Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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1 Samuel
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 14
Overview:
Jonathan smites the
Philistines.
(1-15) Their defeat.
(16-23)
Saul forbids the people to eat till
Evening.
(24-35) Jonathan
pointed out
By Lot.
(36-46) Saul's family.
(47-52)
1-15 Saul seems to have been quite at a loss, and unable to
help himself. Those can never think themselves safe who see
themselves out of
God's protection. Now he sent for a
Priest and
the
Ark. He hopes to make up matters with the Almighty
By a
partial reformation, as many do whose hearts are unhumbled and
unchanged. Many
Love to have ministers who prophesy smooth
things to them.
Jonathan felt a Divine impulse and impression,
putting him upon this bold adventure.
God will direct the steps
of those that acknowledge him in all their ways, and seek to him
for direction, with full purpose of
Heart to follow his
guidance. Sometimes we find most comfort in that which is least
our own doing, and into which we have been led
By the unexpected
but
Well-observed turns of Divine
Providence. There was
trembling in the
Host. It is called a trembling of
God,
signifying, not only a great trembling they could not resist,
nor reason themselves out of, but that it came at once from the
Hand of
God. He that made the
Heart, knows how to make it
tremble.
16-23 The
Philistines were,
By the power of
God, set against
one another. The more evident it was that
God did all, the more
reason
Saul had to inquire whether
God would give him leave to
do any thing. But he was in such haste to fight a fallen enemy,
that he would not stay to
End his devotions, nor hear what
answer
God would give him. He that believeth, will not make such
haste, nor reckon any business
So urgent, as not to allow time
to take
God with him.
24-35 Saul's severe order was very unwise; if it gained time,
it lost strength for the pursuit. Such is the nature of our
bodies, that daily work cannot be done without daily
Bread,
which therefore our
Father in
Heaven graciously gives.
Saul was
turning aside from
God, and now he begins to build altars, being
then most zealous, as many are, for the form of
Godliness when
he was denying the power of it.
36-46 If
God turns away our
Prayer, we have reason to suspect
it is for some
Sin harboured in our hearts, which we should find
out, that we may
Put it away, and
Put it to
Death. We should
always first suspect and examine ourselves; but an unhumbled
Heart suspects every other person, and looks every where but at
home for the sinful cause of calamity.
Jonathan was discovered
to be the offender. Those most indulgent to their own sins are
most severe upon others; those who most disregard
God's
authority, are most impatient when their own commands are
slighted. Such as cast abroad curses, endanger themselves and
their families. What do we observe in the whole of
Saul's
behaviour
On this occasion, but an impetuous, proud, malignant,
impious disposition? And do we not in every instance perceive
that
Man, left to himself, betrays the depravity of his nature,
and is enslaved to the basest tempers.
47-52 Here is a general account of
Saul's
Court and
Camp. He
had little reason to be proud of his royal dignity, nor had any
of his neighbours cause to envy him, for he had but little
enjoyment after he took the kingdom. And often men's earthly
Glory makes a blaze just before the dark night of disgrace and
woe comes
On them.