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 that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets? b 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 prophesying, he came to the high place. 14 And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: 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 asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not. 17 And Samuel called the people together "unto the LORD to Mizpeĥ: 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 Egyp tians, and out of the hand of all king doms, and of them that oppressed you. 19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribula tions: and ye have said unto him, Nay but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands. m 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 Kish was taken, and when they sought him he could not be found. n 22 Therefore they inquired 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, P 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 cho covenant. (Notes, 2 Sam. 23:5. Is. 55:4,5. Jer. 32:38-41.) at Gilgal, when Samuel was present: (11:14,15.) and it is probable, that Samuel purposed to seek direction, and a blessing from God, by solemn V. 10-13. When Saul came among the sacrifices, before Saul made war upon the Phi- prophets, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, listines; but he was prevented by Saul's precipi- and he spake so pertinently and fluently in ditancy. Perhaps the instruction was intended vine things, or so earnestly joined in their adoas a general rule, on every great emergency.rations and hymns of sacred praise, that those (Note, 15:1-3.) V. 9. Another heart.] Saul was inspired with fortitude and resolution; and his mind was enlarged to great designs of governing and delivering Israel, and subduing their enemies, and thus promoting the welfare of his people: he was also brought under religious impressions; and indeed his conduct, for a season, appeared very promising, though he afterwards became atrociously wicked. (Notes, Matt. 12:43-45. 2 Pet. 2:20-22.) He was "turned into another man:" but it is not said, that he was made " "partaker of a new heart, and a right spirit." The effects and nature of the change which took place in Saul at this time, will be viewed by readers in general according to their different sentiments on some points of doubtful disputation; which after all can never be decided by this, or any other example; but from a comprehensive knowledge of the sacred oracles, and the nature and securities of God's everlasting who before had known him were astonished to hear him: and one said, "But who is their Father?" Is not God the Father of prophets? Why 'need you then be surprised to see Saul, though before an unlikely person, become one of them?' Or, 'Is not Samuel the father or institutor of this seminary? and Saul has been all night with him, and is thus become one of them.' (Note, 19: 19-24.)-It caused far greater astonishment many ages afterwards to see another Saul among the apostles of Jesus. (Note, Acts 9:17 -22.)-When Saul had prophesied for a time he seems to have gone to the high place, to per form his devotions before he returned home. V. 16. This may be ascribed to a commendable modesty and prudence, by which Saul would avoid ostentation, shun envy, and patiently wait the event. (Note, Judg. 14:5,6.) V. 17-22. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, 8:1-9.)This determination seems to have been made by casting lots. The appointment of a king was sen, that there is none like him among all CHAP. XI. the people? And all the people shouted, Nahash, the Ammonite, encamps against Jabesh-gilead, and of and said, *God save the king. r 25 Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a fers the inhabitants most cruel and disgraceful terms; who obtain seven days' respite, 1-3. They send messengers to Gibeah, and Saul delivers them, and smites the Ammonites, 4-11. Saul will not allow his despisers to be punished, 12, 19. He is made king in Gilgal, 14, 15. HEN a Nahash the Ammonite book, and laid it up before the LORD.Tame up and encamped against 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 band of men, whose hearts God had touched. t 27 But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? and they despised him, and brought him no presents: but he held his peace. *Heb. Let the king live. 1 10. 13:48. b Jabesh-gilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, c Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee. * Kings 1:25,31. 2 Kings 11:12. u 2:12. 11:12. Deut. 13:13. 2 him, Give us seven days' respite, that thus referred to God, by the interposition of his prophet, and not to a popular election. (Notes, 8:19,22. Deut. 17:14,15.) Yet the narrative implies, that the elders inquired of the Lord, either by the high priest, or by Samuel; and that they received an express answer (22).-Saul hid himself, probably from criminal diffidence and distrust of God; yet some suppose, he was alarmed by hearing, that the Lord was displeas-creature; another heart he may have, but not a ed with the people for asking a king. V. 25. The manner of the kingdom.] Probably this writing contained the rules of the government; or, in modern language, the prerogatives of the prince, and the privileges of the people. "The manner of the kingdom" would differ considerably from "the manner of the king," before mentioned: the one being the appointment of God, and the other the effect of human depravity, when intrusted with absolute authority. (Notes, 8:10-18. Deut. 17:14—18.) holy heart: he may be qualified for ruling or preaching, and yet not be "made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light;" nay, he may prophesy and work miracles, and yet be a child of the devil.-Sudden changes are generally to be suspected: but when we consider who makes the Christian and the prophet, we need not be offended, should we number among professors and even preachers of the gospel, some Saul who was one of our former ungodly acquaintance: for true conversion makes so great a change in V. 26, 27. The people in general seem to a man's character, that former friends can have treated the matter with great indifference, scarcely believe him to be the same; whether notwithstanding the earnestness with which they they admire and love, or despise and hate it.had demanded a king. And Saul modestly went When we depend on the guidance of the Holy home to his own house, leaving for the present Spirit, we may regulate our general conduct as Samuel to manage public affairs, as he had be- circumstances require, and act with humble confore done. Yet he was attended by a band of fidence in perplexing situations, being assured men whose hearts God disposed to support his that "God is with us:" but we should enter on authority; while others contemptuously reject-every enterprise, with reference to his authority ed him, and would not acknowledge him as king. But he prudently held his peace, and did not resent their affronts; and thus civil discords and unpopular measures were prevented. (Notes, Judg. 8:1-3. 12:1–7.) V. 1-16. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Many are employed in outward services to the Lord's people, who have not the unction of his sanctifying grace: yet the most eminent Christians and ministers must honor and obey God's authority in them. The attentive believer, comparing the dispensations of Providence with the word of God, will perceive his hand in the most ordinary concerns of life, as fulfilments of the Scripture, answers of prayer, and evidences of the Lord's peculiar kindness.-A superior care, in common life, swallows up an inferior one: and the tender parent ceases from anxiety about his property, when solicitous for the wel and worship, and carefully observe his directions, and wait his time.-We may freely speak of those things which are honorable to others; but in general it is best to be silent, as to those transactions which tend to our own reputation. V. 17-27. The Lord will bring to a seasonable determination those affairs, which are referred to him: but the gratification of inordinate desires is short-lived and expires in disappointment and vexation. It is good to be conscious of our unworthiness and insufficiency for the services to which we are called; and to avoid ostentation, and whatever may excite envy and opposition: but we should be careful not to run into the opposite extreme, by refusing the employments to which the Lord calls us, through meanness of spirit and unbelief. Indeed, high stations are heavy burdens, when the duties of them are conscientiously attended on: and the comfort of them is but small; for the heart of man is prone 4 Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people and all the people h lifted up their voices and wept. 5 And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh. 6 And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly. n 7 And he took a yoke of oxen, and m hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, " Whosoever 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 " with one consent. 8 And when he numbered them in P Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. 9 And they said unto the messengers g 10:28. 14:2. 15:34. 2 Sam. 21:1 Ex. 32:19. Num. 12:3. Mark 6. b 30:4. Judg. 2:4. 21:2. Rom. 12:15. 1 Cor. 12:26. Gal. 6:2. Heb. 13:3. 19:1. 1 Kings 19:19. Ps. 78:71. j Gen. 21:17. Judg. 18:23. Is. 22:1. k 10:10. 16:13. Judg. 3:10. 6: 34. 11:29. 13:25. 14:6. 3.5. Eph. 4:26. m Judg. 19:29. D Judg. 21:5,8-11. o Gen. 35:5. 2 Chr. 14:14. 17: Heb. as one man. Judg. 20:1. q 13:15. 15:4 2 Sam. 24:9. 2 to envy all who are preferred. (Notes, 18:6–9. 23.) And the inhabitants, when they offered to NOTES. V. 4, 5. Saul, finding himself despised by some of the Israelites, and neglected by others, returned quietly to his former occupations, and left the matter entirely to Providence. (Note, 10:26,27.)-In this chapter he looks as great as the much celebrated Roman dictator from the plough, and indeed greater. For Saul followed his herds, after he was appointed to the kingdom by God himself; yet when called forth to action, his vigor and success were not at all inferior to those of the renowned Roman. V. 6-11. Saul, excited by the Spirit of God, and fired with a generous indignation at the indignity offered to Israel, in a very spirited, yet CHAP. XI. V. 1-3. Jabesh-gilead had been modest and clement manner, summoned the atdesolated by the Israelites some time before: tendance of the people; assuming regal author(Note, Judg. 21:9-12.) but being now replen-ity, yet adding the name of Samuel, doubtless ished, it was assaulted by the Ammonites on whose borders it was situated; who, it is probable, renewed the claims which had been made in the days of Jephthah. (Notes, Judg. 11:12— to avoid needless offence: and, through the im- e eth before you: and I am old and greyheaded; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day. 3 Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before & his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any * bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. 4 And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand. 5 And he said unto them, 'The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed d 8:1,5. Ps. 71:18. Is. 46:3,4.2 walk-e 2:22.29. 3:13. 8.3. formed a march perhaps of forty or fifty miles, within the space of about twenty-four hours; and by this despatch arrived in time to rescue their trembling brethren at Jabesh, and unexpectedly to destroy or totally scatter their insulting enemies. In this public service, it is said, that "the Spirit of God came on Saul," and in this alone. (Notes, 10:5-7. 16:13,14.) V. 12-15. Saul's extraordinary success went further with the people, than either the Lord's appointment, or Samuel's anointing of him, or his personal accomplishments; so that they received him as their king, with sacrifices and great joy. And now "the sons of Belial" were saved from death, as well as Israel from the Ammonites, by him whom they despised as unable to save thein. (Note, 10:26,27.) Saul's answer likewise gave the glory of the victory to God, who alone had saved his people. In all this, his conduct was unexceptionable; and the whole concludes with such humanity and apparent ety, as promised far better effects than those which followed. (Marg. Ref.-Note, Ps. 36: 3,4.) f 3:19,20. Heb. ransom. † Or, that I should hide mine eyes at him. Ex. 23:8. Deut. 16:19. g 5. 10:1. 24:6. 2 Sam. 1:14-i Lev. 6:4. Luke 19-8. h Num. 16:15. Acts 20:33. 11 Job 31:35-40. 42.7. m 26:9. designed and prepared for usefulness: nor shall any repent of humbly waiting in obscurity and honest industry, till he is pleased to call them forth; for pride and impatience alone can conclude, that the only wise God has lighted a candle to leave it under a bushel.-The reproach of the gospel, the distresses of the Lord's people, and the insulting triumphs of their enemies, should not only excite our sympathizing sorrows, but our most decisive exertions in our several stations, yea, our warm and generous indignation. But magistrates in all cases should be sparing of the lives of their subjects, and only punish them in their property, where that can be made effectual.-When zeal for the glory of God, and love for their brethren, prompt men to earnest and vigorous efforts, and when he is pleased to concur, great effects are speedily produced; but in critical junctures ordinary measures of despatch are insufficient.-Deliverpi-ance in extreme distress is doubly welcome, and it is often vouchsafed to the true Christian: but the destruction, which commonly overtakes the wicked in the height of their triumphs and security, is inexpressibly dreadful.-Humility and clemency add superior lustre to the most splendid actions; he who forgives his enemies, when he has them in his power, obtains the noblest victory; (Note, Prov. 16:32.) and by giving the praise of illustrious exploits to God, a man acquires the most solid honor.-The Lord delights to plead the cause of those, who are dumb under injuries, and who do not plead for themselves; to put to silence those who contend with his servants; and to work by instruments which man contemns.-Thus the despised Savior will at length be universally acknowledged as the Lord's anointed King, with songs of triumph and praise: at present, before the mercyseat, he receives the submissions and pleads the cause of rebels, who are willing that he should reign over and save them; but shortly from his righteous tribunal he will condemn to everlasting ruin all those, who persist in contempt of him and opposition to him. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Hasty settlements among bad neighbors of ten produce multiplied calamities: (Note, Num. 32:29.) and when professed Christians act inconsistently with the covenant of God, they will probably be forced to the basest subjection to man; for God will disgrace those who dishonor him, and make them a reproach to their enemies. To save their lives men often part with their liberty, and will even consent to lose their eyes: how much more then is it our wisdom, to part with our right eye, rather than to be cast into hell-fire! (Notes, Matt. 5:29,30. Mark 9:43-50. P. O. 30-50.) Indulgences or interests most dear to our carnal hearts, must be crucified, if we would covenant with God for the life of our souls; and, whatever respite he may give, none can save us out of his hand: we must consent to his proposals or perish for ever. But tender mercy is couched under this apparently severe requisition; the dreaded operation will not be so painful as men suppose, the advantages are immense, and the service of God is perfect freedom.-The Lord, in providence, will make way for those, whom he has " is witness this day, that ye have not and said, We have sinned, because we found ought in my hand. have forsaken the LORD, and have servanswered, He is witness. edd Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now e deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee. And they 6 And Samuel said unto the people, P It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt. 7 Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD, of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers. firmed the kingdom to Saul; (Note, 11:12-15.) Samuel embraced the opportunity of appealing to the people, and to their king, concerning his integrity and disinterested conduct, as their judge, when about to divest himself of his authority. By this he doubtless means not only to clear his own character, but likewise to set before Saul an instructive example; and especially to convince the people of their ingratitude to God, as well as to him. (Notes, Acts 20:18-35.) V. 2-7. Samuel might be about eighteen years of age when Eli was slain, and thirtyeight when he assembled the people at Mizpeh, (Notes, 7:1—12.) and perhaps sixty at this time. -From a child he had been laboring assiduously for the good of his people, and was grown grey in their service; yet they had at last rejected him! His sons had indeed misbehaved; || and, having been reduced to a private station, they were there present, if the people chose to call them to an account: but for himself he could appeal to the Lord, and to their consciences, and was even willing that their anointed king should decide, whether he had not acted with entire equity, impartiality, and disinterestedness, during his whole administration. (Notes, Num. 16:15. 2 Cor. 1:12-14. 12:14-21. i Thes. 2:1-8.) When they had in consequence fully attested his integrity, he expostulated no further with them concerning their conduct towards him; but endeavored to convince them of their wickedness in the sight of God; who had brought their fathers out of Egypt by a prophet and a priest, and not by a king like those of the surrounding nations. (Notes, 8:1-5. Deut. 17:14. Hos. 12:12-14. 13: 10,11. Acts 7:30-36.) V. 8-10. Jacob, by going down into Egypt, made way for that oppression, which caused his posterity to cry unto the Lord; and the deliverance from Egypt by Moses and Aaron, made way for the settlement of Israel in Canaan: and their subsequent rebellions, and chastisements prepared the way for renewed deliverances, not by kings, but by judges, raised up by the Lord for that gracious purpose, as Samuel himself had been. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, Ex. 3:7. 4: 5: Judg. 2:11-14. 3:12-30. 4: 5:) V. 11-13. (Marg. Ref.—Notes, Judg. 6:—11:) Bedan may be considered as a contraction of Ben-dan, or the son of Dan; and it is probable that Samson is intended. (Notes, Judg. 13:—16:) The Septuagint has Barak.-Samuel joins himself to the number of those, by whom the Lord had delivered the people; to impress more deeply on their minds the conviction, that in rejecting him, they had refused to continue any longer under the immediate government of God, by judges of his appointment, which had been their honor and happiness.-When Nahash prepared to war against them, it seems Samuel gave them some intimations that God would raise them up a deliverer, or he offered to lead them to battle; but they refused his proposals, saying, "Nay, but a king shall reign over us: and accordingly God had appointed a king over them. (Notes, 8: 10:17-27. 11:) |