Westminster Annotations, 1 Samuel (1 Kings) · Chapter 13
CHAP. XIII.
Vers. 1. REigned one yeer] Heb. the son of one yeer in his reigning. To wit, whilest the things were done that are contained in the former Chapter.
reigned two yeers] To wit, then he began to take upon him the state of a king, and chose his guard and legionarie souldiers to attend his service upon all occasions, as he pleased to employ them. Some gather hence, that Saul reigned onelyonly two yeers, to wit, before he was rejected of God, and forsaken of his Spirit, Chap. 15. 26. 16. 14. and David anointed in his stead, Chap. 16. 12, 13. And though he be said to have reigned fourty yeers, Act. 13. 21. computing the time of Samuels government with his, yet he reigned onelyonly two yeers lawfully, and the rest of his time as a tyrant: which they gather from Chap. 14. 47. where it is said, That Saul took the kingdom; that is, like a tyrant usurped it.
V. 2. in Michmash] That is, a place so called in the border of Benjamin, neer the mountain of Bethel. So v. 5.
V. 3. Jonathan sinote] To wit, by Sauls command, as it appeareth vers. 4.
the garison] See Chap. 7. 13.
in Geba] Or upon the hill. See Chap. 10. 5.
heard of it] That is, hearing of it, prepared themselves to fight against Israel.
Hebrews hear] That is, take notice of these preparations against them, that they may prepare themselves for the war.
V. 4. Saul had sinitten] That is, Jonathan, by Saul's command.
was had in abomination] Hebr. did stink. So Gen. 34. 30.
V. 5. Beth-aven] That is, a house of vanity and wickednesse; so called, because of the idolls there erected and worshipped. Here it signifieth the city and wildernesse of Beth-aven: of which see Josh. 8. 12.
V. 6. in caves] Which were frequent in those places.
and in rocks] That is, in the holes of the rocks.
V. 7. all the people] That is, his two thousand legionary souldiers, mentioned vers. 2. many of which in this fear left him.
followed him trembling] Hebr. trembled after him. Insomuch as for sudden fear they left their arms behinde them in the camp, and followed him naked and disarmed.
V. 8. And he tarried seven dayes] Chap. 10. 8.
had appointed] The end of this meeting is expressed, Chap. 10. 8.
and the people] That is, his guard and presidiary souldiers.
V. 9. And Saul said] Being weary of waiting on Samuel's coming; and fearing the issue, by reason of the souldiers defection.
And he offered] That is, he caused the priest to offer. So Chap. 14. 18. For if he had himself offered sacrifice, he had greatly sinned, in usurping the priests office; and Samuel would have much more have reproved him for it, then for not staying the time appointed; which he doth not.
V. 10. salute him] Hebr. blesse him.
V. 11. What hast thou done] This is not a question of one desiting to be informed, but a serious reproof. So Gen. 3. 11, 12.
thou camest not] This excuse was untrue, for Samuel came on the seventh day, though not at that hour of the day in which Saul expected him.
V. 12. made supplication] Hebr. intreated the face. To wit, by prayers and oblations.
forced my self] That is, I have in these great difficulties done (though unwillingly) contrary to thy direction from God.
V. 13. done foolishly] To wit, in not waiting the time appointed by God.
for ever] That is, all the dayes of thy life. So Deut. 15. 17. and 1 Sam. 1. 22. For the promise of an everlasting kingdom was made to David and his seed onelyonly, which came of the tribe of Judah. So Gen. 49. 10.
V. 14. sought him a man] That is, wisely appointed him to this office; to wit, David, though Samuel at that time did not know it, 1 Sam. 16. 6, 12.
hath commanded] He speaketh of the future, as of a thing already done, to shew the certainty of it; as it is usuall in the Scriptures.
V. 15. present] Hebr. found.
six hundred men] The rest were of his two thousand, being fled for fear, v. 6, 8.
V. 17. Ophrah] A city of the Benjamites, Josh. 18. 23.
Shual] See Chap. 9. 4.
V. 18. Beth-horon] Situate in the tribe of Ephraim, on the borders of Benjamin, Josh. 16. 3. 18. 13.
V. 18. valley of Zeboim] In the tribe of Benjamin, towards the desert of Jordan, which is mentioned Neh. 11. 34.
N. 19. said] That is, thus reasoned with themselves, and one with another, Let us take care lest the Hebrews procure arms, to free themselves from being under our subjection. So Gen. 3. 22.
V. 21. a file] Heb. a file with mouthes. That is, to point and sharpen their instruments and necessary utensils, when they could not go to the Philistines forges.
to sharpen] Heb. to set.
V. 22. So it came to passe] That is, partly through the Philistines tyranny, disarming them; and partly through the Israelites fear, that had either cast away their arms, or left them in the camp when they followed Saul. See v. 7.
sword nor spear] Though they might have other weapons, and rustick instruments, as clubs, goads, staves and slings, which they might use for weapons.
garison] Or, standing camp.
went out] That is, to surprise Saul and his disheartned followers in Gibeah.
passage] Which being taken, they had an easie entrance into the fields of Benjamin.