1 Samuel 31:3

HE WAS SORE WOUNDED - Better, “he was sore afraid” (compare Deuteronomy 2:25). Saul’s fear is explained in 1 Samuel 31:4.... [ Continue Reading ]

1 Samuel 31:6

ALL HIS MEN - This and similar expressions must not be taken too literally (compare 1 Chronicles 10:6). We know that Abner, and Ish-bosheth, and manymore survived the day of Gilboa.... [ Continue Reading ]

1 Samuel 31:7

THE MEN ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE VALLEY - This must mean to the north of the plain of Jezreel, and would comprise the tribe of Naphtali, and Zabulon, and probably Issachar. But the text of 1 Chronicles 10:7 has “that were in the valley,” limiting the statement to the inhabitants of the plain of Jezr... [ Continue Reading ]

1 Samuel 31:10

IN THE HOUSE OF ASHTAROTH - This was doubtless the famous temple of Venus in Askelon mentioned by Herodotus as the most ancient of all her temples. Hence, the special mention of Askelon 2 Samuel 1:20. The placing Saul’s armour as a trophy in the temple of Ashtaroth was a counterpart to the placing G... [ Continue Reading ]

1 Samuel 31:12

BURNT THEM - Burning was not the usual mode of sepulture among the Hebrews. But in this case from a pious desire to disguise the mutilation of the headless corpses, and exempt them from any possible future insult, the men of Jabesh burned the bodies, yet so as to preserve the bones 1Sa 31:13; 2 Samu... [ Continue Reading ]

1 Samuel 31:13

UNDER A TREE - Rather, “Under the tamarisk,” a well-known tree at Jabesh which was standing when this narrative was written. THEY FASTED SEVEN DAYS - In imitation of the mourning for Jacob (marginal reference). They would give full honor to Saul though he was fallen.... [ Continue Reading ]

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