1 Samuel 12

11. Bedan. No judge of this name is mentioned elsewhere. The Septuagint, Syriac and Arabic versions have “Barak”: see also Heb. xi. 32. “Bedan” and “Barak” are much alike in Hebrew (ברך ברך).

Samuel. The Syriac and Arabic versions have “Samson,” which in the Hebrew is somewhat similar to “Samuel.” This, also, is favoured by Heb. xi. 32.

17. Is it not wheat harvest? Rain is almost unknown in Palestine during wheat harvest, which occupies the latter part of May and June: ep. Prov. xxvi. 1. In predicting rain at such a time, Samuel was giving proof that he spoke by Divine authority.

21 for then should ye go, etc. The Septuagint omits for, and the verse reads (omitting the words in italics), “and turn ye not aside after the vain things,” etc.: see R.V. marg.

25 both ye and your king. Samuel, in his address presents the king in his right position, as placed over Israel, but under Jehovah, the only true Sovereign of Israel.