mh_parser/vol_split/9 - 1Samuel/Chapter 14.xml

<div2 id="iSam.xv" n="xv" next="iSam.xvi" prev="iSam.xiv" progress="30.91%" title="Chapter XIV">
<h2 id="iSam.xv-p0.1">F I R S T   S A M U E L</h2>
<h3 id="iSam.xv-p0.2">CHAP. XIV.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iSam.xv-p1">We left the host of Israel in a very ill posture,
in the close of the foregoing chapter; we saw in them no wisdom,
nor strength, nor goodness, to give us ground to expect any other
than that they should all be cut off by the army of the
Philistines; yet here we find that infinite power which works
without means, and that infinite goodness which gives without
merit, glorified in a happy turn to their affairs, that still
Samuel's words may be made good: "The Lord will not forsake his
people, for his great name's sake," (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.12.22" parsed="|1Sam|12|22|0|0" passage="1Sa 12:22"><i>ch.</i> xii. 22</scripRef>. In this chapter we have,
I. The host of the Philistines trampled upon, and triumphed over,
by the faith and courage of Jonathan, who unknown to his father
(<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.1-1Sam.14.3" parsed="|1Sam|14|1|14|3" passage="1Sa 14:1-3">ver. 1-3</scripRef>), with his
armour-bearer only, made a brave attack upon them, encouraging
himself in the Lord his God, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.4-1Sam.14.7" parsed="|1Sam|14|4|14|7" passage="1Sa 14:4-7">ver.
4-7</scripRef>. He challenged them (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.8-1Sam.14.12" parsed="|1Sam|14|8|14|12" passage="1Sa 14:8-12">ver. 8-12</scripRef>), and, upon their acceptance of
the challenge, charged them with such fury, or rather such faith,
that he put them to flight, and set them one against another
(<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.13-1Sam.14.14" parsed="|1Sam|14|13|14|14" passage="1Sa 14:13-14">ver. 13-15</scripRef>), which
gave opportunity to Saul and his forces, with other Israelites, to
follow the blow, and gain a victory, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.16-1Sam.14.23" parsed="|1Sam|14|16|14|23" passage="1Sa 14:16-23">ver. 16-23</scripRef>. II. The host of Israel
troubled and perplexed by the rashness and folly of Saul, who
adjured the people to eat no food till night, which 1. Brought
Jonathan to a præmunire, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.24-1Sam.14.30" parsed="|1Sam|14|24|14|30" passage="1Sa 14:24-30">ver.
24-30</scripRef>. 2. Was a temptation to the people, when the time
of their fast had expired, to eat with the blood, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.31-1Sam.14.35" parsed="|1Sam|14|31|14|35" passage="1Sa 14:31-35">ver. 31-35</scripRef>. Jonathan's error,
through ignorance, had like to have been his death, but the people
rescued him, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p1.9" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.36-1Sam.14.46" parsed="|1Sam|14|36|14|46" passage="1Sa 14:36-46">ver.
36-46</scripRef>. III. In the close we have a general account of
Saul's exploits (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p1.10" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.47-1Sam.14.48" parsed="|1Sam|14|47|14|48" passage="1Sa 14:47,48">ver. 47,
48</scripRef>) and of his family, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p1.11" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.49-1Sam.14.52" parsed="|1Sam|14|49|14|52" passage="1Sa 14:49-52">ver. 49-52</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iSam.xv-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14" parsed="|1Sam|14|0|0|0" passage="1Sa 14" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iSam.xv-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.1-1Sam.14.15" parsed="|1Sam|14|1|14|15" passage="1Sa 14:1-15" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.14.1-1Sam.14.15">
<h4 id="iSam.xv-p1.14">Jonathan Smites the
Philistines. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p1.15">b. c.</span> 1067.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xv-p2">1 Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan
the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come,
and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that <i>is</i> on
the other side. But he told not his father.   2 And Saul
tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree
which <i>is</i> in Migron: and the people that <i>were</i> with him
<i>were</i> about six hundred men;   3 And Ahiah, the son of
Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the
<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p2.1">Lord</span>'s priest in Shiloh, wearing an
ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.   4 And
between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the
Philistines' garrison, <i>there was</i> a sharp rock on the one
side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one
<i>was</i> Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.   5 The
forefront of the one <i>was</i> situate northward over against
Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.   6 And
Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let
us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that
the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p2.2">Lord</span> will work for us: for
<i>there is</i> no restraint to the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p2.3">Lord</span> to save by many or by few.   7 And his
armourbearer said unto him, Do all that <i>is</i> in thine heart:
turn thee; behold, I <i>am</i> with thee according to thy heart.
  8 Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto
<i>these</i> men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.  
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 them.  
10 But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for
the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p2.4">Lord</span> hath delivered them into
our hand: and this <i>shall be</i> a sign unto us.   11 And
both of them discovered 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 answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and
said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan
said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p2.5">Lord</span> hath delivered them into the hand of
Israel.   13 And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon
his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before
Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him.   14 And that
first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was
about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land,
<i>which</i> a yoke <i>of oxen might plow.</i>   15 And there
was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people:
the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth
quaked: so it was a very great trembling.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p3">We must here take notice,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p4">I. Of the goodness of God in restraining
the Philistines, who had a vast army of valiant men in the field,
from falling upon that little handful of timorous trembling people
that Saul had with him, whom they would easily have swallowed up at
once. It is an invisible power that sets bounds to the malice of
the church's enemies, and suffers them not to do that which we
should think there is nothing to hinder them from.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p5">II. Of the weakness of Saul, who seems here
to have been quite at a loss, and unable to help himself. 1. He
pitched his tent under a tree, and had but 600 men with him,
<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.2" parsed="|1Sam|14|2|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. Where were now
the 3000 men he had chosen, and put such a confidence in? <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.13.2" parsed="|1Sam|13|2|0|0" passage="1Sa 13:2"><i>ch.</i> xiii. 2</scripRef>. Those whom he
trusted too much to failed him when he most needed them. He durst
not stay in Gibeah, but got into some obscure place, in the
uttermost part of the city, under a pomegranate-tree, under
<i>Rimmon</i> (so the word is), <i>Ha-Rimmon,</i> that Rimmon near
Gibeah, in the caves of which those 600 Benjamites that escaped his
themselves, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:Judg.20.47" parsed="|Judg|20|47|0|0" passage="Jdg 20:47">Judg. xx. 47</scripRef>.
Some think that there Saul took shelter, so mean and abject was his
spirit, now that he had fallen under God's displeasure, every hour
expecting the Philistines upon him, and thereby the accomplishment
of Samuel's threatening, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p5.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.13.14" parsed="|1Sam|13|14|0|0" passage="1Sa 13:14"><i>ch.</i>
xiii. 14</scripRef>. Those can never think themselves safe that see
themselves cast out of God's protection. 2. Now he sent for a
priest, and the ark, a priest from Shiloh, and the ark from
Kirjath-jearim, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p5.5" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.3 Bible:1Sam.14.18" parsed="|1Sam|14|3|0|0;|1Sam|14|18|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:3,18"><i>v.</i> 3,
18</scripRef>. Saul had once offended by offering sacrifice
himself, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p5.6" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.13.9" parsed="|1Sam|13|9|0|0" passage="1Sa 13:9"><i>ch.</i> xiii.
9</scripRef>. Now he resolves never to fall into that error again,
and therefore sends for a priest, and hopes to compromise the
matter with God Almighty by a particular reformation, as many do
whose hearts are unhumbled and unchanged. Samuel, the Lord's
prophet, had forsaken him, but he thinks he can make up that loss
by commanding Ahiah, the Lord's priest, to attend him, and
<i>he</i> will not make him stay for him nor reprove him, as Samuel
had done, but will do just as he bids him, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p5.7" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.18-1Sam.14.19" parsed="|1Sam|14|18|14|19" passage="1Sa 14:18,19"><i>v.</i> 18, 19</scripRef>. Many love to have such
ministers as will be what they would have them to be, and prophesy
smooth things to them; and their caressing them because they are
priests, they hope, will atone for their enmity to those ministers
that deal faithfully and plainly with them. He will also have the
ark brought, perhaps to upbraid Samuel, who in the days of his
government, for aught that appears, had not made any public use of
it; or in hopes that this would make up the deficiency of his
forces; one would have supposed that they would never bring the ark
into the camp again, since, the last time, it not only did not save
them, but did itself fall into the Philistines' hands. But it is
common for those that have lost the substance of religion to be
most fond of the shadows of it, as here is a deserted prince
courting a deserted priest.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p6">III. Of the bravery and piety of Jonathan,
the son of Saul, who was much fitter than the father to wear the
crown. "A sweet imp (says bishop Hall) out of a crab-stock."</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p7">1. He resolved to go
<i>incognito</i>—<i>unknown to any one,</i> into the camp of the
Philistines; he did not acquaint his father with his design, for he
knew he would forbid him; nor the people, for he knew they would
all discourage him, and, because he resolved not to heed their
objections, he resolved not to hear them, nor ask their advice,
<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.1 Bible:1Sam.14.3" parsed="|1Sam|14|1|0|0;|1Sam|14|3|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:1,3"><i>v.</i> 1, 3</scripRef>. Nor had
he so great an opinion of the priest as to consult him, but, being
conscious of a divine impulse putting him upon it, he threw himself
into the mouth of danger, in hope of doing service to his country.
The way of access to the enemies' camp is described (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.4-1Sam.14.5" parsed="|1Sam|14|4|14|5" passage="1Sa 14:4,5"><i>v.</i> 4, 5</scripRef>) as being peculiarly
difficult, and their natural entrenchments impregnable, yet this
does not discourage him; the strength and sharpness of the rocks do
but harden and whet his resolutions. Great and generous souls are
animated by opposition and take a pleasure in breaking through
it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p8">2. He encouraged his armour-bearer, a young
man that attended him, to go along with him in the daring
enterprise, (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.6" parsed="|1Sam|14|6|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>):
"<i>Come, and let us</i> put our lives in our hands, <i>and go over
to the</i> enemies' <i>garrison,</i> and try what we can do to put
them into confusion." See whence he draws his encouragements. (1.)
"They are uncircumcised, and have not the seal of the covenant in
their flesh, as we have. Fear not, we shall do well enough with
them, for they are not under the protection of God's covenant as we
are, cannot call him theirs as we can, by the sign of
circumcision." If such as are enemies to us are also strangers to
God, we need not fear them. (2.) "God is able to make us two
victorious over their unnumbered regiments. <i>There is no
restraint in the Lord,</i> no limitation to the holy One of Israel,
but it is all one to him <i>to save by many or by few.</i>" This is
a true easily granted in general, that it is all alike to
Omnipotence what the instruments are by which it works; and yet it
is not so easy to apply it to a particular case; when we are but
few and feeble then to believe that God can not only save us, but
save by us, this is an instance of faith, which, wherever it is,
shall obtain a good report. Let this strengthen the weak and
encourage the timid: let it be pleaded with God for the enforcing
of our petitions and with ourselves for the silencing of our fears:
<i>It is nothing with God to help, whether with many or with those
that have no power,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.14.11" parsed="|2Chr|14|11|0|0" passage="2Ch 14:11">2 Chron. xiv.
11</scripRef>. (3.) "Who knows but he that can use us for his glory
will do it? <i>It may be the Lord will work for us,</i> work with
us, work a sign or miracle for us." So the Chaldee. We may
encourage ourselves with hope that God will appear for us, though
we have not ground on which to build an assurance. An active faith
will venture far in God's cause upon an <i>it may be.</i>
Jonathan's armour-bearer, or esquire, as if he had learned to
carry, not his arms only, but his heart, promised to stand by him
and to follow him whithersoever he went, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.7" parsed="|1Sam|14|7|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. We have reason to think that
Jonathan felt a divine impulse and impression putting him upon this
bold adventure, in which he was encouraged by his servant's
concurrence, otherwise the danger was so great which he ran upon
that he would have tempted God rather than trusted him. And perhaps
he had an actual regard to that word of Joshua (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p8.4" osisRef="Bible:Josh.23.10" parsed="|Josh|23|10|0|0" passage="Jos 23:10">Josh. xxiii. 10</scripRef>), <i>One man of you shall
chase a thousand,</i> borrowed from Moses, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p8.5" osisRef="Bible:Deut.32.30" parsed="|Deut|32|30|0|0" passage="De 32:30">Deut. xxxii. 30</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p9">3. How bold soever his resolution was, he
resolved to follow Providence in the execution of it, which, he
believed, would guide him <i>with its eye</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Ps.32.8" parsed="|Ps|32|8|0|0" passage="Ps 32:8">Ps. xxxii. 8</scripRef>), and which therefore he would
carefully attend and take hints of direction from. See how he put
himself upon Providence, and resolved to be determined by it.
"Come" (says he to his confidant), "we will discover ourselves to
the enemy, as those that are not afraid to look them in the face
(<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.8" parsed="|1Sam|14|8|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>), and then, if
they be so cautious as to bid us stand, we will advance no further,
taking it for an intimation of Providence that God would have us
act defensively, and we will prepare as well as we can to give them
a warm reception (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.9" parsed="|1Sam|14|9|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:9"><i>v.</i>
9</scripRef>); but if they be so presumptuous as to challenge us,
and the first sentinel we meet with bid us march on, we will push
forward, and make as brisk an onset, assuredly gathering thence
that it is the will of God we should act offensively, and then not
doubting but he will <i>stand by us,</i>" <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.10" parsed="|1Sam|14|10|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>. And upon this issue he puts
it, firmly believing, as we all should, (1.) That God has the
governing of the hearts and tongues of all men, even of those that
know him not, nor have any regard to him, and serves his own
purposes by them, though they mean not so, neither do their hearts
think so. Jonathan knew God could discover his mind to him if he
pleased, and would do it, since he depended upon him, as surely by
the mouth of a Philistine as by the mouth of a priest. (2.) That
God will, some way or other, direct the steps of those that
<i>acknowledge him in all their ways,</i> and seek unto him for
direction, with full purpose of heart to follow it. Sometimes we
find most comfort in that which is least our own doing, and into
which we have been led by the unexpected, but well observed, turns
of Providence.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p10">4. Providence gave him the sign he
expected, and he answered the signal. He and his armour-bearer did
not surprise the Philistines when they were asleep, but discovered
themselves to them by day-light, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.11" parsed="|1Sam|14|11|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>. The guards of the Philistines,
(1.) Disdained them, upbraided them with the cowardice of many of
their people, and looked upon them to be of the regiment of
sneakers: <i>Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of their holes.</i>
If some of Christ's soldiers play the coward, others that play the
man may perhaps be upbraided with it. (2.) They defied them
(<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.12" parsed="|1Sam|14|12|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>): <i>Come,
and we will show you a thing,</i> as if they came like children to
gaze about them; but meaning, as Goliath (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p10.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.17.44" parsed="|1Sam|17|44|0|0" passage="1Sa 17:44"><i>ch.</i> xvii. 44</scripRef>), that they would
<i>give them as meat to the fowls of the air.</i> They bantered
them, not doubting but to make a prey of them. This greatly
emboldened Jonathan. With it he encouraged his servant; he had
spoken with uncertainty (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p10.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.6" parsed="|1Sam|14|6|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:6"><i>v.</i>
6</scripRef>): <i>It may be the Lord will work for us;</i> but now
he speaks with assurance (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p10.5" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.12" parsed="|1Sam|14|12|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:12"><i>v.</i>
12</scripRef>): <i>The Lord has delivered them,</i> not into our
hands (he sought not his own glory), but <i>into the hand of
Israel,</i> for he aimed at nothing but the advantage of the
public. His faith being thus strengthened, no difficulty can stand
before him; he climbs up the rock upon all four (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p10.6" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.13" parsed="|1Sam|14|13|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>), though he has nothing to
cover him, nor any but his own servant to second him, nor any human
probability of any thing but death before him.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p11">5. The wonderful success of this daring
enterprise. The Philistines, instead of falling upon Jonathan, to
slay him, or take him prisoner, fell before him (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.13" parsed="|1Sam|14|13|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>) unaccountably, upon the first
blows he gave. They fell, that is, (1.) They were many of them
slain by him and his armour-bearer, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.14" parsed="|1Sam|14|14|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>. Twenty Philistines fell
presently. It was not so much the name of Jonathan that made them
yield so tamely (though some think that this had become terrible to
them, since he smote one of their garrisons, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.13.3" parsed="|1Sam|13|3|0|0" passage="1Sa 13:3"><i>ch.</i> xiii. 3</scripRef>), but it was God's right
hand and his arm that got him this victory. (2.) The rest were put
to flight, and fell foul upon one another (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.15" parsed="|1Sam|14|15|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>): <i>There was trembling in the
host.</i> There was no visible cause for fear; they were so
numerous, bold, and advantageously posted; the Israelites had fled
before them; not an enemy made head against them, but one gentleman
and his man; and yet they shook like an aspen-leaf. The
consternation was general: they all trembled; even <i>the
spoilers,</i> those that had been most bold and forward, shared in
the common fright, the joints of their loins were loosed, and their
knees smote one against another, and yet none of them could tell
why or wherefore. It is called <i>a trembling of God</i> (so the
original phrase is), signifying not only, as we render it, a very
great trembling, which they could not resist nor reason themselves
clear of, but that it was supernatural, and came immediately from
the hand of God. He that made the heart knows how to make it
tremble. To complete the confusion, even the earth quaked, and made
them ready to fear that it would sink under them. Those that will
not fear the eternal God, he can make afraid of a shadow. See
<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p11.5" osisRef="Bible:Prov.21.1 Bible:Isa.33.14" parsed="|Prov|21|1|0|0;|Isa|33|14|0|0" passage="Pr 21:1,Isa 33:14">Prov. xxi. 1; Isa. xxxiii.
14</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iSam.xv-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.16-1Sam.14.23" parsed="|1Sam|14|16|14|23" passage="1Sa 14:16-23" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.14.16-1Sam.14.23">
<h4 id="iSam.xv-p11.7">The Philistines Destroyed. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p11.8">b. c.</span> 1067.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xv-p12">16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of
Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they
went on beating down <i>one another.</i>   17 Then said Saul
unto the people that <i>were</i> with him, Number now, and see who
is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and
his armourbearer <i>were</i> not <i>there.</i>   18 And Saul
said unto Ahiah, 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 noise that
<i>was</i> in the host of the Philistines went on and increased:
and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand.   20 And
Saul and all the people that <i>were</i> with him assembled
themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's
sword was against his fellow, <i>and there was</i> a very great
discomfiture.   21 Moreover the Hebrews <i>that</i> were with
the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the
camp <i>from the country</i> round about, even they also
<i>turned</i> to be with the Israelites that <i>were</i> with Saul
and Jonathan.   22 Likewise all the men of Israel which had
hid themselves in mount Ephraim, <i>when</i> they heard that the
Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the
battle.   23 So the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p12.1">Lord</span> saved
Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Beth-aven.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p13">We have here the prosecution and
improvement of the wonderful advantages which Jonathan and his
armour-bearer gained against the Philistines.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p14">I. The Philistines were, by the power of
God, set against one another. They melted away like snow before the
sun, and <i>went on beating down one another</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.16" parsed="|1Sam|14|16|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>), for (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.20" parsed="|1Sam|14|20|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>) <i>every man's sword
was against his fellow.</i> When they fled for fear, instead of
turning back upon those that chased them, they reckoned those only
their enemies that stood in their way, and treated them
accordingly. The Philistines were very secure, because all the
swords and spears were in their hands. Israel had none except what
Saul and Jonathan had. But now God showed them the folly of that
confidence, by making their own swords and spears the instruments
of their own destruction, and more fatal in their own hands than if
they had been in the hands of Israel. See the like done, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:Judg.7.22 Bible:2Chr.20.23" parsed="|Judg|7|22|0|0;|2Chr|20|23|0|0" passage="Jdg 7:22,2Ch 20:23">Judg. vii. 22; 2 Chron. xx.
23</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p15">II. The Israelites were hereby animated
against them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p16">1. Notice was soon taken of it by the
watchmen of Saul, those that stood sentinel at Gibeah, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.16" parsed="|1Sam|14|16|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>. They were aware that
the host of the enemy was in great confusion, and that a great
slaughter was made among them, and yet, upon search, they found
none of their own forces absent, but only Jonathan and his servant
(<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.17" parsed="|1Sam|14|17|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>), which no
doubt greatly animated them, and assured them that it could be no
other than the Lord's doing, when there was no more of man's doing
than what those two could do against a great host.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p17">2. Saul began to enquire of God, but soon
desisted. His spirit had not come down so far as to allow him to
consult Samuel, though, it is probable, he was near him; for we
read (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.13.15" parsed="|1Sam|13|15|0|0" passage="1Sa 13:15"><i>ch.</i> xiii. 15</scripRef>)
that he had come to Gibeah of Benjamin; but he called for the ark
(<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.18" parsed="|1Sam|14|18|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>), desiring
to know whether it would be safe for him to attack the Philistines,
upon the disorder they perceived them to be in. Many will consult
God about their safety that would never consult him about their
duty. But, perceiving by his scouts that the noise in the enemy's
camp increased, he commanded the priest that officiated to break
off abruptly: "<i>Withdraw thy hand</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p17.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.19" parsed="|1Sam|14|19|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>), consult no more, wait no
longer for an answer." He was very unwise indeed if (as some think)
he forbade him to lift up his hands in prayer; for when Joshua was
actually engaged with Amalek Moses continued still to lift up his
hands. It is rather a prohibition to his enquiring of the Lord,
either, (1.) Because now he thought he did not need an answer, the
case was plain enough. And yet the more evident it was that God did
all the more reason he had to enquire whether he would give him
leave to do any thing. Or, (2.) Because now he would not stay for
it; he was in such haste to fight a falling enemy that he would not
stay to make and end of his devotions, nor hear what answer God
would give him. A little thing will divert a vain and carnal mind
from religious exercises. He that believeth will not make haste,
such haste as this, nor reckon any business so urgent as not to
allow time to take God along with him.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p18">3. He, and all the little force he had,
made a vigorous attack upon the enemy; and all the people <i>were
cried together</i> (so the word is, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.20" parsed="|1Sam|14|20|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>), for want of the silver
trumpets wherewith God appointed them to sound an alarm in the day
of battle, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.9" parsed="|Num|10|9|0|0" passage="Nu 10:9">Num. x. 9</scripRef>. They
summoned them together by shouting, and their number was not so
great but that they might soon be got together. And now they seem
bold and brave when the work is done to their hands. Our Lord Jesus
had conquered our spiritual enemies, routed and dispersed them, so
that we are cowards indeed if we will not stand to our arms when it
is only to pursue the victory and to divide the spoil.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p19">4. Every Hebrew, even those from whom one
would least have expected it, now turned his hand against the
Philistines. (1.) Those that had deserted and gone over to the
enemy, and were among them, now fought against them, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.21" parsed="|1Sam|14|21|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>. Some think, they were
such as had been taken prisoners by them, and now they were goads
in their sides. It rather seems that they went in to them
voluntarily, but, now that they saw them falling, recovered the
hearts of Israelites, and did valiantly for their country. (2.)
Those that had fled their colours, and hid themselves in the
mountains, returned to their posts, and joined in with the pursuers
(<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p19.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.22" parsed="|1Sam|14|22|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>), hoping by
their great zeal and officiousness, now that the danger was over
and the victory sure, to atone for their former cowardice. It was
not much to their praise to appear now, but it would have been more
their reproach if they had not appeared. Those that are remiss and
faint-hearted indeed that will not act in the cause of God when
they see it victorious, as well as righteous. Thus all hands were
at work against the Philistines, and every Israelite slew as many
as he could, without sword or spear; yet it is said (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p19.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.23" parsed="|1Sam|14|23|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>), it <i>was the Lord
that saved Israel that day.</i> He did it by them, for without him
they could do nothing. <i>Salvation is of the Lord.</i></p>
</div><scripCom id="iSam.xv-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.24-1Sam.14.35" parsed="|1Sam|14|24|14|35" passage="1Sa 14:24-35" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.14.24-1Sam.14.35">
<h4 id="iSam.xv-p19.5">Saul's Rash Oath. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p19.6">b. c.</span> 1067.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xv-p20">24 And the men of Israel were distressed that
day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed <i>be</i> the
man that eateth <i>any</i> food until evening, that I may be
avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted <i>any</i>
food.   25 And all <i>they of</i> the land came to a wood; and
there was honey upon the ground.   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 <i>was</i> in
his hand, and dipped it in a honeycomb, 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, Cursed <i>be</i> the man that eateth
<i>any</i> 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
had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the
Philistines?   31 And they smote the Philistines that day from
Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint.   32 And
the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and
calves, and slew <i>them</i> on the ground: and the people did eat
<i>them</i> with the blood.   33 Then they told Saul, saying,
Behold, the people sin against the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p20.1">Lord</span>, 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 yourselves among the people, and
say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his
sheep, and slay <i>them</i> here, and eat; and sin not against the
<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p20.2">Lord</span> in eating with the blood. And
all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and
slew <i>them</i> there.   35 And Saul built an altar unto the
<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p20.3">Lord</span>: the same was the first altar
that he built unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p20.4">Lord</span>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p21">We have here an account of the distress of
the children of Israel, even in the day of their triumphs. Such
alloys are all present joys subject to. And such obstructions does
many a good cause meet with, even when it seems most prosperous,
through the mismanagement of instruments.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p22">I. Saul forbade the people, under the
penalty of a curse, to taste any food that day, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p22.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.24" parsed="|1Sam|14|24|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:24"><i>v.</i> 24</scripRef>. Here we will suppose, 1. That
as king he had power to put his soldiers under this interdict, and
to bind it on with a curse; and therefore they submitted to it, and
God so far owned it as to discover, by the lot, that Jonathan was
the delinquent that had meddled with the accursed thing (though
ignorantly), on which account God would not be at that time
enquired of by them. 2. That he did it with a good intention, lest
the people, who perhaps had been kept for some time at short
allowance, when they found plenty of victuals in the deserted camp
of the Philistines, should fall greedily upon that, and so lose
time in pursing the enemy, and some of them, it may be, glut
themselves to such a degree as not to be fit for any more service
that day. To prevent this, he forbade them to taste any food, and
laid himself, it is likely, under the same restraint. And yet his
making this severe order was, (1.) Impolitic and very unwise; for,
if it gained time, it lost strength, for the pursuit. (2.) It was
imperious, and disobliging to the people, and worse than
<i>muzzling the mouth of the ox when he treads out the corn.</i> To
forbid them to feast would have been commendable, but to forbid
them so much as to taste, though ever so hungry, was barbarous.
(3.) It was impious to enforce the prohibition with a curse and an
oath. Had he no penalty less than an anathema wherewith to support
his military discipline? Death for such a crime would have been too
much, but especially death with a curse. Though superiors may chide
and correct, they may not curse their inferiors; our rule is,
<i>Bless, and curse not.</i> When David speaks of an enemy he had
that loved cursing perhaps he meant Saul, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p22.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.109.17-Ps.109.18" parsed="|Ps|109|17|109|18" passage="Ps 109:17,18">Ps. cix. 17, 18</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p23">II. The people observed his order, but it
had many inconveniences attending it. 1. The soldiers were
tantalized; for, in their pursuit of the enemy, it happened that
they went through a wood so full of wild honey that it dropped from
the trees upon the ground, the Philistines having perhaps, in their
flight, broken in upon the honeycombs, for their own refreshment,
and left them running. Canaan flowed with honey, and here is an
instance of it. They sucked honey out of <i>the rock, the flinty
rock</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p23.1" osisRef="Bible:Deut.32.13" parsed="|Deut|32|13|0|0" passage="De 32:13">Deut. xxxii. 13</scripRef>);
yet, for fear of the curse, they did not so much as taste the
honey, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p23.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.25-1Sam.14.26" parsed="|1Sam|14|25|14|26" passage="1Sa 14:25,26"><i>v.</i> 25,
26</scripRef>. Those are worthy of the name of Israelites that can
deny themselves and their own appetites even when they are most
craving, and the delights of sense most tempting, for fear of guilt
and a curse, and the table becoming a snare. Let us never feed
ourselves, much less feast ourselves, without fear. 2. Jonathan
fell under the curse through ignorance. He heard not of the charge
his father had given; for, having bravely forced the lines, he was
then following the chase, and therefore might justly be looked upon
as exempted from the charge and intended in it. But it seems it was
taken for granted, and he himself did not object against it
afterwards, that it extended to him, though absent upon so good an
occasion. He, not knowing any peril in it, took up a piece of a
honey-comb, upon the end of his staff, and sucked it (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p23.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.27" parsed="|1Sam|14|27|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:27"><i>v.</i> 27</scripRef>), and was sensibly
refreshed by it: <i>His eyes were enlightened,</i> which began to
grow dim through hunger and faintness; it made his countenance look
pleasant and cheerful, for it was such as a stander-by might
discern (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p23.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.29" parsed="|1Sam|14|29|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:29"><i>v.</i> 29</scripRef>):
<i>See how my eyes have been enlightened.</i> He thought no harm,
nor feared any, till one of the people acquainted him with the
order, and then he found himself in a snare. Many a good son has
been thus entangled and distressed, in more ways than one, by the
rashness of an inconsiderate father. Jonathan, for his part, lost
the crown he was heir to by his father's folly, which, it may be,
this was an ill omen of. 3. The soldiers were faint, and grew
feeble, in the pursuit of the Philistines. Jonathan foresaw this
would be the effect of it; their spirits would flag, and their
strength would fail, for want of sustenance. Such is the nature of
our bodies that they soon grow unfit for service if they be not
supplied with fresh recruits. Daily work cannot be done without
daily bread, which our Father in heaven graciously gives us. It is
<i>bread</i> that <i>strengthens man's heart;</i> therefore
Jonathan reasoned very well, <i>If the people had eaten freely,</i>
there would have been <i>a much greater slaughter</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p23.5" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.30" parsed="|1Sam|14|30|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:30"><i>v.</i> 30</scripRef>); but, as it was, they
were <i>very faint, too much fatigued</i> (so the Chaldee), and
began to think more of their meat than of their work. 4. The worst
effect of all was that at evening, when the restraint was taken off
and they returned to their food again, they were so greedy and
eager upon it that they ate the flesh with the blood, expressly
contrary to the law of God, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p23.6" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.32" parsed="|1Sam|14|32|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:32"><i>v.</i>
32</scripRef>. Two hungry meals, we say, make the third a glutton;
it was so here. They would not stay to have their meat either duly
killed (for they slew the cattle upon the ground, and did not hang
them up, as they used to do, that the blood might all run out of
them) or duly dressed, but fell greedily upon it before it was half
boiled or half roasted, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p23.7" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.32" parsed="|1Sam|14|32|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:32"><i>v.</i>
32</scripRef>. Saul, being informed of it, reproved them for the
sin (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p23.8" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.33" parsed="|1Sam|14|33|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:33"><i>v.</i> 33</scripRef>): <i>You
have transgressed;</i> but did not, as he should have done, reflect
upon himself as having been accessory to it, and having <i>made the
Lord's people to transgress.</i> To put a stop to this
irregularity, Saul ordered them to set up a great stone before him,
and let all that had cattle to kill, for their present use, bring
them thither, and kill them under his eye upon that stone
(<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p23.9" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.33" parsed="|1Sam|14|33|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:33"><i>v.</i> 33</scripRef>), and the
people did so (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p23.10" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.34" parsed="|1Sam|14|34|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:34"><i>v.</i>
34</scripRef>), so easily were they restrained and reformed when
their prince took care to do his part. If magistrates would but use
their power as they might, people would be made better than they
are with more ease than is imagined.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p24">III. On this occasion Saul built an altar
(<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p24.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.35" parsed="|1Sam|14|35|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:35"><i>v.</i> 35</scripRef>), that he
might offer sacrifice, either by way of acknowledgment of the
victory they had obtained or by the way of atonement for the sin
they had been guilty of. <i>The same was the first altar that he
built,</i> and perhaps the rolling of the great stone to kill the
beasts on reminded him of converting it into an altar, else he
would not have thought of it. Saul was turning aside from God, and
yet now he began to build altars, being most zealous (as many are)
for the form of godliness when he was denying the power of it. See
<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p24.2" osisRef="Bible:Hos.8.14" parsed="|Hos|8|14|0|0" passage="Ho 8:14">Hos. viii. 14</scripRef>, <i>Israel has
forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples.</i> Some read it, <i>He
began to build that altar;</i> he laid the first stone, but was so
hasty to pursue his victory that he could not stay to finish
it.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iSam.xv-p0.5" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.36-1Sam.14.46" parsed="|1Sam|14|36|14|46" passage="1Sa 14:36-46" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.14.36-1Sam.14.46">
<h4 id="iSam.xv-p24.4">Jonathan Condemned to Die; Jonathan
Rescued. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p24.5">b. c.</span> 1067.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xv-p25">36 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, 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: and know
and see wherein this sin hath been this day.   39 For,
<i>as</i> the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p25.1">Lord</span> liveth, which
saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely
die. But <i>there was</i> not a man among all the people
<i>that</i> answered him.   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 <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p25.2">Lord</span> God of Israel, Give a perfect <i>lot.</i>
And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.   42
And Saul said, Cast <i>lots</i> between me and Jonathan my son. And
Jonathan was taken.   43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell 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 <i>was</i> in
mine hand, <i>and,</i> lo, I must die.   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: <i>as</i>
the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p25.3">Lord</span> liveth, there shall not one
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.  
46 Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the
Philistines went to their own place.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p26">Here is, I. Saul's boasting against the
Philistines. He proposed, as soon as his soldiers had got their
suppers, to pursue them all night, and <i>not leave a man of
them,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p26.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.36" parsed="|1Sam|14|36|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:36"><i>v.</i> 36</scripRef>.
Here he showed much zeal, but little discretion; for his army, thus
fatigued, could as ill spare a night's sleep as a meal's meat. But
it is common for rash and foolish men to consider nobody but
themselves, and, so that they might but have their humour, not to
care what hardships they put upon those that are under them.
However, the people were so obsequious to their king that they
would by no means oppose the motion, but resolved to make the best
of it, and, if he will go on, they will follow him: <i>Do
whatsoever seemeth good to thee.</i> Only the priest thought it
convenient to go on with the devotions that were broken off
abruptly (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p26.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.19" parsed="|1Sam|14|19|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>),
and to consult the oracle: <i>Let us draw near hither unto God.</i>
Princes and great men have need of such about them as will thus be
their remembrancers, wherever they go, to take God along with them.
And, when the priest proposed it, Saul could not for shame reject
the proposal, but <i>asked counsel of God</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p26.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.37" parsed="|1Sam|14|37|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:37"><i>v.</i> 37</scripRef>): "<i>Shall I go down after the
Philistines?</i> And shall I speed?"</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p27">II. His falling foul on his son Jonathan:
and the rest of this paragraph is wholly concerning him: for, while
he is prosecuted, the Philistines make their escape. We know not
what mischief may ensue upon on rash resolve.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p28">1. God, by giving an intimation of his
displeasure, put Saul upon searching for an accursed thing. When,
by the priest, he consulted the oracle, God <i>answered him
not,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p28.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.37" parsed="|1Sam|14|37|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:37"><i>v.</i> 37</scripRef>.
Note, When God denies our prayers it concerns us to enquire what
the sin is that has provoked him to do so. <i>Let us see where the
sin is,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p28.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.38" parsed="|1Sam|14|38|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:38"><i>v.</i> 38</scripRef>.
For God's ear is not heavy that it cannot hear, but it is sin that
separates between us and him. If God turns away our prayer, we have
reason to suspect it is for some iniquity regarding our hearts,
which we are concerned to find out, that we may put it away, may
mortify it, and put it to death. Saul swears by his Maker that
whoever was the Achan that troubled the camp, by eating the
forbidden fruit, should certainly die, though it were Jonathan
himself, that is, though ever so dear to himself and the people,
little thinking that Jonathan was the man (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p28.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.39" parsed="|1Sam|14|39|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:39"><i>v.</i> 39</scripRef>): <i>He shall surely die,</i>
the curse shall be executed upon him. But none of the people
answered him, that is, none of those who knew Jonathan had broken
the order would inform against him.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p29">2. Jonathan was discovered by lot to be the
offender. Saul would have lots cast between himself and Jonathan on
the one side, and the people on the other, perhaps because he was
as confident of Jonathan's innocency in this matter as of his own,
<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p29.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.40" parsed="|1Sam|14|40|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:40"><i>v.</i> 40</scripRef>. The people,
seeing him in a heat, durst not gainsay any thing he proposed, but
acquiesced: <i>Do as seemeth good unto thee.</i> Before he cast
lots, he prayed that <i>God would give a perfect lot</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p29.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.41" parsed="|1Sam|14|41|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:41"><i>v.</i> 41</scripRef>), that is, make a full
discovery of this matter, or, as it is in the margin, that he would
show the innocent. This was with an air of impartial justice.
Judges should desire that truth may come out, whoever may suffer by
it. Lots should be cast with prayer, because they are a solemn
appeal to Providence, and by them we beg of God to direct and
determine us (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p29.3" osisRef="Bible:Acts.1.24" parsed="|Acts|1|24|0|0" passage="Ac 1:24">Acts i. 24</scripRef>),
for which reason some have condemned games that depend purely upon
lot or chance as making too bold with a sacred thing. Jonathan at
length was taken (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p29.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.42" parsed="|1Sam|14|42|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:42"><i>v.</i>
42</scripRef>), Providence designing hereby to countenance and
support a lawful authority, and to put an honour upon the
administration of public justice in general, reserving another way
to bring off one that had done nothing worthy of death.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p30">3. Jonathan ingenuously confesses the fact,
and Saul, with an angry curse, passes sentence upon him. Jonathan
denies not the truth, nor goes about to conceal it, only he thinks
it hard that he must <i>die for it,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p30.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.43" parsed="|1Sam|14|43|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:43"><i>v.</i> 43</scripRef>. He might very fairly have
pleaded his invincible ignorance of the law, or have insisted upon
his merit, but he submitted to the necessity with a great and
generous mind: "God's and my father's will be done:" thus he showed
as much valour in receiving the messengers of death himself as in
sending them among the Philistines. It is as brave to yield in some
cases as it is in other cases to fight. Saul is not mollified by
his filial submission nor the hardness of his case; but as one that
affected to be thought firm to his word, and much more to his oath;
even when it bound him hardest, with another imprecation he gives
judgment upon Jonathan (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p30.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.44" parsed="|1Sam|14|44|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:44"><i>v.</i>
44</scripRef>): "<i>God do so and more also</i> to me if I do not
execute the law upon thee, <i>for thou shalt surely die,
Jonathan.</i>" (1.) He passed this sentence too hastily, without
consulting the oracle. Jonathan had a very good plea in arrest of
the judgment. What he had done was not <i>malum in se</i>—<i>bad
in itself;</i> and, as for the prohibition of it, he was ignorant
of that, so that he could not be charged with rebellion or
disobedience. (2.) He did it in fury. Had Jonathan been worthy to
die, yet it would have become a judge, much more a father, to pass
sentence with tenderness and compassion, and not with such an air
of triumph, like a man perfectly divested of all humanity and
natural affection. Justice is debased when it is administered with
wrath and bitterness. (3.) He backed it with a curse upon himself
if he did not see the sentence executed; and this curse did return
upon his own head. Jonathan escaped, but God did so to Saul, and
more also; for he was rejected of God and made anathema. Let none
upon any occasion dare to use such imprecations as these, lest God
say Amen to them, and <i>make their own tongues to fall upon
them,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p30.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.64.8" parsed="|Ps|64|8|0|0" passage="Ps 64:8">Ps. lxiv. 8</scripRef>. This
stone will return upon him that rolleth it. Yet we have reason to
think that Saul's bowels yearned toward Jonathan, so that he really
punished himself, and very justly, when he seemed so severe upon
Jonathan. God made him feel the smart of his own rash edict, which
might make him fear being again guilty of the like. By all these
vexatious accidents God did likewise correct him for his
presumption in offering sacrifice without Samuel. An expedition so
ill begun could not end without some rebukes.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p31">4. The people rescued Jonathan out of his
father's hands, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p31.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.45" parsed="|1Sam|14|45|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:45"><i>v.</i>
45</scripRef>. Hitherto they had expressed themselves very
observant of Saul. What seemed good to him they acquiesced in,
<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p31.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.36 Bible:1Sam.14.40" parsed="|1Sam|14|36|0|0;|1Sam|14|40|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:36,40"><i>v.</i> 36, 40</scripRef>. But,
when Jonathan is in danger, Saul's word is no longer a law to them,
but with the utmost zeal they oppose the execution of his sentence:
"<i>Shall Jonathan die</i>—that blessing, that darling, of his
country? Shall that life be sacrificed to a punctilio of law and
honour which was so bravely exposed for the public service, and to
which we owe our lives and triumphs? No, we will never stand by and
see him thus treated whom God delights to honour." It is good to
see Israelites zealous for the protection of those whom God has
made instruments of public good. Saul had sworn that Jonathan
should die, but they oppose their oath to his, and swear he shall
not die: "<i>As the Lord liveth there shall not</i> only not his
head, but not <i>a hair of his head fall to the ground;</i>" they
did not rescue him by violence, but by reason and resolution; and
Josephus says they made their prayer to God that he might be loosed
from the curse. They pleaded for him that <i>he has wrought with
God this day;</i> that is, "he has owned God's cause, and God has
owned his endeavours, and therefore his life is too precious to be
thrown away upon a nicety." We may suppose Saul had not so
perfectly forgotten the relation of a father but that he was
willing enough to have Jonathan rescued, and well pleased to have
that done which yet he would not do himself: and he that knows the
heart of a father knows not how to blame him.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p32">5. The design against the Philistines is
quashed by this incident (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p32.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.46" parsed="|1Sam|14|46|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:46"><i>v.</i>
46</scripRef>): <i>Saul went up from following them,</i> and so an
opportunity was lost of completing the victory. When Israel's
shields are clashing with one another the public safety and service
suffer by it.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iSam.xv-p0.6" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.47-1Sam.14.52" parsed="|1Sam|14|47|14|52" passage="1Sa 14:47-52" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.14.47-1Sam.14.52">
<h4 id="iSam.xv-p32.3">The Amalekites Destroyed. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xv-p32.4">b. c.</span> 1067.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xv-p33">47 So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and
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 vexed <i>them.</i>   48 And he gathered a
host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the
hands of them that spoiled them.   49 Now the sons of Saul
were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and the names of his two
daughters <i>were these;</i> the name of the firstborn Merab, and
the name of the younger Michal:   50 And the name of Saul's
wife <i>was</i> Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of
the captain of his host <i>was</i> Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's
uncle.   51 And Kish <i>was</i> the father of Saul; and Ner
the father of Abner <i>was</i> the son of Abiel.   52 And
there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul:
and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him
unto him.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xv-p34">Here is a general account of Saul's court
and camp. 1. Of his court and family, the names of his sons and
daughters (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p34.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.49" parsed="|1Sam|14|49|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:49"><i>v.</i> 49</scripRef>),
and of his wife and his cousin-german that was general of his army,
<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p34.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.50" parsed="|1Sam|14|50|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:50"><i>v.</i> 50</scripRef>. There is
mention of another wife of Saul's (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p34.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.21.8" parsed="|2Sam|21|8|0|0" passage="2Sa 21:8">2
Sam. xxi. 8</scripRef>), Rizpah, a secondary wife, and of the
children he had by her. 2. Of his camp and military actions. (1.)
How he levied his army: <i>When he saw any strong valiant man,</i>
that was remarkably fit for service, <i>he took him unto him</i>
(<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p34.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.52" parsed="|1Sam|14|52|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:52"><i>v.</i> 52</scripRef>), as Samuel
had told them the manner of the king would be (<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p34.5" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.8.11" parsed="|1Sam|8|11|0|0" passage="1Sa 8:11"><i>ch.</i> viii. 11</scripRef>); and, if he must have a
standing army, it was his prudence to fill it up with the ablest
men he could make choice of. (2.) How he employed his army. He
guarded his country against the insults of its enemies on every
side, and prevented their incursions, <scripRef id="iSam.xv-p34.6" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.47-1Sam.14.48" parsed="|1Sam|14|47|14|48" passage="1Sa 14:47,48"><i>v.</i> 47, 48</scripRef>. It is supposed that he
acted only defensively against those that used to invade the
borders of Israel; <i>and whithersoever he turned himself,</i> as
there was occasion, <i>he vexed them,</i> by checking and
disappointing them. But the enemies he struggled most with were the
Philistines, with whom he had <i>sore war all his days,</i>
<scripRef id="iSam.xv-p34.7" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.52" parsed="|1Sam|14|52|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:52"><i>v.</i> 52</scripRef>. He had
little reason to be proud of his royal dignity, nor had any of his
neighbours cause to envy him, for he had little enjoyment of
himself after he took the kingdom. He could not vex his enemies
without some vexation to himself, such thorns are crowns quilted
with.</p>
</div></div2>