Harmony Upon 1 Samuel, Chapter 10
CHAP. X.
1. Quest. v. 1. Of Samuels anointing of Saul to be King.
1. THis anointing in the old Testament, signified the gifts of the holy Ghost, which were necessarie for them, which should rule. Genevens. 2. This was a type and figure of the spirituall anointing of the Messiah, to be our Priest, Prophet, and King: which ceremonie is not necessarie now to be retained in the new Testament. Osiand. 3. The Hebrues thinke, that Saul was not anointed with the same oyle, wherewith Dauid and Salomon were anointed: for that was taken out of the Tabernacle, so was not this: that was powred out of an horne, Keren: this out of a viole, called Phach: out of such a vessell was Iehu anointed: Borr. out of a brittle vessell, whether of glasse or earth, which signified the vnstablenesse and short continuance of their two kingdomes: but the horne shewed the firme and durable state of the kingdome of Dauid and Salomon. Pellican.
2. Quest. v. 1. Of Samuels kissing of Saul.
1. This kisse was a signe of fauour, as wishing all things to be prosperous vntounto him: Pellican. it was also a signe of reuerence, as it is taken, Psal. 2. Kisse the sonne, least he be angrie. Borr. 2. Samuel searcheth not here into Gods secret iudgement, who purposed to reiect and cast off Saul afterward, as an hypocrite: neither was this yet reuealed vntounto Samuel: he esteemeth Saul, according to his present election, whereby the Lord had appointed him to be gouernour of his people: afterward, when the Lords counsell was reuealed to Samuel, concerning the reiection of Saul, he then did forbeare to kisse him, but denounced the sentence of God against him, that because he had cast away the word of the Lord, the Lord had cast away him. Borr.
3. Quest. v. 1. Of Samuels words to Saul, Should I not, &c.
1. The most read thus, hath not the Lord anointed thee to be gouernour, &c. sic Sept. Chald. Vatab. B.G. but in this reading, the Hebrew particle chi, for, or, because, is omitted: and beside, halo, what not, is separated by a distinction from the clause following. 2. Therefore the best reading is, should I not, that is, doe thus: for Iehovah hath anointed, &c. Iun. for it seemeth that Saul had vsed some resistance, refusing to be anointed, and that Samuel did perswade and pacifie him with these wordes, shewing that it was the will of God, that it should be so.
4. Quest. v. 3. Whether it is to be read, Bethel, or the house of God.
1. The most doe thinke, that these three men went to Bethel there to offer sacrifice, and so thinketh Iosephus, so the Chald. and Septuag. for that Bethel was held to be a religious place, because of the altar, which Iakob built there: Vatab. Borr. but that altar was long before defaced, neither was it lawfull for priuate men to offer any sacrifice but before the Lord, where the Arke was. 2. Therefore I consent in this place to Iunius reading: that they went vp to the house of God, which was now at Kiriathiearim: which may be made plaine by these reasons, 1. because they are said to goe vp to God, that is, where the Arke was, the representation of Gods presence: 2. they carried three kids for sacrifice, but at Bethel it was not then lawful to sacrifice: 3. Bethel is taken for the house of God then at Shiloh, Iud. 20.18. and 21.19. and so it may fitly be taken here for the house of God at Kiriathiearim. 4. Now whereas these men caried but three loaues, D. Kimchi maruelleth how they could giuegive two: the answer is, that God so put it in their hearts, that it was a greater worke of pietie to feede the hungrie, as they saw Saul at this time to be very faint, then to offer sacrifice: or it is more like, that they had other bread with them for their owne necessarie vse, beside the three loaues, which they went to offer. Mar.
5. Quest. v. 5. Of the hill of God.
1. The most doe expound this of the high place in Kiriathiearim, where the Arke was: so the Chalde interpreteth: so also Pellic. Borr. Genevens. but it is not like that a garrison of the Philistims should be kept in that place, where the Arke was, and whither the people vsually resorted with their sacrifices and offerings. 2. It was rather the high place of Gibeah, which is called Gibeah of Beniamin, where there was a garrison of the Philistims, c. 13.2. Iun. and where Sauls father, and his vncle and kinred dwelt, v. 14. so also Iosephus calleth it the towne of Gabatha. 3. It is called the hill of God, because there was a Colledge of the Prophets consecrate vntounto the seruice of God: who might be safe notwithstanding the garrison of the Philistims, which was not farre off: for religious men were priuiledged, in those daies, euen in the middes of their enemies: and beside the Philistims, though at this time they kept their owne, yet attempted nothing against Israel, as before is noted. chap. 7. quest. 13. Iun.
6. Quest. v. 5. Of the companie of Prophets whome Saul should meete.
1. Some thinke, that most of these were Leuites, which studied the law, and were prepared and made fit for the seruice of the Tabernacle: Borr. but this opinion is grounded vponupon the other receiued interpretation, that this hill of God was at Kiriathiearim, where the Arke aboad at this time, which in the next question before I shewed to be an vncertaine coniecture. It is like that among these Prophets some were Leuites, but it is not necessarie to thinke, that most of them were of that tribe: such a Colledge of Prophets there was in the time of Elisha at Bethel, and an other at Iericho, 2. king. 2.2. and 5. 2. These Prophets then were such, as attended prophesying, giuen vntounto holy studie and meditation, to sing Psalmes to the praise of God, vsing thereunto as incitements musicall instruments: as Elisha did, 2. king. 3.15. Borr. who taught and instructed others, Osiand. indued also with the gift of prophesying. 3. Of these there were two sorts, some were called Prophets simply, as the masters and instructers of others; some the children, that is, the scholers of the Prophets. Iun.
7. Quest. v. 6. How the spirit of God came vponupon Saul.
1. The spirit of God, is taken either for the gift of prophesying, or for abilitie prosperously to atcheiue any thing, or thirdly for the gift of sanctification: the two first waies Saul was indued with the spirit of God: Borr. for he receiued for the present, a temporarie gift of prophesying, to confirme him in his calling, as the 70. Elders prophesied for the time, Num. 11.25. and he was furnished with gifts fit for that calling, as courage and magnanimitie, meete for the office of a King. Iun. But he was farre off from the true inward sanctification, as his workes following declared. Borr. 2. He became an other man in these two respects: first, because he should nowe shewe himselfe a Prophet, singing diuine songs and hymnes among the Prophets, as though he had from his youth beene trained vp among them: Pellican. As also he now should put on a princely minde, and meditate vponupon matters belonging to the kingdome, whereas he was before but conuersant among his cattell: yet this was but a ciuill kinde of change in him: there was no inward renouation, neither became he in deede a new regenerate man, borne of the spirit. Borr.
8. Quest. v. 9. Of the fulfilling of the signes foreshewed.
1. God vseth to confirme extraordinarie callings by extraordinarie signes: as Moses assured by those signes and miracles which God shewed, that the Lord had appointed him to deliuer his people: so likewise Gideon, Iud. 6. And Saul here is confirmed by these propheticall predictions, in the office and calling of a King, which was now first reuiued and raised vp in Israel. 2. Fowre things are foretold vntounto Saul: 1. that he should finde two men at Rachels sepulchre, and he telleth him, what they should say vntounto him, v. 2. then he should meete three men going to the house of God, v. 3. after that he should meete a companie of Prophets, v. 5. the fourth signe is, that he himselfe should prophesie. Borr. 3. The signes were to that ende, that when he saw, that all Samuels predictions were true, he should nothing doubt to take the kingdome vponupon him: Pellic. for God was with him, vers. 7. that is, to prosper him, and giuegive him good successe: though not with him as he vseth to be with his elect & beloued in Christ. Borr. 4. But such signes, now to confirme Christians in their calling, are not to be expected: nay, to aske such signes, were to tempt God: our calling is not now extraordinarie, our faith and doctrine is not new, but the same which was first preached and taught by Christ, then by his Apostles: it was then confirmed by signes and miracles, and neede not to be so confirmed againe.
9. Quest. v. 12. Of the meaning of these words, Who is their father?
1. While they marueiled at this suddaine change in Saul, whome they had knowne to be a valiant man before, and of courage, but no Prophet: one, as it may seeme, of the same companie of the Prophets, Iun. riseth vp, and by this speech staieth their further wondring. Osiand. 2. In effect he saith thus much; Doe not maruell, that Saul prophesieth, hauing no Prophet to his father: for neither is the gift of prophesie hereditarie in the rest, they hauehave not all Prophets to their fathers: Vatab. the spirit of God is their father, and instructer: they are not so much taught by men, as by the spirit of God, which worketh freely and accepteth no mans person, but can raise vp Prophets euen from the meanest and most abiect. Iun.
10. Quest. v. 15. Why Saul concealeth from his Vncle the matter of the kingdome.
1. Iosephus is here deceiued, who saith, that Abner Sauls cosin questioned with him, whereas it was Sauls fathers brother, likely to be Ner the father of Abner, c. 14.50. 2. Some thinke that Sauls vncle was at Ciriathiearim, some that Saul went from hence to an other place, which is not here expressed, as many circumstances belonging to the storie, for breuitie sake are omitted in Scripture. ex Vatab. But it seemeth rather, that the high place, whether Saul went, was at Gibeah, where his father and kinred dwelt, as is before shewed, v. 5. 3. Now Saul partly of modestie concealeth the communication, which he had with Samuel about the kingdome, least he should be thought to be ambitious, Pellican. as also in wisedome, least he might hauehave beene enuied, and so some impediments laid in his way. Osiand. Iosephus toucheth both these reasons, Ne res credita invidiam, non credita vanitatis opinionem ei contraheret: least that the matter beeing beleeued might hauehave procured enuie, or beeing not beleeued, might hauehave bred an opinion of lightnes and vanitie. In like manner, Moses taking leaue of his father in law, pretendeth onelyonly to goe and see his brethren in Egypt, making no mention of his calling, nor what the Lord said vntounto him, nor what he had seene. Exod. 4.
11. Quest. v. 17. How the people are said to be assembled before the Lord in Mizpeh.
1. Some thinke that this Mizpeh was Gilgal, some Bethel, some Kiriathiearim: but it was that famous place, where they vsed to assemble the people, and where before Samuel had called the people together, when as that notable victorie was giuen them against the Philistims, c. 7. Saul was designed and elected King in Mizpeh, and afterward established and confirmed King in Gilgal, c. 11.15. Iun. 2. Some thinke, that they are saide to be assembled before the Lord, because what was done in such great assemblies of the whole nation, was done as in the sight and presence of God: Osiand. as in the same place it is said, they assembled before the Lord, Iud. 20.1. when as yet the Arke was not there. 3. But it is more likely, that Samuel had caused the Arke to be brought thither at this time, and the Priest to be present with the Vrim and Thummim, to consult with God, as v. 22. and to cast lots before the Arke, as the vse was. Iun.
12. Quest. v. 20. How the tribe of Beniamin was taken.
1. Some of the Hebrewes thinke, that the stone in the Priests breastplate, wherein the name of Benjamin was taken, did shine extraordinarily, whereby they knew that the King should come out of that tribe: but that is not like: for though the tribe were found out by this meanes, yet that serued not to finde out the familie, and the very person: therefore the course here taken was by casting of Lots. 2. It is like that Samuel here followeth Ioshuahs president: first, the tribe is taken by lot, then the familie in the tribe, then the household in that family, and lastly the person: as Iosh. 7.14. Iun. so here the tribe of Benjamin commeth forth, then the familie of Metri, then the houshold of Kish, and lastly Saul of that house. 3. Concerning the manner of casting lots: the names of the tribes were written, and cast into a pot, Ioseph. then some one of eueryevery tribe was appointed to draw out the lot for the whole tribe, and so likewise for the family, and household. Osiand. And this was done before the Arke, and with praiers beeing made before, as v. 22. it is said, they asked the Lord againe, that is, praied vntounto him: Iun. So that this casting of lots, was directed by the prouidence of God: as Salomon saith, The lot is cast into the lappe, but the whole disposition thereof is of the Lord. Prov. 16.33. D. Chimchi thinketh that no lots were here cast, because no mention is made of them: but that the Priest consulted with God by Vrim and Thummim. R. Sele…h thinketh that lots were cast: which is most like, because it was much vsed among the Israelites: as the land of Canaan was cast out by lot: Ionathan was taken by lot: Mathias was chosen by lot, Act. 1. the word lachad here vsed, which signifieth to take, insinuateth as much. Mart.
14. Quest. Zhether it be lawfull now to cast lots.
1. We finde three kind of lots vsed in Scripture: some for equall diuision, and deciding of controuersies that way: as the land of Canaan was sorted out by lot: some were sortes consultatoriae, lots vsed for consultation, as when Mathias was chosen: some, divinatoriae, diuining lots, when any hid thing is reuealed, as Achan was taken by lot, Iosh. 7. 2. Now some doe vtterly condemne the vse of lots now, as Hierome vponupon Ionas: and thinketh that such examples in Scripture were extraordinarie, and not to be followed. 3. But Augustines iudgement is more probable, who thinketh though the casting of lots ought not to be so vsuall, as before: yet that in some cases lots may be cast: as he putteth this case; that in time of persecution, when it is thought fit, that some ministers should be preserued for future times, and all are alike minded to abide the extreamest hazard, and of the like gifts, then they may be chosen by lots. epist. ad Honorat. 4. But these conditions must be obserued in lots: 1. that all other meanes should first be attempted, and lots not to be vsed but vponupon great necessitie, when no other way is left: so Mathias was elected, there beeing such equalitie betweene him and the other, as that the Apostles could make no difference. 2. they must be vsed not rashly, but reuerently, as the Apostles to their lots ioyned praier. 3. superstitious lots must be abandoned: such as were the lots of Numerius Suffetius, whom Cicero speaketh of lib. de Divinat. that he cut a flint in sunder, and out leaped certaine lots. 4. there must be no deceit vsed in lots. Mar. These conditions must be obserued in such lots as are vsed in great and waightie affaires: but they extend not to such kinde of lots, which are ordinarily vsed in some kinde of recreations, where no such waightie ende is purposed.
14. Quest. v. 28. Of the booke which Samuel writ.
1. Iosephus thinketh that this booke contained the predictiō of such things, which should fall out vnderunder Sauls kingdome, and that he rehearsed it in the hearing of the people and of Saul. But this is not like: for this had beene enough to hauehave alienated the hearts of the people from Saul, that such a tyrant, as he prooued afterward, should raigne ouer them. Therefore, this booke contained nothing, but what the King should performe to his people, and of the dutie of the people to their king: Pellican. agreeable to the description of a king in Moses, Deut. 17. 2. This booke was laide vp before the Arke, that it might continually put them in remembrance of their mutuall dutie. Iun. 3. But this booke is not now to be found, it is lost, as many other historicall bookes. Vatab.
15. Quest. v. 27. Of the wicked men that murmured against Saul.
1. They are called men of Belial: that is, without a yoke, which refused to submit themselues to Sauls gouernment, thinking that because he was of meane parentage, and of no power, he was not a like man to saue the people. Pellic. 2. Therefore they came not to shew their dutie to the king, to bring him presents as other did: for by such gifts of acknowledgement, subiects may expresse their loyall affection to the Magistrate. Osiand. 3. But Saul held his peace, and winked at this fault, to auoide sedition, and to winne them by lenitie. Genevens.