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Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 14:2

Under a pomegranate - Compare 1 Samuel 22:6; Judges 4:5. Saul was at the northern extremity of Gibeah, about an hour’s march from Geba, where Jonathan was.Migron, if the reading is correct, must be a different place from the Migron of Isaiah 10:28. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 14:3

Whether “Ahiah” or “Ahijah” is the same person as “Ahimelech the son of Ahitub” (see the marginal reference), or whether Ahimelech was the brother or son of Ahijah, and his successor in the priesthood, it is impossible to say certainly. Most probably “Ahijah” and “Ahimilech” are variations of the same name; the latter element in each alone being different, מלך melek (king) being substituted for the divine name יה yâhh. Compare “Eliakim” and “Jehoiakim” 2 Kings 23:34, “Eliab” and “Eliel” 1Ch... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 14:4

(The southern cliff was called “Seneh,” or “the acacia,” and the same name still applies to the modern valley, dotted by acacias. The northern cliff was named “Bozez” or “Shining.” The valley runs nearly due east, and the northern cliff is of ruddy and tawny tint, crowned with gleaming white chalk, and in the full glare of the sun almost all the day. (Conder.)) read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 14:6

It is remarkable that the epithet “uncircumcised,” used as a term of reproach, is confined almost exclusively to the Philistines. (Compare 1 Samuel 17:26, 1 Samuel 17:36; Judges 14:3; Judges 15:18, etc.) This is probably an indication of the long oppression of the Israelites by the Philistines and of their frequent wars. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 14:2

1 Samuel 14:2. Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah In the outworks of the city, where he had intrenched himself to observe the motions of the Philistines. Under a pomegranate-tree A grove of pomegranate-trees. Which is in (or toward) Migron A place near Gibeah. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 14:3

1 Samuel 14:3. And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub The high-priest, who was here to attend upon the ark, which had been brought hither, 1 Samuel 14:18. The son of Eli, the Lord’s priest in Shiloh These last words manifestly belong not to Ahiah, but to Eli, who was high-priest while the tabernacle was at Shiloh. Wearing an ephod Or rather, the ephod; that is, the high-priest’s ephod, comprehending the breast-plate with the Urim and Thummim, which were inseparable from it. These Ahiah,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 14:4

1 Samuel 14:4. Between the passages Two passages, both which Jonathan must cross, to go to the Philistines, and between which the following rocks lay; but the words may be rendered, in the middle of the passage; the plural number being put for the singular. There was a sharp rock Which is not to be understood, as if in this passage one rock was on the right hand, and the other on the left; for so he might have gone between both, and there was no need of climbing up to them. But the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 14:6

1 Samuel 14:6. The garrison of these uncircumcised So he calls them, to strengthen his faith by this consideration, that his enemies were enemies to God; whereas he was circumcised, and therefore in covenant with God, who was both able and engaged to assist his people. It may be He speaks doubtfully; for though he felt himself stirred up by God to this exploit, and was assured that God would deliver his people, yet he was not certain that he would do it at this time, and in this way. ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:1-46

War against the Philistines (13:15-14:46)After Samuel left Gilgal, Saul took his troops and joined with the other section of the Israelite army, which was under Jonathan. Together they prepared for the battle against the Philistines (15-18). The Philistines were confident of victory, partly because for many years they had so controlled metal-working activities in the area that the Israelites owned hardly any weapons. This enabled the Philistines to raid throughout Israel without fear of strong... read more

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