1 Samuel 13

1 Samuel 13:1

JLN-D Saul reigned one year. In the Hebrew the words arc, the son of one year in his reign or kingdom. A very learned prelate of our own (in his Demonstration of the Messiah, par. ii. p. 240.) takes the meaning to be, that after the Philistines were subdued by Samuel, a year passed, when Saul began to reign; and after this he reigned two years free from their yoke. As for his being called the son ofoneyear in the Hebrew, it is well translated by us reigned one year; because he was bom, when he was made king, and changed into another man: for thus (as Eochartus hath observed) the day of an emperor’s inauguration among the gentiles was called his birth-day, xiz. natalis regni, the day when he began his reign. And When he hadreigned two years over Israel.] So Ralbag interprets the Hebrew words; and thereby confutes the strange fancy in Seder Olam Rabba, that Saul reigned but two years in all. Whereas the meaning is, after this he reigned two years free from the oppression of the Philistines: but when they were ended, the Philistines got the upper hand again, and enslaved the Israelites, as appears by this chapter*

1 Samuel 13:2

Saul chose him three thousand men. In the first year of his reign he performed those things mentioned in the foregoing chapter: and when he had reigned two years, these things fell out which we read in this chapter. Which is much better than Dr. Lightfoot’s exposition, that he had been king one year from his first anointing at Ramah, to his second at Gibeali: and after that he reigned two years more before the Lord cast him off, and anointed David. Symmachus and Proeopius Gazaeus, not much otherwise. Who by son of one year think the simplicity of his mind is denoted: which he preserved for some time, L e. till he had reigned two years over Israel, and then he began to be depraved and forsaken of God. Wliereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash, and in Moitnt Beth-el, and one thousand men tvith Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin.] There was another Gibeah in the tribe of Judah, (Josh. xv. 57.) And the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.] The fbrcmentioned number being sufficient for his guard, and to preserve the country in peace, and to oppose any sudden inroad of their enemies: he would not be burdensome to his people, T>y keeping great forces.

1 Samuel 13:3

And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines. Who, though subdued by Samuel at Ebcn-czer, and driven out of the country; yet kept some strong holds, as I observed, x. 5. Tliat teas in Geba.’] This was a distinct place from Gibeah, though both in the tribe of Benjamin: as is evident from Josh.xviii.24. 28. And the Philistines heard it.] And thereupon (as the following words import) denounced war against IsraeL