The History of the Old Testament Methodized

SECT. CLXXI.

DAvid taking the opportunity of Saul 's ecstacy, (wherein he continued a day and a night) he fled from Naioth to Gibeah where Jonathan was, and heavily complaining to him that his father should still persecute him, he said, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? what is my sin against thy father that he so earnestly seeketh my life? Jonathan replies, God forbid it should be so; my father hath sworn to me that thou shalt not die; and moreover he doth not use to do anything of moment without acquainting me with it, and I know nothing of any such purpose he hath, and therefore I believe thou art more afraid than thou needest to be. It seems Jonathan had not heard of Saul 's sending his messengers to take David at his own house, nor of his pursuing him to Naioth David seeing him so difficult to believe that he was in such danger, he solemnly protested and swore to him, as true as the Lord liveth, it was so; and as sure as he himself was alive there was but a step between him and death. And as for his Fathers not acquainting him with it, that was no argument against it, for 'tis like he would not let him know of it, that it might not grieve him, and that he might not use means to prevent it. Jonathan then said, seeing the case is so, I will do any thing for thee thou canst reasonably desire of me. David therefore propounds a way to him how he might discover his fathers affection towards him. It seems the Feast of the New-Moon was to be celebrated on the morrow, in which they offered Peace-offerings, and Gratulatory Sacrifices, sounding Trumpets over their Offerings, [see Numb. 10.10. & 28.11. & Psal. 81.3.] and on the remainder of these Oblations they feasted together. And though the Feast lasted only one day, viz. the first day of the month, yet there being provisions in an ample and plentiful manner provided, they were allowed to eat what remained the next day, if the Sacrifice which was offered was a vow or voluntary offering, see Levite. 7.16. This Feast was to be kept at Saul 's Court the next day; the chief men of his Court being to sit with him at Table, and everyone having his known seat, which was so peculiar to him, that if it were empty no other sat in it. Now David being a great Commander in the Army, and the Kings Son-in-law, had among others his seat, and did use at this Festival to sit with the King at Table. David therefore tells Jonathan that he intended to absent himself from this feast; and not to be at it either the first or second day, but on the third day he would come and hide himself in the fields that he might be informed how things went. He desires Jonathan diligently to observe how the King took his absence. If he missed him and took notice of his absence, he desires Jonathan to tell him that he asked leave of him that he might go and keep this New-Moon-Feast with his kindred at Bethlehem, for their family for some signal mercy received from God, did annually set apart that day to commemorate it. And (says he) if thy father accept my excuse and be not displeased at my absence, then we may conclude all is well▪ but if he be angry at it, then it it a manifest sign that he hath determined evil agai •• t me, and is vexed at my absence, because it did cross his purpose of doing me a mischief. I pray thee therefore deal kindly with thy servant, for thou hast brought me into a Covenant of friendship with thee, which we made in the presence of the Lord, and with invocation of him to be a witness and judge between us, to reward the faithful and to punish the transgressor. And as for me, if thou hast hitherto found any iniquity in me, slay me thyself, for why shouldest thou expose me to thy fathers fury? Jonathan replied, Far be it from thee that thou shouldest die either by my hand, or my fathers. If I knew of any evil determined against thee by my father, assure thyself, I would not conceal it from thee. Then David said, seeing thou canst hardly come to me thyself without suspicion, nor canst safely intrust any servant with such a secret, how shall I know whither thy Father were enraged at my absence or no? Jonathan desires him to go out with him into the field that they might discourse of these things more privately; there he tells him that when he had sounded his Father, and discovered his mind and purpose concerning him, he would faithfully reveal it to him whether it were good or bad; if I do not (says he) then let the Lord God of Israel inflict deserved punishments on me as a false and faithless friend. And as for my part being well assured that the Lord hath made choice of thee to succeed my Father, I do heartily pray that the Lord would advance thee to the Kingdom as he did my Father, and would make thee victorious over thine enemies as my Father hath been. And when God shall have made thee King after my Father, thou shalt not cut me off (as a jealous King would do) being the next heir, but shalt manifest that great kindness towards me which by Covenant (made in the Lord's presence) thou hast bound thyself to show me. And because this Covenant made between us extendeth not only to our own persons but to our posterity also, thou shalt not take off thy loving-kindness from my house forever, [see 2 Sam. 21.7.] no not then when the Lord hath cut off all the enemies of David from the face of the earth. So Jonathan renewed and ratified the Covenant that was before made between them, and he said, let the Lord require it at the hands of David's enemies, and consequently of me if I keep not Covenant with David, but prove his enemy. And as Jonathan renewed and confirmed his Covenant by a solemn oath with David and his house, so he required David to do the like with him and his posterity (being very desirous to make a sure and firm league with him whom he so dearly loved) and at his motion David willingly did it, as appeareth ver. 42. Jonathan further said to David, tomorrow I suppose thou wilt be missed at the New-Moon-Feast, because thy seat will be empty; when therefore thou hast stayed three days at Bethlehem, or at some other private place, come down quickly to the place where thou didst formerly hide thyself when I first gave thee notice of my Fathers resolution to kill thee, [ Ch. 19.2.] and remain by the stone Ezel, viz. the stone that directs Travelers in the way they should go; and this shall be a token between me and thee, whereby I will show thee what thou shouldst do: If I cannot come with conveniency to speak with thee myself, I will shoot three Arrows on the side of that stone as though I shot at a mark, and I will send a lad to find out the Arrows, and if I call to him and say, the Arrows are on this side of thee, take them up, then come thou away, for there is peace to thee and no hurt: But if I say to the lad, Behold the Arrows are beyond thee, then go thy way, for the Lord by this sign (given thee by me) commands thee to be gone, and to shift for thyself. And as touching the Covenant which we have mutually made and confirmed by Oath, the Lord be a witness between us, and a just avenger of either, if either of us transgress, that so it may stand firm and inviolable forever. The New-Moon being now come, the King sat down to eat in his Chair of State by the wall, and Jonathan sat down by him, and Abner coming after to sit down, Jonathan arose to give him honor and respect being the Kings Cousin and General of the Army, and David 's place was empty; but Saul said nothing of it that day, but supposed he absented himself by reason of some legal pollution that had befallen him, which rendered him unfit to come, and forbad him coming under the penalty of being quite cut off from the people, Levite. 7.20, 21. On the next day Saul seeing David 's place empty again, he asked Jonathan why the Son of Jesse (by which diminishing title he intimated his displeasure and indignation against him) was absent both those days? Jonathan answered, he earnestly desired leave of him to go to Bethlehem, telling him that their family had a Sacrifice to offer in that city, and his brother (having commission from his Father so to do) had commanded him to be there, that he might on that occasion meet his Brethren, and on that account he was absent. Saul hearing this, his anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he told him he was right his mothers son, for she had been perverse and rebellious against him, and so was he. He tells him he had chosen the Son of Jesse to be his friend and favourite to his own ruin and confusion, and to the confusion of his mothers offspring that sprang from her womb. For (says he) thou mayest assure thyself that as long as the Son of Jesse liveth thou shalt never attain the Crown and Kingdom, which by right of inheritance belongs to thee. Therefore I charge thee to send for him, for he shall surely die. Jonathan humbly replied, O my Father, what hath he done? what is his crime, that he must die? Saul hearing him speak thus, in a rage cast a Javelin at him to kill him, but he nimbly escaped the stroke, and so plainly saw what was his fathers desperate resolution against David. And thus Saul by his own rage and fury frustrated his own design; had he dissembled his anger, he might easily have got David into his hands, but by thus openly discovering it, he taught him to shift for himself. Jonathan seeing how things went, rose from the Table in a great discontent, and would not eat anything on the second day of the Feast, for he was heartily grieved for David, because his fathers anger was so implacable against him, and because he had in that furious manner disgraced him in that public assembly, as though he had been a Traitor and Rebel. On the third day in the morning (which was the day before appointed between David and him) Jonathan went out into the field and a little lad with him; he bad the lad run before and find out the Arrows he should shoot; as the lad ran he shot an Arrow beyond him, and when he was come to the place, Jonathan cried out to him that the Arrow was beyond him, and bad him make hast and bring him that and the other Arrows that he had since shot. Jonathan and David agreed upon this secret way of giving intelligence concerning Saul 's mind, because they thought that somebody possibly might be present in the field where David was to hide himself, and they could hardly hope for an opportunity to meet and consult together without being observed▪ But Jonathan (as it seems) now perceiving the coast to be clear, he immediately sent away the lad with the quiver, bow and arrows, and then David rose out of the place where he had hid himself, and bowed himself three times with his face to the ground before Jonathan, and they kissed each other and wept over one another until David exceeded, whose condition at this time in the eye of reason was most deplorable, for now he saw he was to be separated not only from his dear friend Jonathan, but from his wife and family, and from prosecuting the wars against the enemies of God, in which he had so often been successful, and which was worst of all he saw he was now like to be banished from the House of God, and all his public Ordinances in which his soul so much delighted; and this also aggravated his misery, he knew not well whither to flee and betake himself. Into these great straights God was pleased to bring him for the exercise of his faith and patience, and to teach him to flee unto him by fervent prayer as his only rook and refuge. Jonathan and he having discoursed some time together, at length Jonathan embracing him, wished him all happiness, and desired him to be mindful of the Covenant they had both of them sworn in the name of the Lord, calling upon him to be a witness and a judge between them, and their seed after them, and to punish those of them that did not inviolably keep that Covenant. So they parted.

1 Sam. Ch. 20. whole Chapter.

SECT. CLXXII.

DAvid now perceiving how implacable Saul 's anger was against him, he concludes he must shift for himself, and stand upon his Guard; and accordingly taking some few faithful servants along with him , and some few others that voluntarily joined themselves to him.

1. He first flies to Nob a City in the Tribe of Benjamin, near to Anathoth, about twelve miles from Gibeah, whither it seems the Tabernacle was now removed from Shiloh (though the Ark still remained at Kirjath-jearim, see Chap. 7.1.) and possibly Saul caused it to be removed hither for his own conveniency, that he might with more speed and ease upon all occasions resort to it. And hence it was that there were so many Priests now dwelling here, namely that they might attend upon the service of the Tabernacle. David being resolved to fly for his safety out of the land, came hither first, not only to get some supply of his present want, but also to visit the Tabernacle, that he might there worship the Lord before his departure, and seek unto him for help and comfort in this his day of adversity. Leaving therefore his small company in some place nigh, he went himself to Ahimelech the High Priest at Nob, (who it seems was also called Abiather, see Mark 2.26.) and had a Son also of that name, as we may see Ch. 22.20. Ahimelech was much troubled when he saw David come to him alone, fearing that he was fled from Saul upon some displeasure, and if so, it would be dangerous for him to entertain him. He asks him therefore how it came to pass that he was alone? David replies that the King had sent him about a secret business, and enjoined him to let nobody know of it, and so he had appointed his servants to stay for him in a place nigh at hand.

This was indeed a direct lie, and proved afterwards the occasion of that horrible Massacre which Saul made of Ahimelech, and the rest of the Priests of that City, even eighty five persons that wore a linen Ephod, yea of the utter destruction of the City, and the inhabitants thereof, both men and women, and children, yea even of the very beasts as we read, Ch. 22.18, 19. Just cause had David to bewail this pernicious lie of his as long as he lived, and so no doubt he did; for he charges it upon himself when Abiathar the Son of Ahimelech brought him the sad tidings thereof, Ch. 22.22. I have occasioned (says he) the death of all the persons of thy Fathers house. And 'tis supposed that the remorse for this very sin was fresh in his heart when he wrote that passage in the 119. Psal. v. 28, 29. My soul melteth away for heaviness, strengthen thou me according to thy word. Remove from me the way of lying, &c. David now desires Ahimelech to furnish him with some bread and provisions for himself and his servants that were at hand, they being in great want of food; Ahimelech tells him he had no bread there at the Tabernacle, but the show-bread , which was not to be eaten by any but the Priests, [see Levite. 24.9.] much less by any that were unclean. Yet considering that charity is to be preferred before all ceremonies, and that in case of necessity the Ceremonial Law was to give way to the Moral, he condescends in this exigence to relieve them with the show-bread, (and what he did therein is approved by our Savior, Mat. 12.3, 4.) provided the young men had kept themselves from their wives , which (it seems) the Priests, (that were to eat the show-bread) thought themselves bound to do by a laudable custom grounded on Exod. 19.15. though not expressly by the Law commanded. And it seems the High Priest thought that if the young men had not thus abstained, they would be under a double impediment; David tells him 'twas three days since they came out, and all that time they had been absent from their wives, therefore the bodies of the young men were clean, and on this account not unfit to eat of this bread. Besides (says he) the show-bread is in this case of necessity to us but as common bread, (so as we may lawfully eat of it) especially seeing it is this day removed from standing upon the Table before the Lord, and there is other bread consecrated according to the Law, and set hot in the room of it; upon these considerations the High Priest gave him the show-bread. But it so happened that there was one of the servants of Saul there that day, by name Doeg, the chiefest of Saul 's herdsmen, by Nation an Edomite, but by profession a Proselyte to the Religion of the Israelites, yet a notorious wicked man, and a great enemy to David; it seems he was detained there before the Lord, that is, in the Court of the Tabernacle, to pay some Vow he had made, or to offer some Sacrifice he was engaged to offer. This man diligently observed David and his actions, that he might relate them to Saul; David asked Ahimelech whether he had not there a Sword or Spear that he could lend him; for (he told him) he had not brought his Sword or his weapons with him, because the Kings business required hast. Thus one lie making a breach in the Conscience, another quickly follows it, and finds an easy passage thorough it. The High Priest told him there was no Sword there but Goliaths , which was wrapped in a cloth, and kept behind that holy place where the Sacred Vestments and Ornaments were laid up, of which the Ephod was the chiefest, see Exod. 28.4, 6. if he pleased he might have that. David answered, There is none like to that, give it me; for as oft as I look upon it, it will put me in mind of God's wonderful assistance vouchsafed to me in conquering Goliath, and will strengthen my faith and affiance in him, that he will help me in the like difficulties and dangers. Ch. 21. from 1, to 10.

2ly, Having gotten Goliath 's sword, he now flies into the Country of Achish King of Gath, called also Abimelech, which was the common name of the Kings of the Philistines; here he hoped to have sojourned (at least for a time) secretly and undiscovered. It seems he had more hope of safety there than in his own Country at present. The servants of Achish after some time discover who he was, and apprehend him. Possibly Goliath 's sword might be some means of discovering of him; and so God justly made use of this sword which he got of the High Priest by lying, as a means to bring him into danger. The servants of Achish bringing him before their King, said unto him, Is not this David the King of the land? that is, a famous warrior, and chief Commander among the Israelites, and as it were another King in the esteem of the people: or is not this David who is designed (as we hear) to be King in the land? For possibly the report that David should be King, and that Saul persecuted him on that account, was so rife and common in Israel, that it spread itself even to the land of the Philistines. Further they say, Is not this he of whom the women sang in their triumphant dances, Ch. 18.7. Saul hath slain his thousands, but David his ten thousands. David was much surprised to hear these words spoken of himself by the servants of Achish before their King, and seeing himself in their hands, and not knowing which way to help himself, he resolved to behave himself before them as if he had been distracted. And indeed they might well think that he that had done so much against them, would not now alone have come among them if he had been in his right wits. And accordingly in his gesture, words, and actions, he carried himself as if he had been mad, scrabling on the doors, and letting his spittle fall on his beard , he thought possibly that mad men were usually objects of pity and compassion, not of malice or revenge, and supposed that hereupon they would be the more inclined to spare him, seeing he was not likely (being in this sad case) to do them any further mischief. But though at present he made use of this stratagem, yet he relied not upon it, but put his trust in God, and relied on him alone for help and deliverance, as appears by the two Psalms he composed on this occasion, viz. the 34. and 56. And God by his alwise Providence so ordered this thing that Achish thinking him absolutely mad, slighted and asked them in some kind of anger, Why they had brought a mad man before him? He told them, he had no need of mad men, neither desired they should bring such persons into his house. In all probability (God at present so infatuating him) he thought this man was not David, but some odd fellow they had picked up in the way, and with that apprehension he dismissed him.

1 Sam. Ch. 21. whole Chapter.

3ly, David having thus got away from Achish, he fled to the Cave of Adullam (a City in the Tribe of Judah, not far from Bethlehem ) which being an hold of some strength, [see 2 Sam. 23.13.] and lying in his own Tribe among his kindred and friends, he expected from them favor and protection; and accordingly hither his Brethren, and those of his Fathers house resorted to him, possibly fearing if they stayed at home, they should be persecuted and oppressed by Saul for his sake. And such as were in distress, or in debt, or discontented, gathered themselves unto him, and he became a Captain over them; so that number of his followers now came to be about four hundred in all. But some will say did David do well to entertain such as these? I answer, first, 'tis like he did not know who of them were in debt. 2ly, He had no purpose to shelter them against any that should demand justice against them. 3ly, He intended not to make use of them against Saul, but only for his own defense. 4ly, His followers lived not upon Plunder, and the spoil of the Country, but were rather a Guard to the people, and preserved them from the incursions of their enemies, as Nabal 's servants witnessed for them, Ch. 25.15, 16. 'It is true they were many of them men that were in a poor and afflicted condition, and thinking themselves in no safety at home, fled to David for protection. 5ly, 'It is probable that by this time it came to be generally known, that Saul persecuted David, because he was anointed of God by Samuel to succeed him in the Throne. And if this were the ground of their coming to him how could he reject them? 'It is likely indeed that the mouths of his adversaries were opened against him upon this occasion. But so long as his cause was just, and he did not undertake to defend his followers in any evil, nor made use of them to oppress others, their reproaches were unjust and not to be regarded. Here probably he composed the 142 Psalm, the title being Maschil of David, a prayer when he was in the Cave.

4ly, David finding that his Parents by reason of their age were not able to endure the hardship of being with him in the Cave, therefore he went to Mizpah of Moab to provide a place for them to abide in for a while, till he knew what God would do with him. And here he judged that the King of Moab would favor him in his request, out of hatred to Saul who had made war upon him, see 1 Sam. 14.47. and so accordingly it fell out, for he obtained the King of Moab 's grant, that they should dwell in his Country, and they lived together in the hold or Castle of Mizpah, till the Prophet Gad warned David from the Lord to go back again into the land of Judah, either because the King of Moab and his people were treacherous, or because he intended to bring David 's faith to a further trial by Saul 's persecutions: ver. 3, 4.

5ly, From hence he removeth into the Forest of Hareth in the Tribe of Judah; the news of his being here, is presently brought to Saul, he sitting under a Tree in an high place in Gibeah, having his Spear in his hand, and his servants standing round about him; whereupon he said, Hear now ye Benjamites, will the Son of Jesse give everyone of you fields and vineyards, and make you all Captains of thousands, and Captains of hundreds, that all of you have conspired against me, and none of you have shown me that my Son hath made a league with the Son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or discovers to me that my Son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait to destroy me, as you see it is at this day. Then Doeg the Edomite (of whom before) telleth unto Saul the story of David's coming to Ahimelech at Nob, and what passed between them, maliciously wresting all they did to the worst sense, and concealing all that might any way excuse them; and this caused David to charge him with lying and slandering, as well as with malice and mischief, and to threaten against him utter ruin and destruction, Psal. 52.3, 4, 5. which Psalm was composed on this occasion. I saw (says Doeg) the Son of Jesse coming to Ahimelech, and he inquired of the Lord for him, and gave him victuals, and the Sword of Goliath the Philistine, but he spake not a word of David 's pretence, wherewith Ahimelech was deceived. The King hereat was greatly enraged, and sent for Ahimelech, and all his Fathers house, viz. the Priests that dwelt at Nob, being the most of those that remained of Eli 's house, whom God threatened to cut off, Chap. 2.31. He asks him why he had conspired with David against him, and had inquir'd of the Lord for him, and given him bread and a sword? Ahimelech acknowledges the doing of the things Saul charges him with, but utterly denieth that they were done with any treacherous mind against him, but rather therein to do him service; for he thought David had always approved himself faithful to the King in all his undertakings, for which the King had highly honored him, and made him his Son-in-law, and (as far as he knew) he had been ever obedient to the Kings commands, going out readily on all services, which he appointed him, though never so full of difficulty and danger, and (as he understood) he was a person greatly honored in the Kings family. And for his inquiring of the Lord for him, he says he had often done that in former times when he was to go out on the Kings service, and to lead out his forces against his enemies; and that which I have done (says he) without blame at other times, I had no reason to think would be blamed now; but to aid or assist one that intended and designed to rebel against my Lord and Sovereign, was never in my heart, far be it from me; let not the King therefore impute this as a fault to me, or to my fathers house, for of any conspiracy against thee thy servants knew nothing at all, neither less nor more. We may see by this Apology that this good man was loath to declare he had been deceived by David, and drawn on to do all that he did by those untruths which he had told him. He would not to excuse himself of a seeming fault accuse David of one that was real, and thereby incense Saul the more against him. But Saul like a bloody Tyrant shut his ears against Ahimelechs just defense, and told him that not only himself, but all his Fathers house should die, though he had not so much as any color of a crime to lay to their charge. And whereas by the Law none were to die under two or three witnesses, he condemneth so many upon the bare and single and malicious testimony of one false and flattering Sycophant. Neither doth he take time further to examine the cause, or the reasons or testimonies which might be produced in excuse of Ahimelech and the Priests, but in a rage and fury from a rash sentence proceeds to a present execution without any delay. And thus this wretched man that could out of a seeming pity and mercy spare Agag (who was by God appointed to die) now sticketh not to murder and massacre a multitude of innocent persons. Accordingly he commanded his guards that were about him to slay forthwith the Lord's Priests. But the servants of the King that attended upon him would not do it, choosing rather to obey God (who had forbidden murder) than this wicked King. Then Saul commanded Doeg that he should fall upon them. Doeg accordingly taking unto himself such persons as were alike bloody-minded with himself, (and so fit for his purpose) fell upon them, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that wore a linen Ephod. And thus that which the Lord had threatened against the house of Eli, [Ch. 2.31, 32.] was in part fulfilled, for of that family these Priests were. Then Doeg (having as it seems Saul 's Commission for it) went to Nob and there destroyed men, women and children, and sucklings, yea the very oxen, asses and sheep that belonged to that City; so great an abhorrence and detestation did he manifest against all that seemed favorers of David. Upon the occasion of destroying of this City at this time, the Tabernacle was removed from hence to Gibeon, where it continued to the days of Solomon, 2 Chron. 1.3.

1 Sam. Ch. 22. from v. 5. to 20.

6ly, Keilah a City in the Tribe of Judah being now on a sudden besieged by the Philistines their neighbors, and David lying with his forces not far from them in the forest of Hareth, and so in a capacity to afford them some speedier succor than Saul could do, who was at a greater distance, it seems some of them came to him to acquaint him with their present distress, namely that the Philistines now besieged their City, and that they had robbed the threshing floors of the Corn that was brought unto them, (they being without the City) and therefore they humbly crave his speedy help. David was not willing rashly to engage in such an enterprize, (especially with so little strength as he had about him) without a special commission and promise from God, therefore he inquired of the Lord (probably by the Prophet Gad who was come to him before as we have seen Ch. 22.5.) what he should do? and the Lord encouraged him to go against the Philistines, and to save and rescue Keilah. David 's men when they understood what enterprize he was about, mightily dissuaded him from it, speaking to him after this manner, We are afraid here in the land of Judah, even among our friends and acquaintance lest we should be surprised by Saul and his Troops, how much more dangerous must it needs be then for us (being but a few ) to go against such a potent enemy as the Philistines, and that in the borders of their own land? David to satisfy his followers, inquired again of the Lord, and God bad him go, for he would deliver the Philistines into his hands. So David and his men went to Keilah and smote the Philistines with a great slaughter, and brought away their cattle, either such as they had brought out of their own Country for the provision of their armies, or such as they had brought with them to carry the spoils of the Israelites home with them. While David and his forces were here about Keilah, Abiathar the Son of Ahimelech, who only escaped of the Priests at Nob (being now High Priest in his Fathers room) came to David; and brought the Ephod with him, which was a visible pledge that God had forsaken Saul, and would be with David to direct him in all his ways. So that David hath now the High Priest and a Prophet in his army. Abiathar relates to him the sad story of Saul 's destroying Nob and the Priests that were there. David replies, I feared when I was at Nob that Doeg would acquaint Saul therewith. Alas I must needs say (to my great grief and sorrow) that I have been the occasion (though not intentionally ) of the death of thy Fathers family, seeing they suffered these calamities not only for my sake, but partly through my fault. However abide thou under my protection, and I shall take care of thee that I may as much as lies in me make thee some amends. Thou mayest assure thyself that I will be as careful of thy safety as of my own; for I know that he that seeks my life seeks thine also.

1 Sam. Ch. 23. from 1, to 7. Ch. 22. from v. 20, to the end.

7ly, Saul now understanding that David with his forces had got into the City of Keilah (which he had lately rescued from the Philistines ), he said, God hath delivered him into my hands, for he is shut in, being entered into a Town that hath gates and bars. He thought (it seems) he had him in such a trap that he could not escape. Saul immediately therefore gathers a great army together to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men. David by secret intelligence understood that Saul was contriving mischief against him, therefore he called to Abiathar the High Priest to bring the Ephod, and to put it on and to inquire of the Lord for him by Urim and Thummim; and David joining his request to the Lord, said, O Lord God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul intendeth to come to Keilah to destroy the City for my sake, I pray thee inform me by thine holy Oracle, whither he will come or no, and in case he do come, whither the men of Keilah will be treacherous to me, and endeavor to deliver me into his hands? The Lord who by his Prescience knoweth future contingents which will come to pass in a course of natural causes, if not prevented or crossed by other contingents; he telleth him that Saul would come thither, that is, if he, viz. David staid there, and the men of Keilah would deliver him into Saul 's hands, that is, if their intention and purpose were not prevented and crossed by his speedy departure from them. David having received this answer, he with his men (which were now about six hundred ) arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whither soever they could go, and sought up and down for some place to shelter themselves in; and Saul hearing they were gone from Keilah, forbear to go with his army thither.

1 Sam. Ch. 23. from v. 7, to 14.

8ly, David intending only to stand on his own defense, and not to raise an offensive war, betakes himself with his forces to the strong holds in the Wilderness of Ziph, in the Tribe of Judah, and particularly to Hachilah-Hill South of Jessimon. And Saul continually sought his life, but the Lord delivered him not into his hands. Jonathan having (as it's probable) secret intelligence from David where he was, he went privately to him, and strengthened his hands in God, by putting him in mind of the promises of God, and assuring him of his protection and favor, and thereby strengthening his faith, he filled his heart with comfort and courage. He bad him be of good courage, for the hand of Saul his Father should not find him to do him any hurt: Thou shalt (says he) be King over Israel, and that my Father knows very well from the words of Samuel, Ch. 15.28. [see also Ch. 20.30, 31.] and I shall be next unto thee. Of this (it seems) he conceived some hope grounded on David 's great love to him, and possibly on some particular promise he had made to him, and the firm Covenant that was between them, though he had no assurance of it, God having made no such promise to him, but intending otherwise to dispose of him, and to take him to a better Kingdom, so that he lived not to see David sit on Israel 's Throne. Jonathan having spoken after this manner to David, they renewed and confirmed their Covenant in the presence of the Lord, which they had formerly made, and Jonathan went to his own house, David abiding still in the Wood. The Ziphites being terrified possibly with that severity Saul had used against Nob, and the Priests of the Lord there, [ Ch. 22.18, 19.] they come now and acquaint him that David did hide himself in the Wood near them, and if he would please to come down with his forces thither, they would do their utmost to deliver him into his hands. Saul took their message very kindly: Blessed be ye (says he) of the Lord, for ye have compassion on me: Go therefore and prepare or order the matter with care and diligence before hand, and observe all his haunts, and lurking places that we may not miss of him. For I understand he is very cùnning and subtle in his proceedings, when you have found out these things come to me again with certain intelligence of them, and I will go along with you and will find him out if he be above ground, though he lurks in the most secret corner of the land. So these Ziphites went before to do as Saul had injoin'd them. But David understanding that they had discovered him to Saul , and that Saul was coming with an army to take him, he removed with his forces from that place which was near Hachilah-Hill to a Plain in the Wilderness of Maon, which lay Southward from Jeshimon. Saul pursues after him thither, and at last there was only a hill between them, and that not likely to keep them long asunder, seeing Saul 's men being many in number began to compass David and his men round about. David was here in great fear of being surprised, and therefore made all the hast he could to get further out of Saul 's reach. Just in this nick of time (God so ordering it by his Providence) news came to Saul that the Philistines had invaded the land, which caused him speedily to draw off his forces to resist the common enemy. Hereupon David called the place Sela-Hammahlekoth, that is, the Rock of Divisions.

1 Sam. Ch. 23. from 14, to 29.

9ly, Hence David flies to the strong holds in the Wilderness adjoining to Engedi , a City of Judah; Saul returning with his forces from pursuing the Philistines, it was told him whither David was fled, and he took 3000 chosen men out of Israel and went to pursue David and his men upon those high steep and cragy rocks upon which wild beasts used to live; and he came to the sheep-coats, where was a Cave, and Saul being weary went into the entrance of it, which was narrow, to cover his feet, that is, to sleep. [See note in Judge. 3.24.] But though the entrance of the Cave was narrow, yet it seems it was room • by within, for David and several of his men had hid themselves in the sides and innermost parts of it. David 's men perceiving that Saul was come into the entrance or mouth of the Cave, and that there he had laid himself down to sleep, they tell him that God had now put such an opportunity into his hands of cutting off his enemy (that thirsted after his blood) as if he had from heaven called unto him, and commanded him to do it. But David arising, went softly to Saul, and only cut off the skirt of his Robe, that he might thereby make it evident to him that he could as well have killed him if he had had a mind to it; and yet David 's heart smote him for this little that he had done, because it had an appearance of an injury offered to the King. But it seems his men were almost ready to mutiny that he would not kill Saul at this time, and so put an end to his and their tedious troubles. Whereupon David mildly spake unto them, saying, God forbid that I should stretch forth my hand against my Master the Lord's Anointed, I cannot, I dare not do it. And with these words he stayed his Soldiers from offering violence unto Saul. Saul awaking rose up and went on his way. David immediately gets out of the Cave, and following him, cried after him, My Lord the King. When Saul looked back, David bowed himself to the earth before him, and then humbly addressing himself to him, said, Wherefore hearknest thou to men's words that tell thee that David seeketh thy hurt? Thou seest that this day the Lord delivered thee into my hands when thou wast in the Cave; some bad me kill thee, but mine eye spared thee, and I told them I would not put forth my hand against my Lord, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord. Moreover, my father see, yea see the the skirt of thy robe in my hand, for in that I cut off only the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not when I might so easily have done it, thou mayest assure thyself that there is no evil intention in my heart against thee, neither have I transgressed against thee as those base Sycophants that are about thee do suggest. And yet thou huntest my life to take it. The Lord judge between me and thee, and in this my innocent cause (wherein I so unjustly suffer) do me right against thee. But however, though it should not please him to do it, yet I am resolved not to avenge myself on thee, neither shall my hand be upon thee. The Proverb of the Ancients tells us, That wickedness proceedeth from the wicked; that is, wicked men will not stick to do any wicked thing. But thou needest not fear any such thing from me, seeing thou hast found the contrary by thine own experience. I am resolved to refer my cause to God, and not to avenge myself in my own quarrel. Besides consider, I pray thee, who it is that thou pursuest with so much eagerness and violence; even a weak and contemptible man, and in comparison of thee no more to be esteemed than a flea , or a dead dog . Having therefore neither power nor will to do thee hurt, the Lord judge between me and thee, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thy hands. David having ended, Saul was so affected with what he had said, that he lift up his voice and wept, and said, Is this thy voice my Son David? Thou art more righteous than I, for thou hast done me good, and I have rewarded thee with evil. I am convinced that thou hast dealt exceeding kindly with me. For when the Lord had delivered me into thy hands thou didst not take away my life. If a man find his enemy, and have him at an advantage, will he let him go away without doing him any hurt? This is not the common course of the world. The Lord therefore reward thee for the great kindness thou hast shown me this day. And now I know assuredly that thou shalt be King, [see Ch. 15.28. & 23.17.] seeing God hath endued thee with such heroic and Kingly virtues, and does so eminently prosper thee in all thy undertakings. I know that the Kingdom of Israel shall remain firm and established to thee and thy posterity after thee. Swear now therefore to me that thou wilt not cut off my seed after I am gone, (as other jealous Princes use to do) nor blot out my name by destroying my posterity. And David sware unto him accordingly, having in effect bound himself by Covenant and Oath before unto Jonathan to do the same that Saul here required. But how can David be said to have observed this Oath, when as afterwards he delivered the five Sons of Merab Saul 's daughter, and the two Sons of Rizpah his Concubine to the Gibeonites to be hanged? see 2 Sam. 21. I answer, David had a full intention to observe this Oath as far as lay in him, as appears by his putting to death those that murdered Ishbosheth, though he had risen against him, 2 Sam. 4. and by his preserving and cherishing Mephibosheth, 2 Sam. 9. But in the case before mentioned he was not left to his own choice, but necessitated by a special command from God to deliver them into the hands of the Gibeonites for their satisfaction, that God's wrath being appeased, the heavy judgment of famine under which they lay, might be removed from the land, see 2 Sam. 21.6▪ 9. and therefore in this he brake not his Oath , seeing he did it in obedience to God's express command, and by his special commission and direction, which is enough to dispence with any Oath.

After this Enterview between Saul and David, Saul went home and David and his men betook themselves to the strong hold near Engedi, (of which before) having no confidence in Saul 's faithfulness, who had so often after reconciliation returned to his malicious practices.

1 Sam. Ch. 23. v. 29. Ch. 24. whole Chapter.

Samuel now dies having lived as Judge twenty years, and eighteen years in the reign of Saul, unto which there are two years only wanting to make up those forty years spoken of, Act. 13.21. which is likely to be the time between the death of Samuel and Saul. After Samuel 's death, very many of all sorts and conditions assembled together to solemnize his Funeral, and bewail their loss of him, as of a faithful Prophet who revealed unto them God's will, as also their sin in rejecting his Government, which by sad experience they had now found to be much more easy and profitable to them than that of a King, and that it had been much better for them to have lived under a Judge of God's appointing, than a King of their own choosing; and therefore now they sadly lamented Samuel 's death, and buried him at Ramah, in the ancient burying place of his family, 1 Sam. 25.1.

10ly, Samuel being dead, from whom David used to receive both counsel and comfort, he now flees with his men from the holds of Engedi to the Wilderness of Paran, that lay on the South-border of Judah towards Idumea, not far from the desert of Maon. It seems there was a man who had his habitation in Maon whose lands and inheritance lay about Carmel, a man of great Estate, who had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats; the man's name was Nabal, signifying a fool, he was of a churlish nature, and ill conditioned, and wicked in all his course and conversation, though descended of the wise and virtuous, and noble family of Caleb; so true it is that grace is not entailed, nor goeth by inheritance, but is God's free gift, which he bestoweth on whom he pleaseth, and often denieth to the children of virtuous and religious Parents. His wifes name was Abigail (signifying the Fathers joy ) a name well suiting her nature and conditions, being a wise, virtuous and beautiful woman. David heard that Nabal did on such a day shear his sheep, at which time it was the custom to make a great feast for their servants and friends; hereupon he sent ten young men to him, to salute him in his name, and to wish all peace and happiness to him and his family, praying for a blessing from God upon all that he had. They tell him they came from David, who understood he sheared his sheep that day, and it being a good day, a time of mirth and feasting, and plentiful provision, he sent them to desire the favor of some provisions from him for himself and his Soldiers. They tell him they had not injured any of his servants, nor plundered any of his Cattle (though it be usual with Soldiers and men of war so to do) when they lay near them in Carmel; therefore we pray thee (say they) give us that which thou hast in readiness, and what thou art willing to bestow upon us. After this manner spake the young men to him in the name of David, without being importunate, or insolent, or adding anything more than David had given them in charge. Nabal churlishly replied, Who is David, and who is the Son of Jesse? Carrying it as if he had not heard of David before, who was so famous for his virtues and good parts, for his victory over Goliath, and others of God's enemies, for his marriage with the Kings daughter, and for the high honor and esteem he had been in with the Kings servants, but being now in an afflicted and low condition, and out of favor with the King, this rich churl in a way of contempt, asks who he was? And further (says he) there be many servants now a days that break away from their masters. Covertly hereby upbraiding David first for flying from the King his master, and standing out in rebellion against him. And, 2ly, for giving entertainment to fugitive servants that were run away from their own masters. Further (he adds) shall I take my bread and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men whom I know not whence they be? So these young men returned unto David and acquainted him with what Nabal had said. David who at other times could with wonderful patience endure all the injuries which Saul had done him, being now left to himself, and enraged with this reproachful and contumelious answer of Nabal, he breaths forth nothing but revenge; wherefore he bids his Soldiers gird on their Swords, as he girt on his, and four hundred of his men following him, he resolved to destroy Nabal and all his family. Surely (says he) I have to very good purpose, kept all that this fellow hath in the Wilderness, (so that nothing was missing of all that he had) to be thus requited by him: Let the Lord so deal with the rest of my enemies as I am resolved to deal with this wicked and ungrateful fellow, and let me not prosper if I destroy not all that belong to him by the morning light, not leaving him so much as a dog to piss against the wall. Thus David being left to himself, discovered the inward corruption of his heart, and plunged himself into grievous guilt; for this was a bloody and unlawful vow ; Nabal's churlishness and covetousness (though great crimes in themselves) were not yet to be punished with death, much less was his innocent family to be slain for his offense. However David with this bloody purpose marches with his men towards Nabal 's house. In the mean time one of Nabal 's servants fearing that mischief would ensue upon his Masters churlish answer, and not daring to intimate so much to him by reason of his froward and perverse disposition, he addresseth himself to his Mistress, and acquaints her that David had sent messengers to salute their master, but he instead of taking it kindly, had used them with great contempt and reproach. But (says he) our master had little reason so to do, for David's men were very kind to us when they quartered near us, in the Wilderness; we were not hurt by them, neither missed we anything of all that belonged to us; they were a wall unto us both by day and night, and a sure and strong guard to defend and protect us from receiving any hurt or damage either from thieves, or wild beasts, I pray thee therefore consider what is fit to be done in the case; for David is a man of courage and prowess, and will never suffer such a gross abuse and injury offered to him to go unchastised. For my part I am afraid he will revenge himself on our whole family. I thought good to speak to thee of it, that thou mayest consider of some way to prevent it. As for our Master, he is such a Son of Belial, of such an harsh and churlish temper that a man knows not how to speak to him. Abigail being greatly awakened by this representation of her servant, she speedily (without acquainting Nabal therewith) provided and took two hundred loaves, and two leather-sacks of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and a hundred clusters of raisons, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses, and bad her servants go before with them, and she would follow after; and riding upon her ass attended with her servants who had the charge of the presents, on a sudden as she came under the hollow of the hill, she met David and his men. Seeing David coming she lighted off her ass and bowed herself to the ground, and fell at his feet, and said, Upon me , my Lord, upon me let the punishment of this great iniquity , and transgression fall, which has so much provoked thee; yet I pray thee let thy hand-maid speak a few words in thy ears, which may possibly dispose thee to forbear taking revenge upon us. Let not my Lord regard this man of Belial, this Nabal. Nabal is his name, and indeed he answers his name, for folly is with him; it will not be for thy honor to regard his words or actions; wise men do not use to regard the words of fools. He is not worthy that thou shouldst trouble thyself about him, much less that thou shouldst destroy me and my whole family for his sake. She spake not thus to disgrace her husband, (for his folly was too notoriously known) but because she had no other excuse to make for him to preserve him from ruin. As for me (she says). I saw not the young men whom my Lord did send. Had I seen them or known of their coming, I should have treated them more civilly. And now my Lord as sure as the Lord liveth, and as sure as thou thyself art alive, thou oughtest to believe that by my coming to meet thee, and to pacify thy anger, the Lord doth intend to hinder thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thy own hand; and seeing I trust the Lord will by his alwise Providence so over-rule thy heart, my earnest prayer is that God would make all thine enemies like Nabal; that is, as weak and unable to hurt thee as Nabal is. And as for the present that thy handmaid hath here brought to my Lord, though it is so mean that it is not worthy of thy acceptance, yet do not (I pray thee) disdain it, seeing it may be of some use to thy servants that follow thee. And I beseech thee vouchsafe to forgive the trespass of thy handmaid, seeing I take the blame of all this miscarriage wholly upon myself. I do verily believe the Lord will give thee the Kingdom, and that thy Kingdom will be lasting, and durable †; and nothing better becomes a a King than clemency and mercy. And that which enduces me to believe this is, because I see thou fightest the Lord's battles, and hast often engaged thyself (having warrant from him) in a just defense of his cause and people; and no self-revenge or cruelty hath been found in thee all thy days hitherto; therefore (I pray thee) do not stain thine honor now by shedding innocent blood. Indeed Saul is risen up unjustly to pursue thee, and seek thy life, but all his attempts will be in vain, for the Lord will carefully preserve, and charily keep thy life as men are wont carefully to bind up those things in bundles which they much value and intend to preserve. And that man's rage must needs be vain who seeks to destroy him whom the Lord will preserve and protect. But as for the lives of thine enemies, them will he by a violent death sling out, as men use to sling out stones out of their slings, which they value not. And it shall come to pass when the Lord shall have performed all his promises which he hath made unto thee, and hath settled thee in thy Kingdom, and made thee Ruler over all Israel, then it will be a comfort to thee to remember that thou didst spare us; and thou wilt not be tormented with anguish and trouble of conscience that thou didst shed innocent blood, as certainly thou wilt be if thou shouldst proceed to execute thy bloody purpose. And when thou art come to thy Kingdom, let me find favor in thine eyes, when my occasions and necessities shall require me to wait upon thee.

Abigail having thus spoken, David said, Bl • ssed be the Lord God of Israel which sent thee this day to meet me, and blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou who hast kept me this day from shedding blood, and avenging myself with my own hand; for in very deed as sure as the Lord liveth, who hath graciously kept me back from hurting thee and thy family, except thou hadst thus seasonably met me, I had utterly destroyed by the next morning, Nabal, and all that belonged to him. But thou mayest now assure thyself that my wrath is appeased, and as an evidence thereof, I do kindly accept of the present thou hast brought me, and will not avenge the wrong offered me by thy husband, either upon him or any of his family: I have heard thy suit, and do grant all that thou desiredst; therefore go in peace to thy own house, and the Lord be with thee. Abigail returning to her husband Nabal, behold he kept a Feast that day in his house like the Feast of a King, for plenty of provisions, and multitude of guests. And he had been so merry with his guests that he was very drunk, wherefore she said nothing to him more or less of his danger till the morning. In the morning when he had slept out his drunkenness and d • bauch, she acquainted him with the desperate danger he had by his folly run them all into, and how near destruction they all were, if in the very nick of time it had not been by a wonderful Providence prevented. He hearing this was so terrified with the horror and dread of the danger he had been in, that his heart died within him, and falling into a swoon, he became as a stone; and about ten days after the Lord smote him with some plague or sickness whereof he died. When David heard of the death of Nabal, though he rejoiced not in the evil that was befallen him, yet he could not but rejoice in the manifestation of God's justice upon him, and that the Lord himself had pleaded his cause against him, and had returned his wickedness upon his own head, and had withheld him from revenging himself.

Sometime after David understood that Saul out of malice to him, had given his wife Michal to one Phaltiel , the Son of Laish, who was of Gallim, a place in the Tribe of Benjamin; wherefore reflecting upon the piety, the prudence, the modesty and comeliness of Abigail, and possibly something upon her portion also, (as being in likelihood of very great wealth, which his present condition might cause him to consider) he sent some of his Attendants to her to treat with her about marriage. And he chose rather to send others than to go himself, that Abigail might be the more free in her choice, (not being over-awed with his presence) and also that he might come off with less disgrace if his motion were not accepted. The messengers coming to Abigail, acquaint her with their business, she (as one wonderfully surprised at the strangeness of the motion) bowed herself to the earth before them, and addressing herself to the principal person among them, said, Alas, I am utterly unfit for so high a dignity and advancement: Let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my Lord. I hardly think myself worthy to be a servant to his servants. Herein Abigail shown not only her great humility, but her faith also, who could think so honourably of David when he was in such a persecuted state, and such a despised condition. But the messengers pressing her further, she at last consented, and as 'tis like sometime after when the messengers came again to fetch her, she rode upon an ass after them, having five young maidens to attend her. And so she became David's wife. David also took to wife Ahinoam of Jezreel a City in Judah, by whom he had Amnon his first-born.

1 Sam. Ch. 25. from v. 2. to the end.

11ly, From hence he fled back again to Hachilah-Hill, which is before Jeshimon, for though the Ziphites had once sought to betray him there, yet he hoped he should find more favor from them now, seeing they knew how wonderfully God had delivered him. And besides possibly he apprehended this place more convenient for him, upon his marriage with Abigail, because her possessions lay near it. However the Ziphites (fearing possibly that if David came to the Crown he would remember them for their former treachery against him) bring Saul tidings a second time that he was there, that so he might be cut off, and they secured from any danger from him. Saul accordingly without delay came with three thousand chosen men of Israel to find him out. David having some intelligence of his coming, he sent out Scouts to see if it were so, and was by them informed that it was so indeed. Saul being come near to him with his forces, David arose and went secretly himself, (and possibly disguiz'd ) to the place where Saul had pitched, and he beheld where he lay, and Abner the Captain of his host, and he saw that Saul lay enclosed with the Carriages, and his Soldiers about him, but they were all fast asleep; David being moved doubtless by a special instinct of God's Spirit to undertake this dangerous Enterprize, and being desirous once more to manifest his innocence to Saul, he spake to Abimelech the Hittite, one of his Commanders, (being so by birth, though an Israelite by Religion) and to Abishai the Son of Zeruiah his Sister, [1 Chron. 2.15, 16.] demanding of them which of them would adventure to go with him into the Camp to Saul? Abishai readily answered he would go with him. David and Abishai accordingly entered into Saul 's Camp through the midst of his Army, and found Saul and his men fast asleep, his Spear sticking at his head, and a Cruse of water standing by him. Then Abishai said to David, God hath at this time delivered thine enemy into thy hands, it would be a strange and unaccountable neglect if thou shouldst let slip this opportunity which Providence plainly offers thee; let me (I pray thee) smite him with the Spear that stands at his head, and let me alone, I will smite him so surely at the first blow, that I shall not need to give him a second. David charges him not to touch him , for (says he) who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed and be guiltless. Possibly the Lord himself will smite him with some mortal disease as he did Nabal, or he will die a natural death, as other men do by sickness or old age, or he will come to his end by some casualty, falling in battle. But as for me, God forbid that I should stretch forth my hand against him, or smite him myself, or suffer him to be smitten. But I pray thee take the Spear that stands at his bolster, and the cruse of water that stands by him, and let us be gone. So they took away the Spear and the cruse of water, neither Saul nor any of his men about him awaking, for a dead sleep from the Lord was fallen upon them. See Gen. 2.21. Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill at some distance from Saul 's Camp, but so as his voice might be heard, and he called aloud to the people and to Abner, and it seems he called often before he could awaken him; at last Abner awaking said, Who art thou that criest unto the King, so as to disturb him in his rest? David answers what art thou Abner, a man so esteemed for valor that there is scarce any in Israel like unto thee? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy Lord the King better? For I do assure thee there came one of my followers into your Camp that would have destroyed the King, had not I prevented it; as the Lord liveth, thou and the people about the King are worthy to die because ye have not watched better about your master, the Lord's anointed. And now behold here in my hand the Kings Spear, and the Cruse that stood at his head; How came I by these? Saul being now awake and hearing David speak to Abner after this manner he cries out, What is this thy voice my Son David? David answers, It is my voice, my Lord O King. And I pray thee wherefore doth my Lord thus pursue after his servant? What have I done, or what evil is in my hand? Now therefore let my Lord the King vouchsafe to hear the words of his servant: If the Lord hath stirred thee up against me, let him receive an offering , that is, let him be appeased with a sacrifice and oblation which I will offer for the sin whereby I have provoked him. But if they be Court-Sycophants and malicious persons that by their lies and slanders have incensed thee against me, I leave them as cursed creatures to God's just vengeance, who will plead my cause against them. For they have endeavored to drive me out from abiding in the Inheritance of the Lord, and from enjoying his Ordinances, and by forcing me as an exile to flee into Idolatrous Countries. They have in effect said to me, Go and serve other God's. And now seeing thou knowest my innocence, let not my blood (I pray thee) be shed without cause, for the Lord will see it, and will not let it go unpunished. Besides it is not honorable for the King of Israel to pursue me with so many men, who have so little power to hurt him: For I am but as a flea, forced to skip hither and thither to save myself, or a partridge on the mountains forced to flee from place to place to escape thy hands. Then said Saul, I have sinned: Return my Son David to thy former condition, for I will no more do thee harm, seeing my life was precious in thine eyes this day, and thou hast spared me when it was in thy power to kill me. Behold I have played the fool, and erred exceedingly; I do acknowledge my fault and folly, and openly take shame to myself for it, in the hearing of all that are about me. David desires him to send one of his young men to fetch his Spear, having taken it from him, only to evidence his innocence, and that he had no evil intention in his heart against him. And therefore (says he) let the Lord recompense every man according to his righteousness, and faithfulness. Thy life was indeed in my power this day, but I would not stretch forth my hand against the Lord's anointed. And as thy life was precious in mine eyes, so let my life be precious in the eyes of the Lord my God, and let it please him to preserve it, though thou shouldst fail of thy promises made to me, and shouldst seek again to take it away. Then Saul said unto David, Blessed be thou my Son David, thou shalt do great things, and shalt at last prevail, maugre all the malice of thine enemies. Then David retired and betook himself to some place of safety, not trusting Saul for all his goodly words and promises, having formerly found him so false and malicious. And Saul returned to Gibeah where he kept his Court.

1 Sam. Ch. 26. whole Chapter.

12ly, David now seriously considering the condition of his affairs, began (through the weakness of his faith ) to think that he should at one time or other (notwithstanding all his former deliverances) perish by the hand of Saul, if he did not speedily get himself out of his reach; therefore he thought there was nothing more advisable in his present circumstances than that he should send to the King of the Philistines, and try if he could be received with his forces into his protection. This indeed was no warrantable course that he now pitched upon for his preservation: For first, God had once before commanded him by the Prophet Gad to abide in the land of Judah, see Chap. 22.5. 2ly, He having before been such a formidable enemy to the Philistines, and having so hardly escaped with his life once before, when he sought privately to shelter himself among them, there was no likelihood he should be entertained by them on any other terms than that he and his Soldiers should turn to the Philistines and declare themselves enemies to Saul and the people of Israel. 3ly, This must needs tend to the great grief of those that were righteous in the land; and would give his enemies occasion exceedingly to triumph, and to say, that now he discovered what he was, seeing he had deserted his own people and religion, and had joined himself to their uncircumcised enemies. But thus it is, when men's hearts sink through distrust of God as it seems David's now did; they seek to help themselves by any means they can. David therefore having (as 'tis probable) sent his Agents before hand to the King of the Philistines, and having obtained assurance from him under the public faith, that he and his Soldiers should live safely in his land (which 'tis like out of mere policy he consented unto, knowing the hatred that Saul bear him, and believing that David and his forces would be ready to join with him and his subjects against Saul ) he passed over with six hundred men that followed him, to Achish King of Gath. He carried also his two wives along with him, Ahinoam and Abigail, and his followers likewise carried their wives and families, not thinking it safe to leave them behind them in the land of Israel; and for some time by Achish 's permission they dwelt in Gath, or about it. When it was told Saul that David was fled to Gath, he gave over any further thoughts of seeking after him, he being in the land of his enemies, and so out of his reach. David being desirous to dwell apart by himself with those that followed him, that he might have the more freedom for the exercise of his Religion, and might keep his Soldiers from being corrupted with the Vices and Idolatries of the Philistines, and that he might from thence go out and prey the more secretly upon the enemies of God's people, without having any notice taken of it, he humbly desired Achish that his Officers might assign him and his followers some place in the Country to live in, it not being fit for him a stranger to live with the King in the Royal City, especially having so many people with him who must needs be burdensome, and might sometimes prove offensive to him and the inhabitants of his City. Achish consents thereunto, and accordingly gave him Ziklag, which being allotted to the Tribe of Judah, [Josh. 15.31.] was afterwards given to Simeon, [Josh. 19.5.] but the Philistines having gotten possession of it, had kept it to this day, and now Achish giveth it unto David, and so it was not only joined to Judah 's portion , but was also upon this occasion designed to be ever after a part of the Crown-land of the Kings of Judah. Here David dwelt a full year and four months. While he was here divers of Saul 's own Tribe and kindred resorted unto him, who are named before the men of Gad who had fallen to him before, because these men's coming to him was more strange and remarkable. And all who favored his cause had here opportunity to resort to him, as we may see 1 Chron. 12. from v. 1, to 22. Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, and were among the mighty men, helpers in the war. They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and left, in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin. The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, &c. and Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty Captains that came out of Benjamin to David, and was Colonel over them. There are but twenty three Benjamites named, the other seven (which should make up the thirty ) are not set down. And some of the Gadites also separated themselves unto David when he was in the hold or fortress of Ziklag in the Wilderness of Judea, men of might, and trained up to war, fit to order a battle, and that could handle shield and buckler, and whose faces were like the faces of lions, (that is, undaunted, fierce and terrible to their enemies) and as swift as Roes upon the mountains: Of these Gadites there are eleven named who had command over several Companies of Soldiers; they were all made Captains of Bands after David began to reign in Hebron, some of them over an hundred, and some of them over a thousand. These are they that came over Jordan in the first month called Abib, when it had overflown all its banks, so that thereby they would not be kept from coming to assist David, and they put to flight such of Saul's Soldiers as were in those troublesome times appointed to lie in the valleys near the banks of Jordan, to guard the fords and passages lest any well-affected to David should from those parts come over to his aid; upon these Soldiers of Saul 's, these Gadites came suddenly and scattered them, some flying one way, and some another. There came also some other Benjamites besides those mentioned v. 2. that were not so nearly linked to Saul, but bordering upon Judah joined with some of that Tribe, and jointly came to assist David. David hearing of their coming, went out to meet them, and said unto them, If ye be come in a peaceable and friendly manner to help me, I shall love you entirely, but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, (seeing I have done no wrong to Saul or any of you) the God of our Fathers look thereon and rebuke you, and manifest his displeasure against you for it. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Amasai (who was chief of all these brave men ) and he answered with great boldness and assurance, Thine are we David, and on thy side, thou Son of Jesse. Peace, and all manner of prosperity be unto thee, and to thy helpers, and assistants, and all that heartily join with thee. We have observed that God hath hitherto wonderfully prospered thee, and we heartily wish it may be so still. Then David joyfully received them, and so far trusted them that he gave everyone of them a place of command in his Army. Some of the Manassites also, and some others came in day by day to David, insomuch that his Army began now to be considerable. His forces being thus increased, he would not let them be idle, but under pretence of invading Judea, he sent them another way, and smote the Amalekites, and others (that are supposed to be the remainders of the Canaanites) viz. the Geshurites, namely such as dwelt formerly at Geshur in Gilead, [Josh. 12.5.] and the Gezrites whose ancestors dwelt in Gezer which belonged to Ephraim, [Josh. 16.3.] who perhaps at the first coming of the Israelites fled thence to the Amalekites, and had ever since dwelt among them; these Amalekites Saul was commanded to root out, [ Ch. 15.2, 3.] but he left some alive, and now David smote as many of them as he could light on, with other the inhabitants of that place, and left neither man nor woman alive, viz. of such as he met with scattered in several places of that solitary Wilderness, (God having devoted these accursed Nations to utter destruction) and hereby he took care that none should carry tidings of his proceedings to Achish, who would have been highly offended if he had heard that these Nations (who were either his confederates, or as 'tis probable his Tributaries ) were destroyed by David; David also carried away their sheep, oxen and asses, and camels and apparel, and returning to Achish (whom possibly he persuaded that he had got that plunder out of the coasts of Judah ) he offered as 'tis probable, a part of the spoils unto him. And after this, when ever Achish asked him, Whither have ye made a rode today? He answered that sometimes he made a rode against the South of Judah, and sometimes against the South of the Jerahmeelites, (who were a particular family of that Tribe, 1 Chron. 2.25.) and sometimes against the South of the Kenites; and thus either he told Achish direct lies to secure himself and his followers from danger, or at least he purposely deceived him with ambiguity of words, intending that Achish should so understand him as if he had invaded the South parts of Judah, whereas he meant he had invaded those bordering Countries that lay Southward of Judah, and of the Jerahmeelites, and of the Kenites; and these were indeed the people whom he invaded, and not the Israelites, and of these he spared none (of all that he met with) to bring tidings to Gath; for he thought with himself that if any of them remained alive, they would come and make a heavy complaint to Achish against him, and say, Thus did David to our Country, and this will be his manner and constant course all the while he is permitted to dwell among you. But Achish believed that David had invaded the people of the Jews, and accordingly said, Surely he hath made his own people utterly to abhor him, and can never hope that they will be reconciled to him; he shall therefore remain with me to do me service as long as he liveth.

1 Sam. Ch. 27. wh. Ch. 1 Chron. 12. from v. 1. to 23.

13ly, About this time not only Achish King of Gath, but with him all the other four Princes of the Philistines gathered their armies together to fight against Israel, being encouraged no doubt thereunto by the distractions that were now in the land, and the weak state of the Kingdom by reason of them. Achish sending for David acquainted him that he resolved that he and his men should go along with him in this expedition. David being unwilling to displease him by a direct refusal, answered ambiguously, and told him that if he commanded him to attend him in this war, he should see what his servant could do. Achish thereupon being confident of his fidelity to him, told him he would make him keeper of his head forever; that is, Captain of his Lifeguard, and would commit the chief care of his person to him as long as they both lived. The Philistines accordingly now invading the land, Saul was in great perplexity, for Samuel was dead, whom though he disregarded in his life-time, yet now he finds himself extremely to want his counsel and advice. The Philistines pitched in Shunem (a City in the border of Issachar ) and Saul having gathered an army out of all the Tribes of Israel, pitched in Gilboa a mountainous place in the Tribe of Issachar, near Jezreel. And his iniquity being now come to its full measure, he was exceedingly afraid, the guilt of his conscience suggesting dreadful things to him; in this distress he inquired of the Lord partly (as 'tis probable) by prayer, and partly by consulting with the Priests and Prophets that yet remained in the land, and putting them upon seeking to God in his behalf; but the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, or by Urim, (for Abiathar had carried away the Ephod to David ) or by Prophets, giving them any answer; so that the Lord answered him not, either one way or other , which was an evidence that he was highly displeased with him. Saul had sometime before out of a seeming zeal and pretence of obedience to God, put away those that had familiar spirits , and wizards out of the land , (namely as many of them as he could meet with) but yet it could not be doubted but that there were still some of them that secretly lurked among the people, wherefore being forsaken of heaven, he now resolves to seek to hell for help, and thereupon bad his servants seek him out a woman that had a familiar spirit , and one that wrought by Necromancy, or raising Apparitions and Ghosts of the dead , and consulting with them, [see Isa. 8.19.] for he intended to go and inquire of her what he should now do; they told him they heard there was such an one at Endor, a Town of the Manassites within Jordan, wherefore disguizing himself, and putting on other clothes that the woman might not know him, (and possibly that others might not discover his gross hypocrisy and impiety in going now to witches for counsel, whom he had before persecuted to the death) and taking two servants along with him he came to the woman by night, and desired her to cause the spirit or ghost of a dead man (whom he should name to her) to come up and appear before him, of whom he would inquire several things. The woman told him he could not be ignorant what Saul had done in persecuting those that had familiar spirits, and therefore she asks him why he laid a snare for her life. Saul sware to her as the Lord liveth there should no punishment befall her, neither would he discover her if she would comply with him in this matter. The woman having this assurance given her, asked him whom she should call up? He said old Samuel our late eminent Prophet. She accordingly by her Diabolical art caused an evil spirit (who took on him the shape and form of Samuel ) to appear. For 'tis no way likely that the Lord who had so lately refused to answer Saul by the Prophets, would now raise up Samuel from the dead to answer him. Had Samuel been raised up by God to appear to Saul, he would never have said as this counterfeit Samuel did, Why hast thou disquieted me to bring me up? It was therefore by the enchantments of the Witch that this counterfeit Samuel was raised, or the Devil in Samuel 's likeness, and therefore called Samuel here; and when he was raised, it seems the Witch was presently possessed with a spirit of Divination, and thereby knew that it was Saul for whom she had done this, and thereupon cried out, as apprehending he was come to ensnare her, why hast thou deceived me, for thou art Saul? Saul bad her not be afraid, and asked her what she saw? she said, she saw God's, that is, one of the God's, or some magistrate or personage of great honor, (such being called God's, Psal. 82.6.) ascending out of the earth. Saul not yet seeing him, asked her of what form or shape he was? she said, he appeared like an old man covered with a mantle . Saul then perceived him in that form, (though it were not the true Samuel but the Devil in his likeness) and stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself to him. This counterfeit Samuel now asked him, Why he had disquieted him to bring him up thither? Saul answered, I am sore distressed, the Philistines make war upon me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more either by Prophets, or Dreams, therefore have I called for thee that thou mayest make known to me what I should do. The evil spirit now counterfeiting not only Samuel 's person, but his words and actions, replied, Why dost thou ask counsel of me seeing the Lord is departed from thee, and become thine enemy. Alas! I cannot help thee, for the Lord will do to thee as he hath spoken by me. He will rend the Kingdom out of thine hand and give it to thy neighbor, even to David, because thou obeyest not his voice, nor executest his fierce wrath upon Amalek; and therefore it is that this judgment will fall upon thee. And moreover the Lord will deliver Israel with thee into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow thou and thy sons shall be with me ; that is, shall be dead as the true Samuel was, who was personated by this evil spirit. Saul hearing these dismal tidings, and being very faint through fasting all the day before, even to that time of the night, he fell on the ground in a swoon, and there was no strength in him. The Witch hereupon came to him and told him that she had so far obeyed him as to put her life into his hands, therefore she desired him so far to gratify her as to receive a little refreshment from her, that he might have strength to return to the army. But he utterly refused it, till his servants together with the woman, by their earnest importunity prevailed with him; so he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed, and the woman having a fatted calf in the stall, she caused it presently to be killed, and dressed and prepared some of it, and took flour and kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread thereof, and so brought her provisions and set them before Saul and his servants, and they did eat of them, and then arose and went their way.

1 Sam. Ch. 28. from v. 1, to the end.

14. The Philistines now gathered all their forces together to Aphek, a Town in the Tribe of Asher, and the Israelites pitched by a fountain near Jezreel. The Four Lord's of the Philistines led up their forces, and marched with their hundreds, and thousands, but David and his men marched in the rear with Achish, who seems to be chief among them, if not their General. The Princes of the Philistines observing this, asked in some passion what those Hebrews did among them? Achish replied the chief commander of them was David a servant of Saul 's, a man of great wisdom and fortitude, who had been with him some days, or rather some years, he having dwelt with him one full year, and four months, (see Ch. 27.7.) and in all that time since he fell to him, he had found no fault in him. But the Princes of the Philistines were not satisfied with that but imagined that Achish was merely deluded by him, and that he would endanger their Army; therefore they urge Achish to send him back, and to cause him to return to the place he had appointed for him, viz. to Ziklag, lest in the battle he should fall off from them, and help their enemies. For how can he better contrive (say they) to reconcile himself to his master than by betraying the lives of this whole Army into his hands? They further add that he was a most dangerous person, (of whose abilities they ought to be very apprehensive) being highly renowned for his military prudence and valor, among his own Nation, insomuch that the women sang of him in their dances, Saul hath slain his thousands, but David his ten thousands. [See Ch. 18.7. & 21.11.] Hereupon Achish called David, and told him that as sure as the Lord lived he had found him faithful to him, and he could not but highly approve all his carriage since he came into the Army; nay he had found no evil in him since the first day he came up to him. Nevertheless he must acquaint him that the Lord's of the Philistines favored him not, therefore he advised him to return with his forces to Ziklag that he might not give them any further cause of jealousy. David replies, what evil hast thou found in thy servant since I have been with thee, even unto this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my Lord the King ? Achish answers, I protest thou seemest unto me to be a person of such excellencies, of such probity and goodness as if thou wert an Angel sent from heaven unto me; I perceive everything to prosper that thou takest in hand. However the Princes of the Philistines have resolved that thou shalt not go with them to battle, wherefore arise very early in the morning, and with thy forces (that are Saul 's subjects ) depart and be gone, lest our people fall upon thee. Achish intended no more by his advice than this; but God had a further design in it, for by this means David was not only freed from the danger of being perfidious and ungrateful to Achish (who so much trusted in him) but also from fighting against his brethren and Country-men, and hereby also he came in time to rescue the prey out of the hands of the Amalekites which they had carried away from Ziklag .

1 Sam. Ch. 29. whole Chapter.

15. David according to Achish 's advice marches back with his forces, and coming on the third day after to Ziklag, he found it to his great astonishment burnt by the Amalekites; for such of them as had escaped Saul 's sword formerly, and his sword of late, taking advantage of the Philistines, and his absence, and resolving to revenge themselves on him, they suddenly invaded the South part of the Philistines Country, and the South of Judah , and surprizing Ziklag burnt it, (or at least a great part of it) and carried away the women and children captive, God so over-ruling their hearts that they did not put any of them to death, but kept them alive to sell them , (as 'tis probable) for slaves, and to make merchandize of them; among the rest that were carried away captive, were David 's two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail; David and his men coming to Ziklag were extremely surprised at this dismal calamity, and bursting out into tears, they wept till they had no more power to weep; David now felt the hand of the Lord sore upon him, for his distrust of God, and seeking to help himself by flying to the Philistines the professed enemies of God's people, and for his lying and dissembling, and pretending to Achish as if he had a desire to fight against Saul, and against the Israelites; never was he in greater straits than at this time, for his followers being transported with rage and discontent for the loss of their wives and children, began to mutiny , and talk of stoning him as the chief cause of this their great calamity and misery, because having provoked the Amalekites by invading their Country, and slaughtering their people, [ Ch. 27.8, 9.] he had imprudently drawn out his forces out of the city, and left it naked to the malice of their enemies, all this only to employ them in assisting the Philistines in a pernicious war against their own people. However in this desperate danger David encouraged himself in the Lord his God, and by an humble and actual trust cast himself upon his power, goodness, and fatherly care, of which he had had so large experience; then calling to the High Priest Abiathar to bring the Ephod and by it to inquire of the Lord whither he should pursue those Amalekites, and whither he should overtake them, he had a gracious answer encouraging him to pursue them, and a promise that he should without fail recover all that they had taken away. Wherefore immediately with his six hundred men he marches after them as far as the brook Besor in the borders of Simeon, where two hundred of them being faint and tired could march no further. Here God was pleased to try and exercise his faith again, in that after he had encouraged him to pursue his enemies, he seemed now to cross him by disabling one third part of his men from going on against them, and this he did that the glory of the victory might be ascribed unto him and not to David; therefore with these four hundred men (leaving the other two hundred with their baggage) going on in the pursuit, at last they found a poor Egyptian in the field almost ready to perish thorough sickness and hunger, having neither eaten nor drunk anything for three days, and three nights together; this poor creature they refreshed with bread and water, and a piece of a cake of figs, and some raisins, and then brought him to David, who examining him whence he was, and to whom he belonged, he told him he was by Nation an Egyptian, and served an Amalekite that was in the army gone before, who left him there in the field three days ago upon his falling sick. He tells him he came out with his master, and they had inroaded and plundered the South part of the Philistines, and of Judah, and had burnt Ziklag. David asks him if he could bring him down to the Camp where his master was. It seems the Amalekites had told him where they intended to encamp, that so if he recovered he might come to them. Accordingly he tells David that if he would swear to him by God, that he would neither kill him himself, nor deliver him into the power of his master, he would bring him down to them; David promised him faithfully he would not, and so he brought them to the place where the Amalekites had pitched. David found them in a careless posture spread abroad upon the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing and rejoicing for the great spoils they had gotten out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah; seeing them in this posture, he fell upon them immediately at the evening of the day, and smote them to the evening of the day following, and destroyed in a manner all of them, excepting only four hundred young men that rode upon Camels, and so escaped. He spared none he could lay his hands on, they being a Nation destined by God to utter destruction. David and his men having thus vanquished this great band of the Amalekites, they rescued all the women and children which had been carried away by them, and there was nothing lacking to them, either small or great, either sons or daughters, they recovered all ; and David's men took all the flocks and herds which the Amalekites had taken from other places besides Ziklag, and drove them before those Cattle which they had taken from Ziklag, (which belonged to David and his followers) extolling David, and proclaiming, this is David's spoil, that is, which belongeth to him by the Soldiers free consent, and gift, and accordingly afterwards he bestowed it on whom he pleased. David with his men now returning with the captives and spoils they had taken, he came at last to the place where he left the two hundred weary men, who came forth with great joy to meet David and the people that were with him. When they came near him he spoke kindly and courteously to them, that they might not be discouraged at the thoughts of their absence from the fight, seeing it was occasioned by their weariness. They desiring to have a part in the spoils, some of the four hundred who had with David vanquished the Amalekites (being wicked men, and sons of Belial ) expressed an unwillingness that they should have any share therein, but only their wives and children again, though it was not cowardice, but mere faintness that made them stay behind, and their staying behind with the carriages to defend the stuff, and being in readiness to aid and assist their fellows if they had been forced to retire, might be looked upon as a good service. David mildly speaks to these murmurers saying to them, Ye shall not do so, my Brethren, with the spoil the Lord hath given us, and which we have gotten not by our own valor and strength, but by God's gracious favor, who hath preserved us, and given our enemies into our hands; the thing you propose is unreasonable and unjust, therefore I shall decide the matter thus: As his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff; that is, the men that tarried behind and abode with the baggage shall have their share of the prey, as well as those that marched out with me unto the battle. And so from that day he revived and ratified a statute formerly made by God, [ Numb. 31.27. Josh. 22.8.] that the spoil should be divided betwixt those that fought with the enemy, and those that stayed with the stuff. And when David was returned to Ziklag, he sent some of the spoils he had taken to the Elders of Judah his friends, partly by way of restitution, because the Amalekites had taken much of this prey from the South parts of Judah, and partly by way of thankfulness for the many kindnesses he had received from them, when Saul hunted him from place to place, and partly in a way of prudence to make them hereby the more firm to him, and more ready to give him their assistance when he should stand in need of it. Thus as it is always darkest just before day dawneth, so God useth to visit his servants with greatest afflictions when he intends their speedy advancement.

1 Sam. Ch. 20. whole Chapter.

16. We return now to the Philistines and Israelites (whom we left nigh to each other, Ch. 29.) who joining battle at the very time (as Josephus says) when David was victorious over the Amalekites, the Israelites were smitten, and Saul 's three Sons, Jonathan , Aminadab, and Melchishua slain. And the battle went sore against Saul himself, for the Arch • rs hit him, and sore wounded him; he saw his Army routed, his friends and followers slain, his dear Sons killed before his face, he found himself sore wounded and inviron'd with enemies, and apprehending no possibility of escaping, he bad his Armor-hearer take his sword and run him thorough, lest the uncircumcised Philistines should take him and put him to some ignominious death; but his Armor-bearer utterly refusing to do it, he fell upon his own sword. And thus Saul with the sword he had drawn against David slew himself, and so concluded a wicked life with a desperate death, the Lord in a just judgment giving him up to act this horrid murder on himself, as a punishment of his former wickedness, therefore 'tis said, 1 Chron. 10.14. that the Lord slew him. His Armor-bearer seeing what he had done, followed his wicked example, and fell likewise upon his own sword, and killed himself. Thus died Saul and his three Sons, and his Armor-bearer, and most of his family, and kindred, most of his Courtiers and Commanders, with a great part of his army, see 1 Chron. 10.6. And when the Israelites (who dwelt on each side of this valley of Jezreel, where the battle was fought, and they that dwelt in it, 1 Ch. 10.7.) saw that their army was routed, and that Saul and his Sons were slain, they forsook their Cities and Towns, and fled for their lives, and the Philistines entered into them and possessed them. On the morrow after the battle was fought, the Philistines coming to strip the bodies of the slain, they found Saul and his three Sons fallen in mount Gilboa, and they cut off Saul's head, and stripped off his armor. His head they carried about as a Trophy, and shown it in all parts of their Country, publishing their victory, and the death of Saul and his Sons in a way of joy and triumph in the houses of their Idols , and afterwards set it up in the house of Dagon their God, thereby ascribing to him the glory of their victory, as appeareth 1 Chron. 10.10. so David had before served the head of Goliath, which he carried to Jerusalem, Ch. 17.54. They placed his Armor in the house of Ashtaroth, see the Note on Judge. 2.13. his body, and the bodies of his Sons they fastened to the wall of Bethshan , viz. in a street that was by the City-wall, see 2 Sam. 21.12. And when the Inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to the bodies of Saul and his three Sons, in gratitude to Saul (who had rescued them from Nahash King of the Ammonites, when he had straitly besieged their City, Ch. 11.11.) all the valiant men of that City arose and marched all night, and coming to Bethshan took and carried away their dead bodies, and brought them to Jabesh and burnt them there, that is, burnt the flesh of them, which having hung some days in the Sun was putrefied and stinking, and so could not be embalmed; and the flesh being burnt from the bones, they gathered up their bones and solemnly buried them under a Tree in Jabesh, and there they continued till towards the end of David's reign, when he took them up and buried them in the Sepulcher of Kish the father of Saul, 2 Sam. 21.12, 14. Then the men of Jabesh-Gilead to express their sorrow for the death of Saul and his Sons, and that they might implore mercy from God in behalf of the whole land which was now in a very sad condition, they afflicted themselves with fasting for seven days together, only taking still at night some small refreshment.

1 Sam. Ch. 31. whole Chapter.

SECT. CLXXIII.

MEphibosheth the Son of Jonathan being five years old at this time, upon the dismal tidings of these disasters, his Nurse catching him up and flying away with him in that great fright and consternation, she let him fall out of her arms, and he became lame of his feet ever after, 2 Sam. 4.4.

SECT. CLXXIV.

WE are now come to the Second Book of Samuel, so called because it containeth the History of David 's reign, who was chosen of God to succeed Saul in the Kingdom, and anointed thereunto by Samuel; and because it relates how those things which Samuel promised unto him from God were really made good unto him. It contains an History of forty years, from the death of Saul to the death of David. As for the Author of it, some think it was the office of the High Priest to register the History of the Jewish Church, and the remarkable occurrences that happened in his time. Others think it was penned by