Observations Upon the Old Testament, Commentary · 1 Samuel
I. Samuel.
THis first Book contains an History of eighty years: viz: fourty in the time of Heli, Ch. IV, 18. in the four first Chapters. And fourty in the times of Samuel, and King Saul, in the rest. If Samuels time be reckoned in with that of Saul. Or rather thus; fourty to Eli, whereof the former half runs up in the times of the Judges, in the twenty years of Sampson: And the later halfe, or twenty begins with this Book; after the death of Sampson, and the end of the Book of the Judges. And then follow twenty years of Samuels Government alone. And after that, fourty years of King Saul, Acts XIII. 21. In the former part whereof Samuel also lived, and partly judged with him, as appears in the XIII. XV. & XVI. & XIX. Chaters of this Book: though he withdrew from Saul in his last dayes, 1 Sam. XV. 35. And died, ch. XXV. And in regard whereof they are named as joynt partners in the administration of the Government. 1 Sam. XI. 7. Still in the whole eighty years.
An Ephrathite] As the Jewes are called Cretes, chapter I verse 1 and Arabians, Parthians, Medes, Elamites, &c. because borne and bred up in those, Countreys, Acts II. 9, 10, 11. For though borne, or at least dwelling in Mount Ephraim in Ramah; yet was Elkanah, and so Samuel his son, of the posterity of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, 1 Chron. VI. 33,—38.
Eli] Eli or Heli, verse 3 was by unknown descents of the posterity, not of Eleazer, the elder; but of Ithamar, the younger son of Aaron, the son of Amram, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi. Eli was extraordinarily both High Priest; and Judge; And a good and famous man; though faulty, and infamous in his children. And therfore more grievously punished for their flagitious wickednesse, then Samuel for his sons lesser faults. See the sins of the sons of the High Priest Joshua, Ezra X. 18. From Eli descended Phinehas, his son; Ahitub, his son, 1 Sam. IV. 19, 21. compared with chap. XIV. 3. Ahimelech, his son, slaine by Saul, [his brother was Ahijah] 1 Sam. XIV. 3. and XXII. 9, 11. Abiathar, his son, in Davids time, 1 Sam. XXII. 20. 1 King. I. 7. This Abiathar is named High Priest by our Saviour, Marke II. 26. when David did eate the Shew-bread; because Abiathar then was with his Father Ahimelech joyned in that action of giving the bread to David instantly succeeded in his Fathers roome and Priesthood; was therein more eminent then his Father; and continued therein, with David in his persecution by Saul, and in all the time of his reigne afterward. And thus have we no need in that whole History of Ahimelech and Abiathar, Father, and son, to make them Binomii, to be both known by both those names, and both indifferently called by either; yet see the great Annotations on 1 Chron. XVIII. 16. This Abiather was thrust out of the High Priesthood by Solomon, 1 King. II. 26, 27. And the sons of Abiathar were Ahimelech, and Jonathan, 2 Sam. VIII. 17. and XV. 27. This Ahimelech, and not his Grandfather, of the same name, is he that is usualy joyned with Zadok in Davids reigne. And both then are named Priests, 2 Sam. VIII. 17. 1. Chron. XXIV. 31. i. e. Priests of the second ranck, or next the High Priest, who then was Abiathar. Such a second Priest we read of, 2 King. XXV. 18. Jer. LII. 24. who upon any extraordinary occurrent, restraining or disabling the High Priest; was to supply his place. This Jonathan the son of Abiathar was imployed with Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, as newes-bearer to David in his flight from Absolom, 2 Sam. XV. 27, 28. and XVII. 17.
Of Zadok, See 2 Sam. VIII. 17.
Temple] So is the Tabernacle here called. verse 9 And so, chap. III. 3. 2 Sam. XXII. 7. Psal. XXVII. 6. And so again, The Temple is called a Tabernacle, Lam. II. 6.
Samuel] We read not that he was High Priest, verse 20 or ever so called; But an extraordinary Prophet and Judge, a Nazarite, ver. 11. a Sacrificer; though a Levite onelyonly, and most likely of the posterity of that Korah, Num. XVI. 32. and of the race of Izhar the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, as was formerly said, 1 Chron. VI. A rare and worthy person.
The doores of the house of the Lord] The Hangings of the Gate of the Court, chapter III verse 15 Exod XXVII. 16.
Ark] The Ark so precious in the eyes of God, chapter IV verse 3 and of the Israelites, and that worthily, Psal LXXVIII. 61. and CXXXII. 8. 1. Sam. IV. 20. Was carried about the walls of Jericho, and then returned into the Tabernacle, Being in the Tabernacle in Shiloh, it was taken thence (and never came into the Tabernacle again), and was carried to Eben-Ezer (a place ominous then, but a monument of Gods help soone after) into the Camp, 1 Sam. IV. 1, 3, 4, 5. and V. 1. that it might save them out of the hand of their enemies, the Philistines. (As we read, the Philistines themselves, in the dayes of David, brought their Images into their Camp, 2 Sam V. 21. 1 Chron. XIV. 12.) The Ark being taken there by the Philistines, they carried it about to Ashdod, into the house of Dagon: Thence to Gath: Thence to Ekron. And after they had kept it seven moneths, they carried it to Beth-Shemesh, a Citie in the Tribe of Judah, given to the Priests, 1 Chron. VI. 57, 59. Josh. XXI. 16. And it was fetched thence to Kiriath-jearim, a Citie of Judah, likewise, 1 Chron. XIII. 6. and Judg. XVIII. 12. So called, it may be, from Kiriath-jearim, the son of Shebal, grandchilde of Caleb, the son of Hur, 1 Chron. II. 50, 52, 53. If Kiriath-jearim be there to be understood of the name of a man, and not of the Citie. Or thus called from its seate in a Wood, or woody Countrey, as the name signifieth; See ou Psal. CXXXII. 6. It was called also Kiriath-Baal, Josh. XVIII. 14, 15. And Baalah, Josh. XV. 9, 10. 1 Chron. XIII. 6. And Baale of Judah, 2 Sam. VI. 2. It was brought thither into the house of Abinadab, a Levite; builded in the hill, or Gibeah there, 1 Sam. VII. 1. 2 Sam. VI. 3, 4. It abode there twenty years, till the time of the Repentance and Reformation wrought by Samuel, 1 Sam. VII. 2,—6. And after in the times of Saul, it seems to be fetched thence to Giglal, 1 Sam. X. 8. and Ch. XI. 15. and ch. XII. 3. and chap. XIII. 8, 9. And after to Gibeah of Benjamin; compare together 1 Sam. XIII. 6. and chap. XIV. 2, 18. It may seeme to be thus fetched into extraordinary Assemblies, upon extraordinary occasions both in Warre, and Peace. But being returned to Kiriath-jearim, and the honse of Abinadab, it was fetched thence by David, 1 Chron. XIII. 5. sixty seven years after it was first brought thither; And was brought by him to the house of Obed-Edom, 2 Sam. VI. 10. a Levite, and Porter on the South-side of the Temple, 1 Chron. XV. 18, 24. and chap. XVI. 38. and chap. XXVI. 4,—8, 15. if not a Singer also, 1 Chron. XV. 21. and chap XVI. 5. And one of his race and name was treasurer in the Temple, in the dayes of King Amatziah, 2 Chron. XXV. 24. He is called a Gittite, likely because borne at Gath-Rimmon, a Citie of the Kohathites Levites, Josh. XXI. 24, 25. situated near Gath of the Philistines. The Arke was there three moneths, 2 Sam. VI. 11. 1 Chron. XIII. 13, 14. And then, and thence, fetched by David, with great solemnity, into the Tent which he prepared for it, in the Citie of David, in Jerusalem, 1 Chron. XV. 1,—29. and XVI. 1. 2 Chron. I. 4. And thence seemes to be carried into Joabs Camp before Rabbah, 2 Sam. XI. 11. And begun to be carried with David in his flight from Absalom, 2 Sam. XV. 24, 25. And being returned to Davids Tent for it in Jerusalem, Solomon, as soone as he had builded the Temple, brings it thence with great solemnity, and placeth it in the Holy Oracle, 2 Chron. V. 2,—14. and chap. XXXV. 3. about one hundred and twelve years after it first left Shiloh. And last of all was burned with the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar. And no more to be minded, or remembred in the dayes of the Messiah, Jer. III. 16.
The hand of God] The hand of God in Punishments upon the Philistines, chapter V. VI. for detaining the Arke, were Mice marring the Land, chap. VI. 5. And in their bodies Emerods; and some other disease or plague, whereof most died, chap. V. 12.
The house of Dagon] This Dagon was the Idol or God of the Philistines, chapter V Judg. verse 2 XVI. 22. They lived on the coast of the midland-Sea, on the East-end of it from us. This Dagon seemes to be a kinde of Sea-god, having his name from Dag, which signifies a Fish; and is thought to be portraied like a Fish from the middle downward; and his upper part like a man, if not a maid, 1 Sam. V. 4. Such Idols other Heathens worshipped, as the gods of the Sea; as Neptune, Triton. This House or Temple of Dagon was a marvellous House, Judg. XVI. 27. Hither the Philistines brought Sampson to make them sport; and he brought down the House upon them, Judg. XVI. 30. Hither they brought the Ark of God, as a captive in triumph, to the honour of their Idol; And Dagon fell down before the Ark, broken in pieces, 1 Sam. V. 3, 4. And here they fastened the head of Saul, whom they slew in Gilboa, 1 Chron. X. 10.
Bethshemesh] Bethshemesh a Citie of the Priests, chapter VI verse 9 in the Tribe of Judah, on the North-border of it, Iosh. II. 16. and XV. 10. 1. Chron. VI. 59. Here Amaziah of Iudah fighting against Iehoash of Israel was vanquished and taken, 2 King. XIV. 2 Chron. XXV. There was another Bethshemesh a fenced Citie of Naphtali, Iosh XIX. 38. Iudg. I. 33. Another Bethshemesh, a prime Citie in Egypt, Ier. XLIII. 13. called anciently On, in later times Damieta. Bethshemesh signifies the house of the Sun; and the Cities so called, from the Temples of the Sun built therein, and the idol-worship of the Sun by the ancient inhabitants practised there.
Fifty thousand and seventy men] These were not all of the Citie Bethshemesh, verse 19 but of the people also of neighbouring townes and places, that came rejoycing ro see the Arke returned; but over-boldly gazing on it bare and uncovered, by the Philistines, or by themselves, contrary to the Law, Num. IV. 5, 20. If not prying presumptuously into it, out of an impious curiosity, or a pretence to see whether the Philistines had taken ought out of it, or put any thing into it.
Kiriath-jearim] A Citie, chapter VII verse 1 not of the Levites, or Priests, and seated in the Tribe of Iudah, Iosh. XV. 9, formerly called Kiriath-Baal, ver. 60. and XVIII. 14. Of this Citie see more in the Observations on Ch. IV. 3. and on Psal. CXXXII. 6. These Citizens fetched the Arke, but borne and carried by the Priests of Bethshemesh.
Twenty yeeres] Till this time of lamentation and repentance, verse 2 and a long time after, see the Observations on Iosh. VI. 6.
Thundered] By thunder here: by hailstones, verse 10 Iosh. X. 10, 11.
Now make us a King] The danger by Nahash, chapter VIII verse 5 as well as the wickednesse of Samuels sons, made the Israelites ask a King, 1 Sam. XII. 12. which they might have done warrantably, if they had waited patiently and faithfully, as well for the time when, as the person whom God should choose: But not tumultuously, and distrustfully, as they did now, 1 Sam. VIII. 5, &c. and Ch. XII. 19. Hos. VIII. 4.
This will be the maner] This maner of a King speaks in many things more then what is the lawful power, verse 11 and duty of a good King; more what he will do, then what he ought to do.
The fourth part of a Shekel] Samuel, chapter IX verse 8 and God in him, condescends to answer touching Saul's Asses: As Ahijah did touching the sicknesse of Jeroboams childe, 1 King. XIV. And Elias did also, of Ahaziah, 2. King. 1. And Samuel, in humility, seems to accept of a trifle, they having then no better; not for a reward of Divining; but as a free testimony of their due respect and thankfulnesse: As Ahijah did the like from Jeroboams wife, 1 King. XIV. 3. And Elizeus also the like, 2 King. IV. 42. And as God accepts from the poor widow two mites.
a Seer] And so ver. verse 9 19. 2 Sam. XXIV. 11. and Esay XXX. 10. Prophets called Seers by reason of the Visions and Prophecies which they saw from God; He, and they, being seen of them in Visions and Dreams, Num. XII. 6. And that as clearly, and as certainly as if they had seene them with their eyes, 1 Pet. I. 12. 1 Cor. II. 10. 2. Cor. IV. 18. and V. 1. Heb. XI. 27.
to Gilgal] Not assoone as he parted from Samuel: chapter X verse 8 nor yet seemes this to be understood of that being at Gilgal after his vanquishing of the Ammonites before Jabesh Gilead, Ch. XI. 4, 5, 11, 14, 15. when, and where, they made, or confirmed him King; though chosen before by Lot at Mizpeh, Ch. X. 17, 24. But this seemes to relate to a second time of being at Gilgal, after that former, and above a year after this parting from Samuel, Ch. XIII. 1. when he was to be there upon that weighty preparation of the warre against the Philistines, Ch. XIII. 7, 8.
one year and he reigned tmo years] i. chapter XIII verse 1 e. one year from his Election at Mizpah, to his Coronation at Gilgal. And another year after that, which make two years, Then he began to take upon him the Royal state of a King, and chose his Guard and Army. Or thus, He reigned two years lawfully before he was rejected by God, upon his sparing of Agag, King of the Amalakites, Ch. XV. Or rather, two years quietly, before he was oppressed, and in a maner outed from his Kingdom by the Philistines, 1 Sam. XIII. 6, 19, 22. Upon whose overthrow Saul is said to take the Kingdom again, 1 Sam. XIV. 47.
If they say to us] The like is, chapter XIV verse 9 Gen. XXIV. 14. and Judg. VI. 36, —40. These done by some special divine instinct; and so not Patterns for our imitation without like warrant.
a very great trembling] The Hebrew phrase is, verse 15 a trembling of God. And so, asleep of God, 1 Sam. XXVI. 12. Mountains of God, Psal. XXXVI. 6. Cedars of God, Psal. LXXX. 10. and CIV. 16. an Hoast of God, 1 Chron. XII. 22. Garden of God, Ezek. XXVIII. 13. The wrastlings of God, Gen. XXX. 8. A Citie of God, Jon. III. 3. Visions of God, Ezek. XL. 2. And so may we understand, Sinners of God, or unto God, Gen. XIII. 13. that is, exceeding sinners against God, Jer. L. 29. And so faire to God, Acts VII. 20. that is, exceeding faire. And so the flame of God, Cant. VIII. 6. A most vehement flame. A Seed of God, Mal. II. 15. A most holy seed. See my Observations on Jonah III. 3.
Vtterly destroyed all the people] Not all the Amalekites slaine notwithstanding this, chapter XV verse 8 and ver. 3. and Exod. XVII. 14, 16. For David fights them, 1 Sam. XXVII. 8. and they spoile Ziglag, 1 Sam. XXX.
The youngest] David young, chapter XVI verse 11 when anointed by Samuel, likely about two and twenty years old, young when he killed the Lion and the Bear; when he slew Goliah; when, after these, he slew his ten thousands (in Sauls sundry services); when afterwards he endured so long persecution by Sa…l; was with the King of Moab; and twice with Achish King of Gath, abiding at one time an year there, and four moneths: And yet was but thirty years old, when, after Sauls death, he was made King at Hebron, 2 Sam. V. 4. neither seemes he to have any childe, till he was a King; And then had six in Hebron of fix wives; four in Hierusalem of Bathshua or Bathshebah, the daughter of Ammiel, or Eliam; and nine more; in all nineteen, besides the sonnes of his Concubines 1 Chron. III. 1,—9.
Anointed] David thrice anointed. verse 13
Doubtful whether David slew Goliah before his first coming to Saul, chapter XVII mentioned Ch. XVI. 18,—23. Or after, that time: There are fair probabilities on either side; no undoubted certainty.
And he prophesied] Besides the signification of the word for foretelling things to come, verse 10 and some other miraculous operations. It is also taken for Interpreting of Scripture, or Preaching, 1 Cor. XIV. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 24, 29, 31, 32. And for singing and praising God, 1 Sam X. 5. 1. Chron. XXV. 1. 1 Cor. XI. 5. And more generaly for declaring the will of God to any by Revelation, or Mission from him. And so Christ is the great Prophet, Luke XXIV. 19. And so Enoch, Ahraham, Moses, are called Prophets: and after Moses in this ranck none was greater then he, Deut. XXXIV. 10. And after his time Samuel, David, Gad, Nathan, Elias, Elizeus, the four great Prophets, the twelve small Prophets inspired Pen-men of Holy Scripture, and others many, were such, and so called. And as these Extraordinary Prophets; so there were multitudes of Ordinary Prophets among the people: And Colledges of Prophets, and the sons of Prophets at Bethel, Jericho, Gilgal, Ramah, Naioth, in the times of the Old Testament. And in the New Testament, Zacharias the father, and John Baptist the son, Barnabas and Paul, Judas and Silas, Agabus, and many others, are called Prophets; some Extraordinary, others Ordinary Prophets, Matth. XXIII. 34. Acts XI. 27. and XIII. 1. and XV. 32. Rom. XII. 6. 1. Cor. XII. 10. and chap. XIV. 6, 9, 22, 24, 29, 31. Ephes. IV. 11. Apoc. XI. 10. And in both Testaments there were as men-Prophets; so women-Prophetesses: And in both Sexes, both True ones, and False. In the female sexe we read of good and True, Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Anna, Philips four daughters virgins: of bad and False, Noadiah, Jezebel, and others, Ezek. XIII. 17,—23. Yea, among the Heathen some Poets pretending to, or reputed to be Declarers of Gods will, or Divine truths, are in a like sense termed Prophets, Tit. I. 12. Prophets in their esteeme. And the mode and maner of the expressions of their mindes, Oracles, and Prophecies among these Heathen Enthusiasticks was most-what in a wilde, raving and raging sort, with strange motions and agitations of the body, thereby the more to pretend their divine raptures; as in the Sybils, and others. And not unlike thereunto is this of Sauls prophesying here; In this his rage he casting a jaylin at Davi…, ver. 11. yet in what sense properly he is said here to Prophesie, is well guessed in the great Annotations upon this text, though it be not altogether sure and certaine. As neither that of Eldad and Medad, and the rest of the LXX. Num. XIII. 26, 27. Only this is unquestioned in the LXX. That it was some extraordinary Act and Testimony, That the Spirit of God rested upon them in some extraordinary maner, and as such was discernible to all, and so fit to authorize them in the eyes of others, as by a miracle, and to declare to all That they were gifted and assumed to that their present Office and imployment.
Naked] i. chapter XIX verse 24 e. Stript of his upper garment or military habit. So Peter, John XXI. 7. and Micah, chap. I. 8. Esay, chap. XX. 2, 4. And those Acts XIX. 16.
Slew] chapter XXII verse 18 Sauls most horrid and bloody Act.
Ephod] The Ephod here is that of the High Priests; chapter XXIII verse 9 wherin were the Urim and Thummim, Exod. XXVIII. 30. which Urim and Thummim were not the twelve precious stones of the Breast-plate; mentioned, v. 17-21. Or the words of Vrim and Thummim, engraven in the middest of those twelve precious stones on the Breast-plate; Or things committed into the hands of the workmen to make them: But rather given by God to Moses, to put them not on, but into the Breast-plate; which haply to this end and purpose was doubled, ver. 16. so to have them hid there. And accordingly, Levit. VIII. 8. Moses is said to put in the Breast-plate the Urim and the Thummim. Yet what things, or what kinde of things they were, appears not. Only we know the names signifie Lights, and Perfections; haply intimating Knowledge of Doctrine, and Integrity of Life and Conversation: And that by these the High Priests extraordinarily did ask Counsels of the Lord, and did receive Answers, as Oracles from him. So we see the Precept for it, Num. XXVII. 21. Joshuah shall stand before Eleazar the Priest, who shall ask Counsel for him, after the judgement of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he (i. e. Joshuah) and all the children of Israel with him. And the Practice of it we finde, expected earnestly by Saul, 1 Sam. XXVIII. 6. though the same, it may seeme, lighty sleighted by him, 1 Sam. XIV. 18, 19. And here acted by Abiathar the High Priest, for David; David hereunto adjoyning his Request unto the Lord, for the Answer, ver. 10, 11, 12. And again, 1 Sam. XXX. 7. And not unlike but Davids enquiring of the Lord, 2 Sam. II. 1. and chap. V. 19, 23. and XXI. 1. And possibly that, Judg. XX. 18, 23, 27, 28. was by the same meanes, upon the same ground. And if it were burnt, or lost at the ruine of the Temple, and all, by Nebuchadnezzar, yet the Tirshatha entertains an expectation of the restoring of it, Ezra II. 63. Neh. VII. 65.
a Messinger] Gods providence for the preservation of his. verse 27
unto Achish] This second time, chapter XXVII verse 2 upon better security, beforehand given, then formerly was had.
in Shunem] In Shunem and Aphek, chapter XXVIII verse 4 1 Sam. XXIX. 1. the Philistines pitched: And the Israelites in Gilboa, by a Fountain which is in Jezreel. All in the Tribe of Issachar, Josh XIX. 18.
This is Davids Spoile] i. chapter XXX verse 20 e. all that the Amalakites had taken from others, save from them of Ziglag. This, by his right, and free consent and gift of his souldiers, he made use of to gratifie his friends, and engage them to him, ver. 26,—31.
they shall part alike] They both alike shall have their shares, verse 24 according to Gods appointment, Num. XXXI. 27,—30. Josh. XXII. 8. Though not both equal shares.
fell upon it] Saul his own bloody butcher and self-murderer. chapter XXXI verse 4 The Amalakite belies himself in most of his relation to David, 2 Sam. I. 5,—10. in hope of grace and reward from David; but in issue, to the losing of his life. God in his secret justice justly takes it upon himself, that he slew him, 1 Chron. X. 14.
his head] This they fastened in the Temple of Dagon, verse 9 1 Chron. X. 10. His body to the wall of Bethshan, or Bethshean. And his Armour in the house of Ashteroth, a name of their female goddesses.