1 Samuel 9
DOYLY— kissed him.] In token of subjection or reverence to him: according to the custom of the most ancient times, Gen. xii. 40; and of those which followed, Ps. ii. 12. The Jews call it the kiss of homage. Bp. Patrick.
1 Samuel 9:2
2.—a choice young man.] In this choice of Saul, for the comeliness and stature of his person, God had regard to the opinion of the Israelites, in common with the rest of the Eastern nations, who prided themselves in princes of a stately mien and countenance. Pyle. It should be observed, that God, who permitted the people of Israel to have a king over them, did not leave them at liberty to take whom they pleased, but gave them one Himself. God always, as in this instance, disposes all things for the execution of His designs, and brings them about by unforeseen ways. His providence ruleth over all, and by Him, in particular, kings govern. Ostervald.
1 Samuel 9:5
5.—the land of Zuph, &c.] A territory in the tribe of Ephraim, where some of Samuel’s ancestors had lived, chap. i. 1; and where Ramah, Samuel’s present abode, seems to have been. Bp. Patrick.
7.—what shall we bring the man? It was not only the ancient custom in Eastern countries to approach
Before CHRIST about 1695. Saul, by the counsel of his servant, and direction of young maidens, a present to bring to the man of God: what † have we?
1 Samuel 9:9
9.—for he that is now called a Prophet &c.] The word now refers to the time when this book was written, probably the latter part of Samuel’s life. The verse explains that, at the time when Saul was appointed king, the Hebrew word Roeh, “a seer of secret things,” was usually applied to inspired persons; but that afterwards the word Nabi, or “prophet,” (which had been very anciently known, as appears from the books of Moses,) came into common use. Bp. Patrick, Pyle. The word Nabi, “prophet,” was in use in the time of Moses or Abraham; see Gen. xx. 7; but then it only implied, a man favoured of God: whereas, in the time of Samuel, it was appropriated to one who foresaw future events. Dr. Gray. It is remarkable, that the title seer occurs principally, if not altogether, under the regal government of Israel; the first time we meet with it being in
before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that he bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about † this time ye shall find him.
1 Samuel 9:12
12.—a sacrifice—to day] Either at some solemn festival, (some imagine that of the new moon,) or upon some special occasion of prayer and thanksgiving to God.
—in the high place:] Or greatest amnioncy of the hill, on which the city stood; where it is probable that Samuel built, by God’s direction, the altar mentioned at chap. vii. 17. Dr. Wells. The sacrifices were to be offered regularly, in the place which the Lord should choose. But while this choice remained suspended, because Shiloh was laid desolate, and no other place was appointed, the sacrifices were offered in places where was neither tabernacle nor ark. Afterwards, when the ark was settled, it became unlawful to offer sacrifices in high places. In several places of Scripture the Canaanites are said to have had their high places, on which they worshipped their idols; but this is the first instance of any belonging to the people of God. It is the opinion of some learned persons, that this appointment of a private place of worship, by so great an authority as that of Samuel, gave rise to the institution of synagogues in aftertimes. Bp. Patrick.
1 Samuel 9:13
13.—doth bless the sacrifice:] The feast after the sacrifice: the greater part of that which was offered belonged to him who made the offering, and on this he entertained his friends. The expression of “blessing the sacrifice” alludes to the custom among the Hebrews, of giving thanks before their meals. Locke.
1 Samuel 9:16
16.—that he may save my people] Saul, as will appear in 1 Sam. xiii, xiv, gained great advantages over the Philistines in the beginning of his reign, and prevented their giving disturbance to the Israelites. He also waged successful war against the Ammonites, Amalekites, Moobites, &c. Calmet.
1 Samuel 9:17
17.—shall reign] The word which we translate reign signifies something of coercion and restraint, as is ob-
b Chap. 15. 1. Acts 18. 21. cometh to Samuel. Samuel anointeth Saul. Before CHRIST about 1695.
in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer’s house is.
1 Samuel 9:20
- — on whom is all the desire &c.] The meaning is, All Israel desire a king, and there is none fitter for it than thyself, and God is resolved to advance thy family. Bp. Patrick. The word “desire” is used for that affection with which the people are actuated towards an intended king or governor, even before they have any actual knowledge of his person. Dr. Berriman.
1 Samuel 9:24
- — took up the shoulder.] The shoulder of a lamb is esteemed a peculiar delicacy in the East: Josephus says, that it was called the royal portion. It is there eaten covered over with butter and milk. The sacred historian perhaps alludes to this, when he mentions “that which was upon it,” an expression which an European reader may well be at a loss to understand. Harmer.
1 Samuel 9:25
- — communed — upon the top of the house.] This passage is perfectly agreeable to Eastern customs. See note on Deut. xxii. 8. It appears that Samuel conversed with Saul for coolness on the housetop in the evening; and in the morning, ver. 26, he called Saul, who lodged there all night, and was not stirring. Harmer.
Chap. X. ver. 1. — took a vial of oil.] Samuel did
time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day.