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 o... [ Continue Reading ]
Thrust out, &c. — Partly for a reproach, as it here follows; and partly, to disable them. He leaves them one eye, that they might be fit to serve in any mean and base office.... [ Continue Reading ]
After the herd — For being only anointed king, and not publickly inaugurated, nor having yet had opportunity of doing any thing worthy of his place, he thought fit to forbear all royal state, and to retire to his former private life, which, howsoever despised in this latter ages, was anciently in gr... [ Continue Reading ]
Sent them — Wisely considering, that the sight of mens eyes does much more affect their hearts, than what they only hear with their ears. Samuel — Whom he joins with himself, both because he was present with him; and that hereby he might gain the more authority. Fear — A fear sent upon them by God,... [ Continue Reading ]
Men of Judah — Who are numbered apart to their honour, to shew 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 excused themselves from the n... [ Continue Reading ]
Then — While the people were together by Jabesh — gilead, wherein Samuel's great prudence and fidelity to Saul is evident. He suspended the confirmation of Saul at first, whilst the generality of the people were disaffected, and now when he had given such eminent proof of his princely virtues, and w... [ Continue Reading ]
Made — They owned and accepted him for their king.... [ Continue Reading ]