burnt-offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till lace come to thee, and show thee what thou shalt do. 10 And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. 11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime 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? said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets? 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 12 And one of the same place answered, and the LORD to Mizpeh ;* p c. 13. 8. shoulder. I turned. q ver. 6. c. 11. 6. a man to his of the prophets was built upon it; and such respect did even Philistines themselves pay to religion, that a garrison of their soldiers suffered a school of God's prophets to live peaceably by them, and did not only not dislodge them, but not restrain or disturb the public exercises of their devotion. (2.) Upon what occasion; he should meet a company of prophets with music before them, prophesying, and with them he should join himself. These prophets were not (as it should seem) divinely inspired to foretel things to come, nor did God reveal himself to them by dreams and visions, but they employed themselves in the study of the law, in instructing their neighbours, and in the acts of piety, especially in praising God, wherein they were wonderfully assisted and enlarged by the Spirit of God. It was happy for Israel, that they had not only prophets, but companies of prophets, who gave them good instructions, and set them good examples, and helped very much to keep up religion among them. Now the word of the Lord was not precious, as it had been when Samuel was first raised up, who had been instrumental in founding these colleges, or religious houses, whence, it is probable, the synagogues took their rise. What pity was it that Israel should be weary of the government of such a man, who, though he had not, as a man of war, expelled the Philistines, yet (which was a greater kindness to Israel) had, as a man of God, settled the schools of the prophets! Music was then used as a proper means to dispose the mind to receive the impressions of the good Spirit, as it did Elisha's, (2 Kings 3. 15;) but we have no reason to look for the same benefit by it now, unless we saw it as effectual as it was then in Saul's case, to drive away the evil spirit. These prophets had been at the high place, probably, offering sacrifice, and now they came back singing psalms. We should come from holy ordinances with our hearts greatly enlarged in holy joy and praise. See Ps. 138. 5. Saul should find himself strongly moved to join with them, and should be turned thereby into another man from what he had been while he lived in a private capacity. The Spirit of God, by his ordinances, changes men, wonderfully transforms them; Saul, by praising God in the communion of saints, became another man, but whether a new man or no, may be questioned. III. He directs him to proceed in the administration of his government, as Providence should lead him, and as Samuel should advise him. 1. He must follow Providence in ordinary cases; (v. 7,) "Do as occasion shall serve thee. Take such measures as thine own prudence shall direct thee." But, 2. In an extraordinary strait that would hereafter befall him at Gilgal, and would be the most critical juncture of all other, when he would have special need of divine aids, he must wait for Samuel to come to him, and must tarry seven days in expectation of him, v. 8. How his failing in this matter proved his fall we find afterward, ch. 13. 11. It was a plain intimation to him, that he was upon his good behaviour, and, though a king, must act under the direction of Samuel, and do as he should order him. The greatest of men must own themselves in subjection to God and his word. V. 9-16. Saul has now taken his leave of Samuel, much amazed, we may well suppose, at what had been done to him, almost ready to question whether he was awake or no, and whether it be not all a dream. Now here we are told, I. What occurred by the way, v. 9. Those signs which Samuel had given him, came to pass very punctually; but that which gave him the greatest satisfaction of all, was this, he found immediately that God had given him another heart. A new fire was kindled in his breast, such as he had never before been acquainted with: seeking his asses is quite out his mind, and he thinks of nothing but fighting the Philistines, redressing the grievances of Israel, making laws, administering justice, and providing for the public safety: these are the things that now fill his head. He finds himself raised to such a pitch of boldness and bravery, as he never thought he should have been conscious of. He has no longer the heart of a husbandman, that is low, and mean, and narrow, and concerned only about his corn and cattle; but the heart of a statesman, a general, a prince. Whom God calls to service he will make fit for it. If he advance to another station, he will give another heart, to those who sincerely desire to serve him with their power. II. What occurred when he came near home; they came to the hill, (v. 10,) that is, to Gibeah, or Geba, which signifies a neighbour. r c. 19. 20, 24. John 7. 15, 16. from thence. c. 7, 5, 6. hill; and so the Chaldee here takes it as a proper name; he met with the prophets as Samuel had told him, and the Spirit of God came upon him; strongly and suddenly, so the word signifies; but not so as to rest and abide upon him. It came on so as to go off quickly: however, for the present, it had a strange effect upon him; for he immediately joined with the prophets in their devotion, and that with as much decorum, and as great a transport of affection, as any of them; He prophesied among them. Now, 1. His prophesying was publicly taken notice of, v. 11, 12. He was now among his acquaintance, who, when they saw him among the prophets, called one another to come and see a strange sight. This would prepare them to accept of him as a king, though one of themselves, when they had seen how God had advanced him to the honour of a prophet. The seventy elders prophesied before they were made judges, Num. 11. 25. Now, (1.) They all wondered to see Saul among the prophets. What is this that is come to the son of Kish? Though this school of the prophets was near his father's house, yet he had never associated with them nor showed them any respect, perhaps had sometimes spoken slightly of them; and now to see him prophesying among them, was a surprise to them, as it was long after, when his namesake, in the New Testament, preached that Gospel which he had before persecuted, Acts 9. 31. Where God gives another heart, it will soon show itself. (2.) One of them, that was wiser than the rest, asked, "Who is their father, or instructer? Is it not God? Are they not all taught of him? Do they not all owe their gifts to him? And is he limited? Cannot he make Saul a prophet, as well as any of them, if he pleases?" Or, "Is not Samuel their father?" Under God, he was so; and Saul had now lately been with him, which, by his servant, he might know. No marvel for him to prophesy, who lay, last night, under Samuel's roof. (3.) It became a proverb, commonly used in Israel, when they would express their wonder at a bad man's either becoming good, or, at least, being found in good company, Is Saul among the prophets? Note, Saul among the prophets, is a wonder to a proverb. Let not the worst be despaired of, yet let not an external show of devotion, and a sudden change for the present, be too much relied on; for Saul among the prophets, was Saul still. But, 2. His being anointed was kept private. When he had done prophesying, (1.) It should seem he uttered all his words before the Lord, and recommended the affair to his favour, for he went straight to the high place, (v. 13,) to give God thanks for his mercies to him, and to pray for the continuance of those mercies. But, (2.) He industriously concealed it from his relations. His uncle, who met with him either at the high place, or as soon as he came home, examined him, v. 14. Saul owned, for his servant knew it, that they had been with Samuel, and that he told them the asses were found, but said not a word of the kingdom, v. 14, 15. This was an instance, [1.] Of his humility; many a one would have been so elevated with this surprising elevation, as to proclaim it upon the house-top. But Saul, though he might please himself with it, in his own breast, did not pride himself in it among his neighbours. The heirs of the kingdom of glory are well enough pleased that the world knows them not, I John 3.1. [2.] Of his prudence. Had he been forward to proclaim it, he would have been envied, and he knew not what difficulty that might have created him. Samuel had communicated it to him as a secret, and he knows how to keep counsel. Thus it appears, that he had another heart, a heart fit for government. [3.] Of his dependence upon God. He does not go about to make an interest for himself, but leaves it to God to carry on his own work by Samuel, and for his own part, sits still, to see how the matter will fall. V. 17-27. Saul's nomination to the throne is here made public, in a general assembly of the elders of Israel, the representatives of their respective tribes at Mizpeh. It is probable that this convention of the states was called as soon as conveniently it might, after Saul was anointed, for if there must be a change in their government, the sooner the better: it might be of bad consequence to be long in the doing. The people being met in a solemn assembly, in which God was, in a peculiar manner, present, (and therefore it is said, they were called together unto the Lord, v. 17,) Samuel acts for God among them. I. He reproves them for casting off the government of a prophet, and desiring that of a captain. He shows them, (v. 18,) how happy they had been under the divine government; when 18 And said unto the children of Israel, Thus 'saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: 19 And "ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved "you out of all your adversities, and your tribulations: 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. 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. 22 Therefore they inquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD Judg. 2. 2. 6. 8, 9. Neh. 9. 9, &c. u c. 8. 7, 19. 12. 12. Ps. 106. 8-10, Is. 63. 9. Jer. 3. 23. w Josh. 7. 14, &c. z c. 9. 2. Let the king live. 1 Kings 1. 25, God ruled them, he delivered them out of the hand of them that oppressed them, and what would they desire more? Could the mightiest man of valour do that for them, which the Almighty God had done? He likewise shows them, (v. 19,) what an affront they had put upon God, (who had himself saved them out of all their tribulations, by his own power, and by such as he had immediately called and qualified, in desiring a king to save them. He tells them, in plain terms, " Ye have this day rejected your God, ye have, in effect, done it, so he construes it, and he might justly, for your so doing, reject you." They that can live better by sense than by faith, that stay themselves upon an arm of flesh rather than upon the Almighty arm, forsake a Fountain of living waters for broken cisterns. And some make their obstinacy in this matter, to be a presage of their rejecting Christ, in casting off whom, they cast off God, that he should not reign over them. II. He puts them upon choosing their king by lot: he knew whom God had chosen, and had already anointed him, but he knew also the peevishness of that people, and that there were those among them, who would not acquiesce in the choice, if it depended upon his single testimony; and therefore that every tribe, and every family of the chosen tribe, might please themselves with having a chance for it, he calls them to the lot, v. 19. Benjamin is taken out of all the tribes, (v. 20,) and out of that tribe Saul the son of Kish, v. 21. By this method it would appear to the people, as it already appeared to Samuel, that Saul was appointed of God to be king, for the disposal of the lot is of the Lord. It would also prevent all disputes and exceptions, for the lot causeth contention to cease, and parteth between the mighty. When the tribe of Benjamin was taken, they might easily foresee that they were setting up a family that would soon be put down again, for dying Jacob had, by the spirit of prophecy, entailed the dominion upon Judah; that is the tribe that must rule as a lion, Benjamin shall only ravin as a wolf, Gen. 49. 10, 27. Those therefore that knew the scriptures, could not be very fond of the doing of that which they foresaw must, ere long, be undone again. III. It is with much ado, and not without further inquiries of the Lord, that Saul is at length produced. When the lot fell upon him, every one expected he should answer to his name at the first call, but, instead of that, none of his friends could find him, (v. 21,) he had hid himself among the stuff, v. 22. So little fond was he now of that power, which yet, when he was in possession of, he could not without the utmost indignation think of parting with. He withdrew, in hopes that, upon his not appearing, they would proceed to another choice; or thus to express his modesty, for, by what had already passed, he knew he must be the man. We may suppose he was at this time really averse to take upon him the government, 1. Because he was conscious to himself of unfitness for so great a trust. He had not been bred up to books, or arms, or courts, and feared he should be guilty of some fatal blunder. 2. Because it would expose him to the envy of his neighbours that were ill affected toward him. 3. Because he understood by what Samuel had said, that the people sinned in asking a king, and it was in anger that God granted their request. 4. Because the affairs of Israel were at this time in a bad posture: the Philistines were strong, the Ammonites threatening, and he must be bold indeed, that will set sail in a storm. But the congregation, believing that choice well made, which God himself made, would leave no way untried to find him out, on whom the lot fell. They inquired of the Lord, either by the high priest, and his breastplate of judgment, or by Samuel, and his spirit of prophecy; and the Lord directed them where they should find him, hid among the carriages, and thence they fetched him, v. 23. Note, None will be losers at last by their humility and modesty. Honour, like the shadow, follows those that flee from it, but flees from those that pursue it. IV. Samuel presents him to the people, and they accept of him. He needed not mount the bench or scaffold, to be seen; when he stood upon even ground with the rest, he topped them all, answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff. 23 And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people, from his shoulders and upward. 24 And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king! 25 Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house. 26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched. 27 But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents: but he theld his peace. 39. 2 Kings 11. 12. y c. 11. 4. z Deut. 13. 13. 2 Chr. 13. 7. & 2 Sam. 8. 2. 1 Kings 4. 21. 10. 25. 2 Chr. 17. 5. Ps. 72. 10. tor, was as though he had been deaf. was seen above them all, for he was taller than any of them by head and shoulders, v. 23. "Look you," said Samuel, "what a king God has chosen for you, just such a one as you wished for; there is none like him among all the people, that has so much majesty in his countenance, and such a graceful stateliness in his mien; he is in the crowd like a cedar among the shrubs. Let your own eyes be judges, is he not a brave and gallant man?" The people hereupon signified their approbation of the choice, and their acceptance of him; they shouted and said, Let the king live; that is, Let him long reign over us, in health and prosperity." Subjects were wont to testify their affection and allegiance to their prince, by their good wishes, and those turned (as our translation does this) into addresses to God, Ps. 72. 15. Prayer shall be made for him continually, Ps. 20. 1. Samuel had told them, they would soon be weary of their king, but, in the mind they are now in, they will never be so: Let him live. V. Samuel settles the original contract between them, and leaves it upon record, v. 25. He had before told them the manner of the king, (ch. 8. 11,) how he would abuse his power; now he tells them the manner of the kingdom, or rather, the law, or judgment, or constitution of it; what power the prince might challenge, and the utmost of the property the subject might claim. He fixed the landmarks between them, that neither might encroach upon the other; let them rightly understand one another at first, and let the agreement remain in black and white, and that will preserve a good understanding between them ever after. The learned Bishop Patrick thinks he now repeated and registered what he had told them, (ch. 8. 11,) of the arbitrary power their kings would assume that it might hereafter be a witness against them, that they had drawn the calamity upon themselves, for they were warned what it would come to, and yet they would have a king. VI. The convention was dissolved, when the solemnity was over; Samuel sent every man to his house. Here were no votes passed, nor, for aught that appears, so much as a motion made, for the raising of money to support the dignity of their new elected king; if therefore he afterward think fit to take what they do not think fit to give, (which yet it was necessary that he should have,) they must thank themselves. They went every man to his house, pleased with the name of a king over them, and Saul also went home to Gibeah, to his father's house, not puffed up with the name of a kingdom under him. At Gibeah, he had no palace, no throne, no court, yet thither he goes. If he must be a king, as one mindful of the rock out of which he was hewn, he will make his own city the royal city, nor will he be ashamed (as too many are, when they are preferred) of his mean relations, Such an humble spirit as this puts a beauty and lustre upon great advancements. The condition rising, and the mind not rising with it, behold, how good and pleasant it is! But how did the people stand affected to their new king? The generality of them, it should seem, did not show themselves much concerned, they went every man to his own house, their own domestic affairs lay nearer their hearts than any interests of the public; this was the general temper. But, 1. There were some so faithful as to attend him, (v. 26,) a band of men whose hearts God had touched. Not the body of the people, but a small company, who, either because they were fond of their own choice of a king, or because they were pleased with God's choice of this king, or because they have so much more sense than their neighbours, as to conclude, that if he were a king, he ought to be respected accordingly, went with him to Gibeah, as his lifeguard. They were those whose hearts God had touched, in this instance, to do their duty. Note, Whatever good there is in us, or is done by us, at any time, it must be ascribed to the grace of God. If the heart bend at any time the right way, it is because he has touched it. One touch is enough, when it is divine. 2. There were others so spiteful as to affront him; children of Belial, men that would endure no yoke, that would be pleased with nothing that either God or Samuel did; they CHAPTER XI. In this chapter, we have the first-fruits of Saul's government, in the glorious rescue of Jabesh-gilead out of the hands of the Ammonites. Let not Israel thence infer that therefore they did well to ask a king, God could and would have saved them without one; but let them admire God's goodness, that he did not reject them, when they rejected him, and acknowledge his wisdom in the choice of the person, whom, if he did not find fit, yet he made fit, for the great trust he called him to, and enabled, in some measure, to merit the crown by his public services, before it is fixed on his head by the public approbation. Here is, 1. The great extremity to which the city of Jabesh-gilead was reduced, on the other side Jor dan, by the Ammonites, v. 1-3. II. Saul's great readiness to come to their attempt, by which tiod signalized him, V. 11. IV. Saul's tenderness, notwith relief, whereby he signalized himself, v. 4-10. III. The good success of his standing this, toward those that had opposed him, v. 12, 13. V. The public confirmation and recognition of his election to the government, v. 14, 15. THEN Nahashathe the HEN Nahash "the Ammonite came up, and enmen of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee. 2 And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, a c. 12. 12. b Judg. 21. 8, &c. els. 36. 16. Ez. 17. 13. d Prov. 12. 10. despised him, (v. 27,) for the meanness of his tribe and family, the smallness of his estate, and privacy of his education; and they said, How shall this man save us? Yet they did not propose any man more likely nor, whomsoever they had, must their salvation come from the man, but from God. They would not join with their neighbours in testifying an affection to him and his government, by bringing him presents, or addressing him upon his accession to the crown. Perhaps, those discontented spirits were most earnest for a king, and yet, now that they had one, they quarrelled with him, because he was not altogether such a one as themselves. It was reason enough for them not to like him, because others did. Thus differently are men affected to our exalted Redeemer. God hath set him King upon the holy hill of Zion. There is a remnant that submit to him, rejoice in him, bring him presents, and follow him wherever he goes; and they are such whose hearts God has touched, whom he has made willing in the day of his power. But there are others who despise him, who ask, How shall this man save us? They are offended in him, stumble at his external meanness, and they will be broken by it. Lastly, How did Saul resent the bad conduct of those that were disaffected to the government? He held his peace; margin, He was as though he had been deaf. He was so far from resenting it, that he seemed not to take notice of it. Which was an evidence, both of his humility and modesty, and the mercifulness of his disposition, and also, that he was well satisfied with his title to the crown; for those are commonly most jealous of their honour, and most revengeful of affronts, that gain their power by improper means. Christ held his peace, when he was affronted, for it was the day of his patience; but there is a day of recompense coming. NOTES TO CHAPTER XI. V. 1-4. The Ammonites were bad neighbours to those tribes of Israel that lay next them, though descendants from just Lot, and, for that reason, dealt civilly with by Israel. See Deut. 2. 19. Jephthah, in his time, had humbled them, but now the sin of Israel had put them into a capacity to make head again, and avenge that quarrel. The city of Jabesh-gilead had been, some ages ago, destroyed by Israel's sword of justice, for not appearing against the wickedness of Gibeah, (Judg. 21. 10;) and now being replenished again, probably, by the posterity of those that then escaped the sword, it is in danger of being destroyed by the Ammonites, as if some bad fate attended the place. Nahash, king of Ammon, (1 Chr. 19. 1,) laid siege to Now here, it. 1. The besieged beat a parley; (v. 1,) “ Make a covenant with us, and we will surrender upon terms, and serve thee." They had lost the virtues of Israelites, else they had not thus lost the valour of Israelites, nor tamely yielded to serve an Ammonite, without one bold struggle for themselves. Had they not broken their covenant with God, and forsaken his service, they needed not thus to have courted a covenant with a Gentile nation, and offered themselves to serve them. that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel. 3 And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, *Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messeners unto all the coast of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee. 4 Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people 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, the men of Jabesh. that they weep? And they told him the tidings of 6 And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly. 7 And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them e c. 17. 26. Forbear us. f e. 15. 94. 2 Sam. 21.6. g c. 10. 10. made them desperate, and they would rather have died with their swords in their hands, than have surrendered to such merciless enemies; therefore Nahash, not imagining it possible that, in so short a time, they should have relief, and being very secure of the advantages he thought he had against them, in a bravado, gave them seven days, that the reproach upon Israel, for not rescuing them, might be the greater, and his triumphs the more illustrious. But there was a providence in it, that his security might be his infatuation and ruin. 4. Notice is sent of this to Gibeah. They said they would send messengers to all the coasts of Israel, (v. 3,) which made Nahash the more secure, for that, he thought, would be a work of time, and none would be forward to appear, if they had not one common head; and, perhaps, Nahash had not yet heard of the new elected king; but the messengers, either of their own accord, or by order from their masters, went straight to Gibeah, and not finding Saul within, told their news to the people, who fell a weeping upon it, v. 4. They would sooner lament their brethren's misery and danger, than think of helping them; shed their tears for them, than shed their blood. They wept, as despairing to help the men of Jabesh-gilead, and fearing, lest, if that frontier city were lost, the enemy would penetrate into the very bowels of their country, which now appeared in great hazard. V. 5-11. What is here related, turns very much to the honour of Saul, and shows the happy fruits of that other spirit with which he was endued. Observe here, I. His humility. Though he was appointed king, and accepted by the people, yet he did not think it below him to know the state of his own flocks, but went himself to see them, and came in the evening, with his servants, after the herd out of the field, v. 5. This was an evidence that he was not puffed up with his advancement, as those are most apt to be, that are raised from a mean estate. Providence had not yet found him business as a king, he left all to Samuel; and therefore, rather than be idle, he would, for the present, apply himself to his country business again; though the sons of Belial would, perhaps, despise him the more for it; such as were virtuous and wise, and loved business themselves, would think never the worse of him. He had no revenues settled upon him for the support of his dignity, and he was desirous not to be burdensome to the people; for which reason, like Paul, he worked with his hands; for if he neglect his domestic affairs, how must he maintain himself and his family? Solomon gives it as a reason why men should look well to their herds, because the crown doth not endure to every generation, Prov. 27. 23, 24. Saul's did not, he must therefore provide something surer. II. His concern for his neighbours. When he perceived them in tears, he asked, "What ails the people that they weep? Let me know, that, if it is a grievance which can be redressed, I may help them, and that, if not, I may weep with them." Good magistrates are in pain, if their subjects be in tears. III. His zeal for the safety and honour of Israel. When he heard of the insolence of the Ammonites, and the distress of a city, a mother in Israel, the Spirit of God came upon him, and put great thoughts into his mind, and his anger was kindled greatly, v. 6. He was angry at the insolence of the Ammonites, angry at the mean and sneaking spirit of the men of Jabesh-gilead, angry that they had not sent him notice sooner of the Ammonites' descent, and the extremity they were likely to be reduced to. He was angry to see his neighbours weeping, when it had been fitter for them to have prepared for war. It was a brave and generous fire that was now kindled in the breast of Saul, and such as became his high station. 2. The besiegers offer them base and barbarous conditions; they will spare their lives, and take them to be their servants, upon condition that they shall put out their right eyes, v. 2. The Gileadites were content to part with their liberty and estates, for the ransom of their blood; and had the Ammonites taken them at their word, the matter had been so settled immediately, and the Gileadites would not have sent out for relief: but their abject concessions make the Ammonites more insolent in their demands, and they cannot be content to have them their servants, but, (1.) They must torment them, and put them to pain, IV. The authority and power he exerted, upon this imporexquisite pain, for so the thrusting out of an eye would be. tant occcasion; he soon let Israel know, that, though he was (2.) They must disable them for war, and render them incapa-retired to his privacy, he had a care for the public, and knew ble, though not of labour, (that would have been a loss to their lords,) yet of bearing arms; for in those times they fought with shields in their left hands, which covered their left eye, so that a soldier without his right eye, was, in effect, blind. (3.) They must put a reproach upon all Israel, as weak and cowardly, that would suffer the inhabitants of one of their chief cities to be thus miserably used, and no' offer to rescue them. 3. The besieged desire, and obtain, seven days' time to consider of this proposal, v. 3. If Nahash had not granted them this respite, we may suppose the horror of the proposal would have how to command men into the field, as well as how to drive cattle out of the field, v. 5, 7. He sent a summons to all the coasts of Israel, to show the extent of his power beyond his own tribe, even to all the tribes, and ordered all the military men forthwith to appear in arms at a general rendezvous in Bezek. Observe, 1. His modesty, in joining Samuel in commission with himself; he would not execute the office of a king, without a due regard to that of a prophet. 2. His mildness, in the penalty threatened against those that should disobey his orders. He hews a yoke of oxen in pieces, and sends the pieces to the several cities of 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 Bezek,* the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. 9 And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, To-morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and showed it to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad. 10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, To-morrow we will come out "unto you, and ye shall do with us all that seemeth good unto you. 11 And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put Judg. 19. 29. i Judg. 21. 5-10. as one man. Judg. 20. 1. Judg. 1. 5. tor, deliverance. I c. 31. 11. m ver. 3. Israel, threatening, with respect to him who should decline the public service, not, "Thus shall it be done to him," but, "Thus shall it be done to his oxen,' God had threatened it as a great judgment, (Deut. 28. 31,) Thine ox shall be slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof. It was necessary that the command should be enforced with some penalty, but this was not near so severo as that which was affixed to the like order by the whole congregation, Judg. 21. 5. Saul wished to show that his government was more gentle than that which they had been under. The effect of this summons was, that the militia, or trained bands, of the nation, came out as one man, and the reason given is, because the fear of the Lord fell upon them. Saul did not affect to make them fear him, but they were influenced to observe his orders by the fear of God, and a regard to him who had made Saul their king, and them members one of another. Note, Religion and the fear of God will make men good subjects, good soldiers, and good friends to the public interests of their country. They that fear God, will make conscience of their duty to all men, particularly to their rulers. V. His conduct and prudent proceedings in this great affair, v. 8. He numbered those that came in to him, that he might know his own strength, and how to distribute his forces in the best manner their numbers would allow. It is the honour of princes to know the numbers of their men, but it is the honour of the King of kings that there is not any number of his armies, Job 25. 3. In this muster, it seems, Judah, though numbered by itself, made no great figure, for as it was one tribe of twelve, so it was but an eleventh part of the whole number, thirty thousand three hundred and thirty; though the rendezvous was at Bezek, in that tribe; they wanted either the numbers, or the courage, or the zeal, that that tribe used to be famous for; so low was it, just before the sceptre was brought into it in David. VI. His faith and confidence, and (grounded on that) his courage and resolution in this enterprise. It should seem that those very messengers which brought the tidings from Jabeshgilead, Saul sent into the country to raise the militia, who would be sure to be faithful and careful in their own business, and them he now sends back to their distressed countrymen, with this assurance, (in which, it is probable, Samuel encouraged him,)" To-morrow, by such an hour, before the enemy can pretend that the seven days are expired, you shall have deliverance, v. 9. Be you ready to do your part, and we will not fail to do ours. Do you sally out upon the besiegers, while we surround them." Saul knew he had a just cause, a clear call, and God on his side, and therefore doubted not of success. This was good news to the besieged Gileadites, whose right eyes had wept themselves dry for their calamities, and now began to fail with looking for relief, and to ache in expectation of the doom of the ensuing day, when they must look their last; the greater the exigence, the more welcome the deliverance. When they heard it, they were glad, relying on the assurances that were sent them. And they sent into the enemies' camp, (v. 10,) to tell them, that next day they would be ready to meet them, which the enemies understood as an intimation that they despaired of relief, and so were made the more secure by it; if they took not care by sending out scouts, to rectify their own mistake, they must thank themselves if they were surprised, the besieged were under no obligation to give them notice of the help they were assured of. VII. His industry and close application to this business. If he had been bred up to war from his youth, and had led regiments as often as he had followed droves, he could not have gone about an affair of this nature more dexterously, or more diligently. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. A vast army (especially in comparison with the present usage) Saul had now at his foot, and a long march before him, near sixty miles, and over Jordan too. No cavalry in his army, but all infantry, which he divides into three battalions, v. 11. And observe, 1. With what incredible swiftness he flew to the enemy; in a day and a night, he came to the place of action, where his own fate, and that of Israel, must be determined. He had passed his word, and would not break it: nay, he was better than his word, for he promised help next day, by that time the the people in three "companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning-watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together. : 12 And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death. 13 And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to-day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel. 14 Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. 15 And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace-offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly. n Judg. 7. 16. o c. 10. 27. p Luke 19. 27. 9 c. 14. 45. 2 Sam. 19. 22. r c. 19. 5. Is. 59. 16. c. 10. 8. sun was hot, (v. 9,) but brought it before day, in the morning watch, v. 11. Whom God helps, he helps right early, Ps. 46. 5. 2. With what incredible bravery he flew upon the enemy; betimes in the morning, when they lay dreaming of the triumphs they expected that day over the miserable inhabitants of Jabeshgilead, before they were aware, he was in the midst of their host; and his men, being marched against them in three columns, surrounded them on each side, so that they could have neither heart nor time to make head against him. Lastly, To complete his honour, God crowned all those virtues with success. Jabesh-gilead was rescued, and the Ammonites totally routed; he had now the day before him to complete his victory in; and so complete a victory it was, that they which remained, after a great slaughter, were scattered so that two of them were not left together, to encourage or help one another, v. 11. We may suppose that Saul was the more vigorous in this matter, 1. Because there was some alliance between the tribe of Benjamin and the city of Jabesh-gilead. That city had declined joining with the rest of the Israelites to destroy Gibeah, which was then punished as their crime, but, perhaps, was now remembered as their kindness, when Saul of Gibeah came with so much readiness and resolution to relieve Jabesh-gilead. Yet that was not all; two thirds of the Benjamites that then remained, were provided with wives from that city, (Judg. 21. 14,) so that most of the mothers of Benjamin were daughters of Jabesh-gilead, for which city, Saul, being a Benjamite, had therefore a particular kindness; and we find they returned his kindness, ch. 31. 11, 12. 2. Because it was the Ammonites' invasion that induced the people to desire a king, (so Samuel says, ch. 12. 12,) so that if he had not done his part in this expedition, he had disappointed their expectations, and had for ever forfeited their respect. V. 12-15. We have here the improvement of that glorious victory which Saul had obtained, not the improvement of it abroad, (though we take it for granted that the men of Jabeshgilead, having so narrowly saved their right eyes, would with them now discern the opportunity they had of avenging themselves upon these cruel enemies, and disabling them ever to straiten them in like manner again; now shall they be avenged on the Ammonites, for their right eyes condemned, as Samson on the Philistines, for his two eyes put out, Judg. 16. 28,) but the account here given, is of the improvement of it at home. I. The people took this occasion to show their jealousy for the honour of Saul, and their resentment of the indignities done him. Samuel, it seems, was present, if not in the action, (it was too far for him to march,) yet to meet them when they returned victorious; and to him, as judge, the motion was made, (for they knew Saul would not be judge in his own cause,) that the sons of Belial that would not have him to reign over them, should be brought forth and slain, v. 12. Saul's good fortune (as foolish men commonly call it) went further with them to confirm his title, than either his choice by lot, or Samuel's anointing of him. They had not courage thus to move for the persecution of those that opposed him, when he himself looked mean, but now that his victory made him look great, now, nothing will serve but they must be put to death. II. Saul took this occasion to give further proofs of his clemency, for, without waiting for Samuel's answer, he himself quashed the motion; (v. 13,) There shall not a man be put to death this day, no, not those men, those bad men, that had abused him, and therein reflected on God himself: 1. Because it was a day of joy and triumph; "To-day the Lord has wrought salvation in Israel; and since God has been so good to us all, let us not be harsh one to another. Now that God has made the heart of Israel in general so glad, let not us make sad the hearts of any particular Israelites." 2. Because he hoped they were by this day's work brought to a temper, were now convinced that this man, under God, could save them; now honoured him whom before they had despised; and, if they be but reclaimed, he is secured from receiving any disturbance by them, and therefore his point is gained; if an enemy be made a friend, that is more to our advantage than to have him slain. And all good princes consider that their power is for edification, not for destruction. CHAPTER XII. We left the general assembly of the states together, in the close of the foregoing chap government into the hands of Saul. In which, 1. He clears himself from all auspicion or imputation of mismanagement, while the administration was in his hands, v. 1-5. II. He reminds them of the great things God had done for them, and for their fathers, v. 6-13. III. He sets before thein good and evil, the blessing and the curse, v. 14, 15. IV. He awakens them to regard what he said to ter; in this chapter, we have Samuel's speech to them, when he resigned the them, by calling to God for thunder, v. 16-19. V. He encourages them with hopes that all should be well, v. 20-25. This is his farewell sermon to that august assembly, and Saul's coronation sermon. 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 aught of any man's hand. 5 And he said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, And they answered, He is witness. AND Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have that 'ye have not found, aught in my hand. hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said "unto me, and have made a king over you. 2 And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and gray-headed; 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 cox have a c. 8, 5, 19, 20. bc. 10. 24. 11. 14, 15. e Num. 16. 15. Acts 20. 33. 2 Cor. 12. 14. ⚫ ransom. ↑ or, that I should hide mine eyes at him. III. Samuel took this occasion to call the people together before the Lord in Gilgal, v. 14, 15. 1. That they might publicly give God thanks for their late victory. There they rejoiced greatly, and, that God might have the praise of that which they had the comfort of, they sacrificed to him, as the Giver of all their successes, sacrifices of peace-offerings. 2. That they might confirm Saul in the government, more solemnly than it had been yet done, that he might not retire again to his obscurity. Samuel would have the kingdom renewed; he would renew his resignation, and the people should renew their approbation, and so, in concurrence with, or rather in attendance upon, the divine nomination, they made Saul king, making it their own act and deed to submit to him. NOTES TO CHAPTER XII. 6 And Samuel said unto the people, It is the d Deut. 16. 19. e Ex. 22. 4. f Acts 24. 16, 20. or, made. l. 1. 18. Mic. III. Upon this appeal, he is honourably acquitted; he did not expect that they should do him honour at parting, though he well deserved it, and therefore mentioned not any of the good services he had done them, for which they ought to have applauded him, and returned him the thanks of the house; all he desired was, that they should do him justice, and that they did, (v. 4,) readily owning, 1. That he had not made his government oppressive to them, nor used his power to their wrong. 2. That he had not made it expensive to them; "Neither hast thou taken aught of any man's hand, for the support of thy dignity." Like Nehemiah, he did not require the bread of the governor, (Neh. 5. 18;) had not only been righteous, but generous; had coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel, Acts 20. 33. Now observe, (1.) What it is that Samuel here acquits himself from. [1] He had never, under any pretence whatsoever, taken that which was not his own, ox or ass; had never distrained their cattle for tribute, fines, or forfeitures, nor used V. 1-5. Here, their service without paying for it. [2.] He had never deI. Samuel gives them a short account of the late revolution, frauded those with whom he dealt, nor oppressed those that and of the present posture of their government, by way of pre- were under his power. [3.] He had never taken bribes to perface to what he had further to say to them, v. 1, 2. 1. For his vert justice, nor was ever biassed, by favour or affection, to own part, he had spent his days in their service; he began be- give judgment in a cause against his conscience. (2.) How he times to be useful among them, and had continued long so. "I appeals to those that had slighted him concerning it; "Here I have walked before you, as a guide to direct you, as a shepherdam; witness against me, if you have any thing to lay to my that leads his flock, (Ps. 80. 1,) from my childhood unto this charge; do it now before the Lord, and the king, the proper day" (as soon as he was illuminated with the light of prophecy judges." He puts honour upon Saul, by owning himself acin his early days, he began to be a burning and shining light to countable to him, if he had been guilty of any wrong. Israel:)" and now my best days are done; I am old and grayheaded" therefore they were the more unkind to cast him off; yet therefore he was the more willing to resign, finding the weight of government heavy upon his stooping shoulders. Old, and therefore the more able to advise them; and the more observant they should be of what he said, for days shall speak, and the multitude of years shall teach wisdom; and there is a particular reverence owing to the aged, especially aged magistrates, and aged ministers. "Old, and therefore not likely to live long; perhaps, may never have an opportunity of speaking to you again, and therefore take notice of what I say. 2. As for his sons: 66 Behold," (says he,) "they are with you; you may, if you please, call them to an account for any thing they have done amiss. They are present with you, and have not, upon this revolution, run their country; they are upon the level with you, subjects to the new king as well as you; if you can prove them guilty of any wrong, you may prosecute them now by a due course of law, punish them, and oblige them to make restitution." 3. As for their new king, Samuel had gratified them in setting him over them; (v. 1,) "I have hearkened to your voice in all that ye said to me, being desirous to please you, if it were possible, and make you easy, though to the discarding of myself and family; and now, will you hearken to me, and take my advice?" The change was now perfected; "Behold, the king walketh before you, (v. 2;) he appears in public, ready to serve you in public business. Now that you have made yourselves like the nations in your civil government, and have cast off the divine administration in that, now take heed lest you make yourselves like the nations in religion, and cast off the worship of God." II. He solemnly appeals to them concerning his own integrity in the administration of the government; (v. 3,) Witness against me, whose or have I taken? By this he intended, 1. To convince them of the injury they had done him, in setting him aside, when they had nothing amiss to charge him with; his government had no fault, but that it was too cheap, too easy, too gentle. Also of the injury they had done themselves, in turning off one that did not so much as take an ox or an ass from them, to put themselves under the power of one that would take from them their fields and vineyards, nay, and their very sons and daughters, (ch. 8. 11;) so unlike would the manner of the king be from his manner. 2. To preserve his own reputation: they that heard of Samuel's being rejected as he was, would be ready to suspect, that certainly he had done some bad thing, or he had never been so ill treated; so that it was necessary for him to make this challenge, that it might appear upon record, that it was not for any iniquity in his hands that he was laid aside, but to gratify the humour of a giddy people, who owned they could not have a better man to rule them, only they! IV. This honourable testimony borne to Samuel's integrity, is left upon record to his honour; (v. 5,) The Lord is Witness, who searcheth the heart, and his anointed is witness, who trieth overt acts; and the people agree to it, He is witness. Note, The testimony of our neighbours, and especially the testimony of our own consciences for us, that we have in our places lived honestly, will be our comfort, under the slights and contempts that are put upon us. Demetrius is a happy man, that has a good report of all men, and of the truth itself, 3 John 12. V. 6-15. Samuel having sufficiently secured his own reputation, instead of upbraiding the people upon it, with their unkindness to him, sets himself to instruct them, and keep them in the way of their duty, and then the change of the government would be the less damage to them. I. He reminds them of the great goodness of God to them, and to their fathers; gives them an abstract of the history of their nation, that, by the consideration of the great things God had done for them, they might be for ever engaged to love him and serve him. "Come," says he, (v. 7,)" stand still, in token of reverence, when God is speaking to you; stand still in token of attention and composedness of mind, and give me leave to reason with you." Religion has reason on its side, Is. 1. 18. The work of ministers is to reason with people; not only to exhort and direct, but to persuade; to convince men's judgments, and so to gain their wills and affections. Let reason rule men, and they will be good. He reasons of the righteous acts of the Lord; that is, both the benefits he has bestowed upon you, in performance of his promises, and the punishments he has inflicted on you for your sins." His favours are called his righteous acts, (Judg. 5. 11,) because in them he is just to his own honour. He not only puts them in mind of what God had done for them in their days, but of what he had done of old, in the days of their fathers, because the present age had the benefit of God's former favours. We may suppose that his discourse was much larger than as here related. 1. He reminds them of their deliverance out of Egypt; into |
