Judges 3
PATFor they would not suffer them to come down into the valley. Being very strong, it is likely, in chariots of iron (which were of u£e, I observed, in the flat country, though they could do no service in the mountains), which tho Danitcs so dreaded, that they durst not venturo to encounter them. was not needful for all, it was at least for such as had never handled arms; that they might be trained Tip to bo ready upon occasion to fight with their enemies. For they being wholly bred to husbandry, and feeding of cattle, would have had no military discipline among them, if thoy had not had the Canaanites so near to them. Or this may bo the meaning of this verge*, Tltey shall know xohat it is to be left to themselves: for their fathers fought by a Divine power, but now they shall learn what it is to fight like other men, without God to go along with them. t when he embraced him, perhaps, or stooped, when he rose out of his seat to receive his message, in an obliging manner.. Vcr. 18. And when he had made an end to offer the present.’] Which was done (as appears by this) with such ceremony as was in use in those days. lie sent away the people that bare the present."] It was brought by some of his retinue (consisting, it is likely, of several things), who being all withdrawn, and gone some part of their way homeward with him, he bade them go forward, and leave him to dispatch some private business which he pretended: for such designs, as he had in his mind, seldom succeed where many are engaged in them.
Judges 3:1
1\ OW these are the nations which the Lord left, to prove Israel by them. Having said in general, that God thought fit not to drive out all the Canaanites, that he might try the care and fidelity of his people in his service, (ii! 22.) he now names the particular nation’s that remained unsubdued..; Even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan.] Such as were born since the war was ended; and had seen none of the wonderful works of God in the conquest of the land; God intended to prove them, whether they would worship him, when they saw what they must expect if they did not; viz. that he would let the Canaanitcs, their mortal enemies, loose upon them.
Judges 3:2
Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know to teach them war. There was another reason why they were left remaining, as was observed before in the last verse of the foregoing chapter: but this had been sufficient, if there had been no other; that the Israelites might not grow sluggish for want of some to awaken and exercise their courage, and to keep up martial discipline among them; and that they might, by having powerful enemies so near them, betake themselves to God constantly, and depend upon his help and succour, by whose power their fathers had brought them under. At the least such as before knew nothing thereof] If this
Judges 3:3
Namely, the five lords of the Philistines,.* See upon Josh. xiii. 2, 3. and Judg. i. 18. where it appeals, that three of them had been, iii some measure, conquered; but it seems had recovered their country again, by the sloth of the Israelites. And all the Canaanites.] These were a particular people of that country (as hath been often said), near to the midland sea, many of which still remained scattered up and down the land. And the SidoniansJ] Who lived in the territory belonging to the famous city of Sidon; who was one of the sons of Canaan, (Gen. x. 15.) And the Hivites that dwelt in Mount Lebanon.] A famous mountain in the north part of Canaan. From Baal-Hermon unto the entering in of Hamath.] See in Josh. xL 3. xiii. 6.’.*
Judges 3:4
And they were to prove Israel by tlietn^ to know whether they would hearken to the commandments of the Lord, &c. That their virtue might appear, if they did not imitate these people; or their baseness, if they did. -.
Judges 3:5
And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites. The Israelites soon discoveredtheir bad disposition, in suffering all sorts of the wicked people of this land to remain and dwell with them; as if they were still the possessors of this country, and tho children of Israel but intruders among them.
Judges 3:6
And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons. Which was not only directly contrary to the law of God, (Deut. vii. 3.) but a higher breach of their covenant with him,’ than the mere making leagues with them. And served their gods.] As Moses, in the same place, foretold they would, (Deut. vii. 4.) if they contracted such marriages with them.
Judges 3:7
And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and forgat the Lord their God. They grew in time so very wicked, that they not only worshipped other gods, together with the Lord; but quite forgot him, and Worshipped them alone. And served Baalim and the groves.] Some hero take groves, literally, for the trees themselves that composed those shady places, which were anciently consecrated to heroes; being, some time, the place of their sepulchre; where their nianes were supposed to haunt. For Baalim were the same with heroes; and trees were accounted sacred things, by the ancient heathen, who consecrated them to this or that deity, and trimmed them up with ribands, and adorned them with lights, and made vows to them, and hung the spoils of their enemies upon them. Insomuch, that travellers were wontto stop when they were to pass by them, as if they had been the habitation of some god. But Mr. Scldcn thinks, that by groves are to be here understood the images of their ^ods in the groves; as it is certain they must signify in some places. (See upon chap, vi. 25.) And he probably conjectures, that there were several goddesses, under the name of Ashtaroth, worshipped in them. (Sec the place mentioned above, in his Dc Diis feyris, Syritag. ii. cap. 2.) • And it is evident, that these deities, whatsoever they were, w6re different from Baalim; for the prophets of Baal, and the prophets of the groves, were distinct persons, inl Kings xviii. 19.* •..
Judges 3:8
Therefore tte dngtr of the Lord was hot against Israel. This expression we had twice before. (See chap. ii.14.20.) And he sold them.] See in the game place. Into thehand ofChusMn-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia J) Ot that country Which lay between the two great rivers of Euphrates and Tigris. So tho first enemy that oppressed them Were the Syrians; who, cither out of hatred, or desire to enlarge their dominions, Came over Euphrates and invaded them. - And the children qf Israel served CJiushan-rishathaim eight years.] He forced them to buy thoir peace upon hard terms, and brought them under tribute* to him; but did not im> pose garrisons upon them; sO that they more easily recovered their liberty, when one appeared to head them. When these eight years began (that is, how long after the deathof Joshua), is variously disputed; but it is certain it was in the next age (which in Scripture signifies about tbree-and-thirty years) after Joshua and the elders that Survived him (during whose time they served God and lived in freedom). For Caleb’s younger brother, as it here follows, was the first judge whom God raised up to them.
Judges 3:9
And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord. Returned to him, and acknowledged him to be thoir only God, of whom they earnestly begged pardon, and implored help with fervent prayer; beseeching him to deliver them from this cruel servitude; as he did Jacob their forefather, from the bondage of Laban the Syrian. He raised a deliverer to the children Of Israel, who delivered them.] All the judges are called by tho name of saviours, or deliverers, in Nehemiah ik. 27. because they rescued them from the oppression of their enemies, “when they could not help themselves. Even Othniel the son ofKenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.] So he is called, i. 13. concerning which, see Josh. xv. 17.
Judges 3:10
And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. He had an extraordinary motion from God to take upon him the government of the people; which none durst presume to do, but such as were appointed by God, who was their king f. Joscphus thinks that God appeared to them, or some way revealed his will to them, in these matters; so that they were sure they acted by his authority. The Chaldee paraphrast seems to favour the latteropinion, who calls this spirit, the Spirit of prophecy* Certain it is, that they had not only an inward incitement to inidcrtako tho deliverance of God’s people, but were endowed with extraordinary courage and conduct; and it is likely with a singular gift of Divine eloquence, to persuado the people to forsake their idolatry, and vindicate their liberty. And he judged Israel, and ivent out to war.] This was r, y U y iwit^ji vwwf I CHAP. III.] UPON JUDGES,/, raff the first part of the office of a judge, to plead their cause, and avenge them of their oppressors; as this phrase of judging is used, Deut. xxxii, 35, 36. and other places. Though here being set before going to war, it may be thought that he first rectified what was amiss among them, and.especially reduced them to the worship of the Lord alone; and then went to fight against their, enemies. And the Lord delivered Chushan-rishathdim king of Mesopotamia into his hand.] They overthrew and entirely routed all his forces, and, as the words seem to import, took or slew the king himself. Arid his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim.’) So that he could not recover his strength to oppress them any more.’ *-< -
Judges 3:11
And the land had rest forty years. It doth not suit with my design to enter into chronological disputes; and therefore I remit the learned reader to the Canon Chronicus of Sir J,Marsham, lib. ii. where he supposes the idolatrous generation to have risen in the thirty-fourth year after the death of Joshua; who lost their liberty, and fell under the oppression of Chushan, for tho space of eight years, and after their deliverance from it, lived happily forty years. Which will appear in the sequel to be more reasonable, than to interpret these words as if they signified, The land rested in the fortieth year after Joshua first settled them in peace and quiet. So our great primate of Ireland; (vide A.M. 2599.) And Othniel the son ofKenaz died.] It is not certain in what part of these forty years of rest ho died; nor is it material whether in the beginning, middle, or end of it.
Judges 3:12
And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LordJ. Fell into the sin of idolatry after Othniel was dead. And the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against them, because they had done evil in the sight of the Lord.] As he raised up deliverers to Israel when they were penitent; so he stirred up enemies to them, and gave them power also to oppress them, when they revolted from him. And the next enemy to the Syrians were the Moabites; for since they worshipped the gods of the people round about them, (chap. ii. 12.) it was fit they should be punished by those very people.;.
Judges 3:13
And he gathered unto him tlve children of Amman and Amalek. Persuaded these two. nations, who were his near neighbours (Moab lying between them), to associate themselves with him in this war. Unto which they were easily inclined; especially Amalek, who had an old grudge to the Israelites.. -.r.) And went and smote Israel.] Either by a sudden invasion, or in a pitched battle. And possessed themselves of the city of palm-trees.] That is, Jericho, as appears from Deut. xxxiv. 3. Judg. i. 16. Which, though it was destroyed by Joshua, yet the place where it stood remaining, it is likely they made fortifications, and placed a strong garrison there, that they might the better keep the whole country in subjection. For, as the country thereabouts was very fertile (of which they deprived the Israelites, and sent the riches of it to their own country, which was not far off), so they hindered all communications between those on this side Jordan, and those on the other side, but what they pleased to allow; and maintained a correspondence with their own people, from whom they could receive more forces, if there were need; by having the command of the passages over Jordan. By which means also they thought to secure their retreat, if there should be occasion, to their own country.
Judges 3:14
So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years. He ruled all this time as an absolute master over them, and imposed what burdens he’pleased upon them; of which, it.is likely, the Ammonites and Amalekites had a share, as a reward of their help and as* sistance.
Judges 3:15
But when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord. Humbled themselves before him, acknowledged their* offence, begged his pardon, and beseeched his help; as before, ver. 9. o * Tlie Lord raised them up a deliverer.] As he had done before. (See ver, 9.) Ehud the son of Gerq,, a Benjamite.] Which tribe was the most immediately oppressed (the country of Jericho being in it), and therefore one of them was very proper to be their deliverer.. *i * * A man left-handed.] The Hebrew words itter jadjemhti are very obscure, being used no where else but here, and xx. 16. In both places the LXX. translate them aju^ortpo- &&oc, whom the Vulgar’follows, " qui utraque manu pro dextra utebatur,” who could use both hands, as we do mif right. This the Hebrew phrase will bear, which literally signifies, as we translate it in the margin, shut of his right hand; i. e. who did nothing with it, but used his left, though he could use both alike: or, as Josephus will have it, twv X^pwv rrjv apuxrepav afidvwv, who of the tivo coidd use his left hand best. And by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon king of Moab.~\ Some understand by this the tribute that was laid upon them; but it rather signifies a voluntary present, above their ordinary payments; whereby they hoped to mollify him, and make him favourable to his loving subjects: for mincha is used for such offerings as were presented to God to obtain his favours.
Judges 3:16
But Ehud made him a dagger.~\ Privately prepared this weapon, intending to make use of this opportunity for their deliverance. Which had two edges, of a cubit length. Therefore Josephus calls it ZiQidiov, a little sword; which was long enough to do execution, but so short as to be easily concealed.. And he did gird it under his raiment.] Which the LXX. and the Vulgar take to have been a military garment; but the Hebrew word mad signifies any sort of raiment. Upon his right thigh.] To avoid all suspicion (for men use to wear their swords on their left side), and that he might more readily draw it out, and use it with his left hand, when he should find occasion. * *
Judges 3:17
And he brought the present to Eglon king of Moab. Was admitted into his presence, and delivered the present* with his right hand, as men usually do; which h§ could use, I suppose, as well as his left, though not, perhaps, with so much strength. And Eglon was a very fat man.) Which made him unwieldy, and less able and ready to rise up, arid avoid or defend himself from a sudden stroke. The LXX. translate it avfjp aaruog ir^oSpa, an exceeding civil or courteous man; which made it the more easy for Ehud to give the blow",
Judges 3:19
And he himself turned again. As if he had forgotten something, or had met with some new instructions by the way. From the quarries that were by Gilgal.] Some understand by the word we translate quarries, a place where they digged or hewed stones; others, the twelve stones which Joshua placed in.Gilgal. But the LXX. and the Vulgar take it for graven images; for so, indeed, the word pesil commonly signifies in Scripture, and so we translate it in the margin of our Bible: which when.Ehud beheld, his spirit was mightily stirred within him (as Conradus Pellicanus explains this passage), and he proceeded no further in his return home, but went back, with ^resqlution to revenge this affront to God, as well as the oppression of his people. For it is to be supposed, the.Moabites had set up these graven images in this place, rather than any other; which had been famous for the presence of God for a long time in it. And said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king.] Being admitted again into the king’s presence, he desired a private audience of him.. Who said, Keep silence.] He bade Ehud say no more, till all his attendants were withdrawn, whom he would not have to hear the message. And all that stood by him went out from him.] It may seem strange, that a prince should trust himself alone with one of that nation, who he knew groaned under his yoke; but" his mind was blinded by the present, and by the compliments wherewith it was delivered; and God deprived him, at this time, of his \yonted prudence. For, as Solomon observes, **.There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the Lord:" who intended he should be destroyed, (Prov. xxi. 30.)
Judges 3:20
And Ehud came unto him. Approached nearer to his person. And he was sitting in a summer parlour.] In a cool room (as the Hebrew word imports), where he was defended from the heat of the sun, and enjoyed the fresh air. Which he had made for himself alone.] Where he was; wont to retire from all company, when he had a mind to sleep, perhaps in the heat of the day, or to dispatch business with which he entrusted nobody. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee.] “Which in some sense was true, but not in that wherein the king understood it; who thought he had, met with somo Divine “apparition in the way, or been at some oracle; for he doth not say he had a message from Jehovah the God of Israel (whom he would have despised, perhaps, as Pharaoh did), but from Elohun, which was a common name to j»ll gods, (xxiv* 2. 15.) *; supp Digitized oy Micrc And he rose out of his seat.] Out of reverence as to God, whose words, he supposed, he was to hear. A remarkable instance of the ancient veneration men paid to whatsoever carried the name and authority of God in it, and reproaches those who now behave themselves irreverently, even in his worship and service. (See Numb, xxiii. 18.. 2 Kings xxiii. 3.) i,
Judges 3:21
And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh. If the king had his eye upon his hands, it was upon the right, and not the left, so that ha might more unobservedly employ it as he designed. And thrust it into his belly.] So that it pierced his heart (as Josephus understands it), or some other vital part; upon which he immediately died, without speaking a word, or making a noise to alarm his servants who were without. Nothing can justify this fact but an order from the Lord, which he not only pretended, but really had. (See ver. 2G.) 2… Vcr. 22. And the haft also went in after the blade.] The* thrust he made was’ so violent, that not only the blade of the dagger, but the handle also, went into his bowels..’. And the fat closed up the blade.] And the haft, so that they could not be seen. So that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly. J But left it there, because he could take no hold of it. And the dirt came out.] All agree that the word parschedona, which is no where found but here, signifies the dung pr excrements; which came not out at the w r ound (for that was closed), but at the usual place; it being common for bodies to purge after they are dead, especially such corpulent ones as his was, in whose bowels, no doubt, there were violent convulsions made by this sudden stroke.
Judges 3:23
And Ehud went forth through the porch. It is very uncertain what the Hebrew word misredona signifies, which we translate porch. Some take it for the guardchamber (as the liXX. seem to understand it), or a place where the king’s servants sat; through which he passed boldly, that he might give no suspicion of any mischief he had done: or, as Kimchi explains it, the place where the people sat, who waited for audience. And shit the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them.] As he came out of the parlour, he not only shut the doors after him, and locked them; but, it is likely, took the key aw r ay with him. There seem to have been double doors, an inward and an outward, as is usual.
Judges 3:24
And when he was gone out, his servants earned Seeing Ehud was gone from the king, his attendants came into the antechamber (as we speak), to be ready at the king’s call, to wait his pleasure,. And when they saw, that, behold, the doors of the parlour were Iqcked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in the sum* mer parlour.] They concluded he was easing nature, as this phrase is commonly understood here, and in 1 Sam. xxiv. 3. for when they were about that business, the long garments which they wore in those countries were so disposed as to cover their feet. (See Gataker in his Cinnus, lib. ii. cap. 3.) But it may be understood, I think, of laying himself down to sleep, which they wore wont to do in those countries in the heat of the day; (2 Sam. iv. 5.) and then, lying down in their clothes, it was necessary to cover their feet for decency’s sake, to keep their garments from slipping up, and exposing those parts which should not be CHAP. III.] UPON JUDGES. seen. And this suits better with the story than the other; for they thought fit to wait a great while before they entered the chamber, that they might not disturb his rest; whereas the other business being soon dispatched, would not have occasioned their waiting so long. (See the Arabic and Syriac version, both here and upon 1 Sam. xxiv. 3.)
Judges 3:25
And they tarried. Waiting in the antechamber.* Till they were ashamed.*] Till they were in a great confusion/not knowing what to think should be the cause that he slept longer than ordinary. And, behold, he opened jiot the door of the parlour.] At which it is likely, after tedious expectation, they knocked, and had no answer. Tliere/ore they took a key and opened them.] For in kings’ courts, there were more than one who had keys to the same room. And, behold, their lordwas fallen down dead on the earth.] Perhaps they did not at first perceive that he was killed; which might something retard their pursuit of Ehud.
Judges 3:26
And Ehud escaped while they tarried. Their long expectance of the king’s awaking out of sleep, gave hirathe advantage of making his escape.. And passed beyond the quarries.] From whence he returned to do this exploit, (ver. 19.) which had been murder, if he had not had a Divine warrant for what he did: unto which none can pretend now, without blaspheming God as the author of sin; but then was evident; by the wonderful gifts of wisdom, and courage, arid might, wherewith such men were divinely inspired. (See Grotius, de Jure Belli et Pacis, lib. i. cap. 4. sect; 10. n. 4.) And escaped unto Seirath.] Gilgal was so near to the garrison which the Moabites had in those territories, that he did not think himself safe till he was got out of the tribe of Benjamin into the mountainous country of Ephraim, where this town was, upon the confines of the tribe of Benjamin.
Judges 3:27
And it came to pass, when Jw was come. To’ Seirath. Tliat he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim.] To summon those who were disposed to recover their liberties, to take arms and follow him. And the children of Israel went down with him from the mount.] A considerable body of men, no doubt, presently met together (being before prepared, it is likely, by his emissaries), and marched after him into the country of Benjamin, where the Moabites were settled. And he before them.’] He led them on as their captain; and had many more, in all probability, joined him*as he marched further into the country.
Judges 3:28
And he said unto them, Folloiv after me. Be not afraid to venture your lives, as I will do, for the liberty of your country. For the Lord hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand.] He was’assured that God, who had succeeded his enterprise, and deprived the Moabites of their supreme head (whereby, no doubt, they were in great confusion), would accomplish what he had begun, and give them a perfect deliverance: with this belief he endeavoured to possess their souls, as if the thing was already done, which he knew would inspire them with such courage as could not be withstood. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan.] He proceeded prudently, as well as Courageously; and therefore led them directly to the fords of Jordan, of which they possessed themselves; that the Moabites who had settled themselves in that part of Judea, (ver. 13.) might not be able to save themselves by retreating into their own country, nor they in Moab be able to come to their assistance. And suffered not a man to pass over.] To carry or bring any intelligence.
Judges 3:29
And they slew of the Moabites at that time about ten thoiisand men. Who had taken possession of the city of palm-trees, (ver. 13.) and posted themselves thereabouts, to keep the Israelites in subjection. All lusty men.] In the Hebrew it is, all fat men; that is (as some understand it), men of estates, or very wealthy persons: men of quality, or of the better sort (as others expound it), who chose to transplant themselves hither, because of the richness and deliciousness of this country; but it may be interpreted strongmen, as our translation imports, who were culled out from among the Moabites, to keep the Israelites in greater awe. And all men of valour.] Who had given proof of their undaunted spirit in war. And there escaped not a man.] But they were all cut off, either by those that guarded the fords, and intercepted their passage into their own country, or by the other part * of the army of Israel who fell upon them, and drove them thither. i *
Judges 3:30
So Moab ivas subdued that day under the’hand of Israel. This doth not signify that they brought the country of Moab under their subjection, as the Moabites had brought theirs, but that they freed themselves from the yoke they had laid upon them, and served them no longer. (See ver. 14.) And the land had rest fourscore years.]. Which the same great man, mentioned in the foregoing chapter, thus interprets: ad A. M. 2G79. " Et quicvit terra anno octuagesimo, post quieterh priorem ab Othniele restitutam.” And the land had rest in the eightieth year, after -the former restored to it by Othniel: but there is another way which some learned writers among the Jews suggest, of bringing the years of servitude and of peace, mentioned in this book, into such a compass, as may agree with what is said in 1 Kings vi. 2. concerning the number of years that passed from the deliverance out of Egypt to the building of Solomon’s temple: for they suppose that there was scarce any of the judges who ruled over the whole country of Israel, but some in one part, and some in another; so that at the same time there were several judges in several parts of the land; and peace in one part, when there was war in another. Accordingly our learned chronologer Sir J. Marsham (who follows this opinion) understands here by the land which had rest fourscore years, not the whole land of Israel, but the eastern part of it, which had shaken off the yoke of Moab; but in the meantime the Philistines invaded the western parts, as it here follows, and were repulsed by Shamgar, while the eastern countries enjoyed perfect peace. This I take to be the clearest account of these words, the land had rest fourscore years; that is, the eastern part of the country, which had shaken off the yoke of Moab, not the whole land of Israel: for, as the Philistines invaded the western parts, so Jabin afflicted the northern (as it follows Microsoft® [chap. IV* iii the next chapter), while the oriental tribes remained in peace.
Judges 3:31
And after liiin was Shamgar the son ofAnath. It is not said of what tribe he was, and it is in vain to inquire about it; but it is probable he was one of those tribes that bordered upon the Philistines, because what he did was against them, and those were Judah, Dan, and Ephraim: nor is there the least signification how long he judged them; but he succeeding Ehud, his government was in some part of the fourscore years beforementioned: and, perhaps, it was not long before that time wherein Jabin oppressed Israel in the northern parts, as may be probably gathered from ver. G.. Which slew of the Philistines six hundred men.] Now some of the people of Canaan made an attempt upon the Israelites, in the western parts, to bring them under their power. And these words sound as if Shamgar alone made opposition to them, and slew the number mentioned; being excited by the mighty power of God, which gave him unwonted courage and strength; for he was raised up, as the two foregoing great men had been, by a Divine inspiration, to be their judge, as appears by the last words of this verse. With an ox-goad.] The Vulgar takes the Hebrew word malmud for a plough-share, and the LXX. favour this interpretation: but if we may judge by the derivation of the word, our translation is more probable; wherein we follow* Kimchi and other learned Jews, who take it for the instrument whereby oxen are provoked (and, as it were, put in mind of their duty) when they draw the plough. lazily. And thus Lycurgus is said to have overthrown the forces of Bacchus, without any other arms but fiovirXiiyt, an oxgoad. So Homer describes the Bacchae as put to flight av$po(j>6voto AvKoipyov ]3ov7rXrJ7i. (See Bochartus, lib. i. Canaan, cap. 18.).. And he also delivered Israel.] From hence it appears that he was a judge as well as the two former, though some both ancient and modern have questioned it; for this is the very phrase whereby they are described, ii. 9. 15. And the first words of this verse signify as much;’ which say, that after him (i. e. # Ehud) was Shamgar, who sue-, ceeded him; that is, in the office of a judge, as the words naturally signify: and the great.slaughter he made of the Philistines argues the fcame; for it manifestly was an heroical act, like that of Samson, w r ho slew a thousand with the jaw-bone of an ass: neither of which could have been performed but by a Divine power wherewith they were possessed. It is not said here, indeed, how long he continued to judge them, nor from what oppressions he delivered them; but he is a deliverer who preserves a nation from being oppressed, as well as he who rescues them from oppression when they groan under it t and that it is likely was the case of Shamgar, who, when the Philistines came to invade his country, gave them a repulse with the loss of six hundred of their men; which, it is probable, discouraged them from further attempts. And this being done without any weapon but an ox-goad, it is likely he w r as at plough when the Philistines made this inroad to plunder and spoil the country; feeling a strong impulse upon him to oppose them, though he had no other arms, nor any to assist him, but such of his servants as were, perhaps, at plough with him. Thus some great men among the an- Lsiytllsl~Ki Uy cient Romans were called from the plough to be their dictators. But I will only add a strange passage out of the Midrash upon Lev. xvii. 3. who, mentioning these words, and he also delivered Israel, saith, " Thus he saved them by the hand of other judges, who being but flesh and blood, yet fell into slavery again; but in the age to come (i. e. of the Messiah) I in my own substance will redeem you, and ye shall not be reduced into servitude anymore. According to what Isaiah saith, xlv. 17. But Israel shall be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation,” &c. (See Raymund in his Pugio Fidei, p. 510.)
But theAmorites would dwell in Mount Ileres, in Aijalon,and Shaalbinu. And, to add to their affliction, would not let them enjoy ail the mountainous country, but possessed these three cities there: which constrained the Danites to seek for larger quarters in other parts; and seems to have been the occasion of that expedition mentioned Josh. xix. 47. where, ver. 41. we read of the two last-mentioned cities. (See my notes there.) Yet the handof the house of Joseph,] That is, the Ephraimites, who were next neighbours to the Danites, in one part of their country. Prevailed.] Against the Ambrites, as the LXX. expound it, y E(5apvv$ri i) ^tip oikov’Ivot^ IitX tov’Afioppaiov, The hand of the house of Joseph teas heavy upon the Amorites; for they came to the assistance of their brethren, when they wxrc grievously distressed.. ■ So that they became tributaries.] They brought the AmOTites so much under, that they made those three cities beforeraentioned pay tribute to the Danitcs, if not all the low countries w r hich they inhabited; for he saith, in general, They became tributaries, speaking of all the Amorites thereabouts.
And the coast of the Amorites was from the go ing up to Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.* We find mention of the going up to Akrabbim in Josh. xv. 3. (See my notes there.) And the Vulgar by the rock (in Hebrew, $elah)> understands the city called Petra, which was upon the borders of Edom, and by Amaziah called Joktheel, in 2 Kings xiv. 7. Some take these words to signify the large extent of the country which the Amorites inhabited; but I take them rather to denote, that the children of Ephraim gave such a check to their insolence, that they were confined to this country, which reached from Akrabbim and’ Selah, to the mountains here mentioned. By this it appears, the Israelites let so many of the old inhabitants remain in Canaan, that they settled themselves among them; insomuch, that, in the days of Solomon, we read of a remnant of the Amorites, Hittitcs, Perizzites, Hivites,and Jebusites, (1 Kings ix. 20, 21.) and in far later ages, as I have often observed, the Gergesencs remained in the days of our Saviour, (Matt. viii. 28.) though it is likely they were all become proselytes so far as to worship the God of Israel, though not entirely of their religion.