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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:47-52

Here is a general account of Saul's court and camp. 1. Of his court and family, the names of his sons and daughters (1 Sam. 14:49), and of his wife and his cousin-german that was general of his army, 1 Sam. 14:50. There is mention of another wife of Saul's (2 Sam. 21:8), Rizpah, a secondary wife, and of the children he had by her. 2. Of his camp and military actions. (1.) How he levied his army: When he saw any strong valiant man, that was remarkably fit for service, he took him unto him (1... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:47

So Saul took the kingdom over Israel ,.... Which seemed to be almost taken from him when he was shut up in Gibeah, and the Philistines ravaged his country at pleasure; but now, having obtained a victory over them, he recovered his kingdom, and reassumed his power and authority; or he was now strengthened in it, as Kimchi interprets it; the people seeing that he succeeded in his wars with their enemies, they readily submitted to his government without any hesitation, and obeyed his commands;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 14:47

So Saul took the kingdom - The Targum appears to give the meaning of this expression: "Saul prospered in his government over Israel." And the proofs of his prosperity are immediately subjoined. Fought against all his enemies - Of the wars which are mentioned here we have no particulars; they must have endured a long time, and have been, at least in general, successful. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:47

So Saul took the kingdom. Instead of so the Hebrew has and , rightly; for this is no result or consequence of Saul's victory over the Philistines, but a mere historical introduction to the summary of his wars. The more correct translation would be, "When Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel, he fought," etc. Saul's reign was valiant and full of military glory. He was, in fact, in war all that the people had longed for, and not only. did he gain independence for Israel.. but laid the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:47-48

The restless king. When a locomotive engine slips off the rails, it would do little harm if it could stop at once; but its momentum carries it forward. It ploughs up the way, it dashes over an embankment, and drags ever so many carriages and passengers to destruction. So is it with the deflection of a man of force and influence from the right course. If he would stop at once, or if he should soon die, the mischief might be small. But the momentum of his character and position drives him... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:47-52

Gradation in service. The facts are— 1 . Saul's warlike efforts issue in the general discomfiture of his enemies. 2 . The domestic relations of Saul are incorporated in the record of facts pertaining to gradual unfolding of the Divine purpose. 3 . During all his conflicts with the Philistines Saul shows prudence in strengthening his military position. The section gives a summary of the military operations of Saul's reign and of the success of his efforts, and also places on the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 14:47

Compare 2 Samuel 8:15. The preceding narrative shows that before this time Saul had been king in name only, since his country was occupied by the Philistines, and he could only muster 600 men, and those but half armed and pent up in a narrow stronghold. Now, however, on the expulsion of the Philistines from his country, and the return of the Israelites from their vassalage and from their hiding places 1 Samuel 14:21-22, Saul became king in deed as well as in name, and acted the part of a king... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 14:47-48

1 Samuel 14:47-48. Saul took the kingdom That is, resumed the administration of it, after he had, in a manner, lost it by the Philistines, who had almost got the entire possession of it, and enslaved Israel. And fought against all his enemies on every side He did not invade them, as may be gathered from the next verse, but repelled them, and kept them within their own limits. He gathered a host, and smote the Amalekites; which war is described at large in the next chapter. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:47-52

Summary of Saul’s reign (14:47-52)Despite his many weaknesses of character, Saul was a strong leader in battle and led Israel to many victories (47-48). He helped develop this strong leadership by collecting around him the best and most capable men from his own family circle and from the army (49-52). read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 14:47

and . Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton ( App-6 ) in verses: 1 Samuel 14:47-48 . children = sons. he vexed them = he put them to the worse. But Septuagint reads "he was victorious". read more

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