mh_parser/vol_split/9 - 1Samuel/Chapter 10.xml

<div2 id="iSam.xi" n="xi" next="iSam.xii" prev="iSam.x" progress="29.24%" title="Chapter X">
<h2 id="iSam.xi-p0.1">F I R S T   S A M U E L</h2>
<h3 id="iSam.xi-p0.2">CHAP. X.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iSam.xi-p1">We left Samuel and Saul walking together, probably
some private way over the fields down from Ramah, perhaps in the
paths of the vineyards, and Saul expecting to hear from Samuel the
word of God. Now here we have, I. The anointing of Saul then and
there, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.1" parsed="|1Sam|10|1|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:1">ver. 1</scripRef>. The signs
Samuel gave him, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.2-1Sam.10.6" parsed="|1Sam|10|2|10|6" passage="1Sa 10:2-6">ver.
2-6</scripRef>. And instructions, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.7-1Sam.10.8" parsed="|1Sam|10|7|10|8" passage="1Sa 10:7-8">ver. 7-8</scripRef>. II. The accomplishment of those
signs to the satisfaction of Saul, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.9-1Sam.10.13" parsed="|1Sam|10|9|10|13" passage="1Sa 10:9-13">ver. 9-13</scripRef>. III. His return to his father's
house, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.14-1Sam.10.16" parsed="|1Sam|10|14|10|16" passage="1Sa 10:14-16">ver. 14-16</scripRef>. IV.
His public election by lot, and solemn inauguration, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.17-1Sam.10.25" parsed="|1Sam|10|17|10|25" passage="1Sa 10:17-25">ver. 17-25</scripRef>. V. His return to his
own city, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.26-1Sam.10.27" parsed="|1Sam|10|26|10|27" passage="1Sa 10:26,27">ver. 26, 27</scripRef>.
It is a great work that is here a doing, the setting up not only of
a monarch, but of monarchy itself, in Israel; and therefore in all
the advances towards it much of God is seen.</p>
<scripCom id="iSam.xi-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10" parsed="|1Sam|10|0|0|0" passage="1Sa 10" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iSam.xi-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.1-1Sam.10.8" parsed="|1Sam|10|1|10|8" passage="1Sa 10:1-8" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.10.1-1Sam.10.8">
<h4 id="iSam.xi-p1.10">Saul Anointed by Samuel; Samuel's Address to
Saul. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xi-p1.11">b. c.</span> 1070.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xi-p2">1 Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured
<i>it</i> upon his head, and kissed him, and said, <i>Is it</i> not
because the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xi-p2.1">Lord</span> hath anointed thee
<i>to be</i> captain over his inheritance?   2 When thou art
departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's
sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say
unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo,
thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you,
saying, What shall I do for my son?   3 Then shalt thou go on
forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and
there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one
carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread,
and another carrying a bottle of wine:   4 And they will
salute thee, and give thee two <i>loaves</i> of bread; which thou
shalt receive of their hands.   5 After that thou shalt come
to the hill of God, where <i>is</i> the garrison of the
Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither
to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down
from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and
a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:   6 And the
Spirit of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xi-p2.2">Lord</span> will come upon
thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into
another man.   7 And let it be, when these signs are come unto
thee, <i>that</i> thou do as occasion serve thee; for God <i>is</i>
with thee.   8 And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal;
and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings,
<i>and</i> to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days
shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou
shalt do.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p3">Samuel is here executing the office of a
prophet, giving Saul full assurance from God that he should be
king, as he was afterwards, according to these prophecies which
went before of him.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p4">I. He <i>anointed him</i> and <i>kissed
him,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.1" parsed="|1Sam|10|1|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>. This
was not done in a solemn assembly, but it was done by divine
appointment, which made up the want of all external solemnities,
nor was it ever the less valid for its being done in private, under
a hedge, or, as the Jews say, by <i>a fountain.</i> God's
institutions are great and honourable, though the circumstances of
their administration be ever so mean and despicable. 1. Samuel, by
anointing Saul, assured him that it was God's act to make him king:
<i>Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee?</i> And, in token
of that, the high priest was anointed to his office, to signify the
conferring of those gifts upon him that were requisite for the
discharge of its duties, and the same was intimated in the
anointing of kings; for whom God calls he qualifies, and suitable
qualifications furnish good proof of a commission. These sacred
unctions, then used, pointed at the great Messiah, or anointed one,
the king of the church, and high priest of our profession, who was
anointed with the oil of the Spirit, not by measure, but without
measure, and above all the priests and princes of the Jewish
church. It was common oil, no doubt, which Samuel used, and we read
not of his blessing it or praying over it. But it was only a vial
of oil that he anointed him with, the vessel brittle, because his
kingdom would soon be cracked and broken, and the quantity small,
because he had but little of the Spirit conferred upon him to what
David had, who was therefore anointed with a horn of oil, as were
Solomon and Jehu with a box of oil. 2. By kissing him, he assured
him of his own approbation of the choice, not only his consent to
it, but his complacency in it, though it abridged his power and
eclipsed his glory and the glory of his family. "<i>God has
anointed thee,</i>" says Samuel, "<i>to be king,</i> and I am
satisfied and very well pleased, in pledge of which take this
kiss." It was likewise a kiss of homage and allegiance; hereby he
not only owns him to be king, but his king, and in this sense we
are commanded to <i>kiss the Son,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.2.12" parsed="|Ps|2|12|0|0" passage="Ps 2:12">Ps. ii. 12</scripRef>. God has anointed him, and
therefore we must thus acknowledge him and do homage to him. In
Samuel's explication of the ceremony, he reminds him, (1.) Of the
nature of the government to which he is called. He was anointed to
be a captain, a commander indeed, which bespeaks honour and power,
but a commander in war, which bespeaks care, and toil, and danger.
(2.) Of the origin of it: <i>The Lord hath anointed thee.</i> By
him he ruled, and therefore must rule for him, in dependence on
him, and with an eye to his glory. (3.) Of the end of it. It is
over his inheritance, to take care of that, protect it, and order
all the affairs of it for the best, as a steward whom a great man
sets over his estate, to manage it for his service and give an
account of it to him.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p5">II. For his further satisfaction he gives
him some signs, which should come to pass immediately, this very
day; and they were such as would not only confirm the word of
Samuel in general, and prove him a true prophet, but would confirm
this word to Saul in particular, that he should be king. 1. He
should presently meet with some that would bring him intelligence
from home of the care his father's house was in concerning him,
<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.2" parsed="|1Sam|10|2|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. These he would
meet hard by Rachel's sepulchre. The first place Samuel directed
him to was a sepulchre, the sepulchre of one of his ancestors, for
Rachel died in travail with Benjamin; there he must read a lecture
of his own mortality, and now that he had a crown in his eye must
think of his grave, in which all his honour would be laid in the
dust. Here two men would meet him, perhaps sent on purpose to look
after him, and would tell him the asses were found, and his father
was in pain concerning him, saying, <i>What shall I do for my
son?</i> He would reckon it happened well that he met with these
messengers; and it is good to eye Providence in favourable
conjunctures (though the matter be minute) and to be encouraged to
trust it in greater matters. 2. He should next meet with others
going to Bethel, where, it should seem, there was a high place for
religious worship, and these men were bringing their sacrifices
thither, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.3-1Sam.10.4" parsed="|1Sam|10|3|10|4" passage="1Sa 10:3,4"><i>v.</i> 3, 4</scripRef>.
It was a token for good to one that was designed for the government
of Israel, wherever he came, to meet with people going to worship
God. It is supposed that those kids and loaves, and the bottle of
wine which the three men had with them, were designed for
sacrifice, with the meat-offerings and drink-offerings that were to
attend the sacrifice; yet Samuel tells Saul that they will give him
two of their loaves, and he must take them. Such a present would
look to us now like the relieving of a beggar. Saul must hereafter
remember the time when he received alms, and must therefore be
humble and charitable to the poor. But perhaps it would then be
construed a fit present for a prince; and, as such, Saul must
receive it, the first present that was brought to him, by such as
knew not what they did, nor why they did it, but God put it into
their hearts, which made it the more fit to be a sign to him. These
two loaves, which were the first tribute paid to this
newly-anointed king, might serve for an admonition to him not to
spend the wealth of his crown in luxury, but still to be content
with plain food. Bread is the staff of life. 3. The most remarkable
sign of all would be his joining with a company of prophets that he
should meet with, under the influence of a spirit of prophecy,
which should at that time come upon him. What God works in us by
his Spirit serves much more for the confirming of faith than any
thing wrought for us by his providence. He here (<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.5-1Sam.10.6" parsed="|1Sam|10|5|10|6" passage="1Sa 10:5,6"><i>v.</i> 5, 6</scripRef>) tells him, (1.) Where this
would happen: <i>At the hill of God,</i> where there was a
<i>garrison of the Philistines,</i> which is supposed to be near
Gibeah, his own city, for there was the Philistines' garrison,
<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p5.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.13.3" parsed="|1Sam|13|3|0|0" passage="1Sa 13:3"><i>ch.</i> xiii. 3</scripRef>. Perhaps
it was one of the articles of Samuel's agreement with them that
they should have a garrison there, or, rather, after they were
subdued in the beginning of his time they got ground again, so far
as to force this garrison into that place, and thence God raised up
the man that should chastise them. There was a place that was
called the <i>hill of God,</i> because of one of the schools of the
prophets built upon it; and such respect did even Philistines
themselves pay to religion that a garrison of their soldiers
suffered a school of God's prophets to live peaceably by them, and
did not only not dislodge them, but not restrain nor disturb the
public exercises of their devotion. (2.) Upon what occasion; he
should meet <i>a company of prophets with music before them,
prophesying,</i> and with them he should join himself. These
prophets were not (as it should seem) divinely inspired to foretel
things to come, nor did God reveal himself to them by dreams and
visions, but they employed themselves in the study of the law, in
instructing their neighbours, and in the acts of piety, especially
in praising God, wherein they were wonderfully assisted and
enlarged by the Spirit of God. It was happy for Israel that they
had not only prophets, but companies of prophets, who gave them
good instructions and set them good examples, and helped very much
to keep up religion among them. Now the word of the Lord was not
precious, as it had been when Samuel was first raised up, who had
been instrumental in founding these colleges, or religious houses,
whence, it is probable, the synagogues took their rise. What a pity
was it that Israel should be weary of the government of such a man,
who though he had not, as a man of war, expelled the Philistines,
yet (which was a greater kindness to Israel) had, as a man of God,
settled the schools of the prophets! Music was then used as a
proper means to dispose the mind to receive the impressions of the
good Spirit, as it did Elisha's, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p5.5" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.15" parsed="|2Kgs|3|15|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:15">2
Kings iii. 15</scripRef>. But we have no reason to look for the
same benefit by it now, unless we saw it as effectual as it was
then in Saul's case, to drive away the evil spirit. These prophets
had been at the high place, probably offering sacrifice, and now
they came back singing psalms. We should come from holy ordinances
with our hearts greatly enlarged in holy joy and praise. See
<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p5.6" osisRef="Bible:Ps.138.5" parsed="|Ps|138|5|0|0" passage="Ps 138:5">Ps. cxxxviii. 5</scripRef>. Saul
should find himself strongly moved to join with them, and should be
turned thereby <i>into another man</i> from what he had been while
he lived in a private capacity. The Spirit of God, by his
ordinances, changes men, wonderfully transforms them; Saul, by
praising God in the communion of saints, became another man, but
whether a new man or no may be questioned.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p6">III. He directs him to proceed in the
administration of his government as Providence should lead him, and
as Samuel should advise him. 1. He must follow Providence in
ordinary cases (<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.7" parsed="|1Sam|10|7|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:7"><i>v.</i>
7</scripRef>): "<i>Do as occasion shall serve thee.</i> Take such
measures as thy own prudence shall direct thee." But, 2. In an
extraordinary strait that would hereafter befal him at Gilgal, and
would be the most critical juncture of all, when he would have
special need of divine aids, he must wait for Samuel to come to
him, and must tarry <i>seven days</i> in expectation of him,
<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.8" parsed="|1Sam|10|8|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. How his
failing in this matter proved his fall we find afterwards,
<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.13.11" parsed="|1Sam|13|11|0|0" passage="1Sa 13:11"><i>ch.</i> xiii. 11</scripRef>. It
was now a plain intimation to him that he was upon his good
behaviour, and, though a king, must act under the direction of
Samuel, and do as he should order him. The greatest of men must own
themselves in subjection to God and his word.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iSam.xi-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.9-1Sam.10.16" parsed="|1Sam|10|9|10|16" passage="1Sa 10:9-16" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.10.9-1Sam.10.16">
<h4 id="iSam.xi-p6.5">Saul Among the Prophets. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xi-p6.6">b. c.</span> 1070.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xi-p7">9 And it was <i>so,</i> that when he had turned
his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all
those signs came to pass that day.   10 And when they came
thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the
Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.  
11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that,
behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one
to another, What <i>is</i> this <i>that</i> is come unto the son of
Kish? <i>Is</i> Saul also among the prophets?   12 And one of
the same place answered and said, But who <i>is</i> their father?
Therefore it became a proverb, <i>Is</i> Saul also among the
prophets?   13 And when he had made an end of prophesying, he
came to the high place.   14 And Saul's uncle said unto him
and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the
asses: and when we saw that <i>they were</i> no where, we came to
Samuel.   15 And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what
Samuel said unto you.   16 And Saul said unto his uncle, He
told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the
kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p8">Saul has now taken his leave of Samuel,
much amazed, we may well suppose, at what has been done to him,
almost ready to question whether he be awake or no, and whether it
be not all a dream. Now here we are told,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p9">I. What occurred by the way, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.9" parsed="|1Sam|10|9|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>. Those signs which Samuel
had given him came to pass very punctually; but that which gave him
the greatest satisfaction of all was this, he found immediately
that God had given him <i>another heart.</i> A new fire was kindled
in his breast, such as he had never before been acquainted with:
seeking the asses is quite out of his mind, and he thinks of
nothing but fighting the Philistines, redressing the grievances of
Israel, making laws, administering justice, and providing for the
public safety; these are the things that now fill his head. He
finds himself raised to such a pitch of boldness and bravery as he
never thought he should be conscious of. He has no longer the heart
of a husbandman, which is low, and mean, and narrow, and concerned
only about his corn and cattle; but the heart of a statesman, a
general, a prince. Whom God calls to any service he will make fit
for it. If he advance to another station, he will give another
heart, to those who sincerely desire to serve him with their
power.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p10">II. What occurred when he came near home.
They came to <i>the hill</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.10" parsed="|1Sam|10|10|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>), that is, to <i>Gibeah,</i> or
<i>Geba,</i> which signifies <i>a hill,</i> and so the Chaldee here
takes it as a proper name; he met with the prophets as Samuel had
told him, and the Spirit of God came upon him, strongly and
suddenly (so the word signifies), but not so as to rest and abide
upon him. It came on so as to go off quickly. However, for the
present, it had a strange effect upon him; for he immediately
joined with the prophets in their devotion, and that with as much
decorum and as great a transport of affection as any of them: <i>He
prophesied among them.</i> Now,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p11">1. His prophesying was publicly taken
notice of, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.11-1Sam.10.12" parsed="|1Sam|10|11|10|12" passage="1Sa 10:11,12"><i>v.</i> 11,
12</scripRef>. He was now among his acquaintance, who, when they
saw him among the prophets, called one another to come and see a
strange sight. This would prepare them to accept him as a king,
though one of themselves, when they had seen how God had advanced
him to the honour of a prophet. The seventy elders prophesied
before they were made judges, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.11.25" parsed="|Num|11|25|0|0" passage="Nu 11:25">Num. xi.
25</scripRef>. Now, (1.) They all wondered to see Saul among the
prophets: <i>What is this that has come to the son of Kish?</i>
Though this school of the prophets was near his father's house, yet
he had never associated with them, nor shown them any respect,
perhaps had sometimes spoken slightly of them; and now to see him
prophesying among them was a surprise to them, as it was long after
when his namesake, in the New Testament, preached that gospel which
he had before persecuted, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Acts.9.21" parsed="|Acts|9|21|0|0" passage="Ac 9:21">Acts ix.
21</scripRef>. Where God gives another heart it will soon show
itself. (2.) One of them, that was wiser than the rest, asked,
"<i>Who is their father,</i> or instructor? Is is not God? Are they
not all taught of him? Do they not all owe their gifts to him? And
is he limited? Cannot he make Saul a prophet, as well as any of
them, if he please?" Or, "Is not Samuel their father?" Under God,
he was so; and Saul had now lately been with him, which, by his
servant, he might know. No marvel for him to prophesy who lay last
night under Samuel's roof. (3.) It became a proverb, commonly used
in Israel, when they would express their wonder at a bad man's
either becoming good, or at least being found in good company,
<i>Is Saul among the prophets?</i> Note, Saul among the prophets is
a wonder to a proverb. Let not the worst be despaired of, yet let
not an external show of devotion, and a sudden change for the
present, be too much relied on; for Saul among the prophets was
Saul still.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p12">2. His being anointed was kept private.
When he had done prophesying, (1.) It should seem he uttered all
his words before the Lord, and recommended the affair to his
favour, for he went straight <i>to the high place</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.13" parsed="|1Sam|10|13|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>), to give God thanks
for his mercies to him and to pray for the continuance of those
mercies. But, (2.) He industriously concealed from his relations
what had passed. His uncle, who met with him either at the high
place or as soon as he came home, examined him, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.14" parsed="|1Sam|10|14|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>. Saul owned, for his servant
knew it, that they had been with Samuel, and that he told them the
asses were found, but said not a word of <i>the kingdom,</i>
<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.14-1Sam.10.15" parsed="|1Sam|10|14|10|15" passage="1Sa 10:14,15"><i>v.</i> 14, 15</scripRef>. This
was an instance, [1.] Of his humility. Many a one would have been
so elated with this surprising elevation as to proclaim it upon the
house-top. But Saul, though he might please himself with it in his
own breast, did not pride himself in it among his neighbours. The
heirs of the kingdom of glory are well enough pleased that <i>the
world knows them not,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:1John.3.1" parsed="|1John|3|1|0|0" passage="1Jo 3:1">1 John iii.
1</scripRef>. [2.] Of his prudence. Had he been forward to proclaim
it, he would have been envied, and he knew not what difficulty that
might have created him. Samuel had communicated it to him as a
secret, and he knows how to keep counsel. Thus it appears that he
had another heart, a heart fit for government. [3.] Of his
dependence upon God. He does not go about to make an interest for
himself, but leaves it to God to carry on his own work by Samuel,
and, for his own part, sits still, to see how the matter will
fall.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iSam.xi-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.17-1Sam.10.27" parsed="|1Sam|10|17|10|27" passage="1Sa 10:17-27" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.10.17-1Sam.10.27">
<h4 id="iSam.xi-p12.6">The Election of a King; Saul Introduced to
the People. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xi-p12.7">b. c.</span> 1070.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xi-p13">17 And Samuel called the people together unto
the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xi-p13.1">Lord</span> to Mizpeh;   18 And
said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xi-p13.2">Lord</span> God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of
Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out
of the hand of all kingdoms, <i>and</i> of them that oppressed you:
  19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved
you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have
said unto him, <i>Nay,</i> but set a king over us. Now therefore
present yourselves before the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xi-p13.3">Lord</span>
by your tribes, and by your thousands.   20 And when Samuel
had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of
Benjamin was taken.   21 When he had caused the tribe of
Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was
taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought
him, he could not be found.   22 Therefore they enquired of
the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xi-p13.4">Lord</span> further, if the man should
yet come thither. And the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xi-p13.5">Lord</span>
answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.   23
And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the
people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and
upward.   24 And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him
whom the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xi-p13.6">Lord</span> hath chosen, that
<i>there is</i> none like him among all the people? And all the
people shouted, and said, God save the king.   25 Then Samuel
told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote <i>it</i> in a
book, and laid <i>it</i> up before the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xi-p13.7">Lord</span>. And Samuel sent all the people away, every
man to his house.   26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and
there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.
  27 But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save
us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held
his peace.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p14">Saul's nomination to the throne is here
made public, in a general assembly of the elders of Israel, the
representatives of their respective tribes at Mizpeh. It is
probable that this convention of the states was called as soon as
conveniently it might, after Saul was anointed, for, if there must
be a change in their government, the sooner the better: it might be
of bad consequence to be long in the doing. The people having met
in a solemn assembly, in which God was in a peculiar manner present
(and therefore it is said they were <i>called together unto the
Lord,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.17" parsed="|1Sam|10|17|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>),
Samuel acts for God among them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p15">I. He reproves them for casting off the
government of a prophet, and desiring that of a captain. 1. He
shows them (<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.18" parsed="|1Sam|10|18|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>)
how happy they had been under the divine government; when God ruled
them, he <i>delivered them out of the hand of those that oppressed
them,</i> and what would they desire more? Could the mightiest man
of valour do that for them which the Almighty God had done? 2. He
likewise shows them (<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.19" parsed="|1Sam|10|19|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:19"><i>v.</i>
19</scripRef>) what an affront they had put upon God (who had
himself saved them <i>out of all their tribulations,</i> by his own
power, and by such as he had immediately called and qualified) in
desiring a king to save them. He tells them in plain terms, "<i>You
have this day rejected your God;</i> you have in effect done it: so
he construes it, and he might justly, for your so doing, reject
you." Those that can live better by sense than by faith, that stay
themselves upon an arm of flesh rather than upon the almighty arm,
forsake a fountain of living waters for broken cisterns. And some
make their obstinacy in this matter to be a presage of their
rejecting Christ, in casting off whom they cast off God, that he
should not reign over them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p16">II. He puts them upon choosing their king
by lot. He knew whom God had chosen, and had already anointed him,
but he knew also the peevishness of that people, and that there
were those among them who would not acquiesce in the choice if it
depended upon his single testimony; and therefore, that every tribe
and every family of the chosen tribe might please themselves with
having a chance for it, he calls them to the lot, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.19" parsed="|1Sam|10|19|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>. Benjamin is taken out
of all the tribes (<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.20" parsed="|1Sam|10|20|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:20"><i>v.</i>
20</scripRef>), and out of that tribe Saul the son of Kish,
<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.21" parsed="|1Sam|10|21|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>. By this
method it would appear to the people, as it already appeared to
Samuel, that Saul was appointed of God to be king; for <i>the
disposal of the lot is of the Lord.</i> It would also prevent all
disputes and exceptions; for <i>the lot causeth contentions to
cease, and parteth between the mighty.</i> When the tribe of
Benjamin was taken, they might easily foresee that they were
setting up a family that would soon be put down again; for dying
Jacob had, by the spirit of prophecy, entailed the dominion upon
Judah. Judah is the tribe that must <i>rule as a lion; Benjamin</i>
shall only <i>ravin as a wolf,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p16.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.49.10 Bible:Gen.49.27" parsed="|Gen|49|10|0|0;|Gen|49|27|0|0" passage="Ge 49:10,27">Gen. xlix. 10, 27</scripRef>. Those therefore that
knew the scriptures could not be very fond of the doing of that
which they foresaw must, ere long, be undone again.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p17">III. It is with much ado, and not without
further enquiries of the Lord, that Saul is at length produced.
When the lot fell upon him, every one expected he should answer to
his name at the first call, but, instead of that, none of his
friends could find him (<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.21" parsed="|1Sam|10|21|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:21"><i>v.</i>
21</scripRef>), he had <i>hidden himself among the stuff</i>
(<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.22" parsed="|1Sam|10|22|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>), so little
fond was he now of that power which yet, when he was in possession
of, he could not without the utmost indignation think of parting
with.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p18">1. He withdrew, in hopes that, upon his not
appearing, they would proceed to another choice, or thus to express
his modesty; for, by what had already passed, he knew he must be
the man. We may suppose he was at this time really averse to take
upon him the government, (1.) Because he was conscious to himself
of unfitness for so great a trust. He had not been bred up to
books, or arms, or courts, and feared he should be guilty of some
fatal blunder. (2.) Because it would expose him to the envy of his
neighbours that were ill-affected towards him. (3.) Because he
understood, by what Samuel had said, that the people sinned in
asking a king, and it was in anger that God granted their request.
(4.) Because the affairs of Israel were at this time in a bad
posture; the Philistines were strong, the Ammonites threatening:
and he must be bold indeed that will set sail in a storm.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p19">2. But the congregation, believing that
choice well made which God himself made, would leave no way untried
to find him out on whom the lot fell. <i>They enquired of the
Lord,</i> either by the high priest, and his breast-plate of
judgment, or by Samuel, and his spirit of prophecy; and the Lord
directed them where they should find him, hidden among the
carriages, and thence <i>they fetched him,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.23" parsed="|1Sam|10|23|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>. Note, None will be losers at
last by their humility and modesty. Honour, like the shadow,
follows those that flee from it, but flees from those that pursue
it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p20">IV. Samuel presents him to the people, and
they accept him. He needed not to mount the bench, or scaffold, to
be seen; when he stood upon even ground with the rest he was seen
above them all, for he was taller than any of them by <i>head and
shoulders,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.23" parsed="|1Sam|10|23|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:23"><i>v.</i>
23</scripRef>. "Look you," said Samuel, "what a king God has chosen
for you, just such a one as you wished for; <i>there is none like
him among all the people,</i> that has so much majesty in his
countenance and such a graceful stateliness in his mien; he is in
the crowd like a cedar among the shrubs. Let your own eyes be
judges, is he not a brave and gallant man?" The people hereupon
signified their approbation of the choice, and their acceptance of
him; they <i>shouted and said, Let the king live,</i> that is, "Let
him long reign over us in health and prosperity." Subjects were
wont to testify their affection and allegiance to their prince by
their good wishes, and those turned (as our translation does this)
into addresses to God. <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.72.15" parsed="|Ps|72|15|0|0" passage="Ps 72:15">Ps. lxxii.
15</scripRef>, <i>Prayer shall be made for him continually.</i> See
<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p20.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.20.1" parsed="|Ps|20|1|0|0" passage="Ps 20:1">Ps. xx. 1</scripRef>. Samuel had told
them they would soon be weary of their king, but, in the mind they
are now in, they will never be so: <i>Let the king live.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p21">V. Samuel settles the original contract
between them, and leaves it upon record, <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.25" parsed="|1Sam|10|25|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:25"><i>v.</i> 25</scripRef>. He had before told them <i>the
manner of the king</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.8.11" parsed="|1Sam|8|11|0|0" passage="1Sa 8:11"><i>ch.</i>
viii. 11</scripRef>), how he would abuse his power; now he tells
them <i>the manner of the kingdom,</i> or rather the law, or
judgment, or constitution, of it, what power the prince might
challenge and the utmost of the property the subject might claim.
He fixed the land-marks between them, that neither might encroach
upon the other. Let them rightly understand one another at first,
and let the agreement remain in black and white, which will tend to
preserve a good understanding between them ever after. The learned
bishop Patrick thinks he now repeated and registered what he had
told them (<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p21.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.8.11" parsed="|1Sam|8|11|0|0" passage="1Sa 8:11"><i>ch.</i> viii.
11</scripRef>) of the arbitrary power their kings would assume,
that it might hereafter be a witness against them that they had
drawn the calamity upon themselves, for they were warned what it
would come to and yet they would have a king.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p22">VI. The convention was dissolved when the
solemnity was over: <i>Samuel sent every man to his house.</i> Here
were no votes passed, nor, for aught that appears, so much as a
motion made, for the raising of money to support the dignity of
their new-elected king; if therefore he afterwards thinks fit to
take what they do not think fit to give (which yet it was necessary
that he should have), they must thank themselves. They went every
man to his house, pleased with the name of a king over them, and
<i>Saul also went home to Gibeah,</i> to his father's house, not
puffed up with the name of a kingdom under him. At Gibeah he had no
palace, no throne, no court, yet thither he goes. If he must be a
king, as one mindful of the rock out of which he was hewn, he will
make his own city the royal city, nor will he be ashamed (as too
many are when they are preferred) of his mean relations. Such a
humble spirit as this puts a beauty and lustre upon great
advancements. The condition rising, and the mind not rising with
it, behold how good and pleasant it is! But,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p23">1. How did the people stand affected to
their new king? The generality of them, it should seem, did not
show themselves much concerned: They <i>went every man to his own
house.</i> Their own domestic affairs lay nearer their hearts than
any interests of the public; this was the general temper. But, (1.)
There were some so faithful as to attend him: <i>A band of men
whose hearts God had touched,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xi-p23.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.26" parsed="|1Sam|10|26|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:26"><i>v.</i> 26</scripRef>. Not the body of the people,
but a small company, who because they were fond of their own choice
of a king, or because they had so much more sense than their
neighbours as to conclude that if he was a king he ought to be
respected accordingly, went with him to Gibeah, as his life-guard.
They were those <i>whose hearts God had touched,</i> in this
instance, to do their duty. Note, Whatever good there is in us, or
is done by us, at any time, it must be ascribed to the grace of
God. If the heart bend at any time the right way, it is because he
has touched it. One touch is enough, when it is divine. (2.) There
were others so spiteful as to affront him; children of Belial, men
that would endure no yoke, that would be pleased with nothing that
either God or Samuel did; they <i>despised him</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xi-p23.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.27" parsed="|1Sam|10|27|0|0" passage="1Sa 10:27"><i>v.</i> 27</scripRef>) for the meanness of
his tribe and family, the smallness of his estate, and the privacy
of his education; and they said, <i>How shall this man save us?</i>
Yet they did not propose any man more likely; nor, whomsoever they
had, must their salvation come from the man, but from God. They
would not join with their neighbours in testifying an affection to
him and his government, by bringing him presents, or addressing him
upon his accession to the crown. Perhaps those discontented spirits
were most earnest for a king, and yet, now that they had one, they
quarrelled with him, because he was not altogether such a one as
themselves. It was reason enough for them not to like him because
others did. Thus differently are men affected to our exalted
Redeemer. God hath set him king upon the holy hill of Sion. There
is a remnant that submit to him, rejoice in him, bring him
presents, and follow him wherever he goes; and they are those
<i>whose hearts God has touched,</i> whom he has <i>made willing in
the day of his power.</i> But there are others who despise him, who
ask, <i>How shall this man save us?</i> They are offended in him,
stumble at his external meanness, and they will be broken by
it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xi-p24">2. How did Saul resent the bad conduct of
those that were disaffected to his government? <i>He held his
peace.</i> Margin, <i>He was as though he had been deaf.</i> He was
so far from resenting it that he seemed not to take notice of it,
which was an evidence of his humility and modesty, and the
mercifulness of his disposition, and also that he was well
satisfied with his title to the crown; for those are commonly most
jealous of their honour, and most revengeful of affronts, that gain
their power by improper means. Christ held his peace when he was
affronted, for it was the day of his patience; but there is a day
of recompence coming.</p>
</div></div2>