And Kish was the father of Saul ,.... See 1 Samuel 9:1 . and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel ; this Abiel was the father both of Kish and Ner, and the grandfather of Saul, see 1 Samuel 9:1 . read more
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
The son of Abiel. There can be little doubt that the right reading is sons, and not son . We thus get an intelligible statement—"And Kish the father of Saul and Ner the father of Abner, were sons of Abiel." read more
Read, “And Kish the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner, were the sons of Abiel.” Ner was Saul’s uncle. read more
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
Kish was the father of Saul. For the difficulties of this genealogy, see note on 1 Chronicles 8:33 . read more
4. Saul’s limited effectiveness in battle 14:47-52Saul was an active warrior and was effective to an extent due to his native abilities and God’s limited blessing. He punished the enemies of Israel (1 Samuel 14:47-48), which was God’s will. Yet he did not subdue and defeat them all as David did.The information concerning Saul’s family members that the writer recorded here corresponds to other similar ancient Near Eastern texts. It was common to give this information as part of a summary of a... read more
Jonathan’s Exploit. The Battle of Michmash. A Summary of Saul’s Reign3. Ahiah] RV ’Ahijah,’ probably merely another form of Ahimelech (1 Samuel 21:1). Melech (king) was one of the titles of Jah or Jehovah.4. Between the passages] RV ’between the passes.’9. It has been suggested that the reply would show that the Philistines were brave men, and Jonathan would give up the enterprise as impossible; but in view of 1 Samuel 14:6, it is better to take the sign as a purely arbitrary one: cp. Judges... read more
(51) The son of Abiel.—For “son” the commentators mostly agree we must read sons. Kish and Ner, we know, were both sons of Abiel. (See 1 Chronicles 9:35-36, where, however, the father’s name is given as Jehiel.) read more
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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