 commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye, and also the king that reigneth over you, continue following the LORD your God. 15. But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers. 11. Hef. xii. 10, 11. 1. NOW the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gibba. 2. And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul, and upon his sons: and the Philistines flew Jonathan, and Ahmadeh, and Malchithua, Saul's sons. 3. And the battle went fore against Saul, and the archers hit him, and he was fore wounded of the archers. 4. Then said Saul unto his armour-bearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith, left these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armour-bearer would not; for he was fore afraid: therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. 5. And when his armour-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him. 6. So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armour-bearer, and all his men that same day together. 7. ¶ And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. At last Saul's day is come, when his evil is had in remembrance before God, and his judgment overtakes him. 1. The Philistines bravely fall upon the Israelites, who, on the first shock, are broken, and take to flight. Multitudes fall under the devouring sword, and the most valiant, who refuse to fly, expose themselves only to more certain ruin. Among these, it seems, were the brave sons of Saul, and the amiable Jonathan at their head, who seeing the battle press hard on them, and their father in danger, seek to stay by their bravery the fury of the conquerors: but being unable to sustain the shock, they fall nobly in the bed of honour. A heavy judgment on Saul's house, but which made David's way to the throne much easier, these competitors being removed. Now, The righteous here are involved in ruin with the wicked, but the day of final recompense shall vindicate all God's dispensations. 2. Saul himself at last is overtaken, and wounded with an armour, shot perhaps at a venture, but speeded by God to this man. Unable to fight or fly, yet, on proud; to bear the thoughts of captivity, or dreading to fall by the sword of a Philistine, who might torture or inflate him, he bids his armour-bearer dispatch him; but refused for his matter, as the Lord's abounded, or fear left he might be called in account for it, with heid him; to that final, resolved to decry the poison of his own sword to his breath, and fell upon it, closing a wicked miserable life, with a more wicked and miserable death. Now, (1.) It is guide makes a man a self-musterer. (2.) They make a dreadful exchange, who think to escape the malice of life, by plunging into the horrors of eternal death. 3. His armour-bearer seeing his belief fall, would not survive him; and though he refused to say Saul, rashly minders himself. If this, as hath been conjectured, was Bong; we see the just judgment of God upon him; the sword that was bathed in the blood of the priests at Noto, now was shredded in his own heart. 4. The Philistines on this victory seized the cities near the field of battle, which the terrified inhabitants had deserted, and dwelt in them, till dispossessed by David; and thus marred the land for their choice of their king, and their evil ways during his reign, according to the threatening denounced by Samuel, Ye shall be conquered, hath you and pray king. 8. And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen in mount Gibba. 9. And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and beat into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people. 10. And they put his armour in the house of Ahtaroth; and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth-than. 11. ¶ And when the inhabitants of Jabeh-gilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul. 12. At the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-than, and came to Jabeh, and burnt them there. 13. And they took their bones, and burned them under a tree at Jabeh, and fasted seven days. Samuel having vindicated himself, proceeds to remind them of what God had done for them, as a proof of their ingratitude in rejecting him; yet with instructions how this change might issue to their good. 1. He abrogates their history. God had delivered them from Egypt; but their ingratitude fathers forsake him for idols, and brought themselves thereby into bitter distress, under Sifera, the Phulishies, and Moabites; yet, whenever they returned to him in penitence, he returned to them in mercy, and delivered them by the hands of judges distinctly railed up, until his own time, who had been the last of them. Notwithstanding, they were bent on a king, and God had gratified them. He restores therefore with them on the obligation they were under to this gracious God, and their ingratitude is resisting to have another king; in which also his compliance with their request was a fresh token of his patience and mercy towards them. Note, (1.) The more we reflect upon God's dealings with us, the more reason we shall have to chuse his government, and to condemn the folly and ingratitude of ever leaving him. (2.) Full experience should be remembered for pretext conduct. They who forsook God, always suffered for it. 2. He instructs them how the alteration of the government might turn to their good. If they were faithful to God, observant of his worship, and persevering in his service, then God would keep them in his holy ways, and it should go well with them and their king: but if they apostulated from God, then they might expect to feel his heavy hand, till they were consumed together. Note, (1.) They who are faithful to the grace bestowed, as their reward, shall have that grace confirmed and strengthened. (2.) God's service brings a pretext reward along with it now, and ensures an eternal reward hereafter. (3.) They who will not be brought under the yoke of God's laws, must be broken by the rod of his judgment. 16. Now therefore stand and see this great thing which the LORD will do before your eyes. 17. 'It is not wheat-harvest to-day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain: that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king. 18. So Samuel called unto the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. 19. And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins, this evil, to ask us a king. 20. And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: (ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; 21. And turn ye not aside: for then should ye ye after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver, for they are vain) 22. For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. 23. Moreover, as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD, in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way. 24. Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. 25. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king. That day the pursuit halted, and this was blood dyed the chest of the valley. On the morrow they return to strip the slain, and to their joy find their enemy Saul a breathless corpse, and his sons fallen with him. Hereupon we have, 1. The insult offered to the dead body of Saul. They cut off his head, which (the 1 Chron. 2: 10.) they thank up as a trophy of their victory in the house of their god Dagon, and placed his armour in the temple of Ahtaroth, and took the trunk, and the bodies of his sons, and ignominiously fastened them with nails to the wall of Beth-than, or hung them on gibbets upon the wall. Thus the insult Saul by self-murder wished to avoid, overtook him. 2. They proclaimed their victory through the land, and set apart a day of solemn thanksgiving to praise their idols, to whom they ascribed their success. Now, Blind idolaters often shew more gratitude to, and dependance upon, thanks and stones, than they who pretend to worship the true God, express to the living Jehovah; therefore in the day of judgment these shall rise up to condemn them. 3. The men of Jabeh-gilead, fired at the insult shewn the royal corpse, as well as mindful of their particular obligations to Saul, boldly adventure to cross Jordan, and by night take down, unperceived, the bodies from the wall of Beth-than; and carrying them home, with great solemnity burn either the flesh which began to purify, or forest odours over them; then take up the bones and ashes, and bury them under an oak, and keep a seven days mournful fall, every day until evening, for the death of their sovereign, and the desolations of their country. Thus closes this first book, where Israel's son sets in blood, and darkness and despair seem to cover the land: but we shall find the morning break upon us in the opening of the next volume; and the bright sun of David, the glorious type of Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness, arising to cheer the desolate valleys of Judah, and shining forth in his meridian splendor, whilst all their enemies are led captive at his chariot wheels. THE 2. 1-4. when Samuel saw Saul, * the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thro' of: this same shall I reign over my people. Samuel was now just coming from his door when Saul appears in sight. He had, by a secret whisper from God the preceding day, been informed of his design, to send to him the person appointed to be the ruler of his people; and though in anger this king was given, yet God hath designs of grace to answer: though they shall heart by their king, they shall be saved by him from their enemies. Their cry God hath heard; whether the cry of distress from fear of the Philistines, or their former supplication to Samuel; and now behold the man whom God hath appointed to reign over Israel as a king; or as the word figuance, to refrain them from the evil of their ways. Note, (1.) Circumstances that appear utterly fortuitous, are yet all ordered of God with deep design. (2.) When God will punish his people, he will in wrath remember mercy. 18. Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the teer's house is. 19. And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the teer: go up before me unto the high place, for ye shall eat with me to day; and to-morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that it in thine heart. 20. And as for thine afters that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them, for they are found: and on whom it all the desire of Israel? is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house? 21. And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamin? of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and I my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speaketh thou so to me? 22. And Samuel took Saul, and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chasteth place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty p. times. 23. And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I give thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee. 24. And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul: and Samuel said, Behold, that which is left, set it before thee, and eat; for unto this time hath it been kept for thee, since I said, I have invited the people: so Saul did eat with Samuel that day. 25. And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel commanded with Saul upon the top of the house. 26. And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad. 27. And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, But the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on) but stand thou shalt a while, that I may I show thee the word of God. Whatever God of his sovereign grace pleased to do for them in a way of mercy, that did not at all lessen their guilt before him. Therefore, though he had given them a promise just before, and they were now to appearance successful in their choice, yet he would remind them, that their sin was great. Note, Success in an evil way never landsdors it. To convince them of this, he uses an argument more effectual than words, to which they might be inattentive, and dull of hearing. For. 1. He prays to God in their presence, and instantly terrible thunders utter their voice, and though the day was serene before, and in that season of the year, it being wheat-harvest, rain never fell in Judæ; yet now the thick clouds gather round, and pour down a torrent of water. These were manifest evidences of God's disobedience, of their folly in preserving the sword of a king, before the prayers of such a prophet, and warnings how soon their sin would turn their pretext peaceful calm into a storm of wrath. Note, (1.) All the elements are ready armed to avenge God's quarrels, whenever he pleases to send them. (2.) It is a dangerous thing to turn the prayers of God's ministers against us, for their quarrel is the Lord's. 2. Terror and dismay seize the affrighted congregation. Fearing God's disobedience, and perceiving the power of Samuel's prayers, they confess their guilt and folly, and earnestly intreat him to intercede for them, that they perish not, as they were conscious they had deserved to do. Note, (1.) The time will come, when sinners will cry for their prayers, whom now they despise. (2.) Though the terrors of the Lord put men into a fright, they work no lasting change; when the storm is blown over, they quickly relapse into their former ways. 3. Samuel kindly undertakes to be their advocate, their comforter, and friendly adviser. He bids them not fear. Their thunders were not to destroy, but to humble them, and bring them to a sense of their great wickedness. As God had chosen them, not for their distress, but for his own great name's sake, he would keep them; only they must beware not to turn aside unto idols, which never could profit them. For his own part, he could not but pray for them without ceasing, and should continue to give them his best advice, to preserve them in fidelity to their covenant God; reshaping them earnestly to fear the Lord, and serve him in simplicity, both in gratitude and love, for the great things he had already done for them, and left their disobedience should provoke him to destroy both them and the king king in whom they gloried. Note, (1.) God's choice is forer, and as of his grace he calls, so by his grace he will keep his choice: though their fine provoke him to scourge them, yet will he not utterly destroy them. (2.) Whatever creature engages our affections from God, it makes the heart idolatrous, and will deceive our expectations. (3.) Those who injure us, we must still pray for; how much more those who turn and fury, Forgive. (4.) Ministers must not cools teaching people the good and right way, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear. (5.) The more we consider what God has done for us, the more shall we feel ourselves constrained to love and serve him. (6.) When a minister is faithful, if the people continue refractory, he will have the comfort of having delivered his own soul. (7.) Apostasy from God, and eternal ruin, are inseparably connected. We have here the first interview between Saul and Samuel. Meeting a man in the gate of the city, bearing no marks of distinction about him, Saul required after the teer, and was not a little surprised when he heard him reply, I am he. 1. Samuel bereupon, without his enquiry, satisfies him concerning the business he came upon: the afters are found, he need not farther concern himself about them; he prefers him to spend the day with him at the feall, sends him up before him to the high place, either as giving him precedence, or as having some business to do by the way, and drops an intimation of that predicament, which, little as he thought of it, God intended for him. 2. Saul institutes at the message, and can scarce believe him in earnest, modestly speaking of his family and self, as unworthy of such an honour. Note, An humble mind is the ornament of every station. 3. At the feall, Samuel treats him with peculiar distinction: he is set in the highest place, and the best aids carried to him; which before he came had been designed and set apart for him, and his servant shares in his master's honour, and partakes of the entertainment. Note, (1.) Whom God honours, we must respect for his sake, and yield that place to them which Providence has assigned. (2.) We must not envy those whom God is pleased to advance, though we must have any help to them. 4. When they came down from the high place, Samuel spent the evening and next morning in communion with Saul on the roof of his house, which was flat, and for coolness much restored to him; and we may suppose, fully informed him concerning God's election, his own readiness to resign to him, and the behaviour suitable to his station, and probably prayed for him and over him, that he might be faithful to his trust. Thus very early in the morning, he brought him on his journey, and having desired him to dismiss his servant, he confirms the word which he had spoken to him from God, by a solemn and strong him as king, as the beginning of the next chapter will inform us. We have here, 1. The disposition of Saul's army, ver. 1, 8. 2. The nation's exhibit, ver. 3. 3. The inception of the Philistines thereupon, ver. 3—7. 4. Saul's sacrifice at Gilgal with his army, before Samuel came, ver. 8—10. 5. His remisses for disobedience, ver. 11—14. 6. His march to Gibeah, whilst the Philistines ensang in Michmaih, ver. 15, 16. 7. The Philistines fancies meet with no resiliens; the Hebrews in general being without arms, their fancies having been taken away, ver. 17—23. 1. SAUL + reigned one year, and when he had reigned two years over Israel, 2. Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel, whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmaih and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin; and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent. 3. And Jonathan (more the garrison of the Philistines) that not in Gabea, and 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 its thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea-thore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmaih, 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. 7. And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of God and Gilead: as for Saul, he met yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 9. 1—7. Saul reigned one year, counting from his being mounted at Kamah, to his inauguration at Gilgal; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, he chose three thousand men, as his guard: of these, two thousand were with himself in mount Bethel, and one with Jonathan in Gibeah. Peace seems to have subsisted at present between the Israelites and the Philistines, who had garrisons in some cities, to keep the people of Israel in subjection. Saul determines to dispossess them, and thereby brings himself into the greatest difficulties. 1. Jonathan, as his command, forgeries the garrison of Gabea, which was near to Gibeah, his station; and as this seems to have been done treacherously, whilst they relied on the peace, and all might perhaps be put to the sword, the Philistines justly relented it, and abhorred the perfidious manner in which they acted. To oppose therefore the storm which he expected, Saul, by sound of trumpet, summons the people to attend; but whether disliking his conduct, or dreading the power of the Philistines, few gathered to his standard. Note, (1.) Hally and ill-advised proceedings often involve us in difficulties, which consideration might have foreseen and avoided. (2.) The sins of professors bring the greatest reproach upon the cause of God. 2. The Philistines, exasperated to the uttermost, and breathing revenge, assemble all their forces, and raise their confederates. 3. Just foot being as the sand on the sea-thore for multitude, their horse six thousand, and their chariots thirty thousand, they probably thought themselves fore of success, and collected such an incredible number, not for war, but to remove their sand. This interpretation I would rather prefer to the hypnotism of some, that the number is a mistake of the power for three thousand; or of others, who would refer this to the turn who fought in the chariots. Note, The powers of darkness leagued against us are more numerous, and the least of them mightier than these chariots or horsemen: how unable them must we needs be to stand, unless God signs for us. 3. The Israelites in their danger have left all courage. For from animating each other to stand their ground, and shake a noble effort for their liberty, some fly to rocks and thickets for shelter; others halfe to the thrift distant border in Gilzad, that they may be as far as possible from the danger; whilst the few who remain are quite dispirited, and, though ashamed to defort their king, yet follow him trembling. Note, (1.) God will make men cut their folly (son); they would have a king, and now they suffer for it. (2.) They who are conscious of their unpreparedness for death, cannot but tremble at its approach. 8. And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal, and the people were scattered from him. 9. And Saul said, "Bring hither a burnt-offering to me, and peace-offerings. And he offered the burnt-offering." 10. And it came to pale, that "as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt-offering, behold, Samuel came, and Saul went out to meet him, that he might + salute him. 11. And Samuel said, What hath thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that 'thou camelt not with in the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together to Michmaih.' 12. Therefore said I, the Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: 13. I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt-offering. 14. And Samuel said to Saul, 'Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. 15. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath fought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee. 9. 8—14. We have here. 1. Saul's disobedience. Samuel had given him in charge, Chap. x. 8. to wait for him seven days in Gilgal, either in any general difficulty, or with an eye to this particular season, and he would come and sacrifice for him, and give him instructions how to proceed. Saul waited six days; on the seventh, seeing the people deserting him, and the Philistines advancing upon him, he hastily concludes, that Samuel either would not come, or would come too late; and therefore presumes to sacrifice without him; though neither priest nor prophet to authorize him for such a deed. But just as he had made an end of the burnt-offering, a message is brought that Samuel was near. Conscious of his guilt, he hailers to meet him; and, in answer to Samuel's enquiry, seeks to excuse what he had done, with the plausible pleas of piety towards God, regard for the people, and the urgency of his affairs, which forced him against his own inclinations and conscience, not without a reflection on Samuel's delay, as if he had begun his promise. But Samuel, though he had deferred his coming, to try Saul's faith and obedience, to the last day, had not exceeded the time appointed, as he insinuated, the seventh day being not yet expired. Note, (1.) Impatience to help ourselves, and unwillingness to leave our concerns in God's hands, serve only to involve us in new troubles. (2.) Disobedience against a positive precept can have no excuse; and every attempt to extenuate our guilt, is a proof of an unthousand spirit. (3.) The more we do against conviction, the more aggravated our transgressions. (4.) Pretences to religion, whilst we act in opposition to God's commands, are barefaced hypocrisy. 2. Samuel's rebuke. Though a king, he is not afraid to condemn his wickedness, and reproach his folly; yea, to denounce upon him the sentence of God. He tells him plainly, that he that set him up, will, for his disobedience, cast him down. His kingdom shall not continue; another is chosen in his room, a man after God's own heart, to be captain over his Israel. After this, Samuel turns, and leaves him to meditate on his folly. Note, (1.) Plain and faithful rebukes become God's ministers, even before kings. (2.) Folly and wickedness are twin filters; and the sinner will by and by reproach himself for his want of sense, as much as want of grace. (3.) Sins, which to us may appear little, have dangerous consequences. (4.) They who reject God's government, are justly excluded from his everlasting kingdom. 15. And Samuel arose, and put him up from Gilgal, unto Gibeah of Benjamin: and Saul murdered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men. 16. And Saul and Jonathan his son, and the people that were were In the case of the same, about in Gibcah of Benjamin but that his times encamped in Michmafs. 17. ¶ And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines, in the same companies: one company turned unto the way they leadeth in Ophrah, unto the land of Shual. 18. And another company turned the way to Beth-boron: and another company turned to the way of the houses, that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. 19. ¶ Now 'there was no tenth found throughout all the land of Israel: (for the Philistines said, Leth the Hebrews make them fwords or spears) 20. But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his father and his coulter, and his ass, and his matlock. 21. Yet they had a file for the matocks, 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 there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found. 23. And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmafs. Samuel in displeasure retires to Gibcah, and Saul, with the few who adhered to him, no more than for hundred men, the rest having deferted him, gave thither also. Perhaps this was a defensible place, where they might stand a siege, tho' they were unable to meet the Philistines in the field. Here upon two things are observed, 1. The havock made by the Philistines. As there was no army to oppose them, they made several detachments from their main body, that they might the sooner plunder and subdue the country; and, to prevent all interrogation of their parties, they seize the passage of Michmafs, which was sent to Gibcah, purposing probably to lay siege quickly to that place. Note. They who provoke God to have them in distress, have only themselves to blame for their sufferings. 2. The wretched and weak fleet of the people of Israel. When they need most the weapons of war to defend themselves, by the policy of the Philistines they are quite unatmost. They had, during the time of their power, taken care to remove all the Smiths, and to forbid any Israelite exercising the trade; to that, even to make or repair his utensils or husbandry, every man was obliged to go down to the Philistines, either to their country, or to their garrison; only each man was allowed a life, to sharpen those that were in constant use. But as for sword or spear, there were none found among all the hosts of Israel, save with Saul and Jonathan, which is indeed wonderful, considering the victories lately obtained over the Philistines and Ammonites. It may be, the success they then had, from the divine interposition, made them less careful to provide for their future defence; or they trusted chiefly to bovee and arrow, or to their singers, for which Benjamin was so famous. It appears, however, Saul's oversight, and shews the reason of the perverse hime-heartedness of the people, being thus defenceless. Note. When the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, is wretched out of our hands, we cannot but become an easy prey to the enemy of our souls. In this chapter we have, 1. Jonathan's bearer replete against the Philistines, ver. 1—15. 2. The pursuit of them by the Israelites, ver. 16—23. 3. Saul's right man, ver. 24. 4. Broken through Jonathan's ignorance, ver. 24—30. And this to prove his death, ver. 30—40. 5. The bad effect of it on the people, ver. 31—35. 6. Saul's exploits and family, ver. 47—52. 1. NOW it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines garrison, that is on the other side: but he told not his father. 2. And Saul carried in the uttermost part of Gibcah, under a pomegranate one, which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men; 3. And Ahiah the son of Abiuh, Ichabari's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eun, the LORD's priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod; and the people knew not that Jonathan was gone. 4. ¶ And, between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Sench. 5. The forefront of the one was situate northward over-against Michmafs; and the other Southward over-against Gibcah. 6. And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of 'thee uncturncisted: 'it may be that the LORD will work for us; for there is no restraint to the LORD, 'to save by many or by few. 7. And his armour-bearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee, behold, I am with thee according to thy heart. 8. Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto their men, and we will discover ourselves unto them. 9. 'If they lay thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them. 10. But if they lay thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand; and this shall be a sign unto us. 11. And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes, where they had hid themselves. 12. And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armour-bearer, and said, Come up to us, and 'we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armour-bearer, Come up after me; for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel. 13. And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armour-bearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armour-bearer slew after him. 14. And that first slaughter which Jonathan and his armour-bearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were a half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might place. 15. And 'there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling. Never did Israel appear in a more distressed situation: they have neither courage nor arms; God is offended; their enemies are at the gate; and they without place to live to, or power to resist: but, for his own name's sake, God will not utterly foresee his people, though they so justly deterred it. We have here, 1. Saul reduced to the greatest straits; no increase of his army; retired to the uttermost part of Gibcah, for the greater sparsity, or more nearly slight, if the Philistines advanced; his sons spread under a pomegranate-tree, or under Rimmon, perhaps the noted rock, Judg. xx. 47. where the tribe of Benjamin had before taken shelter. Higher, to consist God in his difficulties, since Samuel had left him, he sends for the ark of God, and Ahiah the high-priest; hoping by this application to God in his own way he might have better success, than when he sacrificed for himself. Note. (1.) Drowning men catch at Straits. They will have the priest and sacrament at their dying bed, who in their lives were engaged of both. (2.) If the power of godliness be absent, the form of it can prude to nothing; nay, only deceive us, if we trust on it, to our men. 2. Jonathan's noble e-pair. Moved, as we must suppose, by a divine impulse, he secretly quits the camp in Gibcah, and, with his armour-bearer, advances towards the Philistines garrison, who seem to have been pooled on one of the craggy rocks near Michmafs, to guard the pass that was between them. Jonathan proposes to his armour-bearer to go boldly up and fast upon them, since, if the Lord pleased, he could save as well by law as many. The proposal being agreed to, Jonathan determines to rest the matter upon a providential issue. He would appear in sight of the precloth; if the men called to them to stand, and threatened to come over, then they should advance no further; but if they said, in contempt of them, Come up; then they should fall on, affirming concluding God was with them. Just as he said, God directed their word. The Philistines concluded them tarnished for hunger, and forced to surrender, and therefore deridingly hid them come up, and then they should see how they would treat them. Inspired with divine courage and confidence, they now advance, affurably concluding God had delivered them into their hands. Though sleep the precipice, they climb the craggy rock, whilst, expecting no danger, the Philistines probably looked on, and spotted themselves with the eagerness of their despised Hebrews. But no sooner had Jonathan and his armour-bearer firm footing, than they fell on furiously and unexpectedly, and twenty men presently were slain within the space of half the acre of land. Probably these were a party of scouts, who, thus smitten, fled, and carried a panic abiding with them into the garrison and camp, God spreading the terror on every side; whilst, to complain their dismay, the earth quaked under them, as ready to swallow them up: so that the apprehensions of danger became very terrible, and God's hand was heavy upon them. Note. (1.) The greatness of danger leaves only for the more glorious exercise of faith in the future of God. (2.) Whatever our difficulties are, if we have Om- nipotence Called A. Iombek, Chap. xxii. p. 9. Chap. iv. 9. Heb. A. north of a creek. § Heb. Tenth. aiporence on our side, we may boldly advance. (3.) It is good to follow the leadings of providence. (4.) They who (port at God's Israel, will do it at their end. (5.) God can with fe-cer terrors reach the hearts of his enemies, and turn their own (words against them. (6.) They who commit their ways unto the Lord, will find he can bring to pass the most incredible events. No man ever stuffed him, and was confounded. 16. And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down our another. 17. Thus said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armour-bearer were not there. 18. And Saul said unto Ahaah, Bring higher the ark of God: (for the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.) 19. ¶ And it came to pale, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was in the hoist of the Philistines went on, and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, 'Withdraw thine hand. 20. And Saul, and all the people that were with him, assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. 21. Moreover, the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites, that were with Saul and Jonathan. 22. Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle. 23. So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Beth-aven. c. 10—23. The terror of the Philistines was soon observed by the sentinels in Gibeah, who, to their astonishment, beheld them melting like snow, and falling one on another. Tidings are infirmly brought to Saul, who calls over the muflet roll, that he might see who was absent, and Jonathan and his armour-bearer are wanting. Hereupon, 1. Saul bids Ahaah bring the ark, and consult God about what he should do in the case; but whilst he was talking with him, the noise increasing, and the flight of the Philistines evident, he bids him desist, being in haite to pursue. Note, (1.) In all our proceedings, to enquire at God's word is the suret way to succeed. (2.) They who are impatient to run before they are sent, will be in danger of making more haite than good speed. 2. They immediately follow the flying hoists, nor needed sword or spear, when the Philistines fell falter by the hands of each other. Not only the six hundred men who were with Saul, assembled, but the deserters and prisoners turned upon the fugitives; and those who refused to fight, and fled to the mountains, dare now pursue. Thus the Lord saved Israel, and the discomfiture here was very great, because it was his doing. Note, (1.) All our salvation must be ascribed to God's free grace and mercy alone. (2.) The Lord Jesus hath conquered for us; let us not then, weak as we are, fear to pursue, and issue the prey. 24. ¶ And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had 'adjudged the people, saying, Curled be the man that earseth any food until the evening, 'that I may be avenged on mine enemies: so none of the people tailed any food. 25. And all they of the land came to a wood, and there was 'honey upon the ground. 26. And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped, but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath. 27. But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and slept it in an honey-comb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. 28. Then answered one of the people, and said, 'Thy father, if fearfully charged the people with an oath, saying, Curled be the man that earseth any food this day.' And the people were faint. 29. Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I talked a little of this honey: 30. How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to-day of the spoil of their enemies which they found? ¶ for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines? 31. And they smote the Philistines that day from Michael to Aja- VOL. I. lon: and the people were very faint. 32. And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and flew them on the ground: and the people did eat down with the blood. 33. ¶ Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, 'We have transgressed: will a great stone unto me this day. 34. And Saul said, Diperfe yourselves among the people, and lay unto them, Bring me higher every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and lay down here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and flew down there. 35. And Saul 'built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD. c. 24—35. As Saul's impolitic conduct had brought them into their district, his saith oath prevents their making the bell use of their victory. 1. Saul forbid the people to take any refreshment until evening, fearing left they should be destined from the purfure, and with a curse devoted to death the perfon who should be found disobedient. Note, (1.) He that saith should realize, saithth fire-brands and death, and endangers his own house to be consumed. (2.) Hafly resolves generally afford matter for leisurely repentance. 2. The ill effects produced by this adjuration. 1. Jonathan, who was absent when the under was given, ignorantly transgressed. As he passed through a wood, weary and hungry, where was plenty of honey, he thrall his rod, or spear, into an honey-comb, and took it, and eat it, and felt himself exceedingly refreshed, being faint with want of food, and his eyes dim. One of the people observing him, informed him of his father's adjuration; and so observant of it were the people, that none dared to touch the honey which dropped around them, though disabbed more by hunger, than the way, from a bulk pursuit of their enemies. Jonathan, by experience of the refreshment he had received, could not but condemn his father's ill-advised restraint, which, so far from furthering the victory, greatly prevented the improvement of it. Note, (1.) Many a good son is involved in difficulties by the folly of an inconsiderate father. (2.) When we follow our own heads, without waiting to confide God, we shall certainly live to repent our raftners. (3.) If, for fear of the curse of a wicked king, an Israelite can deny even the innocent cravings of hunger; shall not we fear to incur the Anathema of a holy God, by gratifying our sinful appetites? 2. The people at even are so impatient through hunger, that, before the blood was drained from the beasts, they flew on them raw, or half-dressed. Saul quickly hears, and rebukes the transgression of the people, though the fault lay chiefly at his own door. Proclamation is made through the camp to stay such irregularities, by ordering all the cattle for food to be slain on a horse under his own eyes; and there he built an altar unto the Lord, the first he had yet erected for God's worship, to offer successes of thanksgiving for his victory. As it might be rendered, He began to eat: some think he was in such haite, that he left the altar unfinished, though expenses to pursue the victory. Note, (1.) How much smaller are we to rebuke the sins which lie at others doors, than to acknowledge how culpable we are outdoing? (2.) Execs in eating is as dangerous to the body, as sinful to the food. 36. ¶ And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, 'Let us draw near higher unto God. 37. And Saul 'afked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? 'wit thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him 'not that day. 38. And Saul said, Draw ye near higher all the chief of the people: and know and see 'wherein this sin hath been this day. 39. For as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him. 40. Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee. 41. Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, I Give a perfect let. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. 42. And Saul said, Call lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken. 43. Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey Saul has no sooner given his army a moment's refinement, than he is eager to pursue again the flying Philistines; and, though weary and wanting repose, his men, as faithful Soldiers, are submissive to his orders, and ready to follow him. But, 1. Ahaithar desires to consult God first, and Saul confents to the monies; but when they draw near, God gave them no anfwer. Note, It is good to have near us a faithful minister, to advise and admonish us of our duty. 2. Saul heresupon concludes, that some sin had been committed, which provoked God thus to withdraw, and therefore as pallimately resolves to punish, as he had impudently bound them under a curse. To determine the case, lots are cast; and though none dared or can do to inform against Jonathan, God is pleased, at Saul's prayer, to give the discovery in the person of Jonathan his son, on whom the lot fell. Note, (1.) We may well conclude God is angry, when our prayers find no answer of peace from him. (2.) We should solicitously enquire what it is wherein we have offended, that we may put away iniquity from us. 3. Jonathan, at Saul's injunction, acknowledges he had tafted a little honey that day in the wood; and though he thinks it hard to die for such a fault, speaks as expecting it from his father's rash and unrelenting spirit; whilst Saul, agreeably to his character, binds his resolution with a solemn oath, that nothing should have him. Note, (1.) Violent tempers will facrifice to their persons even the dearest relatives. (2.) An angry judge cannot but pass a rash and unjust sentence. (3.) They that swear in heat, will often not only be guilty of profaneness, but perjury. 4. The people are highly displeased at Saul's resolution, and bind themselves by oath to prevent the execution. It was unjust to condemn Jonathan for ignorantly offending, and ungrateful to put him to death, who, under God, that day had fawed their lives and all Israel; therefore they refused, or redermed, him out of his hands. Note, (1.) Those whom God in his cause evidently honours with his blessing, we must stand by against all opposers. (2.) When kings act madly against the laws of God, and tyrannical against the lives and liberties of the people; resistance, that tends to reduce them to their dutry, without injuring their persons, or lofening their lawful authority, is, no doubt, true patriotism, and agreeable to true piety. 5. The season of pursuit being lost by altercation, and God referring the Philistines for a further scourge, those who escaped from the battle, got into places of safety, and Saul returned to Gibeah. Thus dissentions between the generals have often lost the advantages of victory. 47. ¶ So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he wrote them: 48. And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. 49. Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchi-Shuah: and the names of his two daughters were those; the name of the first-born Merab, and the name of the younger Michal: 50. And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner the son of Ner, Saul's uncle. 51. And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner, the fatcher of Abner, was the son of Abiel. 52. And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him. We have here, 1. An account of Saul's military exploits. Having reaffirmed the exercise of his power, which seemed almost annihilated, he recruits his army with picked men out of all Israel, and by making every where head against his enemies, he deloved them, and waged sore war with the Philistines all his days. Note, The comforts of reigning are dearly purchased, at the expence of the constant care, danger, and toil, which attends it. 2. His family are taken notice of, his wife and five children, though he had others by Kitapah his concubine, who, as illegitimate, are not mentioned; and his uncle Abner was his general. His house was now established, like his kingdom, great and prosperous; but how fasting are all stationary things. In a few years his house becomes ruined, and his kingdom removed. Let us never place confidence then in any thing beneath the Son. The fashion of this world passeth away. In this chapter we have the final rejection of Saul from being king, for his dissentations. Here is, 1. The commission God gave him utterly to destroy the Amalekites, ver. 1—3. 2. Saul's preparation for it, ver. 4—5. 3. His success, and partial revocation of this commission, ver. 7—9. 4. His examination before Samuel, and sinuous part upon him for his dissentations, ver. 10—31. 5. The spring of Agag, ver. 32, 33. 6. Samuel's final forward to Saul, ver. 34, 35. 1. Samuel also said unto Saul, 'The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over lirael: now therefore' hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD. 2. Thus saith the LORD of hoists, 'I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, 'how he laid near for him in the way when he came up from Egypt. 3. Now go, and smote Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but that they both man and woman, infant and sickling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. 4. And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand foremen, and ten thousand men of Judah. And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and said wait in the valley. 6. ¶ And Saul said unto the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites, left I destroy you with them: for ye shewed kindreds to all the children of Israel when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. 7. And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah, until thou comest to Shur, that is over-against Egypt. 8. And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9. But Saul and the people spared at Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly. Though Saul had been threatened, he had not yet been utterly rejected; but now the critical moment comes, when his fate is to be determined. 1. Samuel is sent from God to remind him by whose favour he reigned, and to exhort him to distill obedience, particularly in the expedition for which he must now prepare. Amalek had behaved cruelly to God's Israel, when they came from Egypt, and God had long threatened to blot out their remembrance from under heaven; and now God remembers their old iniquities, and Saul must be the executioner of divine justice, nor spare any thing which breathed, but utterly destroy man and beast. Note, (1.) God will certainly remember the injuries done his people, especially the discouragements put in the way of young converts. (2.) Though God is patient, even towards the vessels of wrath, yet their desolations are determined, and their ruin certain. (3.) God will not want executioners of justice, when the measure of a nation's sins is full. 2. Saul instantly proceeds, and is followed by a numerous army of two hundred thousand men, besides ten thousand of Judah, whose small proportion some ascribe to envy, others to the necessity of guarding their borders, as most exposed during the absence of the army. When he arrived in the enemies country, he sent a friendly message to the Kenites, who for the convenience of passurage had gone thither, to come up, lest they should fall in the promiscuous ruin, which they immediately did; and the reason of this kindness he gives in the friendship they had shown to Israel when they came from Egypt. Note, (1.) Kindnesses done to God's people shall often be recompened in this world, but certainly in the reformation of the just. (2.) They are in danger of slaying with sinners in their plagues, who by choice take up their residence among them. (3.) We cannot make too much haste to separate ourselves from the communion of the ungodly. 3. No sooner were the Kenites in safety, than the Amalekites begin to feel the sword. The ambush in the valley succeeds, their army is routed, the capital taken, the country ravaged aged from end to end, and the king himself a prisoner. But Saul, through false pity, or covetousfeels, spaced him from death, with the belt of the cattle, and utterly destroyed the red, though some, it seems, with their effects, escaped by flight, and for a little while longer preferred the dying name of Amalek. Note, (1.) Partial obedience detects the hypocrite. (2.) Covetousfeels is often its own punishment. He made a bad bargain, who, to secure the cattle of Amalek, lull the kingdom of Israel. 10. Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, 11. "It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king, for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it preferred Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night. 12. And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal. 13. And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Bieffed it thou of the LORD: 'I have performed the commandment of the LORD. 14. And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the bowing of the oxen which I bear? 15. And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the belt of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God, and the rest we have utterly destroyed. 16. Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. 17. And Samuel said, 'When thou waft little in thine own fight, waft thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel? 18. And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go, and utterly destroy the finners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be confirmed. 19. Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but 'didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the fight of the LORD? 20. And Saul said unto Samuel, Yes, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. 22. And Samuel said, 'Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD: Behold, to obey it better than sacrifice; and to interfere, than the fat of rams. 23. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry: be said thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. We have here the interview between Samuel and Saul returning from his victory, which made his bright day clofe with darkened. 1. God informs Samuel of Saul's disobedience, his repentance that he had made him king, and the removal of the crown from his family, determined thereupon. Note, Repentance with God signifies not a change of mind, but of his methods of dealing with men. 2. Samuel is bitterly afflicted herewith, and spends the night in prayers and tears, to gain the reversion of the sentence, but in vain. Note, The ruin of sinners is the bitter grief of God's faithful mindless. 3. According to appointment he goes to Carmel, to meet Saul, and not finding him there, where he had staid no longer than to erect a trophy of his victory, he follows him to Gilgal. 4. Saul comes to meet him, with great confidence boasting his obedience, and blessing Samuel for the prosperous undertaking on which he had sent him. Note, They who are trumpeters of their own good works, will soon discover the vanity of their periences. 5. Samuel's ears are more attentive to the bleating of the sheep, than the boasting of the king; and he upbraids him for the falseness and folly of his conduct, of which his spoils afforded such incontestable evidence. 6. Saul seeks to excuse the fact he cannot deny, by laying the fault on the people, pretending to defuse God's glory in the sacrifice of the cattle, and the honour of Israel in shewing them the captive king; but his plea was false as frivolous: none would have dared to act without his orders, and his own profit and glory was at the bottom of his pretended piety. Note, (1.) In vain do we vanish our expensive sacrifices, and keep up the outward pomp and form of religion, if pride, lust, and covetousness are in possession of the heart; our very heathful services are an abomination. (2.) They who seek to exculpate themselves by accusing others who were partners, or tempests in their guilt, they themselves utterly unhumbled under it. 7. His plea is rejected, and his excuses confound. Samuel, as commanded of God, delivers his message, and having his authority, claims an audience. He reminds him of the exaltation to which, from his low estate, God had brought him, and which should, in gratitude, have kept him obedient; the orders he received, on the present occasion, were plain and express, so that the affluent must be wilful and deliberate; wherefore he expoundates with him on the inexcusableness of his conduct, and the greatness of his sin. Note, (1.) Though it be a terrible message, God gives us against the sinner, we must not fear to deliver it plainly and faithfully. (2.) The more God's mercy hath been flown us, the more ungrateful are our ill returns. 8. Saul interrupts the prophet in his message, with repeated assertions of his obedience; though his own acknowledgments give the lie to his possessions. Note, They who are hardened in sin and formality, will not be beat out of their vain confidence by the plainest confutation. Lastly, Samuel blames him with an appeal to his own conscience; the most costly services bear no proportion with dutiful obedience; rebellion against God's express command, was criminal as witchcraft, and stubbornness in maintaining his innocence an aggravation of his iniquity like unto idolatry itself. Therefore, as the just reward of such transgression, he denounces his doom, God hath rejected him from being king, and cut off the entail of the government from his family. Note, (1.) Obedience to God is the most acceptable sacrifice we can offer; a heart submissive to his holy will is better than a hecatomb. (2.) All disobedience is spiritual idolatry, as it sets up the will of the creature above the will of God. (3.) Let kings know, that though they have no superior on earth, they have a King of kings; and rebellion against him by sin will be villed with condign punishment. 24. And Saul said unto Samuel, 'I have sinned: for I have transgreffed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because 'I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 25. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD. 26. And Samuel said unto Saul, 'I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel. 27. And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent. 28. And Samuel said unto him, 'The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou. 29. And also the strength of Israel will not lie, nor repent; for he is not a man that he should repent. 30. Then he said, I have sinned; yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God. 31. So Samuel turned again after Saul, and Saul worshipped the LORD. Such evidence Saul can no longer withstand. Therefore, 1. He confesses his sin, yet in such a way as makes him appear more solicitous to gain Samuel's favour, than God's forgiveness, and more amount to save his credit with the world, than his conscience from the guilt of his iniquity; his confession is neither humbling nor sincere, and he still endeavours to extenuate his fault, with urging his tears of the people. Note, (1.) To confess the guilt we cannot conceal is no proof of real penitence. (2.) They who are more afraid of the shame of their sins before men, than of the guilt of them before God, are strangers to true conviction of the evil of sin. 2. Samuel refuses to return with him, and repeats God's determined purpose concerning him. As he was turning to go from him, Saul seized the skirt of his garment to stay him, and it rent in his hand; this the prophet immediately interprets the rending his kingdom from him, and takes occasion thence to confirm the irreversible decree of God. The Strength, or Faster of Israel, the God who protected his people, and to whom they were indebted for every success, was incapable of fullhood or change of mind; yet when Saul pleaded his honour before the people, whom such an abrupt departure of the prophet might have exasperated against him, Samuel turned again, changing his mind, or receiving a divine notice to alter his resolution; and since Saul was, for a time, to continue in possession of the throne, he would not lessen his authority; and he had also another commission to execute, in the death of Agag, whom Saul had spared. Note, (1.) We are guilty of no lie, when we see cause to alter 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. The prophet long bewailed in Ramah his rejected friend, and now retired from public eyes, spent his time in the care of the school of the prophets. Here God again appears to him, either in a vision of the night, or speaking with an articulate voice. 1. He blames his inordinate grief for Saul, which was not only excessive in measure and duration, but fruitless also, seeing he was rejected for ever. Note, We are not forbidden to mourn, but immoderate grief is sinful. 2. He finds him on an important errand, even to anoint another king in the room of Saul, or rather as his successor. An employment full of danger, considering the state of Saul's mind, and at which Samuel befriars through fear, least Saul should hear of it and kill him; but God instructs him how to proceed, so as to be without suspicion or danger, ver. 2. and there he would fix upon the person, and give him directions for his conduct. Note, (1.) The best of men, this side the grave, have fears at times; 'tis recorded for the comfort of those who have weak faith. (2.) They who follow God in his ways shall be directed aright. 3. Samuel obeys, goes to Beth-lehem with his sacrifice, and being met by the elders, who were in fear least such an unexpected visit bodied no good, or least Saul should resent their entertainment of him, if he came thither as a place of refuge, they ask if he came peaceably. Samuel quickly removes their fears, and invites them to come to the sacrifice he had provided; in order to which they are commanded to sanctify themselves with the usual ablutions, and Jef's and his sons are particularly called to the feast. Note, They who would draw near to God with acceptance, must have their consciences sanctified through the blood of Jesus, and the washing of regeneration. 6. And it came to pass when they were come, that he looked on 'Elish, and said, Surely the LORD's anointed is before him. 7. But the LORD said unto Samuel, 'Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD fetch not as man fetch; for man looketh on the 'outward appearance, but' the LORD looketh on the heart. 8. Then Jef's called Abinadah, and made him pass before Samuel: and he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. 9. Then Jef's made 'Shammah to pass by: and he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. 10. Again Jef's made fevers of his sons to pass before Samuel: and Samuel said unto Jef's, The LORD hath not chosen thefe. 11. And Samuel said unto Jef's, Are here all thy children? and he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jef's, 'Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. 12. And he sent, and brought him in: Now 'he was ruddy, and withal ‡ of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Aefe, anoint him: for this is he. 13. Then Samuel 'took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and 'the spirit of the LORD came upon David, from that day forward: so Samuel took up and went to Ramah. 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