ever. 3 T Now Samuel was dead, and all 6 And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. 7 Then said Saul unto his servants, f 9. Ex. 22:18. Lev. 19:31. 20: Josh. 19:18. 2 Kings 4:8. Israel had lamented him, and buried him 31:1. 2 Sam. 1:6,21. 21:12. that David had so widened the breach between himself and his people, that it could not be healed. (Note, 2 Sam. 16:20-23.) Had he, however, known the truth of the case, he would have been convinced that David could not be detached from Israel, or united to their enemies. David's situation powerfully tempted him to this deceit; but it can by no means be justified, or even excused. (Note, 19:12-17.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. The strongest believers cannot wholly exclude the incursions of unbelief, during tedious trials, and when sense and reason bring in no report of deliverance. Many, under sharp temptations, have overlooked former mercies and experiences; have forgotten the power and promise of the Lord; and have feared that sin and Satan would finally prevail against them. When faith thus staggers, obedience wavers, and sinful expedients frequently are employed; which involve men more and more in difficulties and temptations.If at any time we "lean to our own understanding," and do not ask counsel of God, we are sure to do wrong. (Note, Prov. 3:5,6.)-We ought not to quit the path of duty, or to join interests with the enemies of religion, even for self-preservation, or out of care for our families: nor should we willingly contract obligations, where we cannot consistently make requitals of kindness. It is our wisdom to shun notoriety, and to shelter ourselves from envy; for obscurity is commonly more safe and comfortable, and no less advantageous. Yet we must in no situation be wholly inactive, but attempt something in the cause of God and his people, even though ungratefully requited by those whom we would serve.-The fear of man is so ensnaring, that we should, if possible, keep ont of those places, where doing our duty will expose us to danger or reproach.-An equivocation, which serves the purpose of a lie, bears the same relation to it, as a hypocrite does to a profane person; it is only apparently better, and therefore a more dangerous cheat. But though believers often betray their imperfections, they can never be prevailed upon deliberately to renounce the service of God, and to unite interests with his enemies, or to become the servants of sin and Satan. NOTES. i Job 15:21. 18:11. Ps. 48:5,6. k 14:37. 1 Chr. 10:14. Prov. 1: 27,28. Ez. 20:1-3. John 9: 31. Jam. 4:3. 46:2-4. 1 Gen. 28:12-15. m Ex. 28:30. Num. 27:21. Deut. n Ps. 74:9. Lam. 2:9. Ez. 20:3. mined to make war against Israel, required David's assistance: and David could not have refused it without the greatest danger. Yet if he had directly promised it, and had then either stood neuter, or gone over to the Israelites, he must have behaved with great ingratitude and treachery: and if he had fought against Israel, he would have been guilty of a very great sin, he would have alienated the affections of his people, and perhaps exposed himself to the reproach of having murdered Saul. It seemed therefore impossible that he should extricate himself, with a good conscience and a clear reputation. He, however, returned an insincere and evasive answer, which was intended to gain time, but which Achish understood as a promise of effectual assistance; (Notes, 27:8-12. 29:8-11.) and on that account promised to make him captain of his guard, or some great officer about his person. V. 3. (Note, 25:1.) Perhaps the death of Samuel, and David's apparent desertion of his people, concurred with Saul's disordered state of mind, to encourage the Philistines to this war.-Saul had filled up his measure of iniquity, and "the day was come when he should descend into battle and perish." (26:10.)-He "had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land;" probably before "the Spirit of the LORD departed from him." (Note, 16:14.) Or perhaps, when troubled with an evil spirit, he charged some of them as the cause of it: or by his zeal in this respect he aimed to atone for his other sins, that the kingdom might not be taken from him; and to shew the people that he had a regard to religion. Whatever was his motive, the measure itself was right. (Marg. Ref. e, f.) V. 4, 5. As Shunem lay far north in the land, in the lot of Issachar, (Josh. 19:18.) either this invasion was very formidable, or Saul had been very negligent: otherwise the enemy could not have marched thither without being opposed.Saul's excessive terror arose chiefly from a guilty conscience. It is probable, that his contempt of Samuel, his murder of the priests, and his malicious persecution of David, dismayed his heart upon every recollection; and that he foreboded his own approaching doom. (Note, 24:16-22.) V. 6. Saul inquired of the LORD," under úrgent terror, but without humiliation for sin, or CHAP. XXVIII. V. 1, 2. Achish, when deter- purposes of repentance; and therefore God would [99 Seek me a woman that hath Pa familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at 9 En-dor. r 8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit. and bring me him up whom I shall name unto thee. 9 And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, "how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die? 10 And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing. [Practical Observations.] 11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? and he said, Bring me up Samuel. 12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul. 13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. 14 And he said unto her,* What form is he of? And she said, An old man com eth up: and he is covered with b 15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed: for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by † prophets, nor by dreams: therefore 1 have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. 16 Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? 17 And the LORD hath done to him as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbor, even to David: c Prov. 5:11-13. 14:14. e 16:13,14. 18:12. Judg. 16:20. f 6. 23:2,4,9,10. Heb. the hand of prophets. h Judg. 5:31. 2 Kings 6:27. Ps. Or. for himself. Prov. 18:4. i 13.13,14. 15.27-29 Heb. mine hand. k 15:28. 16:13. 24:20. 1 15:9,23-26. Jer. 48:10. 1 King 20:42. m 12:25. 1 Kings 22:20,25 n Ex. 9:18. Jer. 28:16,17. Dan. 5:25-28. Matt. 26:24. Acts 5:5,9,10. not vouchsafe him any answer. He did not in- the woman's suspicion, which implied the most quire till his doom was sealed; and then only in severe reproof; Saul most profanely sware by a hypocritical manner: therefore it was nearly the LORD, that the woman should not be punish, the same as "not inquiring." (Note, 1 Chr. 10: ed for violating the divine law! She would un13,14.) After Abiathar had fled to David, derstand this merely as an engagement not to probably Saul appointed another high priest: inform against her: but Saul expressly sware, yet neither by him, nor by any prophet, nor in that he would not perform his duly. Indeed any way, could he obtain an answer. (15. 14: both parties acted almost atheistically; when 37.) This shewed, that God was greatly dis-one engaged, and the other was satisfied with pleased with him, and warned him to repent, the engagement, that no punishment should hapand to cry for mercy with humble faith and per- pen to her! severance. (Note, Judg. 10:13-16.) It also proved, that God no longer regarded him, as chief magistrate in Israel. (Notes, 23:9-13. Ex. 28:30. Num. 27:21.) V. 7, 8. Saul was aware that some persons still secretly practised these diabolical arts: but nothing could exceed the presumption of consulting those whom he had, according to the law of God, endeavored to extirpate. (Note, 3.)—He disguised himself, not only lest the woman should fear to use her incantations if she knew him; but perhaps likewise lest the people should be exasperated against him, if acquainted with his infatuated conduct. V. 9, 10. Instead of being cut to the heart by V. 11. Samuel had anointed Saul, and often counselled him for his good: and though Saul had neglected him during the latter part of his life, yet he now was convinced, that it was better with him when he regarded his advice. Nothing therefore could now satisfy him, but a conference with the departed prophet: and he being forsaken of God was so infatuated, as to suppose, that the woman, by means of her familiar spirit, could bring Samuel up for that purpose, even without the Lord's permission!-It is probable, that she expected to impose on Saul by some satanical apparition. V. 12-19. It is much disputed, who it was that appeared on this occasion; for the whole * 20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night. 21 And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and PI have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened Heb. made haste and fell | Ps. 50:21,22. with the fulness of his stature. p 19:5. Judg. 12:3. Job 13:14. o 5. 25.37. Job 15-20-24. 26:2. 24:29. Acts 16:15. 2 Cor. 5: q 1 Kings 21:4. Prov. 25:20. r2 Kings 4:8. Luke 14:23. 14. narrative manifests that it was no human im- circumstance of the spirit apparently "arising posture. Many expositors, ancient and modern, out of the earth," forms no real objection against have maintained, that it was Satan personating its being the soul of Samuel: and the expres Samuel; though the text does not give the least sion, "shalt thou and thy sons be with me,” intimation of it. It is however, by no means means no more, than that they should be in the advisable, to give those men any countenance, eternal world. The transaction was suited to who, to support a favorite system, put a forced impress the idea of a future state on the mind of construction upon the words of holy writ, very all who should ever hear or read of it; and it different from their obvious meaning: and determined nothing about the different condiscarcely any of their interpretations can soundtions of the righteous and the wicked.-Upon harsher, than the insertion in every place, where the whole, there appears much solemnity in Samuel is mentioned, 'that it was Satan person-God's for once permitting the soul of a departed 'ating Samuel.'-It is indeed argued, that the prophet to make his appearance, as a witness woman's incantations could have no power over from heaven, and in sending him to confirm the 'a glorified saint:' but to this it may fairly be word which he spoke on earth, (evincing that answered, that neither could an evil spirit ap- the words of the prophets would surely take pear at her call, without the Lord's permission. effect;) and to sit in judgment upon a proud en Though the woman was not the cause of Sam-emy of God, who foolishly sought encourageuel's being sent, Saul's inquiry might be the oc- inent in his impenitency, by the most atrocious casion of it. The word disquieted, seems to be crimes. This interpretation is certainly obviused merely in accommodation to the general ous, and suited to the apprehensions of the unnotions of mankind on that subject: and the learned reader, and according to the general woman's surprise and terror proved, that it was simplicity of the Scriptures: and nothing short an unusual and unexpected appearance, and not of unanswerable arguments and objections, the ordinary effect of her art. It is, however, should constrain us to suppose, that when the further urged, that the apparition's discourse Holy Spirit said Samuel, he meant Satan, not tended to drive Saul to despair, which is one of speaking by Samuel, as he did by the serpent Satan's temptations; and that it contained no and by the demoniacs; but actually counterexhortations to repentance, which were usual feiting his shape, and speaking with his voice, with the prophets. But to this it may be repli- though Samuel himself was in every sense abed, that Elijah's message to Ahaziah, Daniel's sent from the place.-The venerable appearaddress to Belshazzah, and even Christ's dis-ance of Samuel, or something which he spoke, course in the presence of Judas, were equally convinced the woman, that it was Saul who calculated to drive each of them to despair; and consulted her (12). She perceived, by the revequally void of exhortations to repent, and pro-erence the spectre paid him, who he was: for so posals of mercy. (Notes, 2 Kings 1:15,16. Dan. Abarbinel interprets it, he bowed with his face 5:18-28. Mau. 26:21-24.)-Saul had despised to the ground, in honor of Saul, whereby the Samuel's solemn warnings in his life-time; yet woman concluded that it was the king.' Bp. now he hoped, as it were, in defiance of God, to Patrick. Thus then if the devil personated obtain some counsel and encouragement from Samuel, he worshipped Saul, not Saul him! A him: and why might not God permit the soul of likely thing, truly, that either Samuel, or Satan his departed prophet to appear and confirm his personating him, should thus reverence Saul! former sentence, and denounce Saul's irrevoca- It shews to what difficulties the supporters of ble doom? It was not beyond the power of God, the latter opinion are reduced. Saul's bowing nor, that I can see, at all unworthy of him; but down before Samuel, was not indeed an act of rather a declaration of his immutable and irre- religious worship, any more than Abigail's bowversible truth and justice.-Satan could not ing down before David. The answer of Samhave predicted the several events, which came uel was in every respect suitable to his characto pass accordingly, as far as we know, (Note, ter, and to the occasion. It was entirely in vain 30:1-3.) without being inspired by God to do for Saul to consult the servant, when the Lord so: and it would give far more countenance to was become his enemy: the Lord was only doing consulting witches, to suppose that he inspired to him, or for himself, (17. marg.) as he declarSatan to prophesy by them, than to conclude ed he would: and as Samuel knew him to be fithat Samuel was sent with this tremendous mes-nally given up, be neither gave him counsel nor sage from God, when Saul consulted one of them. comfort. (Notes, 2 Tim. 4:14,15. Heb. 6:4-6. Indeed this would most powerfully discourage 1 John 5:16-18.)-The woman first saw the such attempts; as the request of the rich man in hell to Abraham, being entirely vain, is calculated to discourage praying to departed saints. (Note, Luke 16:24-26.) The local situation of departed spirits is so concealed from us, that the appearance; but afterwards Saul seems to have seen it, as well as to have heard the words spok en.-Some think, that neither Saul's servants, nor the woman, heard what passed.-God's (13) Elohim. (Marg. Ref. z.) 24 And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof: 25 And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night. CHAP. XXIX. David attends Achish, which offends the lords of the Philistines, 1-5. Achish dismisses him with commendations, 6-11. s Gen. 18 7,8. Luke 15:23. V. 20-25. Saul, though terrified even to desperation, was not humbled. A miserable state he was indeed reduced to, when the witch was his only comforter! But he did not confess his sins; and, as far as we can learn, he offered no sacrifices, and presented no supplications: nor does he seem to have expressed any concern about his sons, or his people, or to have tempted any escape; but in sullen despair to have rushed upon his doom. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-10. death has removed the ministers and servants done with fear, favor, and affection, and are become far more determined than ever in the service and cause of God: and were they to appear, they would denounce the doom of impenitent sinners, with more awful decision than before.-Wretched indeed are they, from whom God is for ever departed! What can they exat-pect either from good or evil men, from holy or unholy spirits? Neither the servants nor the enemies of the Lord can do them any service, and every thing combines to drive them to desperation. This Satan labors to effect, and he is sometimes permitted to succeed: nay, the very testimony of God's word and ministers con there remains nothing, but a certain fearful curs in convincing the unhappy wretches "that looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation!" Note, Heb. 10:26,27.) while the remembrance of former crimes, convictions, warnings, and relapses into sin, combine to assure them of the these things do not humble or soften them; for certainty and justice of their doom. Yet all it is "impossible to renew them to repentance:" and not having "believed Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one but either in sullen or in furious despair they rose from the dead;" (Note, Luke 16:27-31.) await and meet their doom!-In every age God sets up a few such beacons for a tremendous warning to their fellow-sinners, not to listen to temptations, to sin against conviction, or despise the word of God; and to beware of hy pocrisy, apostacy, procrastination, and other great who have not provoked him to it by their prewickedness: for none are thus given up of God, vious crimes. (Note, 2 Thes. 2:8-12.) while one relenting thought remains let no sinner ever suppose himself in this awful case. God will not indeed hear the prayer of the unhim in vain, because they are not decidedly in humbled and impenitent; and many inquire of earnest: when therefore they do not meet with encouragement, they detect their own hypocing again into sin, and seeking help from the risy, by giving up their religious duties, plungworld, and "the God of this world." discouraged, but sincere and earnest inquirer be opened: let him humble himself more and persevere in knocking at mercy's gate, until it more before God, and determine to live and die supplicating his favor; and he will be sure at length to succeed. Let us all learn "to seek the LORD while he may be found, and to call upon him while he is near," (Note, Is. 55:6,7.) and without reserve to obey his voice and do his will. Finally, though subjects suffer with their wicked governors, and children with their parents; either it is for their own sins, or else their sufferings "will work for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." When we in the least deviate from the plain path of duty, every circumstance tends to draw us further aside, and to increase our perplexity and temptation.-Needless intimacies with the avowed enemies of true religion, or obligations to them, will reduce us, ere we are aware, to the necessity of being unfaithful to God, or treacherous and ungrateful to our benefactors: and we shall scarcely ever be able to speak with that candor and simplicity which become Christians. (Note, 1 Kings 22:4.)--When of God, or persecution has banished them, a land is deprived of its best defence, and its enemies have their best opportunity of preparing war against it.-Hypocrites are frequently very zealous against those crimes, to which they are not tempted at the time, or from which they may su:fer detriment; and apostates frequently commit those sins, which they once were most earnest in opposing.-Ungodly persons fear the reproach of man, or the punishments denounced by human laws, more than the wrath of God: they do not therefore forsake their sins, but dissemble their real characters, and conceal their conduct; and deem all well if they can escape detection: but frequently they are emp'oyed to rebuke or correct each other, either for their present conviction, or their future deeper condemnation.-When habits of perjury, or profane swearing, have been contracted, the sacred name of God, and the most solemn oaths, are often introduced in the midst of the most horrible wickedness, and made the obligations and encouragements to the most enormous crimes! But the atrocious guilt of such impiety cannot be expressed.-Consulting witches, or diviners of any kind, real or pretended, is a malignant or ignorant attempt to gain intelligence or assistance from some creature, when it cannot be had, or is not sought, from the Lord in the path of duty; and is therefore essentially idolatry, and virtually the worship of the devil. (Noles, Ex. 22:18. Í Chr. 10:13,14.) V. 11-25. Many, who despise the servants of God while they live, are so far convinced of their wisdom and fidelity, that they vainly wish for their counsel and instruction, in distressing circumstances, after their death. But in that blessed NOTES. But Let the CHAP. XXIX. V. 1, 2. (Marg. Ref.) It may world, to which they are removed, they have be reasonably supposed, that David was unde 3 Then said the princes of the Philis-|| found evil in thee, since the day of thy tines, What do these Hebrews here? And coming unto me unto this day: neverAchish said unto the princes of the Phi-theless the lords favor thee not. listines, Is not this David, the servant of 7 Wherefore now return, and go in Saul the king of Israel, which hath been peace, that thou + displease not the lords with me these days, or these years, and of the Philistines. I have found no fault in him since he fell unto me unto this day? m 8 And David said unto Achish, But what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant, so long as I have been with thee unto this day, that I may not go to fight against the enemies of my lord the king? ם 9 And Achish answered and said to David, I know that thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding, the princes of the Philistines have said, He shall not go up with us to the battle. 10 Wherefore now rise up early in the morning, with thy master's servants that are come with thee: and as soon as ye be up early in the morning, and have light, depart. 11 So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. 9 And the Philistines went up to Jezreel. *Heb. thou art not good in the † Heb. do not evil in the eyes m 12:3. 17:29. 20:8. 26:18. n 28:2. 2 Sam. 16:18,19. Ps. 34:13,14. Matt. 6:13. o 2 Sam. 14:17,20. 19:27. Gal. 4:14. p 30:1,2. Gen. 22:14. Ps. 37:23, 24. 1 Cor. 10:13. 2 Pet. 2.9. q See on 1. Josh. 19:18. 2 Sam. 4:4. was unwilling that Achish should think he did; and therefore he professed a desire "to fight with the enemies of his lord the king." (Note, 2 Sam. 16:15-19.) Achish would understand these words to mean the Israelites; but they were ambiguous, as several of his speeches were on this occasion: so hard is it in such circum stances to avoid all insincerity and disingenuity, either from fear or courtesy! termined how to act on this occasion, and waited with a secret hope that the Lord would help him out of this very great difficulty; as indeed he did in a wonderful manner. (Note, 28:1,2.) He was far too much influenced by fear of man, in so readily consenting to attend Achish, when he might have framed very plausible excuses for declining that service. (Note, Prov. 29:25, 26.). 4-6. These lords, or princes, possessed so much authority in their own cities, and in the PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. camp at the head of their troops, and were so While presumptuous sinners are given up decided against employing David, that Achish to the effects of their own counsels, and driven would not venture their displeasure in retaining headlong to destruction, the sins of the upright him. The high opinion which he had of David, are repented of and pardoned; and the Lord the confidence which he reposed in him, and his takes care both of their peace and reputation. commendations of him both before his face (9), He has various methods of extricating us out of and to the lords, would have been very honora- difficulties, when we can perceive no way of ble to David, if they had not been in part the escaping: and while ungodly men pursue their effect of deception. (Note, 27:8-12.) When own purposes, and follow their own judgments, Achish sware by JEHOVAH, (6) that he did not he secretly influences them to such determinasend David away for any suspicion which he tions, as subserve the good of his people.-Repentertained of him, he shewed that he had col-utation, esteem, and affection, frequently be lected some notions at least concerning the true God and his worship. (9) come snares to us; whilst repro.ches, contempt, and injurious suspicions prove beneficial: and Saul slew, &c. (5) Nole, 18:6-9. They the ill usage of the wicked, by which we are 'reasoned wisely, according to the common prac-driven from them, is much better for us, than 'tice of mankind; and it was well for David, that 'they were such politicians: for hereby God de'livered him out of a very great strait, either of 'being an enemy to his country, or false to his 'friends, and to his trust. And by the same good 'Providence he was sent back to rescue his 'wives, and the wives and children of his men, 'who were taken captive.' Bp. Patrick. (Notes, 30:1-19.) V. 8-11. (Marg. R) David could not but inwardly rejoice at this occurrence: yet he that friendship which draws us among them.— When worldly people have no evil thing to say of us, but will bear testimony to our uprightness, we need desire no more from them: and this we should aim to acquire by prudence, meekness, and a blameless life. But their flattering commendations are almost always purchased by improper compliances, or some measure of deception, and commonly may cover us with confusion.-It is seldom prudent to place great confidence in one who has changed sides; |