_How long. It seems his tears were not soon dried up, as he lamented the fall of one whom he had formerly so much admired, and perceived what evils would ensue. (Salien) --- He had hoped that the decree might have been revokable. But God now convinces him of the contrary, by ordering him to go and a... [ Continue Reading ]
_Of the herd. Hebrew, "a heifer in thy hand." (Haydock) --- Females might be employed as peace-offerings, Leviticus iii. 1. --- Lord. This was one, though not the principal reason. No one doubted but that he might lawfully offer sacrifice, at a distance from the tabernacle, as he was guided by God.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sacrifice, to partake of the feast, (Menochius) which must be consumed in two days, or thrown into the fire, Leviticus vii. 16. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wondered. Hebrew, "trembled," being full of consternation, (Haydock) as the prophet did not now stir much from home; and fearing lest he had some bad news to impart, or had incurred the king's displeasure, (Calmet) unless he came to punish some of the people at Bethlehem. (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
Sanctified, prepared by aspersions, washing, and continence, Exodus xix 14. What sorts of uncleanness excluded from the feast, are specified, Leviticus xxii. (Menochius) --- Samuel arrived in the evening, and announced that sacrifice would be offered the ensuing morning. (Tirinus)... [ Continue Reading ]
_Him. Hebrew, "surely the Lord's anointed is in his presence." This he spoke by his own spirit, judging from the comeliness of Eliab. (Calmet) --- But the beauty of Saul's body had concealed a deformed soul. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Rejected, or not chosen. (Menochius) --- God had positively rejected this eldest son, as his pride seems to have been the greatest, chap. xvii. 28. (Haydock) --- Heart. This is one of God's perfections. Glorified saints see man's heart in his light, for their own and our advantage, (St. Gregory, Mo... [ Continue Reading ]
_Seven. David was absent. Isai had eight sons, chap. xvii. 12. Yet only seven are mentioned, 1 Paralipomenon ii. 13. Perhaps one of those whom he produced on this occasion, might be a grandson, or one is omitted in Chronicles [Paralipomenon]. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Young son, ( parvulus,) "a little one;" (Haydock) or the youngest, who might be about 15, (Calmet) or 28. (Seder. olam. iii.) (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ruddy, like the spouse, Canticle of Canticles v. 10. Some explain it of his hair. So Alexander [the Great] is said to have had reddish or golden locks. --- Behold. Hebrew, "with the beauty of the eyes."_... [ Continue Reading ]
Brethren. Some say, without informing him, (Calmet) or them, (Menochius) what the unction meant. If he told the brothers, he would no doubt take the necessary precautions to keep it secret, as the whole family would have been in imminent danger, if the transaction had come to the ears of Saul, ver.... [ Continue Reading ]
From the Lord. An evil spirit, by divine permission, and for his punishment, either possessed or obsessed him. (Challoner) --- We no longer behold in Saul any generous sentiments. He falls a prey to melancholy, anger, suspicion, and cruelty. "He was seized with an illness, inflicted by the devil, sa... [ Continue Reading ]
_Easily. The effects which have been produced by music are truly surprising, if we may believe what the ancients have related. Our music may not at present be so striking, or we may keep a greater restraint upon our passions, and moderate the exterior demonstrations of our sentiments more than they... [ Continue Reading ]
_Him. Some think that this took place before David's victory over Goliath; others believe, that David was only made armour-bearer to Saul, after that event. We must not disturb the order of the sacred historian without some cogent reason: and the courtiers might already have heard of David's prowess... [ Continue Reading ]
_Laden. So Chaldean. (Menochius) --- Literally, plenum, "full of." (Haydock) --- Septuagint, "a gomor," which they seem to have read instead of the Hebrew chamor, "an ass of bread," as Sosibius says, "he eats three asses' of panniers of loaves." (Calmet) --- Protestants supply, " laden. "_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Bearer. This was an honourable office. (Haydock) --- Cyrus had been employed by his grandfather Astyages in the same capacity, before he came to the empire. (Atheneus xiv.) (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sight. He had sent him back, as people of a melancholy temper are often hard to please; (Menochius) and before David married Michol, he did not remain with the king, but only came when his presence was deemed necessary. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Departed from him. Chased away by David's devotion. (Challoner) --- The melody of David's harp, as some of the Fathers remark, represent that sweet and engaging demeanour, which should distinguish the peaceful ministers of the gospel,...whether they strive to allay the rage, or dispel the fears of... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER XVI.... [ Continue Reading ]