The war between Saul and the Philistines. The distress of the Israelites. Saul offereth sacrifice before the coming of Samuel: for which he is reproved.
Saul and Ionathas preuaile in battel against the Philisthijms. 5. who increasing their forces, the Israelites for feare flee away and hid themselues, 8. Samuel not coming to the campe, Saul presumeth to offer sacrifice, 11. for which Samuel reproueth him, and declareth that his kingdom shal be translated to an other. 17. The Philisthijms oppresse the Israelites. and depriue them of armour.
1Saul was a child of one year when he began to reign, and he reigned two years over Israel.Figliuolo di un anno era Saul, quando cominciò a regnare, e regnò due anni sopra Israele.A CHILD of one yeare was Saul when he began to reigne, and two yeares he reigned ouer Israel.Filius unius anni erat Saul cum regnare cœpisset: duobus autem annis regnavit super Israël. 2And Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel: and two thousand were with Saul in Machmas, and in mount Bethel: and a thousand with Jonathan in Gabaa of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent back every man to their dwellings.E fece Saul la scelta di tre mila Israeliti: e due mila stavano con Saul in Machmas, e sul monte Bethel: e mille erano con Gionata in Gabaa di Beniamin: e rimandò tutto il resto del popolo ognuno alle sue tende.And Saul chose to him selfe three thousand of Israel: and there were with Saul two thousand in Machmas, and in the mount of Bethel: and a thousand with Ionathas in Gabaa of Beniamin, moreouer the rest of the people he sent backe euerie man into their tabernacles.Et elegit sibi Saul tria millia de Israël: et erant cum Saul duo millia in Machmas, et in monte Bethel: mille autem cum Jonatha in Gabaa Benjamin: porro ceterum populum remisit unumquemque in tabernacula sua. 3And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines which was in Gabaa. And when the Philistines had heard of it, Saul sounded the trumpet over all the land, saying: Let the Hebrews hear.E Gionata trucidò il presidio de' Filistei che era in Gabaa. E quando la nuova ne fu sparsa tra' Filistei, Saul fece notificarla colle trombe per tutto il paese, dicendo: Sappiano gli Ebrei.And Ionathas stroke the garrison of the Philisthijms, which was in Gabaa. Which when the Philisthijms had heard, Saul sounded with the trumpet in al the land, saying: Let the Hebrewes heare.Et percussit Jonathas stationem Philisthinorum quæ erat in Gabaa. Quod cum audissent Philisthiim, Saul cecinit buccina in omni terra, dicens: Audiant Hebræi. 4And all Israel heard this report: Saul hath smitten the garrison of the Philistines: and Israel took courage against the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Galgal.E tutto Israele udì questa nuova: Saul ha distrutta la stazione de' Filistei: e Israele alzò la testa contro dei Filistei. Quindi è, che il popolo levò il grido dietro a Saul in Galgala.And al Israel heard this maner of bruite: Saul hath striken the garrison of the Philisthijms: and Israel tooke courage against the Philisthijms. The people therfore cried after Saul in Galgal.Et universus Israël audivit hujuscemodi famam: Percussit Saul stationem Philisthinorum, et erexit se Israël adversus Philisthiim. Clamavit ergo populus post Saul in Galgala.
5The Philistines also were assembled to fight against Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and a multitude of people besides, like the sand on the seashore for number. And going up they camped in Machmas, at the east of Bethaven.E i Filistei misero insieme per combattere contro Israele trenta mila cocchi, e sei mila cavalli, e l'altra turba in tanto numero, quante son le arene del mare. E si mossero, e posero il campo a Machmas dalla parte orientale di Bethaven.And the Philisthims were gathered together to fight against Israel, thirtie thousand chariotes, and six thousand horsemen, and the rest of the common people, as the sand which is in the sea shore very much. And going vp they camped in Machmas at the East of Bethauen.Et Philisthiim congregati sunt ad præliandum contra Israël, triginta millia curruum, et sex millia equitum, et reliquum vulgus, sicut arena quæ est in littore maris plurima. Et ascendentes castrametati sunt in Machmas ad orientem Bethaven. 6And when the men of Israel saw that they were straitened (for the people were distressed), they hid themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in dens, and in pits.Or in veggendo gli uomini d'Israele, come eran ridotti alle strette (perocché il popolo era disanimato) si nascosero nelle caverne, e nelle buche, e anche ne' massi e nelle grotte, e nelle cisterne.Which when the men of Israel had seene them selues put in a streict (for the people was afflicted) they hid them selues in caues, and in secrete places, in rockes also, and in dennes, and in cesternes.Quod cum vidissent viri Israël se in arcto positos (afflictus enim erat populus), absconderunt se in speluncis, et in abditis, in petris quoque, et in antris, et in cisternis. 7And some of the Hebrews passed over the Jordan into the land of Gad and Galaad. And when Saul was yet in Galgal, all the people that followed him were greatly afraid.E gli Ebrei passato il Giordano entrarono nella terra di Gad, e di Galaad. Ma mentre Saul era tuttora in Galgala, tutto il popolo che lo seguiva, s'impaurì.And the Hebrewes passed Iordan into the Land of Gad and Galaad. And when Saul was yet in Galgal, al the people was sore afrayd, which folowed him.Hebræi autem transierunt Jordanem in terram Gad et Galaad. Cumque adhuc esset Saul in Galgala, universus populus perterritus est qui sequebatur eum. 8And he waited seven days, according to the appointment of Samuel, and Samuel came not to Galgal, and the people slipt away from him.E aspettò (Saul) sette giorni secondo l'ordine di Samuele, e non arrivò Samuele a Galgala: e il popolo alla spicciolata se ne andava da lui.And he expected seuen daies according to the appointment of Samuel, and Samuel came not into Galgal, and the people slipt away from him.Et expectavit septem diebus juxta placitum Samuelis, et non venit Samuel in Galgala, dilapsusque est populus ab eo.
9Then Saul said: Bring me the holocaust, and the peace offerings. And he offered the holocaust.Disse adunque Saul: Menatemi l'olocausto, e l'ostia pacifica. E offerse l'olocausto.Saul therfore said: Bring me the holocauste, and the pacifiques. And he offered the holocauste.Ait ergo Saul: Afferte mihi holocaustum et pacifica. Et obtulit holocaustum. 10And when he had made an end of offering the holocaust, behold Samuel came: and Saul went forth to meet him and salute him.E finito che ebbe di offerir l'olocausto, ecco che veniva Samuele, e Saul gli uscì incontro per salutarlo.And when he had finished offering the holocauste, behold Samuel came: and Saul went forth to mete him & salute him.Cumque complesset offerens holocaustum, ecce Samuel veniebat: et egressus est Saul obviam ei ut salutaret eum. 11And Samuel said to him: What hast thou done? Saul answered: Because I saw that the people slipt from me, and thou wast not come according to the days appointed, and the Philistines were gathered together in Machmas,E dissegli Samuele: Che hai tu fatto? Rispose Saul: Perchè io vidi che il popolo se n'andava alla spicciolata da me, e tu non eri giunto dentro i giorni stabiliti, e d'altra parte erano raunati i Filistei a Machmas,And Samuel spake to him: What hast thou done? Saul answered: Because I sawe that the people slipt from me, and thou wast not come according to the dayes appointed, moreouer the Philisthijms were gathered together into Machmas,Locutusque est ad eum Samuel: Quid fecisti ? Respondit Saul: Quia vidi quod populus dilaberetur a me, et tu non veneras juxta placitos dies, porro Philisthiim congregati fuerant in Machmas, 12I said: Now will the Philistines come down upon me to Galgal, and I have not appeased the face of the Lord. Forced by necessity, I offered the holocaust.Io dissi: Or ora verranno i Filistei contro di me a Galgala, e io non ho placato il Signore. Spinto da necessità ho effetto l'olocausto.I said: Now wil the Philisthijms come downe to me into Galgal, & I haue not pacified the face of our Lord. Compelled by necessitie, I offered the holocauste.dixi: Nunc descendent Philisthiim ad me in Galgala, et faciem Domini non placavi. Necessitate compulsus, obtuli holocaustum. 13And Samuel said to Saul: Thou hast done foolishly, and hast not kept the commandments of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee. And if thou hadst not done thus, the Lord would now have established thy kingdom over Israel for ever:E Samuele disse a Saul: Stoltamente hai fatto, e non hai osservato l'ordine dato a te dal Signore Dio tuo. Che se ciò non avessi fatto, il Signore avrebbe fin da questo punto stabilito il tuo regno sopra Israele in sempiterno.And Samuel said to Saul: Thou hast done folishly, neither hast thou kept the commandementes of our Lord thy God, which he commanded thee. Which if thou hadst not done, euen now had our Lord prepared thy kingdom ouer Israel for euer,Dixitque Samuel ad Saul: Stulte egisti, nec custodisti mandata Domini Dei tui quæ præcepit tibi. Quod si non fecisses, jam nunc præparasset Dominus regnum tuum super Israël in sempiternum:
14But thy kingdom shall not continue. The Lord hath sought him a man according to his own heart: and him hath the Lord commanded to be prince over his people, because thou hast not observed that which the Lord commanded.Ma non si sosterrà lungamente il tuo regno. Il Signore si è cercato un uomo secondo il cuor suo: e il Signore gli ha ordinato che egli sia condottiero del popolo suo, perchè tu non hai osservati gli ordini del Signore.but thy kingdom shal no farder arise. Our Lord hath sought him a man according to his hart: and him hath our Lord commanded to be prince ouer his people, because thou hast not obserued the thinges which our Lord commanded.sed nequaquam regnum tuum ultra consurget. Quæsivit Dominus sibi virum juxta cor suum: et præcepit ei Dominus ut esset dux super populum suum, eo quod non servaveris quæ præcepit Dominus. 15And Samuel arose and went up from Galgal to Gabaa of Benjamin. And the rest of the people went up after Saul, to meet the people who fought against them, going from Galgal to Gabaa, in the hill of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people, that were found with him, about six hundred men.E Samuele si partì, e da Gaigala andò a Gabaa di Beniamin. E l'altra gente andarono dietro a Saul contro quegli, i quali assalivan coloro che andavano da Galgala a Gabaa sul colle di Beniamin. E Saul fece la rassegna della gente, che si trovava con lui in numero di circa seicento uomini.And Samuel arose and went vp from Galgal into Gabaa of Beniamin. And numbered the people, which were found with him, as it were six hundred men.Surrexit autem Samuel, et ascendit de Galgalis in Gabaa Benjamin. Et reliqui populi ascenderunt post Saul obviam populo, qui expugnabant eos venientes de Galgala in Gabaa, in colle Benjamin. Et recensuit Saul populum qui inventi fuerant cum eo, quasi sexcentos viros. 16And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, were in Gabaa of Benjamin: But the Philistines encamped in Machmas.E Saul, e Gionata suo figliuolo, e la gente ch'era con essi, stavano in Gabaa di Beniamin: e i Filistei erano a Machmas.And Saul and Ionathas his sonne, and the people that were found with them, was in Gabaa of Beniamin: moreouer the Philisthijms had pitched in Machmas.Et Saul et Jonathas filius ejus, populusque qui inventus fuerat cum eis, erat in Gabaa Benjamin: porro Philisthiim consederant in Machmas. 17And there went out of the camp of the Philistines three companies to plunder. One company went towards the way of Ephra to the land of Sual;E usciron tre schiere del campo de' Filistei per andare al saccheggio. Una schiera prese la strada di Ephra verso la terra di Saul:And there issued forth to praye from the campe of the Philisthians three companies. One compaine went on against the way of Ephra to the Land of Saul.Et egressi sunt ad prædandum de castris Philisthinorum tres cunei. Unus cuneus pergebat contra viam Ephra ad terram Sual:
18And another went by the way of Bethoron, and the third turned to the way of the border, above the valley of Seboim towards the desert.E un'altra camminava per la via di Bethoron: e la terza s'indirizzò verso la strada del colle che sta sopra la valle di Seboim dirimpetto al deserto.Moreouer an other went by the way of Bethhoron, & the third had turned it self to the way of the border, in the valley Seboim against the desert.porro alius ingrediebatur per viam Beth-horon: tertius autem verterat se ad iter termini imminentis valli Seboim contra desertum. 19Now there was no smith to be found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines had taken this precaution, lest the Hebrews should make them swords or spears.Or non trovavasi in tutto il paese d'Israele un fabbro da ferro: perocché aveano usata i Filistei questa cautela, affinchè non potessero gli Ebrei farsi spade e lance.Moreouer there was not found an yron smith in al the Land of Israel. for the Philisthijms had so prouided, lest perhaps the Hebrewes should make sword or speare.Porro faber ferrarius non inveniebatur in omni terra Israël: caverant enim Philisthiim, ne forte facerent Hebræi gladium aut lanceam. 20So all Israel went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his ploughshare, and his spade, and his axe, and his rake.Per la qual cosa tutto Israele andava da' Filistei a far aguzzare i suoi vomeri, e le vanghe, e le scuri, e le zappe.Al Israel therefore went downe to the Philisthijms, that euerie man might whette his plough culter, and spade, & axe, and take.Descendebat ergo omnis Israël ad Philisthiim, ut exacueret unusquisque vomerem suum, et ligonem, et securim, et sarculum. 21So that their shares, and their spades, and their forks, and their axes, were blunt, even to the goad, which was to be mended.Erano perciò spuntati i vomeri, e le vanghe, e i forconi, e le scuri; non avendo nemmeno come aggiustare un pungiglione.Therefore the edges of the shares, and spades, & forkes with three teeth, and axes, were blunt, euen to the godeprick, which was to be mended.Retusæ itaque erant acies vomerum, et ligonum, et tridentum, et securium, usque ad stimulum corrigendum. 22And when the day of battle was come, there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan, except Saul and Jonathan his son.E venuto il dì della battaglia, tolto Saul, e Gionata suo figliuolo non v'ebbe di tutta la gente ch'era con Saul e Gionata, chi avesse in mano una spada, od una lancia.And when the day was come to fight, there was not found sword and speare in the hand of al the people, that was with Saul and Ionathas, except Saul and Ionathas his sonne.Cumque venisset dies prælii, non est inventus ensis et lancea in manu totius populi qui erat cum Saule et Jonatha, excepto Saul et Jonatha filio ejus.
23And the army of the Philistines went out in order to advance further in Machmas.Or una schiera di Filistei si mosse per andare di là da Machmas.And the station of the Philistijms went forth, to passe vp into Machmas.Egressa est autem statio Philisthiim, ut transcenderet in Machmas.
13:1
Year of the World 2911, Year before Christ 1093.
Worthington
Of one year. That is, he was good, and like an innocent child, and for two years continued in that innocency. (Challoner) (St. Gregory) (Worthington)
Serarius
Israel. This verse is omitted in some copies of the Septuagint. It is extremely difficult to explain. Some translate Hebrew, "Saul was a son of one year old," etc. (Symmachus) Others, "Saul begot a son the first year of his reign, (Raban) Isboseth, who was 40 years old when his father died, after governing all that while. (Serarius)
Calmet
Syriac and Arabic, "In the first or second year of the reign of Saul....he chose," etc. Hardouin supposes that the people dated their years by his reign only so long. Some think that the Hebrew is imperfect; and an ancient interpreter has, "Saul was 30 years old, when he began," etc. (Calmet)
Tirinus
The Rabbins and many commentators assert, that the reign of Saul lasted only two years. (Tirinus)
Calmet
But some of them explain this, as if he reigned alone only that term before he was rejected, when he could only be regarded as an usurper. Others, that he obtained the whole power for two years, after the death of Samuel. Usher concludes that, during the incursions of the Philistines, he could hardly be said to reign, and these commenced after he had been king two years. We might also translate, "Saul was the son of the year of his reign, (when he was confirmed at Galgal) and in the second year....he chose," etc. (Calmet)
Haydock
Perhaps the first translation, though somewhat mystical, may be the most literal, shewing that for one year Saul continued to act with the most engaging affability and moderation. But in the second he threw off the yoke, and was, in his turn, rejected by the Lord, as we shall soon behold. (Haydock)
Taylor
Scaliger seems to prefer allowing that the numeral letters have been omitted by some transcriber, and that we should read, Saul was 30 years old. This, and similar variations, he attributes to the compendious method of using numeral letters; (Kennicott) an inconvenience very frequently attending all manuscripts, both sacred and profane. (Taylor)
13:2
Calmet
Dwellings, from Galgal (Salien) or from some other general assembly. (Calmet)
Salien
These 3000 were to be the king's guards, supported at the expense of the nation, that the people might begin to feel one part of the royal prerogative. (Salien, the year before Christ 1089)
13:3
Land. As soon as the next cities had heard the alarm, they sounded the trumpet, and so the news was conveyed to the most distant parts, in a short time, Judges 3:27.
Osiander
Hebrews. Probably those "on the other side" of the Jordan, who presently came to the assistance of their brethren, ver. 7. (Osiander)
Menochius
It might also be the usual beginning of a proclamation. See Daniel 3:4. (Menochius)
Haydock
Septuagint and Aquila have a instead of r, in hibrim. "Let the servants (subjects) attend." (Aquila) "The slaves have rebelled," (Septuagint) meaning the Philistines, who ought to have been subject to Israel. (Haydock)
13:4
Calmet
Courage. Hebrew, "and Israel was in abomination (stinking) with the Philistines." See Exodus 5:21. (Calmet)
Septuagint, "despised as nothing the strangers."
Haydock
Were should be omitted, as the verb is active, clamavit, in the Vulgate and Septuagint, though the Protestants have "were called," etc. They shouted with alacrity, that Saul would lead them on to battle. (Haydock)
Osiander thinks that they "exclaimed against him," for engaging them in this new war.
13:5
Calmet
Chariots. This number seems almost incredible, as the Philistines were but a contemptible nation, compared with various others which never brought so many chariots into the field. Zara, king of Ethiopia, in his army of a million men, had only 300, 2 Paralipomenon 14:9. Adarezer had 1000, and Sesac 1200 chariots, while Solomon could only boast of 1400. Hence the Syriac and Arabic read "3000;" and it is supposed that the Hebrew has im, at the end of shelosh, redundant. (Bochart, Capel, etc.) The number of horsemen would otherwise bear no proportion with the chariots. We must also observe, that under this name the Scripture denotes those who upon the chariots. They were drawn by two horses, and one man guided the horses, while another stood on the chariot; and in battle, eight other soldiers attended it. These remarks will tend to explain many difficult passages, in which we read of chariots being slain and hamstrung, which may be understood of the men and horses, 2 Kings 8:4., and 10:18. In one place we read 700, and in another 7000 chariot were slain, (1 Paralipomenon 19:18,) the latter number comprising the 10 attendants; so here, the Philistines might have 3000 chariots, which being each accompanied with ten men, might be counted as 30,000. (Calmet)
Lyranus
Others think that there were 30,000 men fighting on chariots. (Lyranus; Salien)
Menochius
The Tyrians might have come to the assistance of their old friends, as 1 Kings 7:10. See 3 Kings 4:26. (Menochius)
Haydock
Number. Josephus specifies "300,000 infantry." (Haydock)
Haydock
Bethaven. Many copies of the Septuagint read, "Bethoron," more probably, as Bethel must have been on the east of Machmas, which lay north of Gabaa, chap 14:5. (Calmet) "over-against Bethoron on the south." (Grabe) (Haydock)
Haydock
Hebrew also, "having Bethaven on the east." Bethel was called Bethaven after the schism of Jeroboam, so that this name seems to have been substituted by a later writer, (Calmet) unless it might have had both names long before, Josue 18:12. (Haydock)
Du Hamel
This is not contrary to 1 Kings 7:13, as the Philistines had been quiet for a long time. Hebrew álom, properly denotes the term of a jubilee or 50 years. (Du Hamel)
13:6
Calmet
Straitened, the people form the northern provinces, and provisions being cut off, by the immense army of the Philistines. (Calmet)
Haydock
Providence was pleased to convince the people that, though they had been able to muster so large a force against the Ammonites, at so short a warning, they must not depend on the efforts of their new king. (Haydock)
Salien
He suffered many of the army to retire, as he sent away most of Gedeon's soldiers, that the whole glory of the victory might be attributed to him. (Salien)
Calmet
Dens. So the Chaldean. Some explain the Hebrew, "high places (Haydock) or towers." (Calmet)
Menochius
Septuagint, "ditches or holes." (Menochius)
Haydock
Bothrois. In that country there are many spacious caverns, (chap. 24.; Josue 10.) (Haydock)
13:7
Haydock
Hebrews. Septuagint, "the people, who came over, (the river) crossed the Jordan." (Haydock)
Haydock
The title of Hebrews, "passengers," seems to be applied to those who lived on the east side of the river, (Calmet) though probably some others would seek for a retreat in that country, or even hide themselves in the regions of the Ammonites, out of which they had lately driven the inhabitants. (Haydock)
Calmet
Hebrew, "the Hebrews passed over the Jordan, the land of," etc. (Calmet)
Afraid. Septuagint in a sort of "ecstasy" of fear.
13:8
Worthington
Of Samuel. Yet the prophet condemns his proceedings, either because he did not wait till the expiration of the seventh day, (Calmet; St. Ignatius, etc.; Salien) or because he ventured to offer sacrifice himself. (Lyra after Sulp. Severus, etc.) (Haydock) (Worthington)
Salien
He had however the high priest with him; (chap. 14:3,) so that he might have performed this sacred function, at the request of Saul: and we do not find that the latter is accused of sacrilege. (Salien)
Haydock
The magnitude of the punishment is no proof of the nature of the transgression, as God often punishes, with great severity, sins which to us might appear venial. (Haydock)
Salien
This is true, particularly with respect to those who first dare to transgress a positive command; (Numbers 15:32.; Menochius) as Saul seems to have done the injunction of the prophet, 1 Kings 10:8. The regal dignity was a gratuitous gift. (Salien)
Calmet
With a trembling heart, we must consider how he was rejected for neglecting to wait so short a time," (St. Gregory) when the circumstances seems to plead so strongly in his favour. How impenetrable are the judgments of God! and how punctually does he require his orders to be obeyed! (Calmet)
13:12
Lord, by sacrifices.
Calmet
Holocaust. Hebrew, "I forced myself therefore," etc. It is asked whether Saul offered sacrifice, or caused it to be offered by the priests. The text seems to assert that he did it himself. Samuel and David did the like; and we read that Solomon ascended to the brazen altar, at Gabaon, for the same purpose, 2 Paralipomenon 1:5. If it was lawful to erect altars out of the tabernacle, notwithstanding the divine prohibition, why might not individuals also offer sacrifice on certain solemn occasions? The Hebrew kings seem to have exercised some of the sacerdotal functions, particularly before the building of the temple; for afterwards we find one of their kings severely punished for presuming to offer incense, 4 Kings 15:5. (Calmet)
Haydock
Yet the proofs that they ever lawfully offered sacrifice, are not very satisfactory, as, in the Scripture language, a person is often said to do what he enjoins another to perform on his account; and if some prophets have acted in the character of priests, by divine dispensation, we need not extend the privilege to all who have dared to assume the like prerogative. The law is clear. It is the duty of all who do not regulate their conduct by it, to know that they have God's approbation. Their expressing no scruple on the occasion, proves nothing, no more than the sacred writer's omitting to stigmatize their proceedings. But here, if Saul really offered the holocaust, the words of Samuel, Thou hast done foolishly, convey a sufficient reproach: but if he did not, we must suppose that he blames the neglect of waiting the full term of days. (Haydock)
13:13
Menochius
Ever. He foresaw this want of obedience, and therefore promised the sceptre to Juda, Genesis xlix. (Menochius)
Worthington
God's foresight of sin, and preordination to punish it, does not take away free-will nor the possibility of a reward. (St. Augustine) (Worthington)
13:14
Salien
Continue long. This seems to have been a threat, which Saul might still have escaped, if he had not proved disobedient again. St. Gregory says, "he might have been loosed from the bonds of his former disobedience;" prioris inobedientiae nexus enodaret. The second rebellion caused him to be entirely rejected, and the prophet was ordered to go and anoint David, (chap. 15.) (Salien)
13:15
Calmet
Samuel. Piscator suspects that we ought to read Saul, as no mention is made of the prophet in the sequel of this war, and he is never consulted. (Calmet)
Haydock
Josephus says he returned home. (Haydock)
Salien
But all the versions are conformable to the text: and Samuel went with the king and his 600 soldiers, to Gabaa, (Calmet) that he might not appear to retain any ill-will towards Saul, and that his followers might not be quite dispirited, as they knew that he had the thunderbolts of heaven in his hand; and if he was with them, they had nothing to fear from the myriads of their opponents. His presence was very seasonable, for they had to cut their way through the enemy. (Salien)
Calmet
And the....Benjamin. All this is omitted in Hebrew, Chaldean, and in many Greek and Latin copies. (Calmet)
It is found in the Alexandrian and Vatican Septuagint.
Haydock
In the hill, is a translation of Gabaa, which alone occurs in those editions. (Haydock)
13:17
Plunder, seeing that the Israelites durst not come to an engagement. Jonathan took advantage of their absence, (chap. 14.)
Land of Sual, "foxes," not far from the birth-place of Gedeon, Judges 6:11.
13:18
Bethoron, the lower, to the north-west of Gabaa.
Calmet
Seboim was one of the cities which perished along with Sodom. (Calmet)
13:19
Tirinus
Smith. The Philistines had taken these precautions before Samuel gained the victory over them, and he consented that the people should employ the Philistines as before, when he made peace with them; (Salien) or they had again begun to get the upper hand at the beginning of Saul's reign, as the Israelites had been long in the enjoyment of peace, and negligent. (Tirinus)
Menochius
Josephus extends this species of servitude only to the neighbourhood of Gabaa, and says the major part of Saul's 600 men "was destitute of arms, because that country had neither iron nor people to make arms." The immense army which had so lately discomfited the Ammonites, was surely not without weapons. But most of them had retired, (Haydock) and those who accompanied the king might rely chiefly on their expertness in using the sling, Judges 20:16. (Menochius)
Haydock
The brave men who came to join David, are praised on this account, as well as for shooting with bow and arrow, 1 Paralipomenon 12:2. Furious battles have been also fought with sharpened stakes, burnt at the end, (Virgil, Aeneid vii.) and with various implements of husbandry, of which the Hebrews were not deprived. In the defeat of Sisara, they had not a buckler nor a lance among 40,000 (Judges 5:8.; Calmet) as the Philistines had already begun to deprive the Israelites of such weapons. (Haydock)
Other nations have since imitated their policy, 4 Kings 24:14. (Justin. 1:7.)
13:20
Calmet
All Israel, whom the Philistines had conquered, particularly the neighbouring tribes. (Calmet)
They were obliged to go to the places where the enemy kept garrisons, (Menochius) as they did at Gabaa, Bethel, etc.
Haydock
Share. Septuagint, Syriac, etc., "scythe," or "sickle for corn;" theristerion. (Haydock)
The original term, macharesha, may signify all sorts of implements.
Spade. Hebrew is supposed to mean, "a coulter." Septuagint, "instrument," which the prophets often say will be turned into a sword, in times of war, Joel 3:15., and Micheas 4:3.
Calmet
Rake. The same generical term is used in Hebrew as was before translated a plough-share. Septuagint have "scythe;" drepanon. (Calmet)
13:21
Haydock
Mended, by the Philistines. (Haydock)
Calmet
The Hebrew is variously translated. "Their implements were like saws; or, they had a file to sharpen the," etc. (Calmet)
Haydock
Septuagint, "and the fruits were ready to be gathered. But the vessels (instruments for labour) were three sicles for a tooth, and the same price (or station, upostasis, a word used [in] ver. 23, in the latter sense) for an axe or a scythe;" as if the Philistines required three sicles for doing the smallest thing, when the harvest was at hand. (Haydock)
13:23
Calmet
Further. Hebrew, "went out to the passage (Haydock) or defile of Machmas," leading to Gabaa. (Calmet)
Haydock
Septuagint, "and there came out of the station of the strangers, to the other side (or beyond) Machmas," where they have been fixed, 1 Kings 6:11, 16. (Haydock)
13:1
Of one year.... That is, he was good and like an innocent child, and for two years continued in that innocency.
13:1
Saul beginning to reigne was innocent and humble as a child of one yeare.
And in that state reigned the first two yeares. S. Greg. in hunc locum.
13:13
He offended in offering sacrifice being neither a priest, nor extraordinarily allowed to do that office, and for this and other faultes was deposed.
Gods foresight of sinne, and perordination to punish it, taketh not away freewil, nor possibilitie of wel doing, nor of reward. S. Aug. li. 3. c. 4. de lib. arbit.
13:9
St Athanasius of Alexandria † AD 373 Persecution and Lapse of Liberius 1
… and next commits an offence, which is foreign to a Christian, and too audacious for a eunuch. In imitation of the transgression of Saul, he went to the Martyry
13:11
St Ignatius of Antioch † AD 108 Epistle to the Magnesians: Shorter and Longer Versions 3
… Absalom, again, who had slain his brother, became suspended on a tree, and had his evil-designing heart thrust through with darts. In like manner was Abeddadan beheaded for the same reason. Uzziah, when he presumed to oppose the priests and the priesthood, was smitten with leprosy. Saul also was dishonoured,
13:12
St John Chrysostom † AD 407 The Homilies of St. John Chrysostom 82
… for how should he, who was even driving them out? Therefore gently and by little and little he leads him on to it. For when he had disobeyed Samuel, and had caused the burnt-offering to be offered, when he was not present, being blamed for it, he says, “The compulsion from the enemy was too great,”
13:13
St Augustine of Hippo † AD 430 City of God 17.6
… and the Lord will seek Him a man after His own heart, and the Lord will command him to be prince over His people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee,”
13:14
Tertullian † AD 220 The Prescription Against Heretics 3
… This again is, I suppose, an extraordinary thing, that one who has been approved should afterwards fall back? Saul, who was good beyond all others, is afterwards subverted by envy. David, a good man “after the Lord’s own heart,”
Aphrahat † AD 346 Aphrahat: Select Demonstrations 21.13
… and Jesus when about thirty years old received the imposition of the hand from John. David wedded two daughters of the king; and Jesus wedded two daughters of kings, the congregation of the People and the congregation of the Gentiles. David repaid good to Saul his enemy; and Jesus taught, Pray for your enemies . David was the heart of God;
St Ambrose of Milan † AD 397 Exposition of the Christian Faith 1.10
67. Why take such delight in that rack of questioning? You hear the name of the Son of God; abolish it, then, or acknowledge His true nature. You hear speak of the womb—acknowledge the truth of undoubted begetting. Of His heart—know that here is God’s word.
13:20
Sulpicius Severus † AD 420 The Sacred History Of Sulpitius Severus 1.33
… so much so that nobody, except Saul and Jonathan his son, is said to have possessed either sword or spear. For the Philistines, as conquerors in the former wars, had deprived the Hebrews of the use of arms,
13:1
It seems impossible that Saul, a son of one year, was made king and actually reigned. The plainest sense is this: Saul, having obtained victory over Naas, and thus having acquired authority and the favor of the people for himself, was again anointed king by Samuel (chapter xi, last verse), and was completing the first year of his reign, and beginning the second. This sense is explained by the Hebrew phrase, which word for word thus reads: A son of one year Saul in reigning himself, as if to say: Now Saul had reigned one year. Thus R. David, Vatablus, Brixianus, Serarius and others. It is a Hebraism; for the Hebrews attribute the name son to time, day, month and year. Thus in Jonah IV, 10, the ivy in Hebrew is called "daughter of night," because it was born that night. Thus "son of the mornings" is Lucifer (Isaiah xiv, 12). Thus "sons of the bow" are arrows (Job xli, 20). Second, others commonly explain it thus, as if to say: Saul, when he began to reign, was so simple and innocent, as if he had been a boy of one year, and persisting in this innocence he reigned two years. Whence the Chaldean translates: like a son of one year, in whom there are no faults, Saul was when he reigned. Thus St. Gregory, Angelomus, Eucherius, Theodoret and others. Hence tropologically St. Gregory: "Although," he says, "he reigned for many years, he is said to have reigned only in those years in which he is reported to have been innocent and humble. In that time alone, therefore," he says, "let us rejoice that we have lived, in which we lived innocently and humbly. For those times, which we consumed in the vanity of the world and the fleeting life of the flesh, as if lost, are not at all remembered."
13:2
Saul chose these three thousand, so that when the Philistines rushed upon him in their usual manner suddenly, and other neighboring enemies, he might have them at hand, which he could immediately oppose to them, lest they lay waste the fields and cities of Israel.
13:3
Gibeah was the native land and seat of Saul and Jonathan, and therefore Jonathan, a young man spirited and bold, immediately drove out from it a garrison of the Philistines. For the Philistines, dominating the Hebrews in the time of Samson and afterward, in order to keep them under the yoke, erected fortresses in the higher and more fortified places of Judaea, in which they stationed garrison soldiers. You will ask, with what arms did Jonathan strike the Philistines? For the Philistines had taken iron arms from them. The arms of the ancients were their arms: "For they conducted the matter with fists, from which fighting is called." Before the iron sword they used slings, bows, clubs, cudgels, poles, and stakes sharpened at the end.
13:4
For the Israelites were angered and inflamed, because they had so long endured the yoke and tyranny of the Philistines, when they saw them so easily slain by Jonathan. Wherefore, stirred up by this anger, they lifted up their spirits and rushed into battle against them. For anger is the spur of fortitude. Morally, learn here that which is in Job chapter vii, 1: "The life of man upon earth is a warfare" - often true of bodily warfare, always true of spiritual. Whence St. Gregory: "Whenever," says he, "we overcome other enemies, it is necessary that we prepare ourselves for contests to overcome others. For Almighty God, because He rewards His elect more abundantly, always wishes them to stand in battle."
13:9
Some think that Saul sacrificed by himself, and therefore was deprived of the kingdom. But Scripture indicates nothing of the sort, otherwise Samuel would have reproached him most sharply; and Saul had priests in the camp, through whom he could offer sacrifices. Thus Abulensis, Serarius, Sanchez and others. He sinned, namely in that he did not wait for the end of the seventh day, as Samuel had commanded. Hear St. Gregory: "Therefore he fell through disobedience, because he did not wait the full seven days as he had been commanded." Saul increased his sin in that he did not acknowledge his fault and seek pardon, but excused it, and as it were turned it back upon Samuel himself. St. Gregory gives the reason: "Because," says he, "from the root of pride itself, the very fault of disobedience is born, the disobedient are wont to hear the magnitude of their guilt, but do not satisfy by humbly confessing it."
13:10
See what precipitation and impatience do. If Saul had waited even for an hour, behold Samuel was at hand to sacrifice for him and to consult God. But now by the defect of patience and perseverance for an hour, he lost the temporal kingdom, and gradually fell from it, so that at length he lost the eternal as well. For God wished that Saul be directed by Samuel, and the king by the priest and prophet, to teach that temporal power and principality ought to be directed by the spiritual and Ecclesiastical. Whence St. Ignatius, epistle 6 to the Magnesians: "Saul," says he, "is deprived of royal honor, not waiting for the high priest Samuel: it is fitting therefore that we also revere our superiors."
13:13
In Hebrew niscalta, that is, thou hast made thyself foolish. And thou hast not kept the commandments of the Lord thy God, which He commanded thee, - namely that thou shouldest wait for my coming through seven full days, and through me shouldest sacrifice, and consult God. For it is most foolish not to obey the commandments of God; and thus to provoke His displeasure, anger and vengeance upon oneself. Tropologically, St. Chrysostom shows that the sinner is foolish, because from a rational man he makes himself as it were an irrational beast. "Man is a gentle and rational animal, yet he turns his ways into those of wild beasts. Therefore Scripture sometimes calls them dogs, on account of shamelessness (Isaiah lvi, 10); horses on account of lust (Jeremiah v, 8); asses on account of stupidity (Psalm xlviii, 13); lions and leopards on account of rapacity (Hosea xiii, 7-8)." BUT IF THOU HADST NOT DONE THIS, THE LORD WOULD NOW HAVE ESTABLISHED THY KINGDOM OVER ISRAEL FOR EVER. - "Would have established," in Hebrew hechin, that is, would have made firm. God had first decreed to perpetuate the kingdom to Saul and his posterity, if they had been obedient to Him in all things. But because He foresaw that Saul would not do this, He decreed to transfer the scepter from him to Judah and David.
13:14
That is, according to His own taste and desire; one who namely fully and completely conforms his "heart," that is his "mind and will," to the "heart," that is the "mind and will" of God; one who namely "does all my wills," as St. Paul explains (Acts xiii, 22). This is David: for what my heart wills, this David's heart also wills. Thus St. Gregory: "By the heart of God," says he, "in sacred discourse, His inmost will is designated. We are according to it, when we know this both by understanding and keep it by love." AND THE LORD COMMANDED HIM TO BE PRINCE OVER HIS PEOPLE. - St. Gregory adds that a Prelate ought not to seek dominion, but be as it were compelled to it by command: "Because," says he, "chosen men come to the honor of primacy not from ambition, but are brought to it by compulsion." The whole reason therefore why God took away the kingdom from Saul's line was that Saul had not fully and completely accommodated his heart and will to the heart and will of God. For God wished that Saul honor Samuel, as his priest and prophet; that he be the intermediary between Saul and God. Morally, learn here first how fully and perfectly God, as Lord of all, wishes to be obeyed by Himself and His own to the letter, without excuse and interpretation. Thus the first man Adam, eating the forbidden fruit, was punished with death. Thus the first angel Lucifer, unwilling to humble himself, fell into the depths. See therefore how dangerous primacy is, and learn not to seek it.
13:15
Samuel went before, and separated himself from Saul on account of the fault committed, so that he might show himself angry, and bend Saul to the acknowledgment of his fault and to penance. "Because namely," as St. Gregory says, "those whom the words of the Preacher do not correct, are often feared to be separated from the familiarity of Preachers, or from the unity of the holy Church."
13:17
In Hebrew: three heads; in Chaldean: three companies. A wedge properly is sharp iron, which gradually becomes thicker, and when inserted into cracks splits wood. Hence by metaphor, a wedge signifies a multitude of foot soldiers arranged in wedge formation, which is narrower and as it were sharper in the line of battle; then proceeds wider and denser.
13:19
For the Philistines had taken precaution lest perchance the Hebrews should make a sword or spear, so that they might keep them under their yoke, lest they should be able to rebel. Thus arms were once forbidden to slaves by the Romans, lest they should attack their masters. But God eluded the caution and prudence of the Philistines, while through Samuel He gave the Hebrews victory without iron and iron weapons. Whence St. Gregory: "The armed," he says, "were conquered by the unarmed, so that all that is conquered may be attributed to the praises of almighty God." Tropologically, "a smith of iron" is a preacher, teacher, and any other corrector of vices; "the Philistines," that is demons, strive to remove him. Hear Blessed Peter Damian: "If the censure of correction is withdrawn from the sacred assembly, the vigor of discipline is utterly weakened, and religion itself is destroyed."
13:22
The people therefore and the soldiers following Saul were armed with bows, slings (for the Gabaonites were indeed the best slingers, as appears in Judges xx, 16), poles, clubs, spades, sickles, tridents, goads, hammers, axes, and other rustic instruments. Thus Samgar the judge killed six hundred Philistines with the ploughshare of a plough (Judges iii, 31). And Samson, lacking a sword, killed a thousand men with the jawbone of an ass (Judges xv, 15). EXCEPT SAUL AND JONATHAN. - Mystically Dionysius the Carthusian: "Prelates," he says, "and their Vicars ought to be of such perfection that, however much their subjects are deprived of spiritual arms, they themselves nevertheless persevere most firmly in all virtue."
Machine translation from the Latin, not reviewed.
13:2
3. G. of Benjamin (I Sam. 13, 2; 23, 20), destroyed to avenge the outrage of the Benjaminites against the concubine of the Levite of Ephraim (Judg. 19, 14; 20, 4). After its rebuilding it was called "G. of Saul," …
Saul (Heb. Šāʾūl "Obtained with Prayer")
… S. organized and equipped a permanent army (I Sam. 13, 2. 19-22), a third of which he entrusted to his young son Jonathan. …
13:3
… The Israelites were defeated in a hard battle, from which the sacred Ark was also carried off as spoil (1 Sam. 4:10 ff.); the victories won by the Israelites under Samuel (1 Sam. 7:13 ff.) did not prevent the P. from pushing forward little by little as far as Michmash and Gibeah (1 Sam. 13:3, 5, 11 ff.), while the people of Israel were disarmed and powerless (1 Sam. 13:19 ff.).
Saul (Heb. Šāʾūl "Obtained with Prayer")
Israel had once again fallen under Philistine dominion (I Sam. 10, 5; 13, 3); S. was chosen by God as liberator and was secretly anointed by Samuel, now old, as leader (nāghīdh) of Israel (ibid. 9, 16 ff.). …
13:4
… Occupied by the Philistines, it was liberated by Jonathan who, climbing up the two rocky peaks of Bozez and Seneh in the Wadi Suweinit east of Geba and southeast of Michmash, managed to penetrate into the enemy camp, throwing it into confusion and freeing the region from the Philistines (I Sam. 13, 4; 14). Fortified by King Asa, it was the northern outpost of the Kingdom of Judah (I Kings 15, 22; II Kings 23, 8; II Chron. 16, 6). After the exile it was reoccupied by the Benjaminites (Neh. 12, 19).
13:5
Gilgal, Gilgala (Heb. Hag-Gilgâl "The Circle")
… Samuel, every year, at the great assemblies, visited its sanctuary (I Sam. 6:16); Saul was proclaimed king there and there later lost the kingdom and his descendants (I Sam. 10:8; 11:15; 13:5; 15:12). David was received there festively by the tribe of Judah on his return from his flight into Transjordan (II Sam. 19:16). After G. later became a center of idolatry, like …
Machmas (Hebrew Mikmās and Mikmās; Greek Μαϊζᾶζ; Arabic Muḥmās)
MACHMAS (Hebrew Mikmās and Mikmās; Greek Μαϊζᾶζ; Arabic Muḥmās). - A village 13 km north of Jerusalem, famous for the valorous deeds of Jonathan (v.), son of Saul, against the Philistines who had come to fight Israel (1 Sam. 13:5-7, 15 ff.; 14:1-23). After the exile it was repopulated with Benjamites (Ezra 2:27; Neh. 7:31).
13:7
Jordan (Heb. Yardēn; Arabic al-Urdunn)
… In the Bible it is remembered above all as a frontier (Num. 34:12; Ezek. 47:18), both of enemies who had forded it (II Kings 7:15; Judg. 12:5) and of Israelites who took refuge on the other bank (I Sam. 13:7; II Sam. 2:20; 17:22).
13:11
… He was indignant against those who strayed from the path traced by God (ibid. 13:11-14; 15:16-33). He was great and heroic in his fidelity and in his zeal. …
13:15
Saul (Heb. Šāʾūl "Obtained with Prayer")
… 13, 3-14). He defeated the Philistines near Michmash through the heroism of Jonathan, but through his imprudence did not fully exploit the victory; the Philistines regained strength, especially in the valley of Socoh, where David struck down Goliath (ibid. 13, 15-14, 46; 17, 1-18, 4). The struggle against the Philistines had no respite. …
13:19
… 4:10 ff.); the victories won by the Israelites under Samuel (1 Sam. 7:13 ff.) did not prevent the P. from pushing forward little by little as far as Michmash and Gibeah (1 Sam. 13:3, 5, 11 ff.), while the people of Israel were disarmed and powerless (1 Sam. 13:19 ff.).
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · Vulgata Clementina · original Douay-Rheims (Douay 1609-10), transcription by EEBO-TCP (CC0) · La Sacra Bibbia, tradotta dalla Volgata da Antonio Martini (1769-1781) (LaParola (laparola.net), Martini OSIS text, Public domain (LaParola's electronic edition marks it 'Dominio pubblico')). Public domain.