‏ 1 Samuel 14

* Jonathan smites the Philistines. (1-15) Their defeat. (16-23)

Saul forbids the people to eat till evening. (24-35) Jonathan

pointed out by lot. (36-46) Saul's family. (47-52)

1-15 Saul seems to have been quite at a loss, and unable to

help himself. Those can never think themselves safe who see

themselves out of God's protection. Now he sent for a priest and

the ark. He hopes to make up matters with the Almighty by a

partial reformation, as many do whose hearts are unhumbled and

unchanged. Many love to have ministers who prophesy smooth

things to them. Jonathan felt a Divine impulse and impression,

putting him upon this bold adventure. God will direct the steps

of those that acknowledge him in all their ways, and seek to him

for direction, with full purpose of heart to follow his

guidance. Sometimes we find most comfort in that which is least

our own doing, and into which we have been led by the unexpected

but well-observed turns of Divine providence. There was

trembling in the host. It is called a trembling of God,

signifying, not only a great trembling they could not resist,

nor reason themselves out of, but that it came at once from the

hand of God. He that made the heart, knows how to make it

tremble. 16-23 The Philistines were, by the power of God, set against

one another. The more evident it was that God did all, the more

reason Saul had to inquire whether God would give him leave to

do any thing. But he was in such haste to fight a fallen enemy,

that he would not stay to end his devotions, nor hear what

answer God would give him. He that believeth, will not make such

haste, nor reckon any business so urgent, as not to allow time

to take God with him. 24-35 Saul's severe order was very unwise; if it gained time,

it lost strength for the pursuit. Such is the nature of our

bodies, that daily work cannot be done without daily bread,

which therefore our Father in heaven graciously gives. Saul was

turning aside from God, and now he begins to build altars, being

then most zealous, as many are, for the form of godliness when

he was denying the power of it. 36-46 If God turns away our prayer, we have reason to suspect

it is for some sin harboured in our hearts, which we should find

out, that we may put it away, and put it to death. We should

always first suspect and examine ourselves; but an unhumbled

heart suspects every other person, and looks every where but at

home for the sinful cause of calamity. Jonathan was discovered

to be the offender. Those most indulgent to their own sins are

most severe upon others; those who most disregard God's

authority, are most impatient when their own commands are

slighted. Such as cast abroad curses, endanger themselves and

their families. What do we observe in the whole of Saul's

behaviour on this occasion, but an impetuous, proud, malignant,

impious disposition? And do we not in every instance perceive

that man, left to himself, betrays the depravity of his nature,

and is enslaved to the basest tempers. 47-52 Here is a general account of Saul's court and camp. He

had little reason to be proud of his royal dignity, nor had any

of his neighbours cause to envy him, for he had but little

enjoyment after he took the kingdom. And often men's earthly

glory makes a blaze just before the dark night of disgrace and

woe comes on them.