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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 14:48

And he gathered an host ,.... A large army; for after the battle with the Ammonites he disbanded his army, and sent them home, retaining only 3000 men, and these deserted him to six hundred, which were all the men he had with him, when he fought last with the Philistines; but now, finding he had enemies on every side of him, he gathered a numerous host to defend his country against them, and particularly to attack the people next mentioned: and he smote the Amalekites ; a people that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 14:48

Smote the Amalekites - This war is mentioned in the following chapter. 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:48

He gathered a host. So the Syriac and Vulgate, but the margin is probably the true meaning, "He wrought mightily," or valiantly. 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 14:48

an host . Hebrew "power". Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , put for the army which manifested the power. Or, it may be rendered "he wrought mightily". 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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