1 Samuel 11

1 Samuel 11:1

JAbesh-gilead] See Judg. 21. 10. and here he expresseth the occasion why the people desired a king, Chap. 8. namely, To defend them against Nahash the king of Ammon, as he sheweth more plainly, Chap. 12. 14.

1 Samuel 11:2

your right eyes] This he required not onely as ignominious, but also to disable them for taking arms; for carrying their shields on their left arm, the use of their left eye was hindered: and so their right eyes being put out, they become little better then blinde.

1 Samuel 11:3

the elders] That is, the rulers and governours.

Give us] Hebr. forbear us.

we will come out] That is, yeeld our selves to dispose of us at thy pleasure.

Gibeah of Saul] Called before, Gibeah of Benjamin, as lying in that tribe; and now, Gibeah of Saul, either because Sal was born there, or was now their king and deliverer.

1 Samuel 11:5

came after the herd] For though he were chosen king, yet he did not presently administer his office, but lived privately till an occasion were offered for shewing his heroicall valour, and kingly abilities.

1 Samuel 11:6

the Spirit of God] Inusing into him wisedom, magnanimity and valour, fit for a king and captain.

anger was kindled] To wit, against Nahassi, for propounding such insolent and dishonourable conditions.

1 Samuel 11:7

hewed them in pieces] In imitation of the Levite, who thus divided, and sent the pieces of his wife to all the tribes, to encrease their indignation, and whet their courage.

and after Samuel] Who accompanied this new unsetled king as a judge to assist him, and as a prophet to direct him, v. 12.

of the Lord] That is, which the LORD wrought in them by this threatning.

with one consent] Hebr. as one man.

1 Samuel 11:8

in Bezek] See Judg. 1. 5.

1 Samuel 11:9

they said] That is, Saul and Samuel.

help] Or, deliverance.

1 Samuel 11:10

Jabesh said] To wit, to Nahash and the Ammoites that beleaguered them.

Tomorrow we will] To wit, if we have no help, dissembling their hope of aid, that Saul might finde them secure, and so obtain a more easie victory.

1 Samuel 11:11

on the morrow] That is, the eighth day after their truc taken, on which they had promised to surrender themselves, if in no day of the seven they were relieved.

of the host] That is, of the Ammonites.

morning watch] That is, when they begin to withdraw the watches.

1 Samuel 11:12

reign over us] Chap. 40. 27.

1 Samuel 11:13

Thee shall not a man] So David, 2 Samuel 19:22.

wrought salvation] To wit, by giving us victory over our enemies, thereby confirming my calling, which these men doubted of.

1 Samuel 11:14

and renew the kingdom] That is, confirm Saul in his kingdom (to prevent all future rebellion) by universall consent, seeing now, having experience of his wisedom and valour, none will question his calling, of which formerly some doubted. Chap. 10, 27.

1 Samuel 11:15

before the Lord] That is, in a solemn manner, as in Gods presence, represented by the ark, before which it was done.

peace-offerings] To wit, in signe of thanksgiving for the victory.