WAS KNIT WITH THE SOUL OF DAVID - The same forcible phrase occurs of Jacob’s love for Benjamin (marginal reference). Jonathan’s truly heroic character is shown in this generous love of David, and admiration of his great deed.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PHILISTINE - Rather as in the margin. The allusion is not to Goliath, but to one of the expeditions referred to in 1 Samuel 18:5. SINGING AND DANCING - Women used to dance to the sound of the timbrel, and to sing as they danced and played. (instruments of music The word means, an instrument li... [ Continue Reading ]
AS THEY PLAYED - Or danced with vocal and instrumental music (see Judges 16:25 note).... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT CAN HE HAVE ... - Rather, “There is only the kingdom left for him.” Compare for the same sentiment, 1 Kings 2:22. “A kingdom (says Camden) brooketh no companion, and majesty more heavily taketh injuries to heart.”... [ Continue Reading ]
HE PROPHESIED - This, as the effect of the evil spirit coming upon him, is singular as regards Saul, but is borne out by what we read in 1 Kings 22:22. (Compare Acts 16:16; Acts 19:15; 1 John 4:1). It is impossible to give the sense of “raving” to the word “prophesied,” as though a merely natural st... [ Continue Reading ]
Saul had not hitherto fulfilled the promise of which David had heard (marginal reference); nor was it unnatural that Saul should delay to do so, until the shepherd’s boy had risen to a higher rank.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT IS MY LIFE - i. e., condition, or means of living (Proverbs 27:27 margin).... [ Continue Reading ]
ADRIEL THE MEHOLATHITE - The five sons of this marriage perished by the hands of the Gibeonites (marginal reference), where we learn further that the name of Adriel’s father, or ancestor, was Barzillai. His birth-place was Meholah, probably the same as Abel-Meholah. (See 1 Kings 19:16 note).... [ Continue Reading ]
THE THING PLEASED HIM - It partly relieved him from the charge of breaking his faith.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE ONE OF THE TWAIN - Some prefer “the second time” Job 33:14. The first contract had been broken by giving Merab to Adriel.... [ Continue Reading ]
A POOR MAN AND LIGHTLY ESTEEMED - Compare Psalms 119:141. Poor, and therefore unable to pay a sufficient dowry. See 1 Samuel 18:25.... [ Continue Reading ]
AN HUNDRED FORESKINS - This is merely another expression of the spirit which led to the constant application of the epithet uncircumcised to the Philistines 1 Samuel 14:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE DAYS WERE NOT EXPIRED - David was so rapid in his attack upon the Philistines that he was able to bring the required dowry within the time, and to receive his wife (Michal), before the time had expired within which he was to receive Merab.... [ Continue Reading ]