Commentary on the Old Testament Volume 2-4, Biblical commentary 1 · 2 Samuel · Chapter 1
CHAP. I.
AFter Davids returne from the slaughter of the Amalekites to Ziklag, a man came unto him and brought him tidings of V. 1, 2, 3, …Sauls death, saying, that at his owne request hee had slaine him, when his case grew desperate, but herein hee lyed unto him, as may appeare by that which was said before of the manner of Sauls death. Hee did that thinking to winne Davids favour, but hee rewarded him as a wicked lier deserved with present death. The Hebrewes think that this was Doegs sonne, and whereas it may seeme to make against it, that Doeg is said to have beene Glossa Ordin.an Edomite, this man an Amalekite, it is answered, the sonne of Eliphaz, the sonne of Esau or Edom was called Amalek, and the race comming from him Amalekites, although they were Edomites also, all the Amalekites then Gen: 36.saith Martyr were Edomites, but not contrariwise all the Edomites Amalekites. And whereas, vers. 10. hee brought with him Sauls Crowne and Bracelets, P. Martyr.they say that his father tooke them from Saul after hee was dead, before that hee slew himselfe, willing him therewith to repaire to David thus to winne his favour. But Martyr thinketh rather, that hee was some Amalekite, whom Saul had formerly spared, and if so, it was by a just judgement of God if hee had slaine Saul, that hee preserved him to his owne destruction. But this conjecture is without ground, seeing none were saved alive but Agag, and if hee had slaine him being in that extremity, it had beene to his benefit. This man came with his cloaths rent and earth upon his head, that is, dust, to shew exceeding great sorrow, see the like done by Jobs friends, Job 2. 12. they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads, and 1 Sam. 4. 12. the renting of garments used in those parts served to shew the inward passion of the heart to the rending thereof, and dust or ashes upon the head and body, making them to looke squalidous, to shew their extreame sorrow and misery, causing them to neglect themselves, as being in no better case, then the dead now ready to bee laid into the ground, and to have earth put upon them, that the Lord seeing such spectacles of misery might bee moved to shew mercy. For the Crowne which he brought with him, and the Bracelets, V 10. Hugo Card.saying, that he tooke it off his head: Hugo saith well, it is not probable that Saul did then weare his Crowne, but as the Ensigne of his kingly dignity it might by his Armour-bearer be carried with him into the field, or upon his Helmet there might be some costly worke representing the Kings Crowne, and so called by that name. But he saith, I took the Crown that was upon his head; but this he saith, is to be understood, which used to be upon his head, although he had it not on then.
David having heard his tale, rent his clothes, both he and all the men with V. 11, 12.him, and mourned and fasted till even for Saul and Jonathan and for all Israel. There was great reason of sorrowing for his deare friend Jonathan, and for the people of God, but how he could truely sorrow for Saul, doth not so easily appeare. For much good came of his destruction. 1. An end was put to tyranny, under which the commonwealth could not but groane. 2. David was ridde of his deadly enemy who alwayes sought his life. 3. The expected time now came of fullfilling the promise made to David, and the prophecy of taking the kingdome from Saul: yet it is not to be thought that David dissembled this great sorrow even for Saul, because although Saul hated him, yet he loved Saul, as we are bidden, love your enemies, especially being his King and father in law, and therefore it could not but greatly grieve him to heare of his ruine so lamentable, and to thinke how the Philistims would hereupon triumph and blaspheme the God of Israel, as unable to save him, whom he had chosen. These things therefore comming first to his thoughts he sorrowed truly, and not onelyonly hee, but all his company, we read of none, that rejoiced to heare of the taking away of this tyrant amongst them all. For the good that followed hereupon, that, as Martyr saith, proceeded from the goodnesse of God, who can turne evill into Peter Martyr.good, but in themselves these things related were evill, and so able to make a stony heart to relent in every one that was a member of the same Commonwealth, now so much weakened and brought under.
Then David said unto him, Whence art thou, &c. It may seeme strange, that V. 13.David hearing him say before that hee was an Amalekite, Vers. 8. should now aske this question. But it is answered, the present astonishment at the newes which hee brought, made David, that hee tooke no heed at the first unto it. And they that thinke hee was Doegs son to this objection, then Saul should not have needed to ask him who he was: Answer, that either Sauls sight began to faile him through the losse of much blood, or although his father followed Saul, yet he being young had not yet come at the Court to be known unto Saul, and to the campe it seemeth by his speech, Vers. 6. that he came but accidentally, and was not there as a Souldier, for he saith, As I came by chance.
David said unto him, How wast thou not affraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy V. 14. V. 15.the Lords anointed? then he bade one of his young men to slay him. David feared to slay Saul when hee was in his power for this reason, because hee was the Lords anointed; for hee that killeth a King, is guilty of a double sin, as the King beareth a double Image of God, one as hee is a man, and another, as his Vicegerent upon earth for his supreme power. Wherefore having found a man, that had committed so horrible a sin, hee presently caused him to bee put to death. But it will bee said, How can this bee justified Qu. in David to doe execution so suddenly, when as indeed the man was not guilty? Answ. Hee tooke his owne confession as a sufficient testimony, as it is indeed when it commeth voluntarily, and is not any way extorted, the signes also being shewed, that made it the more probable, Sauls Crowne and Bracelets, which hee brought with him. And therefore although there is a Law, that the Judge shall not condemne a man meerely upon his owne confession, yet when it In ff. de quaestionibus lege. 1. para. confessio reorum non habenda est pro explorato crimine, nisi approbatio alia instruat religionem cognoscentis.commeth voluntarily without compulsion, the Law provideth, that it shall bee counted a sufficient testimony to condemne. Againe, hee that giveth false testimony in the case of bloodshed, must die for it. Ob. But David was no Judge as yet, and therefore hee ought not to have given sentence. Sol. he was long agoe anointed King, and although hee was not yet in actuall possession, Peter Martyr.hee was a Judge in Ziklag; and lastly this man being an Amalekite, and so by the Lord adjudged to death, hee might justly kill him: Thus Martyr, who also addeth, that in case a confession bee drawne from one by torments against himselfe, it is unlawfull hereupon to put him to death, except there bee some other evidence. And whereas the Law requireth, that there should bee two witnesses at the least to take away any mans life, hee saith, that it is not meant there should bee another besides a mans selfe, for a mans own testimony against himselfe is more then two witnesses. Here was a just reward for a sawning and flattering Hypocrite, that whereby hee thought to curry favour Note. with David was turned to his ruine. Againe note, that it is murther to kill another, or to helpe him out of the world, when hee is neare death, although it bee desired, for this is a thing to bee left unto God onelyonly, who gave life.
And Daid said, thy blood be upon thine head, that is, saith Hugin, thy damnation to die commeth worthily upon thee, and thou art the cause of thy owne blood-shed, so that none shall bee guiltie of blood by putting thee to death: V. 16. Hago Card.or the punishment of the blood which thou hast shed bee upon thee. He sinned three wayes. 1. Because hee was a traytour to kill the King. 2. Hee lyed unto David. 3. Hee came flatteringly unto him.
Then David lamented over Saul and Jonathan with this Lamentatton. Also hee bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow, behold it is written in the booke of Jasher: the vulg. Latine, in the booke of the just: this of bidding them V. 17, 18.teach the children of Judah the use of the bow is interlaced before the lamentation to shew, that hee made this use of this great overthrow given to the people of Israel by the Philistims, hereupon hee commandeth the Art of shooting to be taught and practised, because Saul was said to be wounded by the Archers that they might hereafter be the better able to fight against their enemies. 1 Sam 31 3.For the booke of Jasher or the Just, some thinke it to bee none other, but these bookes of the Kings, so called, because many just persons are herein written Hieron. de Hebr quaest. R. Solomon. Gen. 48. 22.of, as Samuel, David, Nathan, Elijah, &c. Some as R. Solomon, the booke of Genesis for the same reason, and because therein mention is made by Jacob of his Sword and his Bow, whereby hee got one parcell of ground from the Amorite, which hee gave to Joseph, and Genesis, Chap. 49. Vers. 8. it is said of Judah, Thy band shall bee in the neck of thine enemies, which Hugo Cardin. Lyra.was not till Davids time, when Judah having learned the use of the Bow grew renowned for divers victories. Some by the Booke of Jasher rendring it justorum, as in the Vulgar Latine, understand judgements, and so will have the booke of Exodus meant hereby, as wherein the judgements of God are most set forth, and his Lawes called his judgements, shewing what is just and right to bee done, and it was just and stood with good reason, that they should learne the use of the Bow, it being of so great force in battell. Comestor saith, that the meaning is according to some, that the art of shooting should bee preserved as that which is written in the booke of judgements. Lastly, some thinke, that it is a booke not extrant, but burnt long agoe by the Babylonians, as also all other sacred books, but some being againe repaired by Esdras, this was not, neither the booke of the warres of the Lord, nor the Numb: 21.Songs of Solomon said to bee 5000. nor all his parables being 3000. nor his Booke of the nature of things, Trees, Hearbs and Plants, also of Nathan, Ahiah, and Iddo: so Hugo and Lyra. But of this booke see before upon 1 King: 4. 2 Chron: 9. Peter Martyr.Josh. 10. 13. Peter Martyr maketh these words part of the lamentation, saying, that David was not then so oppressed with sorrow, but hee considered what was needfull for the Commonwealth, and to animate them, to whom this funerall Song should come, who might bee ready to despaire, that State now being brought to such misery, he cited the bookes of Jasher, that is, of Genesis, wherein it was prophesied of Judah, that their heads of that Tribe should bee upon the necks of their enemies. Junius rendreth it, whereby hee taught the Iunius.children of Judah the Bow, that is, by the words of this lamentation, and I see not, but that it may well bee rendred, and hee spake it to teach, &c. being in Hebrew foreign for the very words of these Verses tend to the putting of them on to exercise themselves in shooting, because Jonathan had so greatly prevailed hereby, Vers. 22. so that if the whole Tribe of Judah consisting of so many valiant men would practise it, as hee did, they might bee in hope againe to prevaile against their enemies. I do not hold then, that these words are any part of the lamentation, but set before it by the writer of this booke, as a Preface to it, and the next words, Behold it is written in the booke of Jasher serve onelyonly to shew, where else these funerall Verses might bee found, viz. in some compend, which was then in every mans hands, wherein were briefely comprised things most memorable touching the children of Israel, happily being called the booke of Jasher, in allusion to the name of Ieshurum, by which is meant Israel, Gen. 32. 15. Chap. 33. 5.
The beautie of Israel is slaine upon thy high hills, how are the mightie falne? Comestor V 10. Schol. Histeria. Peter Martyr.saith that this Lamentation was made at the first in meeter: Peter Martyr, that it was written in Elegiack Verse in way of an Epitaph, which Josephus also saith that hee had read: and Jerome exercised himselfe much in this kind, and the Prophet Ieremy upon the death of Iosiah. Funerall orations also have beene anciently used to bee made in praise of the dead amongst the Romans and Grecians, which may well bee done, so that it bee not in flattery. 1. To stirre up people to sorrow for so great a losse. 2. By setting forth their vertues, and giving them their due praise to draw others to an imitation of their vertues; but the maine end of all must bee the praise of God. The scope of David here was as hee was moved by the spirit of God, to bring the people to a consideration of Gods anger against them, because it was not wont to bee so with them, for Saul and Ionathan used alwayes in times past to prevaile against the Philistims, but now they were overthrowne before them, and that in their owne countrey, and in a place of greatest advantage, an high mountaine, and so most inaccessible, that they might bee moved with repentance and turne from their evill wayes. And hee composed it rather then any other, because hee was nearest to Saul, being his sonne in law, and Ionathan was most deare unto him, and hee to bee successour to Saul in the Kingdome. The vulgar Latine rendreth these words. Consider (O Israel) of these, that are dead being wounded upon thy high places, the most renounced of Israel are slaine upon thy mountaines, Peter Martyr, O beautie of Israel hee was slaine in thy high places, how are the mightie, &c. and Junius, O the beautie of Israel, how are the mightie ones falne Iunius.being wounded in thy high places? and by beautie hee understandeth God, who was the beautie or glory of Israel. But Hebrew the word rendred slaine Peter Martyr.is of the singular number, according to Martyrs translation, and therefore I rather with him understand Saul as the chiefe that was slaine, and by the beautie of Israel, the land of Israel spoken unto by a Prosopopeia, and so called because so greatly adorned and renouned above all other lands: and from the singular hee proceedeth to the plurall, how are the mighty falne, meaning Jonathan and all the rest of the valiant men slaine together. And hee speaketh to the land that he might be the more patheticall, and so it is as if hee had said, O Land, why are they falne in thee, whom thou shouldest rather have preserved?
Tell it not in Gath, nor publish it in Askelon: These were chiefe places of concourse V. 20.in the Philistims countrey, to which a rumour comming might easily bee spread all over the Land. But it was already divulged, and therefore it Lyra.seemeth unreasonable now to forbid it. David herein spake as one full of griefe, shewing that the desire of his heart was, if it had beene possible, that it might not have beene published there, because by the Philistims triumphing in the Israelites misery, it was much more encreased. But why doth hee adde, Lest the daughters of the Philistims rejoyce? Answ. Because victory being obtained the women were wont in songs to extoll it, as wee read before of the women of Israel, chap. 17. Thus Lyra, but Hugo following him in other things Hugo Cardin.differeth in this, that hee saith, David knew, that this great victory so publikely gotten could not bee concealed, but happily they knew not in the Philistims countrey the manner how Saul fell, and this is that, which hee would have concealed from them. Peter Martyr followeth Lyra, saying, that hee did rather P. Martyr.by these words shew, how hee detested that, which was done, then forbid the doing of it.
Yee mountaines of Gelboa, let there bee no deaw nor raine upon you, nor fields of offerings, V. 21.&c. hee wisheth the place accursed, where Saul and Ionathan fell, and so a perpetuall monument of this misery, and of this sad and heavie time, for as mourners are clad in black, so the ground wanting raine in stead of greene, which sheweth a comfortable state, is covered with a withered and darke mantle, shewing a dolefull condition, and where it is thus nothing groweth, of which the first fruits may bee brought as an offering to the Lord, and therefore hee addeth, nor fields of offerings: the Vulgar Latine with more expression, nor fields of first fruits. Some, saith Hugo, affirme that the toppes of these Hugo Card.mountaines were alwayes barren, and that it never rained upon them, some that they were fruitfull before, but by this cursing of David made barren, and some, that this cursing was propheticall and tooke effect in the time of Elios, when there fell neither dew nor raine in three yeares and six moneths, but that was generall to all the Land, and followed upon the prophesying of Elias for the wickednesse of those times: and that of barrennesse following upon this cursing is but conjecturall, neither did David himselfe, as is probable, then thinke of any such effect to follow, but onelyonly hee spake thus pathetically to shew his indignation at every thing about this disastrous accident. Unlesse wee shall with Rabanus hold a mysticall meaning by these mountaines, Rabanus.the pride of the Jewes hearts being set forth, amongst whom because the Lords anointed, his Christ was slaine, they have ever since beene dry of all dew of grace, and their Land stricken with barrennesse. By first fruits understand not onelyonly those of corne, but also of cattell feeding in the fields: for there the shield of the mighty was cast away, that is, was as a thing good for nothing but to bee cast away, or was indeed cast away, that they who were overcome might make more hast in fleeing away: so Lyra.Lyra. V. 22.
From the blood of the slaine, from the fat of the mighty the Bow of Ionathan returned not, &c. The vulgar Latine joyning the first words here to the former verse, thus, there the shield of the mightie was cast away, the shield of Saul, as if hee were not anointed with oyle, from the blood of the slaine, from the fat of the mighty, that is saith Hugo, for the blood of the Priests slaine by Saul in Nob, who Hugo Card.used to offer blood and fat to the Lord: or by men of no base condition were they slaine, but by the most valiant, yet hee confesseth, as it is indeed, that Hebrew hath it joyned with the words following, as in our translation, and so the meaning is plaine that they were wont to kill and destroy the greatest of their enemies, and to pierce them to their inward parts.
Saul and Ionathan were lovely, &c. For Saul had beene such when hee was 23.chosen King, for it is said, that amongst all the people there was none better then hee, and hee was a godly man of stature; and for Ionathans goodnesse David could speake experimentally of it, and it is most probable that he was for personablenesse not much unlike his father: touching that, which is added, Lyra.they were swifter then Eagles, and stronger then Lions, it is hyperbolicall, serving to set forth their wonderfull great strength and celeritie, and that these two being both so valiant and so good should fall together at one time, as they had lived and gone out to warre together sundry times, was most lamentable: Peter Martyr.so Lyra. And this of their not being divided in their life, Peter Martyr saith, was spoken to purge Ionathan from the suspition of being against his father. Yee daughters of Israel weepe over Saul who cloathed you with Skarlet, &c. The V. 24.women are called upon to act their part in making lamentation, as they had beene the instruments to celebrate his victories with songs of praise, his cloathing them so richly was by distributing the spoyles taken from the enemy amongst his souldiers, who carried them home, and gave such as served for ornament to their wives and daughters, and these use not to bee a little esteemed of by women, for which cause hee speaketh of these especially, that they might bee the more affected with sorrow at this losse.
For the rest of his lamentation, it is made for Jonathan in particular, whose V. 25.love hee saith towards him passed the love of women, that is, either understanding it passively, the love wherewith women are beloved of men which is most fervent, or actively, the love wherewith women love such men as they are affected to, which is oft times exceeding great. Vers. 27. How are the mightie V. 27.falne, and the weapons of warre perished? not onelyonly the Captaines were slaine, but the people were disarmed, the Philistims taking their armes away, as is the manner of victorers, for so David had served Goliah before, and this made the case the more lamentable.