_A.M. 2909. B.C. 1095._ The distress of Jabesh-gilead, 1 Samuel 11:1. Saul's readiness to relieve them, and success, 1 Samuel 11:4. His tenderness to them that had opposed him, 1 Samuel 11:12. He is confirmed in his kingdom, 1 Samuel 11:14; 1 Samuel 11:15.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then_ That is, about that time; for that this happened before, and was the occasion of their desire of a king, may seem from 1 Samuel 12:12; although it is possible that Nahash's preparation might cause that desire, and that he did not actually come till their king was chosen. _Will serve_ The occa... [ Continue Reading ]
_And lay it for a reproach upon all Israel_ That is, disgrace the whole Hebrew nation, by serving some of their people in this opprobrious manner; for it must necessarily have reflected great dishonour upon the whole state, that they should suffer any of their people to be served so. He probably mea... [ Continue Reading ]
_Give us seven days respite_ It may seem strange, either that they should propose to submit so soon to such base conditions, if they did not receive help, or that Nahash should grant them so much respite when he saw them so abject and inclined to yield to him. But the reason of both is evident; for... [ Continue Reading ]
_To Gibeah of Saul_ So called, because it was the place where Saul was born and brought up, and where he had hitherto dwelt. _Behold Saul came after the herd_ For, being only anointed king, and not publicly inaugurated, nor having yet had opportunity of doing any thing worthy of his place, he though... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sent them throughout all the coasts_ Wisely considering that the sight of men's eyes does much more affect their hearts than what they only hear with their ears. _After Saul and after Samuel_ He joins Samuel with himself, both because he was present with him, and that hereby he might gain the more... [ Continue Reading ]
_The men of Judah thirty thousand_ They were numbered apart to their honour, to show how readily they, to whom the kingdom was promised, (Genesis 49:10,) submitted to their king, though of another tribe, and how willing they were to hazard themselves for their brethren, although they might have excu... [ Continue Reading ]
_Tomorrow we will come out unto you_ They spoke this by way of stratagem, to make the Ammonites easy and secure.... [ Continue Reading ]
_The people said unto Samuel_ Who, it appears from hence, accompanied Saul in this expedition, to encourage him with hopes of good success. _Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day _ Saul had prudently dissembled his knowledge of their despising him before the kingdom was confirmed... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then said Samuel_ While the people were together by Jabesh- gilead. _Come, and let us renew the kingdom_ That is, confirm our former choice, and more solemnly and unanimously inaugurate Saul for our king. Herein Samuel's great prudence and fidelity to Saul appeared. He suspended the confirmation of... [ Continue Reading ]
_There they made Saul king_ Owned and accepted him for their king. Saul had been anointed in Ramah, and chosen by lot in Mizpeh; but still some disdained to acknowledge him for their king, which made him content himself for a time with a private life. But now, after this signal token of God's presen... [ Continue Reading ]