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the LORD, but rebel against the command- the LORD, but serve the LORD with all ment of the LORD; then shall the hand your heart; of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers.

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16 Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.

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17 Is it 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 y 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.

b

a

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.

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20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: (ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following

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V. 14, 15. The Israelites might perhaps suppose, that under a king, who would always be at hand to succor them, and fight against their enemies, their affairs would not be exposed to such vicissitudes as before. But Samuel assured them, that there would be no difference in that respect: for their privileges as the Lord's peculiar people would still be continued to them, while they adhered to his service, and withdrawn, if they forsook it, even as in times past. (Marg. Ref.)

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

21 And d turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain:)

h

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 teach you the good and the right way. ceasing to pray for you: but I will 24 Only n fear the LORD, and serve in truth with all your heart: for how great things he hath done

him
P consider
for you.

d Deut. 11:16. 31:29. Josh. 23:
6. Ps. 40:4. 101:3. 125:5.

e Deut. 32:21. Jer. 2:5,13. 10:
8,15. 14:22. 16:19. Jon. 2:8.
Hab. 2:18. 1 Cor. 8:4.

f Ps. 115:4-8. Is. 41:23,24. 44:

9.10. 45:20. 46:7. Jer. 10:5.
8 Deut. 31:17. 2 Kings 21:14. 1

Chr. 28:9. 2 Chr. 15:2. Ps. 94:
14. Is. 41:17. 42:16. Jer. 33:
24-26. Lam. 5:20. Heb. 13:
5.

h Ex. 32:12. Num. 14:13-19.
Deut. 32:26,27. Josh. 7:9. Is.
37:35. 43:25. 48:11. Jer. 14:7,
21. Ex. 20:9,14. Eph. 1:6,12.
i Ex. 19:5,6. Deut. 7:7,8. 9:5.

14:2. Mal. 1:2. Matt. 11:26. John 15:16. Rom. 9:18-18. 11:29. 1 Cor. 4:7. Phil.1:6. k Acts 12:5. Rom. 1:9. Col. 1: 9. 1 Thes. 3:10. 2 Tim. 1:3. *Heb. from ceasing.

1 Ps. 34:11. Prov. 4:11. Ec. 12: 10. Acts 20:20. Col. 1:28.

m 1 Kings 8:36. 2 Chr. 6:27. Jer. 6:16.

n Job 28:28. Ps. 111:10. Prov.
1:7. Ec. 12:13. Heb. 12:29.

o Ps. 119:80. John 1:47.
p Ezra 9:13,14. Is. 5:12. Rom:
12:1.

Or, what a great thing, &c
Deut. 10:21. Ps. 126:2,3.

David to rule over them, the people had required a change of government, and wanted again to be ruled by judges as their fathers bad been, they would have been guilty of a similar rebellion. (Note, 1 Kings 12:16.)

V. 20. Fear not, &c.] Samuel repeatedly exhorted the people to "fear the LORD;" (14, 24.) yet here he exhorted them not to fear; that is, not to be dismayed by the dread of immediate destruction. (Note, Ex. 20:18-20.)-Reverence of the majesty and authority of God, and fear of his displeasure, when counterpoised by the hope of his favor, quicken men in seeking and serving him: but such a fear of wrath, as occasions despondency and hard thoughts of him, drives men from their duty, and exposes them to manifold temptations. (Notes, Gen. 45: 5. Ps. 130:3,4. 2 Tim. 1:6-8. 1 John 4:18.)

V. 16--19. Even rain was uncommon during the wheat-harvest, and doubtless this thunderstorm was very violent. Having likewise been predicted and called for, it formed a useful at- V. 22. In preferring the seed of Jacob to other testation of Samuel's word, and was entirely families, to be his people, the Lord acted as a suited to produce conviction and alarm in the Sovereign, who is not bound, and does not deign, consciences of the people.-Being, therefore, to assign his reasons: but having made them his terrified with the displays of the divine power, people, the honor of his perfections required, which were made in answer to Samuel's prayer, that he should not entirely forsake them till the and perceiving how much he was honored by promised Seed arose, however severely he corGod, they were afraid of some immediate judg-rected them; nor even then, finally and absoments, such as were inflicted on their forefa-lutely: and this consideration was suited to exthers for rebelling against Moses and Aaron; cite and encourage their obedience. (Marg. Ref. and they earnestly begged of him to pray for Notes, Ps. 94:12-14. Is. 41:8,9. Jer. 33:23– them. (Notes, Num. 11:1-3. 16:28-35,41-26. Rom. 11:1—10,25—32.) 50. 21:4-9.) They likewise acknowledged that, In addition to all their other rebellions, they ad heinously sinned in desiring a king.-It hould here be observed, that their guilt did not consist in preferring the authority of kings to any other kind of government; but in rebelliously and ungratefully determining to be governed in a different manner, from that which God himself had chosen for them. And if afterwards, when God had expressly appointed

V. 23. The people had no occasion to fear Samuel's resentment: for he deemed himself bound in duty to persevere in praying for them, notwithstanding the affront which they had put upon him. And though he was no longer their chief magistrate; yet he promised still to devote the remnant of his life to their service, as their instructer in religion, and in promoting their peace and happiness. In these respects he judged them all the days of his life. (Note, 7:15.)

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AUL reigned one year: and when

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25 But 4 if ye shall still do wickedly, he had reigned two years over ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.

CHAP. XIII.

Saul chooses a select band, and dismisses the people, 1, 2. Jon

athan, his son, smites a garrison of the Philistines, and Saul summons the people to Gilgal, 3, 4. The Philistines gather a great army; and Israel is distressed and scattered. 5. Saul,

weary

of waiting for Samuel, sacrifices, 8, 9. Samuel comes

Saul in vain excuses himself, 10-14. A small company atand reproves him, and shews that God has rejected him; while

tend Saul; and three bands of Philistines waste the land, 1518. The policy of the Philistines, who suffer no smith in Israel, 19-23.

q Deut. 32:15,&c. Josh. 24:20. r 31:1-5. Deut. 28:36. Hos.

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-Nothing can be well imagined, more expressive of genuine excellency of character, and a right state of heart, than this simple but solemn declaration. Though ungratefully rejected by Israel, and degraded from his high station; he would yet think himself most criminal before God, should he decline any service, which he was in his inferior station capable of rendering them. This entirely coincides with St. Paul's avowal to the Corinthians. (Note, 2 Cor. 12:14, 15.)

Israel,

b

2 Saul a chose him three thousand men of Israel, whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash, and in mount Beth-el, and a thousand were and the rest of the people he sent every with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: man to his tent.

Heb. the son of one year in | b 5,23. 14:5,31. Is. 10 28.
his reigning. Ex. 12.5. Mic. c 10:25. 16:34. Josh, 18:28
6:6. Marg.
Judg. 19:12. 2 San.. 21:6. Is
10:29.

a 8:11. 14:52.

cession of Christ, will in the event appear to have been united against impenitent sinners; yea, the elements and the whole creation will shortly be armed against them to their destruction. The belief of this alarming truth should "warn them to flee from the wrath to come," to confess their sins, to obey the gospel, and to desire the prayers and counsels of its ministers. But when sinners are deeply convinced of their guilt and danger, they need encouragement, lest their fear should lead to despondency. (Note, 2 Cor. 2:5-11.)—In the day of judgment all those things which men have inordinately loved, and for which they have forsaken God, will be found "vain, and such as cannot prost or deliver," even though they were "the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them." Happy then are they, whom the Lord has pleased to make his people! "he will never leave nor forsake them," but will glorify his great name in their eternal salvation. None, however, can know assuredly, that these blessings belong to them, except they attend to "the good and the

generation, whatever be our station or circun stances in life: and to continue "following the LORD," as his accepted servants, is the highest privilege we can enjoy.-The most useful benefactors of mankind, who have spent their lives, and worn out their constitutions, in unceasing labors for the good of others, must not be surprised, if they are at length cast off with neglect and ingratitude: but when the perverseness of their brethren prevents them from doing all that good which they desired to do, they should still do all the good they can. This is a general PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. rule for all: those who cannot rule may teach, The favored few, who have walked before and those who cannot teach may pray, and set God from childhood to old age, while they look an edifying example; and no provocations should back on their past lives with gratitude, as the tempt us to sin against God in ceasing to pray sure evidence of acceptance, and as confirming for our children, relations, friends, people, feltheir expectation of eternal glory; may receive low-sinners, or even our inveterate enemies. this satisfaction, and the "rejoicing in the testi-Yet the prayers of the church, and the intermony of their consciences," as a gracious recompense from the Lord; and may speak of them, in order to induce young persons to seek and serve him without delay. There are seasons, when we are called on to vindicate our own characters and conduct before men, and to shew them how conscientiously we have acted towards them: but it should be always done in subserviency to their conviction and edification. We may very properly touch on this subject, when we can thus convey useful instructions to our juniors or successors: and men may recede from public stations with comfort, when they can extort even from their opposers and despisers a testimony to their integrity. The honor, rendered to those who are concluding their course, differs widely from the applause and congratulation which many receive, when they first step forth before the public eye. This indeed often terminates in disgrace and contempt: it is therefore unworthy of our wishes, and ought surely never to move a wise man's envy or discontent, though rendered to others at his expense. (Notes, 2 Sam. 15. 1-6. 18:9-18. 1 Chr. 29:20,26-right way, and fear the LORD, and serve him 28.)-Prosperity in sin is no proof of impunity; and sinners never more need to be warned, than when successful in their undertakings.-But the servants of God, though ill treated, should be careful not to expostulate too much with those by whom they have been injured; but to "reason with them of the righteous acts of the LORD," of his truth and mercy, and of their conduct towards him, for their humiliation.- CHAP. XIII. V. 1, 2. The language in the Our safe and happy state consists in a willing original, "Saul was the son of one year in his dependence on God, and subjection to him: but reigning; and when he had reigned two years we are apt to affect independence, and to re- over Israel," (marg.) is differently interpreted: fuse obedience, by which we exchange substan- but probably it only means, according to the tial good for an empty shadow: for the greatest Hebrew idiom, that during the first year nothing outward prosperity contributes nothing to our remarkable occurred; but after two years, (or felicity, except when it induces us to fear and in the second year of his reign,) the subsequent serve God, and to obey his voice; and is im- events took place. The passage seems to refer proved as a talent in doing good to men.-Diso-to the transactions at Gilgal recorded in the bedience ensures misery from generation to former chapters. Perhaps those events did not 501

with all their heart:" (Notes, Jer. 32:38—41. John 10:26-31. 1 Pet. 1:3-5.) and if "we consider what great things he hath done for us," especially in the work of our redemption and regeneration, we cannot want motive, or encouragement, or assistance for so doing.

NOTES.

3 And Jonathan smote the garrison || of the Philistines that was in Geba: 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 six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea-shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Beth-aven.

7 And some of the Hebrews went ove Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead: as for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people : followed him trembling.

8 And he "tarried seven days according to the set time that Samuel had ap pointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal, and the people were scattered from him. 9 And Saul said, Bring hither a burntoffering to me, and peace-offerings. And ° he offered the burnt-offering.

10 And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burntoffering, behold, Samuel came; and P Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.

11 And Samuel said, a What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that 6 When the men of Israel saw that the people were scattered from me, and they were in a strait, (for the people were that thou camest not within the days apdistressed,) then the people did hide them-pointed, and that the Philistines gathered selves in caves, and in thickets, and in themselves together at Michmash; rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

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take place, till the second year after he had been first appointed by the Lord to be king over Israel. (Notes, 10:1,17-27. 11:6-15. 12:1.) When he dismissed the rest of the multitude, he retained three thousand chosen men, for his own defence and that of his country; which he divided between himself and his son Jonathan.

1 Lev. 26:17,36,37. Deut. 28:25.
m Num. 32:1-5,33-42. Deut.
3:12. Josh. 13:24-31.

Heb. trembled after him.
Deut. 20.8. Judg. 7:3. Hos.
11:10,11.

n 10:8.

o 12,13. 14:18. 15:21,22. Deut.
12:6. 1 Kings 3:4. Ps. 37:7.

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Prov. 15:8. 20:22. 21:3,27. Is. 66:3.

15:13.

Heb. bless him. 15:13. Ruth 2:4. Ps. 129:8.

q Gen. 3:13, 4:10. Josh. 7:19. 2 Sam. 3:24. 2 Kings 5:25.

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

ous deliverance which he intended to effect for them. (Notes, 12:14,15. 14:11-23.)

V. 5. Thirty thousand chariots.] The Philistines had doubtless collected troops on this emergency from all the surrounding nations; but the number of chariots of war here stated is immensely large beyond all example, (Ex. 14: 7. Judg. 4:3. 2 Sam. 10:18. 1 Kings 10:26. Ps. 68:17.) and wholly disproportioned to the number of their horsemen. Commentators therefore conjecture, that their carriages for baggage and all other uses are included.

that most of them deserted, and either hid themselves, or passed over Jordan, to be out of the reach of the enemy; while the few who remained with Saul, trembled as they followed him. (Notes, Deut. 20:5-9. Judg. 6:2,3. 7:2,3. Is. 42:2225.)

V. 3, 4. After Saul had defeated Nahash, and had been confirmed in the kingdom; and after he had joined with Samuel in offering sacrifices, and had obtained the benefit of his prayers; it must be concluded that he ought to have marched directly with his victorious army V. 6, 7. The numerous and well appointed against the Philistines, who possessed strong-army of the Philistines so terrified the people, holds in the land, and had become very formidable; and that true policy required this of him. (Notes, 9:16. 11:12-15.) But it is probable, that he was elated with success, pleased || with the shew of royalty, and disposed to ease and indulgence. Thus the favorable opportunity was lost, te ardor of his followers was suffered V. 8, 9. (Note, 10:8.) According to the dito abate, and perhaps some of them were dis-rection before given, and perhaps since repeatgusted: and the Philistines, doubtless learning ed, Saul waited for Samuel till the close of the that a king had been chosen, with a view to de- seventh day: but, being impatient of his situaliver Israel from their power; assiduously em- tion; displeased perhaps with Samuel for not ployed the time given them, in preparing for coming sooner, and attributing the people's terwar, and in weakening and disarming the Israel- ror and desertion to his absence, and the want of tes. In the mean while Jonathan, probably by some token of the Lord's presence; and fearing Saul's command, smote a garrison of the Philis- lest the others also should leave him; he protines; so that "Israel was had in abomination by ceeded to offer sacrifices. This was contrary to the Philistines," who resented it as an indignity, the express injunctions, which had been laid and probably regarded it as an act of rebellion upon him to wait for Samuel; who, having preagainst their authority: thus they were exceed- sented burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, with ingly exasperated; and when Saul at length solemn prayers and supplications, would have sounded the alarm, the people either did not shewn him how he ought to proceed, in the present come to him, or they speedily deserted him.-In difficult emergency, that he might ensure success. all these measures Saul seems to have been very-As no priest is mentioned, it has been thought impolitic: (Note, 11:12-15.) but the Lord intended to chastise the people for their sins, to expose their folly in expecting that a king could save them, and to prepare the way for a glori- ||

that Saul, presuming on his kingly authority, usurped the priesthood also: but this is doubtful, It is certain, however, that he took too much upon him, and thought it was fit the prophet should wait

12 Therefore said I, The Philistines || and the people that were present with will come down now upon me to Gilgal, them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but and I have not made supplication unto the Philistines encamped in Michmash. the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt-offering.

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13 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.

14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue; the LORD nath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be a captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.

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

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'for the king, rather than the king for the 'prophet. He entrenched upon the priest's 'office, or upon the prophet's, or upon Bp. Patrick.

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

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

19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:

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

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

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came to him afterwards, (15:1,13,34,35.) it is conjectured that the sentence was not irreverboth.'sible; but that, if Saul had repented of this sin, and been more obedient in future, he might notwithstanding have been continued in the kingdom.--When no more than six hundred men remained with Saul, and even these "followed him trembling," he must have been greatly affected with the alteration which had taken place, since he was followed by three hundred thousand men of Israel, and thirty thousand of Judah, in warring against Nahash. (Note, 11:6-11.)— A man after his own heart. (14) Marg. Ref. z.

V. 10-12. When Samuel came, Saul went out to "salute" or bless him, as one well satisfied with what he had done. (Notes, 15:13,14. Ps. 36:2.) But when he perceived by Samuel's pointed question, that he disapproved of his conduct, (Marg. Ref. q. Noles, Gen. 3:9-13. 4:10 -12.) he attempted to excuse himself by the plea of necessity; and stated that being in such circumstances of extreme peril and distress, he had, with much reluctance proceeded to offer sacrifice, lest the Philistines should attack him before he had performed his devotions.-He might, however, without blame and with great propriety, have poured out his prayers to God, and thus have waited for Samuel.

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

V. 17, 18. (Marg. Ref.) These invaders and plunderers, going in three different directions, would exceedingly harass and distress all the towns and villages of Israel, now left open to their incursions, without the least defence; so that the miseries, which the people endured, must have been much greater than at first glance it may appear.

V. 19-21. During all the forty years' oppression by the Philistines, they seem to have used the policy of forbidding the Israelites to practise the trade of smiths; (Note, Judg. 5:8.) as the Chaldeans afterwards carried the smiths

captive out of the land. (2 Kings 24:14. Jer. 24:1.) And after the termination of that entire slavery, the Israelites did not readily re-assume the trade; but, as the Philistines had garrisons in many parts of the land, they were accustomed to go to the smiths resident in them, for such work as needed to be done: and these would doubtless exact an exorbitant price for their labor, and also exert themselves in preventing the Israelites from learning or practising their trade. Thus the Philistines had artfully obtained a most important advantage: and, it is probable, they had been more assiduous than common, while they expected that Saul would make war on them; so that at the important

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crisis, the Israelites were almost destitute armor. The impolicy of Saul, and the abject spirit of the people, were thus manifested: but the Lord over-ruled it, to shew the greatness of his power in the deliverance and victory of his people, when thus circumstanced.-Many parts of the land were too distant from Philistia for the Israelites to go thither on every occasion, and the Philistines had garrisons in the land: so that the interpretation above given is most natural, as well as generally adopted.

V. 22. The Israelites used bows, slings, and javelins in war, and with these it is probable the people were armed. Perhaps the Philistines had seized the armor which they had used against Nahash, after they were dispersed: (Notes, 11:6—11.) and it is probable, that many who had armor had deserted. However, it was so ordered in providence, that none in the remaining little company, except Saul and Jonathan, had either sword or spear. Thus the Israelites, who expected to look formidable under kingly government, were made to appear very contemptible: (Notes, 8:1-5.) not that the Lord had forsaken his people; but because he would humble them, and shew them, that the victory did not depend upon swords and spears, but upon the favor and assistance of the Almighty. (Notes, 14:1-15. Judg. 7:2—22.)

God: but without waiting for an answer, he assaults the Phi listines; being joined by the Hebrews who had deserted or hid themselves, 17-23. His rash curse, against such as ate that day, hinders the completion of the victory; and Jonathan, not knowing what had passed, violates it, 24-30. The people fly upon the spoil, and are hardly restrained from eating with the blood, 31-34. Saul builds an altar; and asks counsel of God, but is not answered, 35-37. Jonathan, taken by lot and sentenced to die, is rescued by the people, 38-46. Saul's victories and family, 47-52.

NOW

OW it came to pass upon a day, that a Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armor, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison that is on the other side: but he told not his father.

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oferable wrath, when no way of concealment or escape will remain for them! (Notes, Rev. 6: 15-17.)-Those who in trouble are actuated by pride and impatience, involve themselves in still deeper guilt and misery, by their foolish expedients to extricate themselves.-Our observance of the Lord's directions, will always be proportioned to our simplicity of dependence on his promises, and submission to his will: and those who are most dilatory in doing their duty, are commonly the most impatient of delay in waiting his time of deliverance.-Our disposition to obey or disobey will often be decisively proved by our behavior in apparently small things: (Note, Gen. 3:6.) and such as most neglect the duties of their own station, are most forward to censure the supposed negligence of others. Men destitute of inward piety, are frequently most scrupulously attached to the forms of godliness: nay, they fancy that the Lord will accept them, because they force themselves to act contrary to their own inclinations, or even to the dictates of their natural conscience!We are commanded not to "speak evil of rulers;" yet those who are called to address them in the name of God, must point out very plainly the folly and evil of their conduct, and remind them of his anger against the workers of iniqui ty, without respect of persons: for though a prince may not in this life forfeit his throne or his dignity, by his offences against God; yet if he die impenitent, he will certainly lose his soul in the world to come. How empty then are those distinctions, from which so many are hurried into everlasting misery!-We have, by sin, forfeited felicity; but unbelief and impenitence ratify that forfeiture: and those who have undeniably broken the commandments of God, and yet persist in excusing and justifying themselves, are evidently both impenitent and unbelieving. The trouble of all such as continue in this spirit, must certainly increase; and, as they refuse to submit to God, they must be reduced to the most abject misery in the slavery of sin. But, while the Lord "pours contempt upon princes, and brings to nought all the honorable of the earth," he will deliver his people by his own power: and while he shames such as trust in man, and aspire to greatness and pre-eminence in outward things; he will honor those who humbly and in faith expect help from him alone.

V. 23. It is supposed, that between Michmash and Gibeah, each situated on a hill, there was a valley, called "the passage of Michmash;" into which the garrison of the Philistines "went out," either to challenge the Israelites to battle, or in order to make an assault upon Gibeah. (15,16. 14:4,5.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Our sanguine expectations from creatures are sure to end in disappointment; and when we resolve to choose for ourselves, we shall certainly have cause to repent of our choice: indeed, when men are lifted up in self-sufficiency, they are often left to the most unaccountable infatuation. The chief advantages of the enemies of the church are derived from the misconduct of its professed friends: for when these act inconsistently with justice and fidelity, religious people, without discrimination, are looked upon with abhorrence and contempt. Yet, while sinners are meditating revenge, the Lord often restrains their malice by invisible hindrances, and uses their machinations for the chastisement of his people.-Deep resentment and great power united, occasion much consternation; and CHAP. XIV. V. 1. No doubt, Jonathau in men thus terrified, flee or hide themselves from this critical state of affairs in Israel was extheir fellow-creatures, and for a time, and on cited, by an immediate divine impulse, to assault zome occasions, with success. How then will the formidable oppressors of his people: and by the terror of the Almighty appal the wicked, in the same admonition he was kept from inform. the approaching day of his inevitable and intol-ing the soldiers; and even from consulting his

NOTES.

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