Mourn — And pray for his restitution, which the following words imply he did. Oil — Which was used in the inauguration of kings. But here it is used in the designation of a king; for David was not actually made king by it, but still remained a subject. And the reason of this anticipation was the com... [ Continue Reading ]
Trembled — Because it was strange and unexpected to them, this being but an obscure town, and remote from Samuel, and therefore they justly thought there was some extraordinary reason for it. Peaceable — The Hebrew phrase, comest thou in peace, is as much as to say (in our phrase) is all well?... [ Continue Reading ]
He sanctified — It seems evident that there was something peculiar in Jesse's invitation. For first, both he and his sons were invited, whereas the others were only invited for their own persons. Secondly, the different phrase here used, that he sanctified these, when he only bade the other sanctify... [ Continue Reading ]
Before him — That is, in this place where God is now present. For it is observable, that not only the sacrifice is said to be offered, but even the feast upon the remainders of it is said, to be eaten before the Lord, Deuteronomy 12:7, that is, before or near his altar, where God was present in a sp... [ Continue Reading ]
Seven — There are but seven named, 1 Chronicles 2:13, because one of them was either born of a concubine: or, died immediately after this time.... [ Continue Reading ]
Keepeth sheep — And consequently is the most unfit of all my sons for that high employment. Either therefore he did not understand David's wisdom and valour, or he judged him unfit, by reason of his mean education. And God so ordered it by his providence, that David's choice might plainly appear to... [ Continue Reading ]
Anointed him — David's brethren saw David's unction, yet did not understand, that he was anointed to the kingdom; but were only told by Samuel, that he was anointed to some great service, which hereafter they should know. Thus Jesse only, and David, understood the whole business, and his brethren we... [ Continue Reading ]
Departed — God took away that prudence, and courage, and alacrity, and other gifts wherewith be had qualified him for his public employment. From the Lord — That is, by God's permission, who delivered him up to be buffeted of Satan. Troubled — Stirred up in him unruly and tormenting passions; as env... [ Continue Reading ]
Be well — And the success confirms their opinion. For although music cannot directly have an influence upon an evil spirit to drive him away; yet, because the devil, as it seems, had not possession of him, but only made use of the passions of his mind, and humours of his body to molest him: and beca... [ Continue Reading ]
Prudent — Wonder not, that David was so suddenly advanced, from a poor shepherd, to so great a reputation; for these were the effects of that Spirit of the Lord which he received when he was anointed. The Lord, &c. — That is, directs and prospers all his undertakings.... [ Continue Reading ]
Sent him — This present, though in our times it would seem contemptible, yet was very agreeable to the usage of those times, and to the condition of Jesse, which was but mean in the world. And it seems to have been the custom of those times, (as it is yet in the eastern countries) when they made the... [ Continue Reading ]
Stood before him — That is, waited upon him. And he loved him greatly — So there was something good in Saul still: he had not lost all, tho' he had lost the kingdom. Armour — bearer — He had that place conferred upon him, though we do not read that he ever exercised it; for it seems he was gone back... [ Continue Reading ]
Departed — Namely, for a season. And the reason of this success, may be, partly natural, and partly, supernatural, respecting David; whom God designed by this means to bring into favour with the king, and so to smooth the way for his advancement.... [ Continue Reading ]