1 Samuel 14:52

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 14:52

And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul ,.... For notwithstanding the late victory over them, and slaughter made among them, they recovered themselves, and came out again to battle, and gave Saul a great deal of trouble, and he at last died in battle with them: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him ; to be his bodyguard, as Josephus F17 Ut supra. (Antiqu. l. 6. c. 6. sect. 5.) says; or for soldiers and officers in his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 14:52

When Saul saw any strong man - This was very politic. He thus continued to recruit his army with strong and effective men. 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:52

The summary ends with two important particulars respecting Saul's kingdom—the first, that the Philistines were powerful and dangerous enemies to Israel all his days; the second, that in order to carry on the war with them he ever kept around him the nucleus of a standing army. In thus forming a "school of heroes" he raised the whole spirit of the people, and took an essential and necessary step for maintaining Israel's freedom. With much of the despot in him, Saul had grand qualities as a... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 14:52

1 Samuel 14:52 . When Saul saw any strong man, he took him That is, when he saw any one behave well in battle, or of great strength, he took him into his band to be near to him on all occasions, and to go out to battle with him. 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 14:52

man . Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 . valiant man . Hebrew son of valour. he took him . As Samuel had said (1 Samuel 8:11 , 1 Samuel 8:16 ). read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Samuel 14:52

"There was hard fighting against the Philistines all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he attached him to himself."The Bible does not say that this continual war between Israel and the Philistines was due to events recorded in this chapter, but the appearance of this verse just here surely suggests that very thing. Furthermore, it was in a battle with the Philistines that Saul lost his life, ending his reign. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 14:47-52

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

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