_Barns. The floors were composed of earth and the dregs of oil, made into a sort of mortar, so that rain, mice, &c., could not hurt them. (Cato 91 and 129.) --- Hither the people of Ceila had gathered their corn, and the enemy came to plunder, or to spoil, according to custom, Judges v. 4., and xv.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Lord, by the prophet Gad, (Salien; ver. 6.; Menochius) or by Abiathar, who brought the ephod along with him. David undertakes nothing without his advice._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Judea, in the midst of the country, remote from the Philistines; and in a forest, where Saul cannot so easily attack us, as in a city._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Again, in the presence of his soldiers. (Calmet) --- Thus Gedeon requested a double miracle of the Lord, to encourage his men. (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_An ephod, or the ephod. That is, the vestment of the high priest, with the Urim and Thummim, by which the Lord gave his oracles._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Bars. This was what David's men apprehended. Saul thinks this is a fit opportunity for taking them all prisoners; and he supposes that God was on his side, though, after his repeated crimes, he had little reason to flatter himself with hopes of this nature. The wicked, however, easily delude themse... [ Continue Reading ]
_People, in the neighbourhood. It is hardly probable that all Israel should be put in motion to take a few men. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Secretly. He might have pretended that the armament was against the Philistines. (Menochius) --- Ephod. Some say that David put it on. But this was the privilege of the high priest, who gave the answer to David's consultation, which he might perhaps repeat after him. (Calmet) --- He put on the rati... [ Continue Reading ]
_Up. God had only answered the first question before. He now informs David, that it is the intention of the men of Ceila to deliver him into the hands of Saul, who was preparing to attack their city, and that he would inevitably fall into his hands, (Calmet) if he did not retire. (Worthington) --- G... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ziph, eight miles east of Hebron, (St. Jerome) towards the southern Carmel. (Eusebius) --- Abdias (ver. 3) takes notice of the clefts of the rocks of Edom. St. Jerome says, this mountain was "dark and cloudy." (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_In God exceedingly, reminding him of God's promises. (Calmet) --- He hoped to see David king, and himself next to him in power. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Next, in dignity; thy helper and associate. See Ecclesiastes iv. 8, 11. --- This, our league, (Calmet) or the decree appointing David to be king. (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Lord, Gad or Abiathar being present. (St. Jerome) --- This is the third time they had confirmed their alliance, to satisfy their love. (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Hand, to the south. (Du Hamel)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Him, and therefore will be upon his guard. (Haydock) --- Syriac, "because I am told he is crafty." (Calmet) --- Septuagint, "because Saul said, lest this crafty man should exert all his art;" or, "lest he should be very cunning." (Haydock) --- Saul foreboded that he would again elude his pursuit. ... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER XXIII. _ And if. Hebrew, "if he be in the land, I will." --- Thousands; the cities, or with all the troops. (Du Hamel)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Maon, in Arabia Petrea, not far from Bersabee. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Other side, to the south. --- Despaired, without the divine assistance. (Salien) --- Hebrew nechpaz, "feared, or (Du Hamel) made haste to flee." Septuagint, "David was screened to depart." He used all possible precautions not to fall into Saul's hands, though he knew he should succeed him. He might... [ Continue Reading ]
_Division, as it alone had been between the two rivals. Saul was obliged to leave the place, though he and his men were in suspense what to do. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]