heart. 2 And Saul tarried in the uttermost || behold, I am with thee according to thy part of Gibeah, under a pomegranatetree, which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men; 8 Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them. m 9 If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto 3 And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, e I-chabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD's priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people them. f knew not that Jonathan was gone. 4 And between the passages by which Jonathan sought to go over to 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 Seneh. 5 The fore-front of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah. * 10 But if they say 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 liscovered 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 an swered Jonathan and his armor-bearer. 6 And Jonathan said to the young and said, P Come up to us, and we will man that bare his armor, Come, and let shew you a thing. And Jonathan said us go over unto the garrison of these unto his armor-bearer, Come up after h uncircumcised: it may be that the me, for the LORD hath delivered them LORD will work for us; j for there is no re-into the hand of Israel. straint to the LORD, to save by many or by few. father, who might have opposed his design. Indeed Saul's transgression excluded him from sharing the honor of that deliverance, which God intended to vouchsafe to his afflicted people. (Notes, 13:13-15,22.) 13 And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armor-bearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armor-bearer slew after him. V. 6-10. The faith of Jonathan was doubtless in general very strong, and his armorbearer was a man of the same spirit as himself: but the thought of thus attacking this immense army was doubtless suggested to Jonathan's V. 2, 3. (13:15,16. Note, 22.) After Sam- mind immediately from God, and his faith and uel had left Saul, it seems that the latter sent expectation increased in proportion. He was for Ahiah, or Ahimelech, the great grandson of||enabled, with reference to his own conduct, to Eli, the LORD's priest in Shiloh. Ahitub was view the almighty power of God, as sufficient for the elder brother of I-chabod; (Note, 4:19-22.)||his safeguard in the midst of the Philistines; and and his son was at this time high priest, and so wore the ephod, and the breast-plate of judgment with Urim and Thummim. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, Ex. 28:30. Num. 27:21.) Saul therefore having him in the camp, with his priestly garments; and, as it is probable, having fetched the ark thither also (18); appeared to himself and to the people, to have abundant tokens of God's presence with him: and he could now inquire of the Lord, without being liable to Samuel's sharp reproofs; hoping perhaps, that Ahiah would be more compliant to his inclinations. (Notes, 22: 13-16.) The fate of Eli's sons, and the total defeat of Israel, when presumptuous measures of the same kind were resorted to, should have convinced him that this confidence of the favor of God was foolish and delusory. (Notes, 4:3-11.) V. 4, 5. (Marg. Ref.) The hand of God was very visible, in restraining the very numerous army of the Philistines from assaulting the small company of the Israelites; (13:5.) so that they generally kept themselves entrenched in a fortified camp, in an almost inaccessible situation, as still fearing their enfeebled enemies. also to save Israel by him and his armor-bearer, as well as by the most numerous and powerful army. (Deut. 32:30,31. Notes, Judg. 3:31. 15:14-17. Is. 30:15-17.)-Considering the Israelites as the covenant-people of God, who were oppressed by the uncircumcised Philistines, he expected that the Lord would appear for them in the same wonderful manner, as he had done for their fathers in former times. (Note, 17:25,26.) But, for fuller satisfaction in this matter, he and his armor-bearer agreed upon a token, according to which their proceedings were to be determined: if warned by the Philistines to wait till they were attacked, they would consider it as a divine monition, to act only upon the defensive; but if they called to them to come up, they would take it as a signal to climb the steep rock and attack them. (Notes, Gen. 24:11-14. Judg. 7:13-15.)-Such extraordinary attempts and triumphs of faith, directed by immediate divine monition, are recorded for our admiration, and our encouragement in more ordinary services; and not for our imitation B. C. 1073. CHAPTER XIV. * an c 14. And that first slaughter, which Jon-||that was in the host of the Philistines 15 And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people; the garrison, and " the spoilers, they alsc trembled; and the earth quaked: so it was at very great trembling. 16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked: and behold the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another. 17 Then 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 armor-bearer were not there. 18 And Saul said unto Ahiah, a Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel. 19 And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the *Or, half a furrow of an acre. Kings 7:6,7. Job 18:11. u 13:17,23. Ps. x Ex. 19:18. Matt. 24:7. 27: Heb. trembling of God, Gen. 5:24. Dan. 5:6. 2y Ps. 58:7. 68:2. noise z 20. Judg. 7:22. 2 Chr. 20: Num. 27:21. b 5:2. 7:1. Or, tumult. d 21 Moreover, the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp, also turned to be with the Israelites that from the country round about, even they were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 Likewise all the men of Israel which 23 So the LORD saved Israel that [Practical Observations.] 24 T And the men of Israel were disthe people, saying, Cursed be the man tressed that day: for Saul had adjured c 24. 13:11. Josh. 9:14. Ps. Heb. were cried together. d 16. Judg. 7:22. Is. 9:19-21. Judg. 2:18. 2 g Ex. 14:30. 1:7. h. 13:5. i 27-30. Lev. 27:29. Num. Rom. 1 Kings 20:14-21. V. 11-15. It is probable, that Jonathan and (Notes, Judg. 7:16-22. V. 16-22. This confusion in the camp of the his armor-bearer left the camp of Saul, unob- 2 Chr. 14:9-15. 20:20-25.) served, during the night (3); and that early in the morning, they placed themselves in the view Philistines being observed by the sentinels of none were absent from the camp of Israel, but of the Philistines, who in contempt challenged Saul's army; and it being found on inquiry that them to "come up, and they would shew them a no doubt greatly astonished: and Saul prepared thing,' ," meaning that they would cause them to Jonathan and his armor-bearer; the people were His impatient spirit, repent of their audacity. This being the expected token from God, Jonathan assured his to consult the Lord, whether he ought to attack armor-bearer, that the Lord would deliver the the Philistines or no. Philistines by their means into the hands of Is- however, could no more wait for Ahiah's anrael. Thus they both, without hesitation, climb-swer, than for Samuel's arrival: (Note, 13:8,9.) ed up the rock into the enemy's camp, appa- and perceiving the commotion still increasing, emy; though he might justly have questioned, rently rushing into the jaws of destruction. he hastily determined to march against the en'Not in the view of the Philistines, but by some without him, would accept of his assistance. At 'difficult way, which none was ever known to go. whether the Lord, who had begun the work And so perhaps they came behind them and sur'prised them.' Bp. Patrick. This might be the least there could be no need of such haste. case; but the sacred historian does not mention (Note, 30:7-10.) It pleased the Lord indeed to it. However, by the immediate interposition of employ Saul's army, as well as the deserters and God, the Philistines were so confounded at the fugitives, who joined in crushing the Philistines: daring assault, that they fell down before Jona- (Note, Judg. 7:23-25.) yet Saul himself met than, and were killed by his armor-bearer; till with a very humiliating proof, that the divine twenty were slain in a small space, as it seems, interposition was not vouchsafed on his account. without attempting either to fight or to flee. (Notes, 36-46.)-Probably the ark of the covUpon which the whole army was seized with enant was brought into the field on this occa Notes, 4:4,5. 2 Sam. 11:10, trembling and consternation; and an earthquake sion. Yet some think, that the coffer, or chest, "The fight which took place at the same moment, increased in which the ephod and breast-plate were their terror: so that it was "a trembling of God," kept, is meant. V. 23. The battle passed, &c.] (marg. the whole being, not only very great, but altogether miraculous. In consequence of this terror, they supposed the Israelites to be in continued till they came to this place, which as fast as they could the midst of the camp, and began to kill one an-lay westward from Michmash;' (and nearer to other in every part of it. The army being con- Philistia;) and there the Philistines threw down stituted, as it is supposed, of different nations; their arms, and fled [5 (20. Note, 13:5.) the confusion might excite towards their own country.' Bp. Patrick.destruction. with arms in abundance. (Note, 13:22.) mutual jealousies and suspicions, which proved Thus the Israelites would at once be supplied the occasion of their common 11.) that eateth any food until evening, that I|| m 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 dipped 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 straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, P Cursed be the man that eateth 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 tasted 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 I had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines? 33 Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have † transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day. 34 And Saul said, Disperse yourselve among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them 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 slew them there. 35 And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD. 36 T 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 hither unto God. 37 And Saul asked counsel of God, a Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day. 38 And Saul said, Draw ye near hither all the chief of the people? an 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 Or, dealt treacherously. Matt. 7:5. Rom. 2:1. v 7:9,17. Judg. 21:4. Hos. 8:14. Heb. that altar he began to x Josh. 10:9-14,19. Jer. 6:5. z Num. 27:21. Ps. 73:28. Is. 48: a 23:4,9-12. 30:7,8. Judg. 1:1. 20:18,28. 2 Sam. 5:19,23. 1 Kings 22:5,6,15. b 28:6. Ez. 14:3--5. 20:3. c 10:19,20. Josh. 7:14. Heb. corners. Num. 24:17. Judg. 20:2. 2 Sam. 18:3. Ps. 47:9. Zech. 10:4. Matt. 21:42. Eph. 2:20. d 24,44. 19:6. 20:31. 22:16. 23: 10. 2 Sam. 12:5. Ec. 9.2. half roasted, as some explain it; "eating with the blood," must refer to the manner of slaughtering the cattle, without properly separating the blood. (Marg. Ref. u.) In the mean while, Jonathan, being ignorant of the curse, and almost ready to faint with fatigue, had eaten a little honey, by which he was sensibly and visibly revived; so that his eyes, which had been din and languishing, were enlightened and looked lively. He however, thus found himself caught in a snare, and exposed to the most imminen danger of being put to death. He had therefore reason to complain, that his "father had troubled the land," (Notes, 1 Kings 18:17-20.) as bis conduct in every way obstructed the complete success of Israel. V. 24-34. "The people were distressed," with the blood, directly contrary to the law; when they should have been full of joy and tri- until they were restrained by Saul's authority. umph. The absolute prohibition of all food to As Saul's precaution could do nothing to prethe soldiers, for the whole day, was very impol-vent the people eating the flesh raw, or only Itic; though Saul might properly have cautioned them not to waste their time about food, on penalty of his displeasure. But to accompany this prohibition with that awful curse, by which the enemies of God were devoted to utter destruction, was profane and rash in the extreme, (Marg. Ref. i. Note, Lev.27:28,29.) and it was the more inexcusable, in that he did not say, 'that the LORD may avenge Israel on his ene"mies,' but "that I may be avenged on mine enemies."-The people, fearing the curse, abstained, not only from the spoil of the Philistines, but likewise from the honey which was abundantly laid in their way, and with which they might have refreshed themselves without loss of time, and thus have been enabled to make a much greater slaughter of the Philistines: and in the evening, being almost fainting with labor and hunger, some were induced hastily to kill the cattle which they had taken, and to eat the flesh 56] V. 35. It is probable that Saul converted the great stone, on which the cattle had been slaughtered, into an altar on which sacrifices were offered, before the people attempted to swered him. not a man among all the people that an-hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not. 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, Give a perfect lot. Saul and Jonathan were taken: people † escaped. 46 Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place. 47 ¶ So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and P 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 vexTelled them. 42 And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jona than was taken. h 43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die. i 44 And Saul answered, God do so, and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan. 45 And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one proceed any further. He built this his first altar, when, disregarding Samuel, he had begun to apostatize from God! (Notes, Num. 23:1,2. 2|| Kings 18:22. Hos. 8:13,14.) V. 36-44. When the people had refreshed themselves, Saul proposed to them to pursue the army of the Philistines, in order to destroy it entirely; to which they readily consented. But Ahiah, having been before interrupted by Saul's impatience, very properly counselled them to inquire of the Lord; and when no answer was returned, Saul justly conIcluded that the Lord was offended, and desired to discover the cause. (Marg. Ref. x-b.) But, if he had been humbly sensible of the evil of his own past conduct, he would have concluded himself to be the culprit. (Notes, 28:6. Ez. 14:|| 1—5. 20:1—3.) The Lord, however, was pleased, that the conduct of Jonathan, who had unwarily exposed himself to the curse denounced by his father, should be discovered, as the cause why he did not answer the high priest's inquiries: that the people might understand how much they were interested in the conduct of their king; and be convinced of their folly in rejecting the government of a pious prophet whose prayers brought down blessings, for that of a king whose curses brought down wrath upon them. (Notes, 7: 8:) In the same ash and profane spirit as in the former instance, Saul, before the lots were cast, sware by the Lord, that even if Jonathan were the offender, he should surely die; without knowing whether the crime committed deserved death, or whether it might not be expiated by a sinoffering. And after the lots had been cast, (with prayer, as probably was the constant 48 And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. practice,) and Jonathan was taken; Saul with affected sternness, without any humiliation for his own sin in thus rashly troubling Israel; as one who appeared zealous for the glory of God, and the obligation of an oath, while in reality tenacious of his own will and authority; and with execrations on himself, proceeded to denounce the sentence of death upon his own pious son! (Notes, 15:15. Gen. 38:24-26. 2 Sam. 12:26-31.) Give a perfect lot. (41) "Shew the innocent." |(Marg.) V. 45, 46. The people judged rightly, that the guilt was contracted by Saul, and that the rebuke was intended for him, and not for Jonathan; and therefore they rescued him, by whom God had given them this extraordinary deliverance, from the hands of his severe father. Saul could not but desire the life of his son: yet considering him as decidedly preferred before himself, both by the Lord and by Israel; knowing that Jonathan's deliverance was a severe reproof of his rashness; and perhaps apprehending, as he had abundant cause to do, that his repeated curses would light on his own head; he returned home apparently dissatisfied and displeased. (Notes, 1 Kings 20:38-43.) Thus the opportunity of completing the destruction of the Philistines was lost: nor could it be expected, that an expedition, which was begun and conducted so very ill, should terminate without some evident tokens of the divine displeasure against Saul; though the Lord's love to Israel was displayed in an unparalleled manner, by means of the faith and courage of his pious son Jonathan.-Through Saul's misconduct, and as if in answer to his imprecations, B. C. 1073. Jonathan was excluded from the kingdom, and slain with him by the Philistines, when "the LORD did unto him," as he intended to do to his son, and more also;" having indeed devoted him to utter destruction. (44. Notes, 31:2 -6.) pointed means, in order to subvert Satan's V. 24-52. V. 47-52. After the decided victory gained over the Philistines, Saul's authority as king of Israel was re-established: and though the Lord was displeased with him, and purposed to set aside his family; yet he prospered him in the wars which he carried on against the several nations which oppressed Israel.-It is evident that many important transactions of his reign are passed over in silence; and that in general it was more active and successful, (in the forIn the midst of the most glorious success, "one mer part of it especially,) than it appears at first sight to have been. But, to the end of his sinner" often "destroyeth much good:" and rash life, Saul was unable to prevail against the Phi- zeal is as hurtful as timid inaction. It indeed listines, having missed the opportunity which becomes an Israelite to be superior to the cravGod had afforded him: so that, after having hadings of his appetites: but there is neither prusore war with him all his days, the three sons here mentioned fell at last by their hands, and he was driven to murder himself. (Marg. Ref.) -Saul seems to have had only one wife, and Rizpah his concubine. (2 Sam. 21:8-10.) The sons of Saul. (49) Jonathan, 1shui, (called Abinadab, 31:2.) and Melchi-shua, the sons of Saul, were fit to accompany him in his 'wars, and upon that account are only mention'ed here; though he had another son (Ish-bo'sheth) who is mentioned 1 Chr. 8:33, under the 'name of Eth-baal.' Bp. Patrick. (Marg. Ref.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-23. || dence nor piety in restraining men from partaking of the bounty of Providence, when placed honestly within their reach; and when it is so used as to prepare them for his service, and encourage rather than hinder them in it. They are indeed “troublers of Israel," who prohibit such use of those good things which "God giveth us richly to enjoy:" the curses, with which they sanction their antichristian mandates, will fall on their own heads; and they will be answerable for all the consequences: for restraints from things lawful generally prove temptations to forbidden indulgences, and a superstitious zeal about externals has often hindered men from performing essential services to the church. (Note, 1 Tim. 4:1-5.)-When rulers, by authority, would withThe same principle, as induces men to seek hold men from transgression, while they set them relief from the accusations of conscience, by an example of disobedience to God, they cannot abounding in the externals of religion, will reasonably expect success. We are too much in lead them to seek refuge from the warnings haste in our most important employments, if we and reproofs of faithful ministers, by paying do not allow ourselves time to consult the Lord court to others, who, either out of mistake, ti- and seek his blessing; and ministers should plainmidity, or unfaithfulness, give them less dis-ly remind those, who are running into this common mistake.-When our prayers are not anturbance in sin: but God will shew a marked disapprobation of such attendance on his own swered, we may safely conclude that iniquity ordinances, or profession of his truths, as is in- withholds good from us, and we should make diltended to quiet the conscience, or support the igent search for it: but we should always first credit, of sinners, who persist in disobeying the suspect and examine ourselves; whereas an unplain precepts of his holy word.-Hypocrites humbled heart suspects every other person, and often detect their indifference, even about the looks every where but to himself, for the sinful cause of calamity!-Those who are indulgent to religion which they professedly choose; for as it has no practical energy upon them, a small their own sins, are generally severe in animadmatter induces them to dispense with the use-verting on the faults of others: and such as most less form.-No warnings nor examples are suf- disregard God's authority, are most impatient ficient to convince men of the folly and danger when their own commands appear to be slighted, of trusting in the forms of godliness, while or their reputation eclipsed; and, by severity they neglect the power of it; but from age to against minute deviations, real or supposed, they age multitudes proceed in the same destructive frequently endeavor to varnish over their own path. (Note, 2 Tim. 3:1-5.) Yet, blessed be enormous transgressions.-Those who delight in God, every age also produces illustrious instan- cursing, are in extreme danger of falling under ces of those, who being strong in faith give glo- the awful curse of God: (Note, Ps. 109:6-20.) ry to God; and its triumphs are proportioned to and the habit of swearing will certainly involve its strength. While we are obeying the com. a man in the guilt of perjury, as well as of promands of God, trusting his protection, and seek- faneness; for though now concealed, his iniquity will be "sure to find him out."—No oath can bind ing his glory, neither the sense of our own weakness, nor the power of our enemies should us to commit injustice: but the rash swearer dismay us; "for there is no restraint to the should repent of his iniquity, and not add one LORD to save by many or by few." We are crime to another; and all men should join to resnot indeed warranted at present to expect mi-cue the innocent from punishment.-In this raculous interpositions: yet the feeblest instru- world, if they who have "wrought with God," and ment, who sincerely and in faith uses the ap-have been remarkably useful to his people, es |