1280 lines
59 KiB
HTML
1280 lines
59 KiB
HTML
<HTML>
|
|
<HEAD>
|
|
<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [First Samuel, Chapter XIV].</TITLE>
|
|
<meta name="aesop" content="information">
|
|
<meta name="description" content=
|
|
"This site is for those friends and family members who may or may not know Our Lord Jesus Christ, and if not, they may come to know Our Lord through His Prophets."> <meta name="author" content="Brian Duncalfe">
|
|
<meta name="keywords" content=
|
|
"Prophecy, Rapture,hope,bible map,bible maps, God, tribulation,Second Coming,Christ,large print bible,commentary,complete">
|
|
</HEAD>
|
|
<body background="../sueback.jpg" bgproperties="fixed" >
|
|
<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
|
|
on the Whole Bible</h1>
|
|
<h3><a href="http://www.biblesnet.com" target="_blank">Back to Biblesnet.com Home Page</a>
|
|
</h3>
|
|
</center>
|
|
|
|
<HR>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%">
|
|
<TR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC09013.HTM">Previous</A>]
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC09015.HTM">Next</A>]<BR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
|
|
Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1708)
|
|
</TD></TR></TABLE>
|
|
<HR>
|
|
|
|
<!-- (Begin Body) -->
|
|
|
|
<CENTER>
|
|
<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>F I R S T S A M U E L</B></FONT>
|
|
<BR>
|
|
<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XIV.</FONT>
|
|
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
|
|
</CENTER>
|
|
|
|
<FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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,"
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+12:22"><I>ch.</I> xii. 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:1-3">ver. 1-3</A>),
|
|
|
|
with his armour-bearer only, made a brave attack upon them, encouraging
|
|
himself in the Lord his God,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:4-7">ver. 4-7</A>.
|
|
|
|
He challenged them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:8-12">ver. 8-12</A>),
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:13-14">ver. 13-15</A>),
|
|
|
|
which gave opportunity to Saul and his forces, with other Israelites,
|
|
to follow the blow, and gain a victory,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:16-23">ver. 16-23</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:24-30">ver. 24-30</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. Was a temptation to the people, when the time of their fast had
|
|
expired, to eat with the blood,,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:31-35">ver. 31-35</A>.
|
|
|
|
Jonathan's error, through ignorance, had like to have been his death,
|
|
but the people rescued him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:36-46">ver. 36-46</A>.
|
|
|
|
III. In the close we have a general account of Saul's exploits
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:47,48">ver. 47, 48</A>)
|
|
|
|
and of his family,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:49-52">ver. 49-52</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
</FONT>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_1"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_2"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_3"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_4"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_5"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_6"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_7"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_8"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_9"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_10"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_11"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_12"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_13"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_14"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_15"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Jonathan Smites the Philistines.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1067.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>'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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> will work for us: for
|
|
<I>there is</I> no restraint to the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We must here take notice,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
Where were now the 3000 men he had chosen, and put such a confidence
|
|
in?
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+13:2"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jdg+20:47">Judg. xx. 47</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+13:14"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:3,18"><I>v.</I> 3, 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
Saul had once offended by offering sacrifice himself,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+13:9"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:18,19"><I>v.</I> 18, 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:1,3"><I>v.</I> 1, 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:4,5"><I>v.</I> 4, 5</A>)
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
2. He encouraged his armour-bearer, a young man that attended him, to
|
|
go along with him in the daring enterprise,
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ch+14:11">2 Chron. xiv. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
(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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+23:10">Josh. xxiii. 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>One man of you shall chase a thousand,</I> borrowed from Moses,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+32:30">Deut. xxxii. 30</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+32:8">Ps. xxxii. 8</A>),
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>),
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>);
|
|
|
|
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>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Come, and we will show you a thing,</I> as if they came like
|
|
children to gaze about them; but meaning, as Goliath
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+17:44"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 44</A>),
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>It may be the Lord will work for us;</I> but now he speaks with
|
|
assurance
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>):
|
|
|
|
<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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>),
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>)
|
|
|
|
unaccountably, upon the first blows he gave. They fell, that is,
|
|
|
|
(1.) They were many of them slain by him and his armour-bearer,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+13:3"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>):
|
|
|
|
<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
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+21:1,Isa+33:14">Prov. xxi. 1; Isa. xxxiii. 14</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_23"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Philistines Destroyed.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1067.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> saved Israel that day: and the battle passed
|
|
over unto Beth-aven.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here the prosecution and improvement of the wonderful
|
|
advantages which Jonathan and his armour-bearer gained against the
|
|
Philistines.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>),
|
|
|
|
for
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>)
|
|
|
|
<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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jdg+7:22,2Ch+20:23">Judg. vii. 22; 2 Chron. xx. 23</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The Israelites were hereby animated against them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Notice was soon taken of it by the watchmen of Saul, those that
|
|
stood sentinel at Gibeah,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>),
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+13:15"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 15</A>)
|
|
|
|
that he had come to Gibeah of Benjamin; but he called for the ark
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>),
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>),
|
|
|
|
for want of the silver trumpets wherewith God appointed them to sound
|
|
an alarm in the day of battle,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+10:9">Num. x. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>),
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>),
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_30"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_32"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_33"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_34"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_35"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Saul's Rash Oath.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1067.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, 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
|
|
L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>: the same was the
|
|
first altar that he built unto the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
I. Saul forbade the people, under the penalty of a curse, to taste any
|
|
food that day,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+109:17,18">Ps. cix. 17, 18</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+32:13">Deut. xxxii. 13</A>);
|
|
|
|
yet, for fear of the curse, they did not so much as taste the honey,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:25,26"><I>v.</I> 25, 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>),
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:29"><I>v.</I> 29</A>):
|
|
|
|
<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>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>);
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
Saul, being informed of it, reproved them for the sin
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>):
|
|
|
|
<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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>),
|
|
|
|
and the people did so
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:34"><I>v.</I> 34</A>),
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
III. On this occasion Saul built an altar
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:35"><I>v.</I> 35</A>),
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+8:14">Hos. viii. 14</A>,
|
|
|
|
<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>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_36"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_37"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_38"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_39"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_40"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_41"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_42"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_43"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_44"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_45"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_46"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Jonathan Condemned to Die; Jonathan Rescued.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1067.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>
|
|
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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:36"><I>v.</I> 36</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:37"><I>v.</I> 37</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>Shall I go down after the Philistines?</I> And shall I speed?"</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:37"><I>v.</I> 37</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:38"><I>v.</I> 38</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:39"><I>v.</I> 39</A>):
|
|
|
|
<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>
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:40"><I>v.</I> 40</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:41"><I>v.</I> 41</A>),
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+1:24">Acts i. 24</A>),
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:42"><I>v.</I> 42</A>),
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:43"><I>v.</I> 43</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:44"><I>v.</I> 44</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+64:8">Ps. lxiv. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
4. The people rescued Jonathan out of his father's hands,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:45"><I>v.</I> 45</A>.
|
|
|
|
Hitherto they had expressed themselves very observant of Saul. What
|
|
seemed good to him they acquiesced in,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:36,40"><I>v.</I> 36, 40</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
5. The design against the Philistines is quashed by this incident
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:46"><I>v.</I> 46</A>):
|
|
|
|
<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>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_47"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_48"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_49"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_50"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_51"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="1Sa14_52"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec5"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Amalekites Destroyed.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1067.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here is a general account of Saul's court and camp.
|
|
|
|
1. Of his court and family, the names of his sons and daughters
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:49"><I>v.</I> 49</A>),
|
|
|
|
and of his wife and his cousin-german that was general of his army,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:50"><I>v.</I> 50</A>.
|
|
|
|
There is mention of another wife of Saul's
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+21:8">2 Sam. xxi. 8</A>),
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:52"><I>v.</I> 52</A>),
|
|
|
|
as Samuel had told them the manner of the king would be
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+8:11"><I>ch.</I> viii. 11</A>);
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:47,48"><I>v.</I> 47, 48</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:52"><I>v.</I> 52</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<!-- (End Body) -->
|
|
|
|
<HR>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%">
|
|
<TR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC09013.HTM">Previous</A>]
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC09015.HTM">Next</A>]<BR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
|
|
Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1708)
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
<HR>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%">
|
|
<TR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
|
|
|
|
|
|
<!--Matthew_Henry's_Commentary_on_the_Whole_Bible:_First_Samuel_XIV.--><a href="http://www.biblesnet.com" target="_blank"><b>Back to Bibles Net . Com - Online Christian Library </b></a><br>
|
|
<a href="http://biblesnet.com/download.html" target="_blank"><br>
|
|
<b>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Free Download</b></a><br>
|
|
<br>
|
|
<A HREF="http://biblesnet.com/contactus.html" target="_blank"><strong>Contact Us </strong></A><br>
|
|
|
|
</TD></TR></TABLE>
|
|
<HR>
|
|
</BODY>
|
|
</HTML>
|