Bible Commentary

And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel. 18. Bring hither the ark of God ] Saul wished to “inquire of God” before going to battle. See Num 27:21. But apart from the fact that we have no … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 14:18”

Then said Saul unto the people that [were] with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armorbearer [were] not [there]. 17. Number now ] The word denotes a muster or parade of the troop for inspection. Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 14:17”

And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down [one another]. 16 23. The rout of the Philistines 16. in Gibeah of Benjamin ] If Tuleil-el-Fl is the true site of the town of Gibeah, we must either suppose that Gibeah is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 14:16”

And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling. 15. in the host, in the field ] In the camp in the field, the main army as distinguished from the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 14:15”

And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armorbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were a half acre of land, [which] a yoke [of oxen might plow]. 14. within as it were a half acre of land which a yoke of oxen might plow ] Lit. in about half a furrow of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 14:14”

And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armorbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armorbearer slew after him. 13. Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet ] “Immediately to the east of the village of Michmash exists a natural fortress, still called ‘the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 14:13”

And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armorbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will show you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armorbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel. 12. we will shew you a thing ] Either, “give … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 14:12”

And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves. 11. the holes where they had hid themselves ] See 1Sa 13:6. Travellers speak of numerous caverns in the limestone rocks of the district. Fuente: … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 14:11”

But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this [shall be] a sign unto us. 10. this shall be a sign unto us ] “The sign” is clearly regarded by Jonathan as an intimation of the Divine will. Cp. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 14:10”

If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them. Verse 9. If they say thus unto us] Jonathan had no doubt asked this as a sign from God; exactly as Eliezer the servant of Abraham did, Ge … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 14:9”