1 Samuel 14

1 Samuel 14:3

AHiah] which is the same Abimelech that is spoken of, 1 Sam. 22. 9. 11. 20 Brother] this specification seemes to be added, because that in the history of Eli, there was onely mention made of Ichabod, 1 Samuel 4:21. and not of Ahitub Wearing] he was there in the campe with te Arke, v. 18. as High Piest: in pontificall ornaments, the chiefe whereof was the Ephod with the breastplate, Exodus 28:4. to enquire of God by Urim and Thummim. Numbers 27:21.

1 Samuel 14:10

A signe unto us] the event sheweth, that this was a divine motion, to be assured of his being called, in so dangerous an Act. See upon Genesis 24:14.

1 Samuel 14:13

They fell] through a feare sent upon them by God.

1 Samuel 14:14

That first] the beginning of the Philistines overthrow, which was afterwards followed by Saul; within as it were] this is added here to make the miracle the more evident, the Philistines standing in array, and close together, no scattored, nor flying.

1 Samuel 14:15

All the people] namely, the Philistines.

1 Samuel 14:18

Bring hither] You Priests bring the Ark hither, that Ahiah may stand before it, and enquire of the Lord by Urim and Thummim With the children] in the campe being sometimes brought thither upon some dangerous occasion for aide, and for a direction, and to stirre men to prayer and to call upon God, Numbers 31:6. 1 Samuel 4:3.

1 Samuel 14:19

Withdraw] forbeare a while to enquire of the Lord, the urgent occasion will not now permit us, nor give us time to do it: words of prophane impiety.

1 Samuel 14:21

The Hebrewes] slaves, or others who having their habitations, families, and goods, amongst the Philistines, were forced to fllow them in the wars against theer brethren Before that time] according to the Philistines custome, during the time that they were Lords and Masters.

1 Samuel 14:23

The aell] That is to say, the pursuit of the men which fled.

1 Samuel 14:24

Adjured] It was an irrevocable kinde of submitting ones selfe to death, used in those dayes. Now there was a raihnesse and inconsideratenesse in Saul, through a blinde desire he had of following the victory without resting: and was lawfull for the governours to take those oathes, and therewith binde the people also. See Joshua 6:17. Judges 11:31 Cursed] let him be rooted out as an accursed thing.

1 Samuel 14:27

Heard not] Peradventure he did not returne to the campe after he had assaulted the Philistines His eyes] He was revived, which appeared by his eyes which were enlightned and cleered.

1 Samuel 14:29

Hath troubled] hath caused the people to be mightily hindered from obtaining a full victorie.

1 Samuel 14:32

With the blood] Having not the patience to presse the blood out; or to give it time to runne cleane out, according to the law, Levit. 17. 10. & 19. 26.

1 Samuel 14:33

Stone] Of which it should seeme he made an Altar, v. 35 Vnto me] that I may see how you shy your cattell, that you may let out the blood exactly.

1 Samuel 14:35

An Altar] either onely for a monument, as Joshua 22:10. Judges 6:24. Or for some extraordinary sacrifice, Exodus 20:24. Deuteronomy 27:5. by Gods speciall approbation.

1 Samuel 14:36

Let us draw neer] let us present our selves before the Ark to enquire by Urim, Num. 7. 21.

1 Samuel 14:37

Answered him not] a signe that God was angry, as 1 Samuel 28:6. not with Jonathan, who was innocent, but against Sauls temerity, who was the author of that foolish oath: only to shew the religious respect which was due to the oath.

1 Samuel 14:38

The chiefe] the Italian, All the communally] namely, Tribes, Kindreds, and Families, as Joshua 7:14. 1 Sam, 10. 19. for to draw lots.

1 Samuel 14:39

Among all the peopl] not so much as any of thm who had seen Jonathan eat.

1 Samuel 14:41

Were taken] the lot fell upon them, Josh. 7. 14. 1. Sam. 10 0.

1 Samuel 14:43

I must die] the Italian, Must Jlie?] that is to say, if it be expedient, I am content to die, for to appease Gods wrath.

1 Samuel 14:47

Tooke] that is to say, he undertook the managing and administration of it, as he had gotten the right and authority of it from God He vexed them] the Italian, He did overcome]the Hebrew word is taken from controversies or suits in law, and signifith, condemning ones adversaries, and obtaining the suit. To shew that these victories were Gods judgements on his peoples side, against the enemies unjust tyranny.