The History of the Old Testament Methodized

SECT. CLX.

THE people of Israel being so earnest for a King, and seeming to themselves so undone without one, the Lord now resolves to give them one; but he gave him in his anger, and took him away in his wrath, Hos. 13.11. The History of this King we come now to set forth: There was a man of the Tribe of Benjamin whose name was Kish, a man of great authority and power, and (as it seems) of great estate and substance among them , who had a Son whose name was Saul, a goodly and comely person, taller by the head and shoulders than any of the people, a man fit to make a Prince, and to be honored of his Subjects when he was set over them. It happened at this time that some of the Asses of Kish were gone astray, of which 'tis like he had an excellent breed, and such as were of great value in that Country where persons of the greatest rank and condition used to ride upon them, [see Judge. 10.4. & 12.14.] Kish bids his Son Saul to take a servant with him, and to go and seek for them. Saul in obedience to his Fathers command went in quest of them through the Mountainous Country of Ephraim, and through Shalisha (a plain Country in the Tribe of Benjamin ) and through the land belonging to the City called Salim, Joh. 3.23. but he found them not; and when they were come to the land of Zuph (namely the Counrry where Ramah, Samuel 's City was situate, which thereupon was called Ramahthaim-Zophim, Ch. 1. 1.] Saul said to his servant, come let us return, lest my Father leave caring for the Asses and take thought for us. The servant replied, Sir, there is in this City of Ramah a venerable person, highly esteemed for his supernatural and wonderful knowledge of secret things, insomuch that all that he foretelleth surely cometh to pass; now let us go to him, peradventure he can show us the way we should walk in for the finding out the Asses we seek after. But Saul replied, If we go to him, what shall we present him with, as a civil and honourary gratuity, to testify our respect and thankfulness to him? See 1 King. 14.2, 3. 2 King. 4.42. For our provisions that we brought with us in our Wallet are spent, and we have nothing left that is fit or worthy to be presented unto him. The servant said he had the fourth part of a shekel (which makes about seven pence half-penny of our money, (see Gen. 23.15.) a small present indeed to be presented to a Prophet or Seer, who by special revelation is acquainted with the mind and will of God, and foresees things to come, and from God reveals them to the people. However (says he) let us present it as a token of our respect and thankfulness to him. Saul agrees hereunto; so they went to Ramah where Samuel dwelt; as they drew near to the City they met some young maidens going out to draw water, and enquiring of them for the Seer, they told them he was newly returned to the City, (having been out upon some occasion) and there was a sacrifice to be that day in the high place , that is, a Peace-offering, or Sacrifice of Thanksgiving, after which was to follow a Feast to be made of the remainders of the Sacrifice, at which the Seer would be present. It seems Samuel had purposely appointed this Feast, and invited guests unto it, God having revealed to him by the secret inspiration of his Spirit, [see v. 15.] that he would send that day to him the man who he intended should be their King, and that he should anoint him to be Captain over his people, and to save them out of the hands of the Philistines , and therefore Samuel was willing to express his respects to him by providing for him some honorable entertainment, though the rest of the guests knew not so much. The maidens further tell them that if they made hast, they might possibly meet with him before he went up to the high place; for besure the people would not eat before he came, for he used to bless by prayer and thanksgiving the flesh that was offered, (whereof the Feast was to be made) and afterwards they did eat that were bidden. Saul and his servant going accordingly to the City, Samuel met them just as he was going up to the high-place. As soon as he set his eyes on Saul, the Lord by secret inspiration told him, that was the man of whom he had before given him intimation that he should reign over his people. Then Saul drew near to Samuel, (being within the Gate and in the midst of the City, v. 14.) and (as it seems not knowing him) asked him where the Seers house was? Samuel answered, that he himself was the Seer, and was now going up to a Feast that was to be kept at the high-place, therefore he desired him to favor him so far as to go up thither with him and to eat with them, and if he pleased to stay with him that night, and on the morrow he would be ready to tell him anything that was in his mind to ask of him. And (says he) lest thou shouldest be unwilling to stay by reason of the occasion thou camest out upon, I tell thee that as for thy Fathers Asses (that were lost three days ago) they are found again, therefore trouble not thyself anymore about them; thou hast greater matters and of greater concernment to mind, as I shall show thee before we part; thou art not ignorant that it is the general desire of Israel to have a King to reign over them, and this royal dignity is like to be placed (by God's special Providence) on thee, and thy fathers house, Saul was exceedingly surprised at these words, and as one astonished at the strangeness of them, replied, Alas what am I? Am not I a Benjamite , and of that small Tribe which not many years ago was almost utterly destroyed? [Judge. 20.] and are not my family the fewest in number of all the ten families in my Tribe, wherefore then dost thou mention such a thing to me? However when they were come to the high-place where the Feast was to be kept, Samuel took Saul and his servant, and bringing them into the Parlour made them sit down in the chiefest place among those that were bidden, who probably were the Elders and chief of the City, and in number about thirty; and Samuel having given order to the Cook to provide one special extraordinary Mess that should be set by, and reserved as for some extraordinary guest, and not sent up till he sent for it, he now accordingly calls for it, that it might be set before Saul; and the Cook took up the Shoulder (which was accounted a chief Joint ) with some other meat that was laid upon it, or some sauce to make it more acceptable and grateful, and set it before Saul; and Samuel said, Take this dish that is provided for thee, set it before thee, and eat of it, for I gave charge that this portion of meat should be reserved for thee, when I said unto the Cook I have invited some to eat with me, make ready for them. So that Saul might see hereby that God had revealed his coming to Samuel before hand. Saul accordingly did eat with Samuel that day. And when they were come down from the high-place into the City, the next morning Samuel communed with Saul about this great matter upon the roof of his house, which being flat, as the manner of their houses was, it was a fit place for them to be private in. After which Saul and his servant departing, Samuel accompanied them some part of the way, and as they were going out of the City, Samuel desired Saul to send his servant before, that he might not hear what they said, nor see what they did, but that he himself would stay with him, and he would then declare to him what he had in commission from God further to say and do unto him. Samuel thought good to use such secrecy in this matter that it might not be thought when Saul was chosen King that there had been any plotting or contrivance between Samuel and him about it, and that it might not be suspected to be Samuel 's choice, but plainly the Lord's. Samuel and Saul being now alone, Samuel (as God had commanded him ) took a viol of oil, and poured it upon his head , whereby he signified that God had chosen him to that high Office, and would pour upon him an extraordinary measure of his Spirit (figured by oil ) thereby to enable him for that great service whereunto he had called him, which accordingly Saul had soon experience of, as we may see v. 9. Then Samuel kissed him, not only to testify his great love and kindness to him, and to congratulate his advancement to this high dignity, but to signify also his willing homage and subjection to him, see Psal. 2.12. And Samuel tells him he used these Ceremonies towards him because it was not he but the Lord that had chosen him to be King, and it was God's inheritance over whom he was to reign, see Deut. 32.9. These things being done, Samuel now by a Prophetical spirit giveth unto Saul certain signs which should occur to him in his return homeward, that when he saw them accordingly happen as he foretold him, his faith might be strengthened, that other things likewise foretold him concerning his Kingdom would certainly come to pass, and so he might be encouraged with confidence to undertake the Charge which God had called him unto, trusting in his power and help, notwithstanding the difficulties he was like to meet with in his way. First, he tells him that when he came to Rachel's Sepulcher near Bethlehem in the border of Benjamin , there he should meet two men, who would tell him that the Asses which he went to seek were found, and that his Father was full of care and solicitude about him, saying, what shall I do for my Son? Secondly, when going on he should come to the Plains of Tabor, he should meet three men going up to sacrifice to God at Bethel , one carrying three Kids, and another carrying three Loaves of bread, and a third carrying a bottle of Wine; these men though strangers to him, would salute him, and present him with two loaves of bread, which he advises him to receive at their hands. The more wonderful this thing was which Samuel foretold, the more it must needs confirm Saul 's faith when he saw it come to pass; and especially that Strangers should thus carry themselves towards him, and their hearts should be thus secretly moved to honor him, and as it were to do him homage, though they knew nothing of the dignity to which God had advanced him. Thirdly, he tells him he should come at last to the hill of God where is the Garrison of the Philistines , that is to Gibeah; for there was a Garrison of the Philistines kept, see Ch. 13.3. 'twas called the Hill of God, because there was in that place a College of Prophets consecrated to the service of God, as also because of the high-place there wherein the people used to offer Sacrifices. He tells him that when he was come thither he should meet a company of the Prophets coming down from the high-place. There were as it seems in those times many Colleges erected , wherein many holy men lived, being consecrated to God, whose continual employment was to study the Law, and other holy writings, to teach and instruct others therein, to sing in a solemn manner Psalms and Hymes of praise to God, and to train up other young Students (who studied this way of Prophesying) under them. One of these Colleges was here, another at Bethel, and a third at Jericho, 2 King. 2.3. a fourth at Naioth in Ramah (over which Samuel himself was President, Ch. 19.19, 20.) and upon many of these Prophets the Lord also bestowed that extraordinary gift of foretelling things to come , as appears 2 King. 2.3, & 5. and such as these were the Prophets that met Saul, for they had a Psaltery, Tabret, Pipe and Harp, playing before them; and possibly they made use of this Music to tune and rightly temper and excite their hearts, and the hearts of the people before they Prophesied, as Elisha did, 2 King. 3.15. and to make them more cheerful in Religious duties. Now Samuel tells Saul that when he met these Prophets, the Spirit of the Lord should come upon him, and he should Prophesy with them, that is the Spirit of Prophesy should come upon him, enabling him to join with these Prophets in singing God's praises, though he had not been taught and trained up in those Spiritual Exercises; and possibly he might also for that time have the gift of foretelling things to come. See Numb. 11.25. Further he tells him he should be turned into another man, that is, not only be endued with the present gift of Prophesying, but with the spirit of wisdom and magnanimity and courage, and other qualifications befitting his Kingly calling; so that he should not as before set his heart on Husbandry and Cattle, &c. but upon such things as tended to the good Government of his Kingdom, both in Peace and War. And Samuel tells him that if he found all these things to fall out just as he had foretold him, he might from thence assure himself that he was chosen of God to be King over Israel, and when any occasion or opportunity was offered him of doing anything for the benefit of his Kingdom, he need not fear to undertake it, for God would be with him, (while he walked in his ways ) to assist and prosper him. Samuel also enjoins him that when he was to make war against the Philistines, upon such a weighty business he should go down to Gilgal, and there wait for him seven days, that he might offer Sacrifices for him, and direct him from the Lord what he should do. And 'tis probable this seven days waiting was enjoined because Samuel might be hindered from coming sooner by some necessary intervenient occasion, or rather for the trial of Saul 's faith and obedience to God in waiting his appointed time, upon which condition, and not otherwise, he was to be established in the Kingdom, and possibly Samuel expressed his Charge more fully and amply to Saul than is here related. These things having passed between them, Saul now took his leave of him, and when he was gone from him, God gave him another heart, that is, wrought in him a sensible change, taking him off from his former thoughts and designs about private Country-affairs, and endowing him with magnanimous thoughts, and Heroical gifts fit for a King, and the Government of a Kingdom. And all the signs Samuel foretold him of exactly came to pass; as particularly when he came to the Hill of God before mentioned, he met a company of Prophets, and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them, and spake of Divine matters above his former abilities, and sang the praises of God (as 'tis probable) with musical skill as they did; and the inhabitants of Gibeah, his friends and acquaintance, who had known him and his education were amazed to see this sudden and extraordinary change in him, and said one to another, what is this that is come to the Son of Kish? Is Saul also among the Prophets? How comes Saul on a sudden to be furnished with such gifts and abilities of Music and Prophesying, who has not been trained up among the Sons of the Prophets, but in his Fathers Country-affairs. Unto whom one of the same place (who it seems was wiser than the rest) made answer by asking another question, But who is their Father? As if he should have said, wonder not at this, seeing all these whom ye hear and see thus Prophesying have not these gifts from their Parents, but from God, who is a free agent, and inspireth whom he pleaseth; and having conferred these gifts on them, is alike able (if he please) to confer them on Saul also; therefore it became a Proverb when they saw any man raised to parts and abilities above his birth and breeding to say of him, Is Saul among the Prophets? And when Saul had made an end of Prophesying, he went to the high-place to praise God for his singular favor unto him, and his high advancement, and to pray to him for the further assistance, and guidance of his holy Spirit; and for his protection and blessing upon his endeavors. Next Saul 's Uncle (the Father of Abner, Ch. 14.15.) meeting him either in this place of Religious worship, or else as he was coming down from it into the City, and hearing how he had Prophesied among the Prophets, inquir'd of him where he had been, and how he came to be endued with this extraordinary gift and understanding? He had been with Samuel. He asked him what he said to him? He told him that Samuel acquainted him that the Asses were found; but he forbear to tell him what he said to him concerning his Election to be King, being unwilling (as 'tis like) to give to his Uncle or any of his kindred any occasion to envy him the honor to which God had advanced him; and Samuel having been so private in the carriage of the business, it was an intimation to him not to discover it till God should himself openly make it known.

1 Sam. Ch. 9. whole Chapter. Ch. 10. from 1, to 17.

SECT. CLXI.

SAmuel now calls the people together to appear before the Lord at Mizpah in order to the choosing of a King; when they were met he spake to them after this manner: Thus saith the Lord, I brought you up out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hands of the Egyptians, and out of the hands of all Kingdoms and Nations that oppressed you. And you have this day rejected your God who himself saved you out of all your adversities and tribulations, and you have rejected his Prophet, and said unto him, Nay but set a King over us; so that by asking a King you have as it were shaken off God's Government over you. Well therefore seeing you are so bent upon it, and resolved to have a King, present yourselves before the Lord by your Tribes and your Families this day, that by casting lots it may be known whom God will make choice of for this purpose. Accordingly they casting lots the Tribe of Benjamin was taken, then the Family of Matri, then the household of Kish, and lastly the person of Saul. Saul (as it seems) understanding how things went, out of modesty withdrew and hid himself, so that they could not find him. Therefore they inquired of the Lord either by the High Priest, and by Urim and Thummim, or possibly by Samuel whether the person chosen would come thither to them, or else how they should find him? The Lord answered, he hath hid himself among the stuff; that is, among the furniture of his own Tent. Immediately they ran and fetched him thence, and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of them by head and shoulders; Samu • l then said to them, Behold the person whom God hath chosen to be your King, there is not so goodly and proper a person among you all. The people hereupon gave a great shout, and said, God save the King. Then Samuel told them the manner of the Kingdom , that is shown them the duty of a King towards his Subjects, and of his Subjects towards him, and these fundamental Laws of the Kingdom he wrote in a Book , and laid it up before the Lord, that is before the Ark, or in the Tabernacle, for the sure preservation of it, and to intimate that God would take care of th • se Laws to uphold and maintain them, and to punish those that should violate or break them. These things being done, Samuel dismissed this great Assembly, and Saul went to Gibeah his own City, and there went with him a band of men , such whose hearts God had touched, and moved to think it fit, that they should attend him, and as a Royal guard wait upon him, and conduct him in his return home. But all the people were not so well pleased with this Election, though it plainly appeared to be of God; there were some rude and wretched fellows, Sons of Belial that despised him, and look d upon him as a person unfit to be King, and unlikely to govern them well, and defend them against their enemies as a King should do; whereupon they refused to bring him any presents , as it seems the rest of the people did, to testify their subjection, and that they did acknowledge him to be their King. But Saul held his peace, not seeming to take notice of their unworthy carriage towards him, but seeking to win them by lenity and love.

1 Sam. Ch. 10. from v. 17. to the end.

SECT. CLXII.

NAhash King of the Ammonites now came up and besieged Jabesh-Gilead, a City without Jordan; this attempt had been brewing against the Israelites before they desired a King, and was in great part the occasion of it, as appears Ch. 12.12. And now possibly it was the more hastened by Nahash, because of the report that was brought to him that the Israelites had shaken off the Government of Samuel, and had chosen a King to reign over them, at which some of them were discontent, and would not accept him. 'It is like the Ammonites made the ground of their present quarrel, the old pretence and claim which they laid to the land of Gilead, in which Jabesh stood, see Judge. 11.13. which now they hoped to recover, and revenge the shameful overthrow which Jephthah then gave them. The men of Jabesh-Gilead being now in extreme fear, and not trusting in the Providence of God as they ought to have done, and contrary to God's command (who had forbidden them to make any Covenant with the accursed Nations) they desire Nabash to make a Covenant with them, and to take them under his protection as his Confederates, and they would pay him Tribute and serve him. Nahash proudly and tyrannically answers them that on this condition only he would make a Covenant with them, namely if he might have liberty to put out their right eyes. Hereby he intended (it seems) to disable them from War, [for with their Shields they covered their left eyes, and therefore if their right eyes were put out, what service of war could they be fit for?] as also to fix a reproach upon all Israel. For the accepting such base conditions would be a perpetual disgrace to all the people, of whom it would be said that they were so base a people that they would buy their peace and lives upon any terms; yea it would be a reproach to the God of Israel, as if he could not help his people in their distresses, or would not do it. The Elders of Jabesh-Gilead desire seven days respite to send unto their brethren for help, in which time if they were not relieved, they promise to come out unto him, and to yield themselves to be disposed of at his pleasure. Nahash (being puffed up with a vain opinion of his own strength, and thinking it impossible that their brethren in that time either could or durst come to relieve them) yields to their desire, and by this means (through his own arrogancy and folly) he brought ruin and destruction upon himself and his people. And God by his alwise Providence made this a means that Jabesh-Gilead should be delivered by the hands of Saul, whose valor and magnanimity being in this achievement so much displayed, the hearts of the people were hereby more inclined to receive him for their King. The men of Jabesh-Gilead having therefore liberty granted them to send to their Brethren, their Messengers came first to Gibeah (where Saul and Samuel now were) to acquaint them with the extreme straits they were in, that so they might speedily send into all the Coasts of Israel for help. When the people of Gibeah heard these doleful tidings they lift up their voices and wept; Saul though elected King, yet being returned to his own house, betook himself as it seems to his former, private Country-life, expecting till God should please to give him an opportunity by some eminent action to show himself worthy to be their King. Coming home therefore out of the fields after his Herd, he perceived the people all in an uproar crying out, and wringing their hands, and tearing their hair, and expressing the bitterest lamentation. Being extremely surprised at it, he asks what was the matter? they tell him the sad tidings that were brought to them concerning Jabesh-Gilead. At the hearing of this the Spirit of God came upon him, that is the spirit of fortitude and courage, and magnanimity, and zeal for his Countrys defense; and though he was before very patient in his own cause, when certain Sons of Belial scorned and despised him, and easily passed it over as we have seen, Ch. 10.27. yet now his anger was highly kindled, and he was impatient of the wrong that was done to the Lord and his people by the Ammonites. Taking therefore a yoke of Oxen, and hewing them in pieces, he sent the pieces to the several Tribes of Israel, in imitation of the Levite, Judge. 19.29. who did thus cut his Concubine in pieces and sent them to the several Tribes to stir up their indignation. And because he was not as yet generally received as King, he uses not only his own name, but Samuel 's also, and by his messengers gives the people to understand that whosoever did not come forth and join with them in this expedition against the Ammonites, their Oxen should be so served. And the fear of the Lord fell upon the people, and so moved and inclined their hearts that they readily came forth and joined with Saul and Samuel in this undertaking. And when they were come together in the Territories of Bezek, Saul numbered them, and the Children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand; having got this great Army together, Saul and Samuel sent away the messengers that came from Jabesh-Gilead, to inform the Inhabitants thereof that on the morrow by that time the Sun was well up, they might expect them to come for their help. The messengers returning to the City with this news, the Inhabitants thereof were wonderfully revived at it, and sent to Nahash (who besieged them) that on the morrow they would come out to him, meaning and understanding thereby if no help came for them in the mean time. But this they concealed , that nothing might be presently attempted against them, and to make their enemies the more secure, that Saul might have the greater advantage against them. Saul dividing his Army into three parts, and marching (as it seems) all night, by the morning-watch he came upon the enemy, and surprised them unawares, and slew a vast number of them, and so scattered the rest that there were very few of them left together. And thus he raised the siege of Jabesh, and freed the Inhabitants thereof from that horrid cruelty intended against them . The Israelites were so transported with joy for this victory, and so taken with the prudence and brave conduct of Saul in the obtaining of it, that some of them came to Samuel, and said, Where are the men that said Saul shall not reign over us? bring them forth that we may put them to death. But Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day on my account; I shall never consent that a day of so much joy and triumph, and wherein God has so eminently shown himself gracious unto us shall be stained with severity against those that slighted me, or with the least sorrow or mourning among the people. And here we see again what a difference there was betwixt Saul in his first Government, and what he was afterwards, when the Spirit of the Lord had departed from him. Now none more humble and gentle than he, not a man shall be put to death for him, but afterwards in his dealing with David and the Priests of the Lord, he was another man, even blood-thirsty, cruel and implacable beyond measure. But to go on, Samuel upon this victory spake to the people after this manner: Come (says he) let us go to Gilgal and renew the Kingdom there; that is, let us by a general consent confirm Saul 's Election, and settle and invest him in the Kingdom. Accordingly the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul King before the Lord , that is, they anointed him publicly, (as before Samuel had done privately ) and performed all other Solemnities requisite for his Inauguration, sacrificing Sacrifices of Peace-offerings, and Thanksgiving before the Lord, and rejoicing and praising him for their late victory, and for their new King, by whose conduct under God, they had obtained it, and praying to the Lord for him, and craving his blessing upon his Government.

1 Sam. Ch. 11. whole Chapter.

SECT. CLXIII.

THE Children of Israel being at this time wonderfully transported with joy for their new King, and possibly flattering themselves that God was well pleased with them for asking a King, seeing he had given them one by whom they had obtained so great a victory, Samuel thought fit to take this occasion to make them sensible of their mistake, and that they had grievously sinned in asking a King, whereby they rejected God from reigning over them as their Sovereign, and himself as his Deputy and Vicegerent. Behold (says he) I have hearkened to your voice, and have according to your desire (the Lord also permitting it) set a King over you. And now you have a King settled among you to govern you, and go before you as your General to war. And as for myself I have very great cause to be well pleased (being old and gray-headed ) that the burden of the Government is taken off from my shoulders. And as for my Sons, behold they are with you now not as rulers but as private men; they are before you to give account to you and your King of their former behavior and carriage, and to make satisfaction for anything they have done amiss whilst they were in place of Government. And as for myself I may truly say that I have endeavored faithfully, and in the uprightness of my heart to perform the duties of my place in the sight of you all, both in the service of the Sanctuary in my younger days, (when I was a Levite ) and in my riper age by administering justice since I was called to be a Judge. And seeing the Government is transferred from me to another you need not now fear to speak your minds of me, and therefore if you can justly accuse me of any evil, speak it freely, and witness it against me before the Lord, and before his anointed, whose Ox (I pray you) or whose Ass have I wrongfully taken away? whom have I defrauded, or whom have I oppressed? of whom have I received bribes to blind mine eyes ? and to cause me to wrest judgment? If any such injurious dealing can be proved against me, here I am ready to make restitution, and to give satisfaction. The people answered, Thou hast not defrauded or oppressed us at all, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand to pervert justice. Well then (says he) let the Lord be witness, and let his anointed here present be witness that you acknowledge and declare that you have not found any injustice or injurious dealing in me. They answered let them be witnesses. Possibly he desired thus to justify and clear himself as to the whole course of his Government (as Moses likewise had done, Numb. 16.15.) both that he might be an example to their new King, and make him the more careful to avoid those ways of injustice and oppression which he had told them before the Kings of the earth were prone unto, see Ch. 8.11. As also that he might hereby convince them of their sinful folly in rejecting him, and with him the upright and impartial Government of Judges, and choosing to be under Kings, from many of whom they should find but hard and oppressive usage. Having thus justified himself, he goes on further to argue with them concerning God's dealing with them, and their carriage towards him: Now therefore (says he) stand still that I may reason with you concerning all the righteous acts of the Lord, wherein he hath approved himself faithful, and hath performed his Covenant which he made with you, and your fathers, and hath given you help and deliverance out of the hands of your enemies; and therefore you are guilty of great ingratitude in not relying upon him, but distrusting him, and rejecting his Government. Recollect, I pray you, and call to your remembrance God's former dealings with you, when Jacob was come into Egypt, and his posterity exceedingly multiplied, they being grievously oppressed, cried unto the Lord for deliverance, he then made Moses the Governor of his people, and Aaron the High Priest, and sent them to deliver your Fathers out of that bondage, which they accordingly did, and then they led them through the Wilderness, and brought them into the Land which the Lord had promised to give unto them. And Moses put them in possession of that part of the land which was without Jordan, and substituted Joshua in his place who gave them possession of the rest. But they soon forgot the kindness of the Lord, and regarded not his Commandments. So he sold them into the hand of Sisera Captain General to Jabin (who dwelt at Hazar ) and into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hand of the King of Moab. And when they were in these distresses they cried unto him, and confessed their sins, and how they had wickedly fallen to Idolatry, and had worshipped Baalim and Ashtaroth, and then humbly besought him to help them, and deliver them out of the hands of their enemies, and promised faithfully to serve him. The Lord being moved with compassion towards them, he sent them several Savior's and Deliverers, particularly Jerubbaal, or Gideon, and Bedan (that is Samson, so called because he was of the Tribe of Dan ) and Jephthah . And to come down to your own times, I hope I may without vanity mention myself also as one under whose conduct (by the blessing of God) you have had great deliverances, and have enjoyed great tranquility and safety. But when ye understood that Nahash King of the Ammonites was coming against you, nothing then would satisfy you but to have a King set over you, whereas the Lord your God was your King, and held in his own hands the right of governing you, and ruled over you by Judges as his Substitutes and Deputies. And with his Government you should have been well contented, and satisfied, till he was pleased to alter it. And now behold seeing nothing else would content you, he hath set a King over you. But though you have greatly offended him and deserve to be rejected of him, and cast off from being his people, as you have rejected him from being your King, yet if you will fear him, and serve him, and obey his voice, the Lord will not forsake you, but will be to you and your King a Leader, Guide and Protector, and you shall continue to be his people, following of him as dutiful children do their father, which will be a great honor and advantage to you. But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God, his hand will be against you, as it was against your Fathers, whom for their disobedience he caused to fall in the Wilderness. But possibly you will think that all that I have said unto you in blaming you for desiring a King, are but the words of a weak old man, but ye shall know that I speak to you from the Lord who hath sent me unto you as his Prophet and Ambassador; and seeing you are so difficult to believe me in this thing, except my words be confirmed by Miracles, you shall see a Miracle to confirm you; Is not this a fair and bright day as the days use to be in Wheat-harvest ? you know we use to have no rain or thunder at this time of the year, [see Prov. 26.] you see now no sign of any approaching tempest; yet ye shall see me at this time by my prayer obtain both rain and thunder from God, by which you may be convinced that your wickedness is great in desiring a King, and thereby rejecting the Lord (who is so powerful a Protector, and hath thunder and rain, heaven and earth at his command; and is able to destroy all his and his people's enemies, as you have had lately experience, Ch. 7.10.) as also in rejecting me his Prophet, who by my prayers can procure thunder and rain from heaven. Samuel accordingly prayed unto the Lord that day, and immediately the Lord sent thunder and rain in a very extraordinary manner, insomuch that the people were not only convinced thereby that they had heinously sinned in desiring a King, but also were much afraid that by this terrible tempest they should be destroyed. They hereupon desired Samuel to pray for them, saying they had added to all their former sins this also in asking a King . Samuel encouraged them, and bad them not despair of God's mercy towards them, provided they turned not aside from following of him, but served him sincerely, and with all their heart. And though they had committed a great wickedness, yet the Lord would be gracious unto them if they ceased from sinning, and following after Idols, which cannot profit them, nor deliver them; for they are vain, and have nothing of power or virtue in them, [see 1 Cor. 8.4. Deut. 32.21.] Nay, are so far from being able to help them, that their following after them would most certainly bring down God's wrath upon them. However he bids them be of good comfort, for the Lord would not forsake his people upon whom his name is called, seeing of his free grace, and not for any merits in them he had chosen them to be his people, and therefore being in Covenant with him, it would not stand with his glory to leave them, or cast them off , except they did first reject and cast off him; for other Nations would then be apt to say God was unfaithful in his promises, or not able to perform them, which would highly tend to his dishonor. And as for me (says he) though the unkindness you have expressed towards me may make you afraid, I will not regard you, and the thunder I have prayed for and obtained, may seem to argue some displeasure conceived in my mind against you, yet God forbid that I should so far sin against him as to neglect my duty in praying for you, and faithfully instructing you. No, assure yourselves I will still pray for you, and teach you the good and right way; only be you careful to fear the Lord, and to serve him in truth and sincerity, remembering what great things he hath done for you. But if ye and your King shall do wickedly, remember what I say unto you, you will be both of you consumed and destroyed, neither will my prayers do you any good.

1 Sam. Ch. 12. whole Chapter.

SECT. CLXIV.

SAUL having reigned one year from the time that he was chosen, and publicly declared King at Mizpah, [Ch. 10.24.] to his solemn Inauguration at Gilgal, and another year since his Coronation, and seeing the people lamentably oppressed by the Garrisons of the Philistines that were in the land, and kept in such miserable bondage by them that they would not suffer them to have any weapons of war (but what they got by stealth, or kept hid in some secret place) nor would suffer a Smith to remain among them lest by that means they should get them Swords or Spears, &c. [See Ch. 13. v. 19.] He resolved now to raise an Army to drive the Philistines out of those Forts, wherefore appointing the people to assemble themselves and come unto him, he chose out of them three thousand men, whereof two thousand he kept about his own person, and marched with them to Mickmash (a tract of ground in the border of Benjamin near the mountain of Bethel ) and a thousand he left with his Son Jonathan in Gibeah, the rest of the people he sent to their own homes. Jonathan having a thousand of these new raised forces under his command, he presently set himself to the work, and went and smote the Garrison of the Philistines that was in Gibeah on the Hill near his own City, see Ch. 10.5. The Philistines were hereat greatly enraged, and presently raised a great Army consisting of three thousand Chariots of War, and six thousand Horsemen, and an innumerable company of Foot, intending to be revenged on the Israelites. Saul hearing of their vast preparations, presently dispatched his Agents into all parts of the Kingdom to proclaim by sound of Trumpet the victory obtained by Jonathan , for their encouragement, and also to make known to them that the Philistines being hereupon extremely enraged, were preparing to come against them with an huge Army. And because Samuel had before appointed Saul [Ch. 10.8.] that if he came to be in danger, or intended to attempt anything against the Philistines, he should first go down to Gilgal, and there wait for him seven days, till he came and advised him what he should do, and offered Sacrifice both for him and the people, therefore Saul now removed with his forces from Michmash to Gilgal, and the people were commanded to gather together and come to him thither. The people were much terrified at this news of the approach of the Philistines Army, and some of them hid themselves in Caves and Thickets, some in clefts of Rocks, some in high places, and places of strength, some in pits and dens, and some of them fled over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. And those that followed Saul to • ilgal, followed him trembling. They formerly were confident that if they had a King, he would save them from all their enemies, and now they have one they are perplexed with fear, not finding themselves any whit more secured by his presence from the dangers that threatened them, and so are taught by their own experience that there is no safety but in God's protection. Saul now at Gilgal expects Samuel six days, and having stayed till the seventh was almost expired, he began to conclude that he would not come, and seeing his Soldiers continually dropping away from him, and fearing lest the Philistines might fall upon him on a sudden before he had by Sacrifices sought the Lord's favor and h • lp, he resolved not to stay any longer for Samuel, but commanded Sacrifices to be immediately offered, intending after that to pitch upon some course with the advice of those about him, for the defense of themselves and their Country against the Philistines. As soon as he had made an end of offering the Burnt-offering, behold Samuel came; and thus by not waiting a small time longer, he transgressed God's Commandment, and brought a great punishment upon himself. Saul hearing that Samuel was come to Gilgal, he went out to meet him, to salute and welcome him. Samuel understanding how things had gone, angryly said to him, What hast thou done? Saul tells him that having waited for him till a great part of the seventh day was spent, he conceived he would not come within the time appointed, and so being constrained by necessity, even against his will , he had offered Sacrifice ; for how could he stay any longer except he would have had the enemy to come upon him and his weak and unarmed company before he had made supplication to the Lord for them, and sued for his help, which would have been the way to expose them to ruin and destruction. Samuel said, Thou hast done foolishly in not waiting full seven days as I appointed thee from the Lord, Ch. 10.18. Hadst thou obeyed the Commandment of the Lord herein, he would have established thy Kingdom over Israel forever, that is, for a long time, even as long as any of thy posterity lived. But now thy Kingdom shall not continue, that is, shall not be established upon thee and thy posterity, but shall be rent from thee and given to another. It may perhaps seem strange that Saul should lose his Kingdom for this, which to the eye of reason appears not so great a transgression, if we consider what Saul pleaded for himself; but we must also consider that there may be much wickedness of heart in doing that which outwardly seems but a small offense; and Saul being the first King of Israel God was pleased by this severity against him for his violation of his command to make him an example to all that should afterwards succeed in that Throne, that they might fear to transgress the Commandment of the Lord as he had done. Thus the Lord did with great severity punish the first sin of Nadab and Abihu, Levite. 10.1. that all the succeeding posterity of Aaron might take warning thereby, and beware how they carried themselves in their Priestly Office. But to go on, Samuel tells Saul that because he had not obeyed the Lord, he knew by revelation that the Lord intended to reject him, and that he had found out a man after his own heart, (though he knew not at present who it was) whom he had appointed and designed to be King and Captain over his people in his stead. Samuel having delivered to him this sad message, went up from thence to Gibeah. Saul now numbering the Soldiers he had left, found them to be but about six hundred, the rest of his two thousand being run away; with this small party he goes up to Gibeah, where Jonathan joins with him; the Philistines great Army was now encamped at Michmash, from whence they sent out parties to spoil the Country, and to fetch in booty to their Camp, and therefore they went out three several ways, one to Ophrah, a City of Benjamin, that lay North- • ast from Michmash; the other to Bethoron, a City of Ephraim, that lay North-west; and the third towards the Valley of Zeboim, which was South-East: Saul had but a very small Army (as we have seen before), and those only armed with Clubs, Bows, or Slings, not a Sword or Spear found among any of them but only Saul and Jonathan; and the reason of it was this, The Philistines when they gave the Israelites that great defeat [ Ch. 4.10.] and took the Ark of God, they disarmed them, taking away their iron arms and weapons, and to keep them from getting anymore for the future, they took away all their Smiths, and would not let one of that Trade live among them, lest they should make them Swords and Spears . Na • the Israelites were in such miserable bondage that they were feign to go to the Smiths that were in the Philistines Garrisons to sharpen their Shares and Coulters, their Axes and Mattocks, only they allowed them Files at their own houses to sharpen their Tools when they were blunted.

1 Sam. Ch. 13. from v. 1, to 23.

SECT. CLXV.

THE body of the Philistines Army remaining in the Plains about Michmash, it seems a party of them went and took a passage near to them, which was the passage from Michmash towards Gibeah, and kept it against the Israelites. Jonathan the Son of Saul being moved by a special instinct of the Spirit of God, and endued not only with Heroic gifts of valor and fortitude, but also with an extraordinary strong faith in God's promises, that if his people obeyed him, One of them should chase a thousand of their enemies, and two of them put ten thousand to flight, Deut. 32.30. He had a design in his head to set upon that Court of Guard of the Philistines which kept the Michmash-passage, but he acquaints not his Father with it, who in likelihood would have dissuaded him from undertaking so dangerous and desperate an enterprize. Saul was now encamped with his six hundred men in some field, or plain near unto Gibeah, called Migron, where having fortified himself, he observed the motions of the enemy. Abiah (the Son of Ahitub the eldest Son of Phinehas ) being now High Priest came thither with the Ephod, and Ark for the people's better encouragement. Jonathan now acquaints his Armor-bearer with his design; Come (says he) let thou and I go and surprise that Court of Guard which the uncircumcised Philistines keep near Michmash; come let us try, it may be the Lord will work for us; for there is no restraint to him to save by many or by few. His Armor-bearer replied, Do all that is in thine heart; that is, all that seemeth good unto thee; turn thee and go whither thou wilt, I am with thee according to thy heart, that is, as willing and ready to follow thee in this enterprize as thy own soul can desire. Now there was it seems a craggy passage between Gibeah and Michmash, and he that went through that passage (which had two Rocks in the way) must go over both of them one after another; Jonathan now with his Armor-bearer resolving to make this attempt, he humbly desires a sign from God to confirm his faith, that he would bless and assist him in this dangerous enterprize, as Abraham's servant in a like case did, Gen. 24.13. And undoubtedly by the guidance of God's Spirit he pitched upon this particular sign, viz. That if the Philistines when they first discovered themselves to them should say, Tarry till we come unto you, that should be to them a sign of their great courage and boldness, and then they should not go up to them. But if they should say come up unto us, it should be a sign of their fearfulness, and then they should go up, for the Lord would deliver them into their hands. Having obtained this sign, Jonathan and his Armor-bearer present themselves before the fort of the Philistines, who seeing them, said in a scoffing manner, behold the Hebrews come out of the holes where they had hid themselves; then they called to them, and said, Come up to us and we will show you a thing; implying that they durst not come up, or if they did they would pay them for their pains, or teach them more wit than thus to hazard themselves. Jonathan seeing that God had now answered his desire in giving him this sign of victory, he and his Armor-bearer fetching a little compass about to another place (as Josephus tells us, which was not guarded by any Soldiers, the Philistines thinking it sufficiently defended by nature) they clambred up on all four, hands and feet, and so got into the Fort, and God striking the Philistines with a great terror, Jonathan slew such as he first met with, and his Armor-bearer having gotten a Spear or Sword from some that fell, did also slay others that he met with; and they two in a small compass of ground not bigger than half an acre, sl • w about twenty men. The Army of the Philistines upon this take the Alarm, and both they and the Garrison, and the Spoilers that went out to spoil were all smitten with such a mighty terror from the Lord, and with such a dreadful fear, and such giddiness and distemper of brain, (God also at the same time sending a terrible earthquake which increased the astonishment) that they fell upon and slew one another, mistaking their friends and fellows for their enemies. Saul's Scouts perceiving a great hubbub in the Army of the Philistines, and that by mutual slaughters they destroyed one another, they acquaint Saul therewith, who thinking this might happen by some part of his Army skirmishing with them; he ordered his Soldiers should be numbered to see who were wanting, and they found only Jonathan and his Armor-bearer absent; Saul then calls to Ahiah the High Priest presently to put on the Ephod to inquire of the Lord what was the cause of that tumult in the Camp of the Philistines, and what he should do on this occasion: But he understanding again by his Spies that the Tumult went on and increased, he bad the High Priest stay his hand , for there was no time for them now to stand consulting, and enquiring of the Lord, for the present opportunity suggested to them what they should do, namely all join together, and fall upon the Philistines (being thus disordered) with all their might; which accordingly they did. And when they came to the Philistines Camp, they found that every man's Sword was against his fellow, not being able through fear and amazement to discern friends from enemies, [see Judge. 7.22. 2 Chron. 20.23.] so that there was a great slaughter among them. And the Israelites who had formerly been taken Captives, and were now slaves and bondmen to the Philistines, and forced to follow their Camp, and attend upon their Carriages, joined now with their brethren against them. Also the Israelites that had hid themselves in Mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, they also came out of their holes and pursued after them; so that there were divers sorts of men which joined in this Battle to work their destruction; the Philistines themselves who slaughtered one another, Saul 's Army, the Israelites that were Captives among the Philistines, and the Israelites who for fear of the Philistines Army had hid themselves in Caves and Rocks. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day. And the pursuit after the Philistines went on to Beth-haven in the North of Benjamin. Saul being hot upon the pursuit, though the people were greatly distressed with hunger and faintness, yet rashly charged them under the penalty of a dreadful curse, and of being devoted as an accursed thing that they should not eat any food till night, that so they might not be hindered from pursuing their enemies. But this charge of Saul's was rash and inconsiderate, and though it had a show of zeal and good intent, yet it was in many respects sinful and wicked: For, 1. it savoured something of pride, and too eager appetite to have the glory of the victory only ascribed to himself, and his policy and conduct, which more duly belonged to his Son. 2ly, He did it of his own head, without any warrant from God. 3ly, Though he pretended a good end, yet he used ill means, viz. the interdicting and forbidding of food to the people, though never so faint, and needing to eat. 4ly, He charged them under the penalty of present death, v. 43. which it was unlawful for him to inflict (though a King ) without just cause. 5ly, Hereby he weakened and disabled the people, and so hindered them from obtaining a much more glorious victory, v. 30. 6ly, He was hereby an occasion of the people's sin, who afterwards being ready to die with hunger, did out of greediness eat the flesh with the blood, v. 32. However the people being thus severely charged by Saul, and that under a curse, and the penalty of present death, none of them tasted any food, but pursued the enemy. At last they came to a Wood that lay between Michmash and Aijalon, that had such p •• nty of Honey that they found it upon the ground, either in hollow Trees out of which it ran upon the ground, or else in clefts of Rocks, or else the Bees made their nests in the very hollow places of the earth. But though they found such plenty of Honey there, yet none of them for fear of the curse durst put his hand to take any of it and to carry it to his mouth; but Jonathan not being with his Father in the Camp when he thus adjured the people, and so knowing nothing of it, and being through hunger and weariness ready to faint, he put forth the end of his Javelin or Spear that he carried in his hand, and dipt it in the wild honey that lay before him, and did eat of it, whereby his spirits were much revived and refreshed, and his eyes that were dim before with fasting and faintness, and emptiness and want of spirits, were now enlightened, and grew clear again. One of the Soldiers seeing him thus eat, told him of the charge that his Father had given the people, which till then they had observed, but now were grown so weary and faint that they could not any longer pursue the enemy. Jonathan hearing this, said, My Father hath caused a great inconvenience to the whole land of Israel this day, by imposing upon you this severe charge, seeing hereby he hindereth you from obtaining a full and complete victory. For if I myself by tasting a little honey am so much refreshed that I am enabled to go on cheerfully as your Leader in the pursuit, how much more if all the Soldiers had been permitted to eat freely of the enemies spoils as they happened to light upon them, would they have been enabled thereby to have pursued and slaughtered more of their enemies? However the Israelites smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon in the Tribe of Dan, not far from their own Country. But night being come, and the time of the prohibition expired, being with long fasting extreme hungry, they greedily flew upon the spoil and cattle of the enemy, and slew them on the ground, and dressed them, and eat them, not staying till they could be thoroughly cleansed of the blood, which was contrary to the Law, Deut. 12.16. And thus though they strictly observed the Kings command for fear of present death, yet they observed not God's command, though the violation of it brought them under the penalty of a greater punishment. Some acquainted Saul herewith telling him that the people sinned against the Lord in eating the flesh before the blood was well drain'd out of it. Saul severely chargeth their sin upon them, but without any acknowledgment of his own, which was the cause of theirs: Ye have sinned this day (says he) in thus eating the blood. Roll me a great stone that thereon in my sight the people may kill their Beasts, and that I myself may see the blood fully drained out of the Cattle which they kill. Then Saul began to build an Altar to the Lord that he might offer thereon Gratulatory Sacrifices for that glorious victory which God had newly given them; but it seems he did not finish it. Saul and the people having now refreshed themselves, he exhorts them vigorously to prosecute the Philistines, Let us go (says he) after the Philistines by night and spoil them unto the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. The people seemed very willing to it, but the High Priest said before we undertake such a weighty business let us first ask counsel of God by Urim and Thummim, and crave his direction in it, Saul agreed hereunto, and was willing to ask counsel of God by the High Priest; but the Lord answered him not that day, which shown that he was highly displeased (see Ch. 28.6.) but not with Jonathan for eating a little honey, but with Saul for the rash charge which he in his arrogance and tyranny had imposed upon the people, having no warrant from God to do it. It is evident that the Lord's refusing to answer Saul tended to his, that it might be discovered that Jonathan had indeed offended against the command of his Father (though ignorantly ) but that Saul had by that rash unadvised charge and curse hindered the prosecution of the victory, caused Israel to sin, and now brought his own Son under the danger of being accursed and put to death. Saul concluding that God was angry, because when he inquired of him by the Priest, he would not answer him, he therefore presently commanded all the heads of the Tribes and Families to draw near unto him, that by casting lots it might be discovered who it was that had thus offended God among them; for though himself had greatly sinned in that rash and unadvised Oath he had made, and the curse he had imposed upon the people, yet he concludes that the violation of his command must needs be the great offense which caused the Lord to be silent, and therefore for the finding out this he would have them cast lots, and solemnly protests whoever was found guilty, (yea though it were Jonathan his Son) he should not be spared; but not a man among them would accuse Jonathan: Then he said to the people, Be ye on the one side, and I and Jonathan will be on the other, and he prayed unto the Lord to give forth a perfect lot, that is, a lot which might clear the innocent, and fall upon the guilty. The lot being cast, Saul and Jonathan were taken, then the lot was cast between Saul and Jonathan, and Jonathan was taken; Jonathan was truly innocent and faultless, but not in Saul 's sense, and therefore why is he taken by the lot that was innocent? Many reasons are rendered for it: 1. To punish Saul 's rash Oath, who thereby brought his dearest Son into extreme danger. [See the case of Jephtha, Judge. 11.30, 31, 35.] 2ly, To discover Saul 's hypocrisy, who seemed very scrupulous and conscientious in keeping a rash and wicked Oath, yet made not conscience of killing his innocent Son. 3ly, To justify Jonathan, and that he might be declared innocent. Jonathan being taken, Saul asks him what he had done? Jonathan tells him he had tasted a little honey with the end of his rod or javelin; and he saw he must die for it, though he was wholly ignorant of the Kings severe prohibition. Saul replies, God do so to me and more also if I spare thee; a stran • e zeal this was in Saul, and an evidence that the Spirit of God had left him; he will not now in pursuance of his rash Oath spare a brave, •• riant and most worthy Son, and yet a little while after contrary to God's express co • tr •••• d spareth the wicked King Agag, Ch. 15.8. The people hearing this his ra •• resolution concerning his Son, what (say they) shall Jonathan die who hath wrought this great Salvation in Israel? Shall he die that is innocent, and hath committed no offense that deserveth death? Shall he die that is so brave a Prince, and worthy of all honor and reward, seeing the Lord by him hath given a great and miraculous deliverance to his people when they were in a forlorn and desperate condition? As the Lord liveth there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he hath wrought with God, (that is, under God, and by his help and assistance) a great deliverance for us. So the people rescued Jonathan that he was not put to death. Thus Saul ceased from pursuing the Philistines any further at present, and so the rest of them got back to their own Country. However Saul being by this glorious victory better confirmed and settled in the Royal Throne, he took upon him the managing of all the affairs of the Kingdom, and especially shown himself very valiant and active in fighting against all the enemies of it, particularly against Moab and the children of Ammon, bordering on the East of Canaan, against Edom bordering on the South, against the Kings of Zobah on the North, and against the Philistines on the West; and though he did not wholly vanquish and subdue them, becaused God had reserved that work and the glory of it for David, yet he sore vexed them, and much weakened them, so that they did not with that courage and success fight against Israel as before they had done. And all this came to pass through God's free mercy to his people, giving good success to Saul in his Wars (though a wicked man ) for their sakes. And besides the forementioned successes, Saul gathered a great host, and smote the Amalekites, as appeareth in the following Chapter, and here is spoken of by way of anticipation, that his warlike exploits might be summed up together. In the next place Saul 's Sons are mentioned that followed their Father in the War, and like valiant Soldiers lived and died with him, as Jonathan, Ishui (who is called Abinadab, Ch. 31.2.) and Melchishua. Ishbesheth is not here named though now above twenty years of age, [see 2 Sam. 2:10.] possibly because he followed not his Father in the Wars. Neither are his Children by Rizpah here mentioned, because she was not his Wife, but only his Concubine. The Daughters he had by his Wife (whose name was Ahinoam ) were Merab and Michal. The Captain of his host was Abner, his Cousin-german, Son to his Uncle Ner. And when he saw any strong or valiant man he took him into his service.

1 Sam. Ch. 14. whole Chapter.

SECT. CLXVI.

SOmetime after Samuel by God's appointment sendeth Saul to destroy the Amalekites, but before he telleth him what God commanded him to do, he putteth him in mind of God's singular favor towards him, and the high honor he had exalted him unto, that thereby he might move him to perform what God commanded him with the more diligence and cheerfulness. And though he had formerly failed in his duty, yet now remembering what the Lord had done for him, he should be sure strictly to observe his Commands and Injunctions. Samuel now tells him that the Lord would send him against Ameleck; three several times the Lord declared that he would destroy the Amalekites, Exod. 17.14. Numb. 24.20. and Deut. 25.19. And now Saul is sent to execute that vengeance upon them which the Lord had so long ago at several times threatened; and though the present King and subjects of Amalek had been cruel and bloody adversaries to the people of God (as Samuel intimates, v. 33. As thy sword hath made many women childless, so shall thy mother be childless ), and so deserved to be destroyed for their own sins; yet because the Lord would have the Israelites know that he had not forgot the former injury of their Ancestors towards his people, though 'twas four hundred years since it was done, he resolves now to visit it upon them; and he mentions one circumstance that greatly aggravated it, viz. that when his poor people had been long under a miserable bondage in Egypt, and were newly escaped from it, yet even then they came out against them, and sought to destroy them. Nor need it seem strange that the present Amalekites should be utterly destroyed, for that which their Ancestors had done so many years before. For though God destroys none everlastingly but for their own sins, yet with temporal punishments he doth usually punish the Children for the sins of their Ancestors, especially when the Children go on in their Fathers steps, as by that which is said of Agag, v. 33. it seems those Amalekites did. Samuel therefore commands Saul, from the Lord to go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they had, and not to spare Man, Woman or Child, no not so much as their very Cattle, For he had anathematiz'd, and devoted them all to destruction as he did Jericho: Saul hereupon gathers a great Army, and numbers them in the Plains of Telaim, or Telem, a City in the Tribe of Judah, Josh. 15.24. and finds them to be two hundred thousand footmen, besides ten thousand men of Judah , Saul marching his Army and coming near to the chief City of Amalek, he sent to the Kenites the posterity of Jethro, who lived in Tents [see Judge. 4.17.] among these Amalekites, to depart and get them out from among them, if they loved their lives; for Jethro and his family had shown kindness to the Israelites when they came out of Egypt, he himself came out with much joy to meet Moses, and to congratulate all the goodness which the Lord had shown to Israel; therefore now Saul gave them warning to remove away that they might not suffer with the Amalekites, whom God intended at this time to punish for the wrong their Progenitors had done to his people; but he was willing to spare the Kenites for the kindness their Ancestors had shewn to them. The Kenites accordingly removed from them; soon after Saul in the valley of their chief City fought with the Amalekites and discomfited them, and took their King Agag prisoner, and pursued them from Havilah to Shur, which is over against Egypt, and destroyed all that came out with Agag to fight against them, with all others they could meet with, and destroyed also their Cities and Towns. But that many of them did escape this slaughter is manifest from Ch. 27.8. and Ch. 30.1. as we shall see afterwards. Saul having taken their King (whom he should above all the rest have slain) he and the people spared him , either to make their triumph more glorious, or out of covetousness to get a great ransom for him, or out of foolish pity because he was a King . They spared also the best of the sheep, oxen and lambs, pretending to reserve them for Sacrifice; but doing it out of a covetous desire to enrich themselves; but God having anathematiz'd and devoted them all to destruction, he would have esteemed it as a pleasing sacrifice if they had thus offered them unto him, as he required in the case of Jericho, Josh. 6.17. but they following their own reason, and not God's command, spared all that was good, and everything that was vile and refuse they destroyed. Then the Lord spake to Samuel saying, It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be King, for he is turned from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. God is said to repent when he does as men do that repent, and are grieved for what they have done; men are said to repent when they undo what they have before done, so God now resolved to alter the course of his dispensations towards Saul, and to retract and revoke the benefits he had bestowed on him. Samuel hereupon was exceedingly grieved for Saul, and prayed earnestly all night for him, hoping to have obtained of the Lord not to cast him quite off. But the Lord would not hear his prayer, see v. 23, 26. However Samuel going out early in the morning to meet Saul, it was told him that he came to Carmel, a Town belonging to Judah, lying in the way from Amalek, [Josh. 15.55.] and that there he had set up a Monument of Triumph for this victory obtained over the Amalekites, having the picture of a hand upon it to signify that by his hand and sword he had conquered his enemies. They further told him that from thence he was gone to Gilgal. Samuel going thither to him, Saul hearing of his coming, went out to met him, and said, Blessed be thou of the Lord, I have performed the commandment of the Lord. How hypocritically and vain gloriously doth he boast of his obedience to God when he was so great a transgressor? Samuel said if thou hast obeyed the Commandment of the Lord, what meaneth this bleating of sheep in mine ears, and this lowing of oxen which I hear; Saul replies, the people saved the best of the sheep and oxen to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God, that is to the Lord whom thou entirely lovest and servest, and therefore canst not sure but allow of the means of his Worship) but the rest we have utterly destroyed. Samuel answers that he would tell him what the Lord had said to him that night. Saul bids him say on, as expecting possibly some good message from him; so far doth hypocrisy blind men even then when they have done that which is notoriously evil. Samuel said when thou wast little in thine own eyes, and but of mean condition (as thou didst confess, Ch. 9.21.) God advanced thee to be King over all Israel; and the Lord sent thee on an expedition against the Amalekites, peremptorily charging thee to destroy those great and notorious sinners who had so much malice in them against his people, and to fight against them till they were consumed, wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the Lord, but didst fly upon the spoil as an hungry hawk doth upon his prey, converting that to thy own use, like Achan which God had devoted to destruction, see Josh. 7. Saul justifies himself and says he had obeyed the voice of the Lord, he had gone the way the Lord had sent him, and had brought with him Agag King of the Amalekites, and had destroyed all the rest of the Amalekites he could light on; but indeed the people had saved the chief of the sheep and oxen (which should have been destroyed) to sacrifice unto the Lord in Gilgal ; if this (says he) be a fault, 'twas they not I that committed it. But it seems to me to be no fault at all, seeing they did it out of a good intention, and reserved the best of the spoils to sacrifice them to the Lord, in token of their thankfulness for this great victory. Samuel answers, hath the Lord as great delight in Burnt-offerings and Sacrifices as in obeying his voice? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken to the voice of God than to offer the fat of Rams, or present to him the best of Sacrifices. And the reason is plain, for obedience preserveth from sinning, whereas sacrifices were ordained only to cleanse us from the guilt of sin when committed; and 'tis much better to prevent a disease than to be cured of it when contracted. And further God always accepted of obedience , and is well pleased with it, but rejecteth sacrifices as but a dead carcass, when obedience (which is as it were their life) is wanting. He further tells him, That rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry; for an act of rebellion against any command of God (though had it not been for that command the thing would not have been of its self unlawful) is as manifestly a sin as as those things are that are against the law and light of nature, and contrary to the truth and glory of God's Essence as Witchcraft and Idolatry are. And such was this act of Saul's in sparing Agag, and the best of the Cattle; for being done expressly against the command of God, it was no less than rebellion and stubbornness against the Almighty, which is as hateful to him as any wickedness or iniquity is, yea as Idolatry itself, whereby men forsake God, and serve Idols. Lastly he tells him, Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, therefore he hath rejected thee, and thou shalt be deprived of thy Kingdom. Saul hearing this, said unto Samuel, I perceive now that I have sinned and have transgressed the Commandment of the Lord, and have not oserved the orders that thou gavest me from him. Indeed I feared the people, and obeyed their voice, which was a great fault in me; however I entreat thee earnestly to pray to the Lord for me, that he would please to pardon my sin, and be reconciled to me; and I beseech thee go with me to Gilgal, that there we may together praise God for our late victory, and also pray unto him for the pardon of this great sin which myself and the people have committed. Samuel replies, I will not go with thee, I will have no conversation with thee who hast shown thyself such a rebel against God, lest I should seem any way to allow or approve what thou hast done. And undoubtedly Samuel really meant to do as he said, and accordingly turned about to go away. But Saul was extreme loath that he should thus go away from him in an anger, and that the people should take notice of his (and consequently of God's) displeasure against him, wherefore he laid hold on the skirt of his mantle to detain him, and using some force to hold him, the mantle rent; Samuel tells him that this was a sad Omen from the Lord against him, and signified that the Kingdom should be rent from him, and given to a neighbor of his that was better than he, viz. to David, who was not yet known either to Saul or Samuel himself. And Samuel to assure him that what he had denounced against him would certainly come to pass, he tells him that God who is the strength of Israel was absolutely able to effect what he had threatened, and he would not lie nor repent, nor alter his decree and purpose as weak men oftentimes do. Saul hereupon confesses again his sin, and though the sentence of his deposing was so firmly decreed that it could not be altered, yet he intreats Samuel for the present to uphold his credit with the people, and to grace him with his presence, and and to accompany him in worshipping God. Samuel being thus importuned went along with him to preserve his Government for the present from the disrespect and contempt of the people, and that he might perform what Saul had omitted, namely to destroy Agag. Samuel therefore being come to Gilgal commanded that Agag should be brought to him; Agag came to him delicately, that is, in the attire, and with the gesture and gate of a King, thinking surely that the bitterness of death had been past, seeing he was to be brought (not before the King that took him prisoner) but before the old Prophet, who he thought (as 'tis like) would only reprehend him. When he came before Samuel, he said to him, As thy sword hath made many women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women; then by an extraordinary motion of the Spirit of God he hewed him in pieces in the presence of the Lord, and his people. Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul to his own house at Gibeah; and Samuel never went after to visit Saul to instruct him and direct him in his affairs, or to ask counsel of the Lord for him as formerly he had done. He did indeed afterwards see him at Naioth, but it was accidentally and unawares, Ch. 19.24. However Samuel mourned exceedingly for him, and was grieved at his disobedience whereby he had so highly provoked God.

1 Sam. Ch. 15. whole Chapter.

SECT. CLXVII.

THE Lord now makes known to Samuel that all his mourning for Saul was but in vain, partly because he continued still obstinate and impenitent, and partly because the Lord had absolutely determined to take the Kingdom from him. In which case though Samuel might bewail Saul 's condition, yet he might not bewail it in that manner as might imply an unwillingness to submit to the good pleasure and determination of God therein. And though the Lord intended not that Saul should presently be deposed from being King , yet he orders Samuel presently to fill his horn with oil, and to go to Jesse the Bethlemite, for he had chosen one of his Sons to be King over Israel, and he should anoint him to that office whom he should point out unto him, that as he had anointed Saul, so by anointing one of another family (by God's appointment) to succeed him in the Throne, he might testify that God had rejected Saul's posterity. Indeed Saul was chosen by the Lord to be King of Israel, but it was upon the violent importunity of the people that would needs have it so, and would not be beaten off from it. So that Saul was the people's King rather than God's, and given to them in wrath; but David was merely chosen of God, who did of his own free will, (nobody thinking anything of it) send Samuel to anoint him. And so he was a King of God's own providing, the King in whose seed the Kingdom was to be established, and one who would in his Government carefully perform the will of God. See Ch. 13.14. Samuel was something afraid to go upon this enterprize, and therefore he said, Lord how can I go? if Saul hear of it he will certainly kill me. The Lord instructs him how to avoid this danger, he bids him to go to Bethlehem and to take an heifer, and say he came to offer a Sacrifice there, that is, a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving, or a Peace-offering, after which followed a Feast made of the remainders of the Sacrifice, see Ch. 9.12. He orders him to invite Jesse and his Sons to this Feast. Thus the Lord directed him to conceal the principal cause of his coming, and to pretend only that business which might be safely made known. Samuel accordingly goes to Bethlehem, the Elders of the City trembled when they saw him, fearing lest some heinous sin committed among them had drawn him thither, and that he came to deliver some sad message from the Lord against them; therefore they presently asked him whether he came peaceably? he said yes, for I come to sacrifice unto the Lord, sanctify therefore yourselves, and come with me to the Sacrifice, and particularly let Jesse and his Sons prepare and sanctify themselves both legally and spiritually, that they may eat of the Sacrifice. 'It is like Samuel had acquainted Jesse privately with the cause of his coming, and that thereupon Jesse brought in his Sons one by one into some private place, whether before they sat down to eat of the Sacrifice they had retired themselves for that purpose, that that person might be anointed whom God should point out to Samuel. Accordingly Eliab, Jesse 's eldest Son was first brought forth, when Samuel saw him, he thought within himself, surely this is the man; the comeliness of his person made him think this was he whom God had chosen; but herein he was led and guided only by his own spirit, for the Lord presently said to him, Look not on his countenance, or the heighth of his stature, consider the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but God looketh on the heart. Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him appear before Samuel, and Samuel was admonished by a secret voice of God's Spirit that neither was this the man whom he had chosen. Then Shammah was called, he also was refused. Jesse then called four more of his Sons in order, and set them one after another before Samuel, but he told him never an one of these was the person whom the Lord had chosen. Jesse wondering at this, Samuel asked him whether these were all his Sons? He told him he had one more, viz. the youngest whom he employed in keeping his sheep; he had omitted to bring him, as imagining it could not in any likelihood be he of all the rest whom God would chose; and this possibly was so ordered by Providence that it might more evidently appear that David was merely chosen of God; Samuel orders that this youngest Son should be immediately sent for, for (says he ) we will not sit down till he come. At last David came, who was of a ruddy and beautiful countenance, and comely to look on, and (as it is probable) about twenty two years of age. The Lord now by a secret voice of his Spirit said unto Samuel, This is the man, arise and anoint him; then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his Brethren, whereby he incurred their envy, [see Ch. 17.28.] no less than Joseph did of his Brethren. And from the very day of his anointing the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, namely the Spirit of Wisdom, Courage and Fortitude, so that he was moved and led on by the Spirit of God to undertake great and noble enterprises, such as was that of killing a Lion and a Bear. For it seems as he was keeping his fathers sheep there came a Lion at one time, and a Bear at another, and took a Kid out of his flock, and he pursued after them, and when the Lion turned upon him, he took him by the beard and slew him, and took the prey from him which he had selzed upon, and so he served the Bear also, see Ch. 17.35, 36. and other famous and valorous exploits, it seems he achieved soon after he was anointed, whereby he became famous even among Saul 's Courtiers, see v. 18. and probably from that time forward he had an extraordinary measure of the gifts and graces of the Spirit, poured forth upon him, and particularly the Spirit of Prophesy, and the gift of Poetry, and composing Divine Psalms, and Hymns, together with the gift of Music, wherein afterwards he became very eminent, insomuch that he was called the sweet Singer of Israel; and has left such Divine Psalms and Hymns as may serve to instruct the people of God to the end of the world. Samuel having thus anointed David, he returned to his own house at Ramah.

1 Sam. Ch. 16. from v. 1, to 14.

SECT. CLXVIII.

SAUL now was bereaved of those Heroical gifts that God had before bestowed upon him, and Satan (by God's permission) taking advantage of his extreme melancholy and discontent (for the loss of God's favor, and his Kingdom) filled him with frights and fears with disquietness of mind, and grief of heart, which so distempered and distracted him, that he fell into fits of Frensy, and sometimes grew outrageous, and ready to kill anybody that came in his way, and was (for a time) as one possessed with a Devil. He had preferred his own reason before God's directions in the business of the Amalekites, (and so made an Idol of it) and now God justly deprives him of the use of it. His Physicians tell him that an evil spirit sent of the Lord (to execute his righteous judgment) troubled him, and therefore advise him to seek out a man that was skillful to play on the Harp, who by his Music might cheer and revive his spirits, and allay his melancholy passions, and thereby he would be less subject to the Devils operations. One of Saul 's servants (that stood by) said he had seen a Son of Jesse that was very skillful in playing on the Harp, and was also a man of war, and prudent in matters , and a comely person, and the Lord was with him, and assisted him in all his designs, and prospered him in all his enterprises. Saul hearing this, sent messengers to Jesse to desire him to send that Son of his that kept his sheep unto him. Jesse sent his Son David to him, with a small present , namely an Ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a Kid; for great persons do many times kindly accept of small presents from their inferiors, seeing they are signs that they do respect and honor them. But Jesse knowing that God had anointed his Son David to succeed Saul in the Kingdom, might well have been afraid to put him into Saul 's hands, had not his faith overcome his fear. David now came and attended upon Saul, who was much pleased with him, and loved him greatly, and appointed him to be one of those that should carry his Shield before him; Saul also liking him very well sent to his Father that he might stay with him, and continue in his service. And when the evil spirit was at any time upon Saul, David played on his Harp before him, and so he was for the time freed from his melancholy, God working with David 's Music, and giving Saul ease thereby, that he might make way for David 's advancement. Yet the Music wrought no perfect cure on him, but only an abatement of his fits. He should have used the right means if he intended to be cured, viz. Repentance, Faith, Fasting and Prayer.

1 Sam. Ch. 16. from 14, to the end.

SECT. CLXIX.

DAvid continued sometime in Saul 's Court, but finding an alienation in Saul 's affection towards him, he withdrew himself and returned to keep his Fathers sheep, see Ch. 17.15. The Philistines about this time either out of desire to avenge their former shameful loss (when Jonathan and his Armor-bearer put their whole Army to flight, Ch. 14. or out of jealousy of the growing power of the Israelites through the many victories lately obtained by Saul against his other neighbors, or stirred up by God to accomplish what he intended to do, now invade the land of Israel with a great Army, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah in the Tribe of Judah; and Saul and the men of Israel gathered together and pitched by the valley of Elah near unto them. So the Philistines were on a mountain on one side, and the Israelites on a mountain on the other, a valley being between them. Thus each party kept their ground of advantage for a time, not joining battle, but only skirmishing now and then. And there came forth a Champion out of the Camp of the Philistines, whose name was Goliath of Gath , whose height was six cubits and a span, that is three yards and three hands breadth, so he was higher than any ordinary man by a yard and a foot; and he had arms suitable to his vast stature, he had an helmet of steel, and a coat of mail made after the similitude of Fish-scales, one piece lying over another, and the weight thereof was five thousand shekels of brass, so that counting a shekel at half an ounce (which was the weight of the common shekel) Goliath 's Coat weighed two thousand and five hundred ounces, that is, one hundred fifty and six pounds, and four ounces, or thereabout, assigning to every pound twelve ounces. And he had greaves or boots of brass upon his legs, a target or gorget of brass between his shoulders, and the staff of his spear was like a Weavers beam, and his spears head weighed twenty five pounds, and one went before him bearing his shield, and he stood and cried to the armies of Israel, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? that is, what need we bring a whole Army on each side to fight it out? let us cast all upon a single combat; am not I a Philistine, and chosen by them for there Champion, and you servants of Saul, therefore do you chose out a man from among you to fight with me, and let us two decide the controversy; if he be able to kill me, then the Philistines shall be your servants; but if I prevail against him, then shall ye be our servants. And then in an insulting manner he further said, I defy the armies of the Israelites this day; when Saul and all Israel heard these words, they were greatly dismayed, none of the whole Army daring to answer this proud Philistines challenge, no not Jonathan himself, whom God had endued with so great a measure of courage and fortitude, that he and his Armor-bearer had alone routed the whole Army of the Philistines, as we may see Ch. 14. but we must consider that both faith and courage are the gifts of God, which when he withholdeth, those that were at other times as bold as a Lion may shrink for fear. God also now meant to magnify David, and make him famous among the people, that so there might be a way made for the fulfilling his purpose and promise of advancing him to the Throne. The Philistine for forty days together morning and evening presented himself before the Army, challenging any Israelite to come forth and combat him, but not a man among them durst undertake him; at last it so happened that Jesse the Bethlemite (who was at that time an old man, and being unfit for war stayed at home) having his three eldest Sons in the Camp with Saul, he thought good to send his youngest Son David (who kept his sheep) to see how they did, and to carry to them some provisions, viz. an Ephah of parched corn, and ten loaves, and to carry also to their Captain ten cheeses (possibly that he might use them with the more kindness and respect▪ and to bring him from them some token or pledge that they were alive, whereby he should assuredly know that he had done what he commanded him. Saul and the Israelites were encamped on a mountain that lay close upon the valley of Elah, and in the valley the two armies often skirmished one with another. David rising early in the morning, and leaving the sheep to the care of a keeper, he took the provisions which his Father had sent, and hasted away with them, and when he came to the Trench where the Carts and Carriages lay which brought provisions to the Army, the host was drawing forth to be set in battle-array, and shouted to the Battle. The Philistines also on the other Hill had put themselves in battle-array, and they stood army against army ready to fight if they could get any advantage against each other. David seeing this, left what he had brought in the hands of the Keeper of the Carriages, and ran into the army, and saluted his Brethren; as he talked with them behold Goliath the Philistines Champion came forth, and drawing up towards the army of the Israelites, spake in that insulting manner as he had done before, and defyed the army of the Israelites. The Israelites were so dismayed at his vast stature, that not one was found that durst adventure to fight with him. David hearing the daring words of the Philistine, and seeing the people much perplexed that he should thus defy them, and that none among them should be found that had courage enough to undertake him, he asks what shall be done to the man that shall kill this Philistine, and so take away the reproach from Israel; for what is this uncircumcised Philistine (says he) that he should dare thus to defy the armies of the Living God? And possibly he inquired after the reward promised, only to let the standers-by perceive that he himself had some thoughts of undertaking the combat, but not so much for the sake of the reward, as to vindicate the honor of God and his people. The people told him the King would enrich that man with great riches that should undertake it, and would give him his daughter to wife, and make his Fathers house free in Israel, that is free from Taxes, and other impositions, and so innoble his family. Eliab (David 's eldest brother) perceiving by the manner of his talking with the people that he had some inclination to undertake this Giant, his anger was kindled against him, and very sternly he asked him for what purpose he came thither, and with whom had he left sheep he was appointed to keep? intimating that he was fitter to keep sheep and play on his harp, than to be a Soldier; and then upbraiding him with arrogance and ambition, I know (says he) thy pride, and the naughtiness of thy heart, for thou art come hither that thou mayest see the battle, and try if thou canst by some desperate action get thyself a name. David meekly answers, What have I done to deserve so sharp a reproof from thee? Is there not sufficient cause that I should come when my Father hath sent me? and being come. have I not cause to be concerned with other Israelites, and to speak as I have done, when I hear God thus dishonored, and his own peculiar people thus scorned and reproached by a blasphemous wretch, an uncircumcised Infidel? Then David finding such harsh usage from his brother, turned from him to others, to whom he spake after the same manner he had done before, and intimated his willingness to fight with this Giant, if nobody else would undertake him, and 'tis like he spake the more freely, that so what he said might come to the Kings ears. Saul hearing of it sent for him, to whom humbly addressing himself, he said, My Lord let no man's heart fail him because of this hideous monster, for I myself (though the weakest of many) trusting in God's power and assistance will encounter him, if nobody else will do it. Saul said alas! thou art not able to go against him, for thou art but a youth, and not bred in war, and he a man of full age, and vast stature, and trained up in war from his youth. David humbly replies that he had had experience of God's extraordinary assistance vouchsafed to him; for keeping his Fathers sheep there came a Lion and a Bear, one at one time, and the other at another, and seising each of them a Lamb out of the flock, he pursued after them, and when the Lion turned upon him, he took him by the beard (or hair of his nether chap) and slew him, and took the prey from him, and so served the Bear also, and he doubted not but this blasphemous miscreant (who defyed the armies of the Living God) should (through the Divine assistance) be as easily conquered as one of them; for that God (says he) who delivered me out of the paw of the Lion, and the paw of the Bear, will I trust deliver me also out of the hands of this uncircumcised Philistine. Saul hearing him express so great courage and confidence in God, and that grounded upon the former experience he had had of his extraordinary assistance, he gave him leave to enter the lists with this Giant, and wished him good success, and prayed that God would be with him in it. But he thought fit first to arm David well with armor taken out of his own armoury, and so he put on his head an helmet of brass, and armed him with a coat of mail, and David girded his sword upon his armor, and assayed to go with his armor on, but he quickly found himself uneasy, and therefore said, I cannot go with these, having not been used to wear such arms, they are a burden to me. So he put them off, and took his staff in his hand, and his sling, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them into his shepherds bag, and so went out to meet the Philistine. When Saul saw him thus going forth, he asked Abner whose Son he was? for it seems having been distempered with frantic fits, he had forgotten him, though he had formerly known him, and greatly loved him, and Abner being General of the Army, and so much absent from Court had not (it seems) taken any notice of him when he was there, and therefore told the King he knew not. Saul bad him inquire whose Son that stripling was. David now (armed only with his staff and sling ) goes out to meet the Philistine who came up towards him with his armor-bearer carrying his great shield before him; when this monstrous Giant saw David come towards him (who was but a youth, and his countenance rather amiable than terrible, not like the countenance of a Soldier ) he disdained him, and said, What, am I a dog that thou comest out to me with a staff? then cursing him by his gods, he said, let Dagon and the other gods we worship confound thee: Come to me and I will give thy flesh to the fowls of the air, and beasts of the field. David replied, Thou comest to me with a sword and with a spear, and with a shield, but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the Armies of Israel whom thou hast defyed. This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hand (I know it by the inspiration of the Spirit of God) and I will smite thee, and take off thine head, and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the field, that all the earth may know that there is a God (who is Almighty, and the only true God) who watcheth over Israel, and all this present assembly both of Israelites and Philistines shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword or spear, (but he can save without these, and is not tied to such outward means) for the battle is the Lord's, and he governeth it and giveth victory to whom he pleaseth, and I know that he will this day give you Philistines into our hands. Goliath now prepared himself for the Combat, and came and drew night to meet David, and David accordingly hasted to meet him, and putting his hand into his Bag he took thence a stone and slung it with extraordinary force, and smiting the Philistine in his forehead, the stone sunk into his head, (God so guiding and directing it) and he fell upon his face to the earth; then David ran to him, and trampled upon him, and having no sword with him, he drew out the Philistines sword out of its sheath, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, God using such contemptible means the more to manifest his own power and glory. The Philistines seeing their Champion thus conquered, and being stricken with a secret terror from the Lord, they immediately fled, and the army of the Israelites with a great shout pursued after them, and did great execution upon them, insomuch that the wounded of the Philistines fell and were scattered all along in the way of Shaaraim (a City in the Tribe of Judah ) even unto Gath and Ekron. The Philistines being thus discomfited, the Israelites returned and spoiled their Tents. Abner now brought David before Saul with the Head of the Giant in his hands; Saul asked him whose Son he was? he told him, he was the Son of Jesse the Bethlemite. Saul had now much discourse with him, and so many excellent endowments of wisdom, courage, zeal for the glory of God, and faith and confidence in his protection and assistance appearing in him (all which shown him a person precious in the eyes of God) Jonathan 's heart and affections were in an extraordinary manner drawn forth towards him, so that his soul was knit with the soul of David, and hereby God provided David a friend in Saul 's Court to plead for him, and to reveal Saul 's plots and evil intendments against him, and to be (by his true and real love) a comfort and support to him in all his approaching troubles and distresses. And Jonathan and he made a Covenant of entire friendship, and brotherly love. Saul also now resolved to keep him in his Court, and that he should go no more home to his Father, and made him a Captain over some of his Troops, and David behaved himself so wisely that he was highly valued by all the people, and even by Saul 's servants themselves; Jonathan also to testify his true and great love to David, stripped himself of his own robe and gave it to him, and gave him also his Sword and his Bow, and his Military Girdle, so that he put him both into a Courtiers and Soldiers Garb. These things being done, they now march from the Camp to Gibeah where Saul dwelt. As they passed along, the women came forth out of all the Towns by the way (as the custom was) with Instruments of Music, singing in Triumphing Songs, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands; they ascribe so much to David, because by his killing Goliath he was (under God) the cause of routing the whole army of the Philistines. And so solemn and glorious was this Triumph of the Israelites, that this passage in the women's song came to be repoted and known among the Philistines, as we may see Ch. 21.11. and Ch. 29.5. But this thing greatly offended Saul, and he said they have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me but thousands, what can he have more but the Kingdom? From thenceforth therefore he began to have an evil eye against David, and to suspect that he was the man of whom Samuel had told him that he should be King in his room, Ch. 13. v. 14.

1 Sam. Ch. 17. wh. Ch. and Ch. 18. from 1, to 10.

SECT. CLXX.

SAUL 's jealousy of David, and his hatred against him doth now every day more and more appear, and it manifested itself in these Particulars following.

1. The evil spirit coming upon him, he prophesied in the midst of the house, not as he had done before [ Chap. 10.10.] when Samuel had newly anointed him, for then being inspired with God's Spirit, and endued with common graces he prophesied and praised God, together with the rest of the Prophets; but now that Spirit being departed from him, and an evil spirit being permitted by God to possess him, he fell into strange ecstasies and raptures, and had such kind of motions and actions as the Prophets when ravished out of themselves used to have, see 2 King. 9.11. and while David played on his harp to compose his spirit, and allay his raging passions (as he▪ had formerly done) Saul having a Javelin in his hand, cast it at him, intending to kill him, and this he attempted two several times, but David nimbly avoided the stroke, Ch. 18.10, 11.

2ly, Saul seeing how the Lord was with David, and preserved him from great dangers, he feared he was the man whom God had chosen to be King in his room, and therefore having failed in these violent attempts against him, he resolves to try other ways to destroy him; therefore he made him one of his Colonels, hoping he would at one time or other meet with his death in the Battle. And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him, and he led forth his Soldiers bravely to Battle, and as bravely brought them off again, and acted all his Military affairs with such prudence and wise conduct, and was so prosperous in them that the people generally loved him, ver. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.

3ly, Saul under pretence of performing that promise made to him of giving him his daughter if he killed Goliath, he now offers him his eldest daughter Merab in marriage, but with design to expose him thereby to the Sword of the Philistines . He tells him he shall have her, but then he expects he shall be valiant for him, and not stick to expose himself to any dangers, and ready upon all occasions to fight the Lord's battles. Thus he hypocritically pretended zeal for God's glory, when he maliciously intended David 's ruin. David humbly answers, What is my parentage, education, or condition of life , that I should think myself worthy to be husband to a Kings daughter? So far was he from aspiring to this honor, though so justly due to him. But though David sufficiently approved his valor in fighting the Lord's battles, and contrary to Saul 's expectation escaped many dangers, and won much honor, yet Saul perfidiously broke his promise with him, and at the very time when he should have married his daughter he gave her to Adriel the Son of Barzillai the Ephraimite, born at Meholah, see Judge. 7.22. David bears this great indignity patiently, without expressing any unbeseeming resentment of it. But God to whom vengeance belongeth, would not suffer the malice and wickedness of Saul expressed herein to go unpunished, for all the five Sons that Adriel had by this daughter of Saul were hanged up to satisfy the Gibeonites for the cruelties which Saul had exercised upon them, as we may see 2 Sam. 21.8, 17, 18, 19.

4ly, David being thus treacherously defeated of Merab, Michal, Saul 's youngest daughter falls in love with him. This being made known to Saul, he seemed to like it very well, hoping by that means to bring his purpose about of destroying David. So pleasing to a malicious mind is the very hope of doing mischief to a person whom he hates. Saul therefore resolves to give this daughter to David to wife, that she might be a snare to him, and a means one way or other to run him into danger, and he hoped that she being his daughter would be brought to complot and join with him in effecting his ruin; but it pleased the Lord to cross his design in this also, for he made Michal an instrument of preserving him from the snare which her Father had laid for him, Chap. 19.11, 12. But to proceed, Saul carrying on this treacherous design against David in his mind, he tells him that though he failed him before, yet now he would make him amends; he had but two daughters, and one