Annotations upon the remaining historicall part of the Old Testament. The second part. to wit, the books of Joshua, Judges, the two books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, and the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther : wherein first, all such passages in the text are explained as were thought likely to be questioned by any reader of ordinary capacity : secondly, in many clauses those things are discovered which are needfull and usefull to be known ... and thirdly, many places that might at first seem to contradict one another are reconciled ... / by Arthur Jackson.

CHAP. XVII.

Vers. 1. NOw the Philistines gathered together their armies to battell, and were gathered together at Shochoh, &c.] Shochoh was a city of Ju∣dah, as we see Josh. 15.35. where also, as here, Azekah is mentioned as a town not farre from Shochoh: it is not expressed what moved the Philistines again to invade the land of Israel; but by other passages of the story of these times, we may pro∣bably conceive that it was, first, a desire to revenge their former shamefull losse, when Jonathan and his armour-bearer put their whole army to flight, chap 14. se∣condly, a jealousie of their increasing power, through many victories by Saul ob∣tained against his other neighbours, chap. 14.47. So Saul took the kingdome over

Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side; against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the king of Zobah, and against the Philistines, and whither soever he turned himself he vexed them: and thirdly▪ Some intelligence that might be given them of Sauls distemper and frantick fits, which they hoped would be no little advantage to them. But indeed the chief reason was, because that God stirred them up to accomplish that which he had in∣tended.

Vers. 3. And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel on a mountain on the other side.] Thus each part kept their ground of advantage for a time, not joyning in grosse, but maintaining some skirmishes onely, as appeareth, vers. 20.

Vers. 4. And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath of Gath.] See Josh. 11.22. We reade also of a brother of his that was like∣wise a mighty Gyant, 1. Chron. 20 5. And Elhanan the sonne of Jair slew Lahmi, the brother of Goliath the Hittite, whose spear-staffe was like a Weavers beam.

Vers. 5. And the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brasse.] To wit an hundred fifty six pound foure ounces or thereabout.

Vers. 7. And one bearing a shield went before him.] This shield Goliath was to use when he came to fight, but in the mean season for the greater state, he had his Armour-bearer to carry it before him.

Vers. 8. Why are you come out to set your battell in array.] That is, what need we bring a whole Army on each side to fight it out? Let us cast all upon a single combat. It is like enough the remembrance of their former losse, chap. 14. made them somewhat backward to put it to a battle, and their confidence in this Goliath, made them willing to decide all by a single fight. I (saith he) am a Philistine, and you servants to Saul. (The expression is observable, not Israelites, but servants to Saul by way of contempt) And therefore do you choose out a man from amongst you▪ and let us two decide the controversie.

Vers. 11. When Saul and all Israel heard th••se words of the Philistine, they were dismaid, and greatly afraid.] They could not but know that God was able to lay the huge bulk of this Gyant under the feet of the meanest of them; and be∣sides as they had a promise from God, that one of them should chase a thousand of their enemies; so likewise God had lately made good his promise in the late routing of the whole Army of the Philistines, by Jonathan and his Armour-bearer, chap. 14. And therefore it may seem strange that all their hearts should tremble thus, and be so out-braved by this Infidell monster: especially if we consider that Jonathan was a∣mongst them, as it is evident he was, because after that David had slain Goliath, it is said that Jonathan stood by, and heard his father talking with him▪ chap. 18.1.) For that he also should be afraid to enter the lists with Goliath, who had so often fought the Lords battell with great courage, and had of late so miraculously put the whole Army of the Philistines to flight, is indeed a matter of much wonder. But for this we must consider, that both faith and courage are the gifts of God, which when he with-holdeth, the best, even those that are at other times as bold as a Lion, may shrink for fear. God meant now to magnifie David, and therefore he left even Jo∣nathan himself to the feeblenesse of his own spirit, that David might undertake what

none durst venture upon, and so might become famous amongst the Israel of God, not a man was found that durst accept of Goliaths challenge which he propounded twice a day, morning and evening, vers. 16. For forty dayes together, no not after Saul had proclaimed in the camp great rewards, yea even his own daughter in mar∣riage to him that would undertake it; all which rendred Davids courage and victo∣ry the more glorious.

Vers. 12. Now David was the sonne of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem Judah, whose name was Jesse, and he had eight sonnes.] See the note upon chap. 16.10.

And the man went among men for an old man in the dayes of Saul.] And there∣fore though his sonnes followed Saul to the warre, yet he stayed at home.

Vers. 15. But David went and returned from Saul to feed his fathers sheep at Bethlehem.] That we may not wonder how David was sent to the camp by his father Jesse, when it was said in the former chapter, that he was in Sauls Court, and made his Armour bearer: here we are told that he had before this time left the Court, and was returned to keep his fathers sheep; the reason whereof might be either, first▪ the alienation of Sauls affection that he began little to regard him, and so Da∣vid was desirous to return to his own home, (we know brain-sick men are usually unconstant, and seldome continue long in one mind) or secondly because Saul being for a time recovered of his frantick fits, he had no more need of Davids musick, and thereupon dismissed him (and happely indeed his mind being wholly taken up with this war with the Philistines, he was not so much disquieted with those corroding jea∣lousies and fears, that had formerly vexed and troubled his spirit) or thirdly, because Jesse having sent his three eldest sonnes to the warre; Saul was pleased to send David home, that he might be a comfort to his aged father. But however this dispensation of Gods providence in thus disposing of David is very observable: for first, by this means David even after he was anointed to be king of Israel, continued a while in a mean and obscure condition▪ keeping his fathers sheep in Bethlehem, and following the ewes great with young, as the Psalmist speaketh, Psal. 78.71. And herein was he a notable type of Christ, who at first lived in the form of a servant, and became of no reputation, being esteemed the sonne of a carpenter, born in a stable, despised and re∣jected amongst those with whom he conversed, though God had even then given him the Throne of his father David, Luk 1.32. Secondly, hereby was the faith of David concerning Samuels anointing him notably tried; when David was called to the Court to play upon his harp before Saul, and was made his Armour bearer, there seemed to be some little ground of hope, that God was then making way to his pro∣mised exaltation. But when afterwards he was sent back again to keep his fathers sheep, then that little spark of hope that appeared before, was suddenly quenched a∣gain: To which David notwithstanding did willingly stoop, and was contented to wait upon God for the accomplishment of that which he had promised. And third∣ly, hereby the Lords effecting that which he had purposed without the help of man, was the more wonderfully manifested. One would have thought that Jesse, who knew of Davids anointing, should have sent David to the warre above all the rest of his sonnes, in hope that thereby some passage might have been opened to him for his expected exaltation: But Jesse never minding any such thing, but keeping him at home with his sheep, and onely casually as it were, sending him to enquire of the

welfare of his brethren; the Lords turning this to be the occasion of Davids exalta∣tion, did the more admirably discover that there was a speciall hand of God in bring∣ing this about, no man at all contributing any help thereto.

Vers. 18. Look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.] That is, if they have laid any thing to gage for their necessity, redeem it out; or bring me some pledge or other from them, whereby I may be satisfied concerning their welfare.

Vers. 19. Now Saul and they, and all the men of Israel were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.] To wit, In a mountain that lay close upon the valley of Elah. The body of the Israelites Army, lay encamped against the Phi∣listines on a mountain, verse 3. And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side, and there was a valley between them. But from thence happily now and then they maintaind some skirmishes with the Philistines; and thence it is said here, that they were in the valley of Elah, fight∣ing with the Philistines.

Vers. 20. And he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to fight.] That is, to skirmish with the enemy, or to stand in battell ray ready to fight, if they could get any advantage against them.

Vers. 25. The man who killeth him, the king will enrich with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his fathers house free in Israel.] That is, free from taxes, and other impositions, and so ennoble his family. With these words the Israelites did as it were encourage one another in the hearing of David to undertake the challenge of this daring Philistine, and by propounding the great rewards pro∣mised to him that should undertake this service; they did as it were covertly intimate that it seemed strange to them, that no body should be wonne hereby to hazard their lives in such a noble exploit: But in the mean season, even they that talked thus would not venture their own persons, but hung off for fear no lesse then others; but thus indeed it is usuall with men to encourage others to undertake works of difficul∣ty and danger, which themselves will not come nigh in any degree.

Vers. 26. And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, &c.] Having heard what rewards were promised to the man that should kill this champion of the Philistines, he asketh them again concerning that, not because it was the great rewards proposed that drew him on, but that by this inquiry they might perceive his inclination to undertake the com∣bat. Doubtlesse, that which moved David to think of undertaking the combat, was his zeal for the glory of God, and the honour of his people. It tended exceedingly to their reproach and dishonour, that a proud uncircumcised cai••iffe should come and out-brave the whole Army of Gods people, and not a man amongst them should dare to grapple with him: And this it was that made him think of entring the lists with him: though therefore he enquired after the rewards promised; yet that was onely to let the standers by perceive that he had some thoughts of understanding the combat: for it was to vindicate the honour of God and his people, that he heark∣ned to the motion of fighting; and so much his words do indeed plainly import, what shall be done unto the man that taketh away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defie the Armies of the li∣ving God?

Vers. 28. Why camest thou down hither, and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wildernesse?] Eliab Davids elder brother, being filled with envy against him, as disdaining that he should think of fighting with that Giant, with whom, neither himself nor any other in the army durst encounter; brake out into these words of reproch and scorn, twitting him with his sheep that he had left in the wildernesse; with whom, saith he, hast thou left those few sheep in the wildernesse? As intimat••ng that he was fitter to return to his sheep-hook, and his harp again, then to intermeddle with martiall affairs, and upbraiding him with arrogance and ambi∣tion, I know thy pride, and the naughtinesse of thine heart; for thou art come down, that thou mightest see the battell: as if he should have said, scorning to follow that imployment which belongs to thee, to wit, the keeping of our fathers sheep, nothing will serve thy turn but to be a souldier, and therefore art thou come hither, to see if by any means thou canst wind in thy self, to serve here in the army.

Vers. 29. And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?] That is, was there not a just cause for my coming hither? Did not my father send me? And is there not just cause of speaking that which I have spoken? Is it not a shame that this wretch should thus out-face the armies of Israel, and no body should dare to undertake him?

Vers. 34. And there came a Lion, and a Beare, &c.] That is, there came a Li∣on at one time, and a Beare at another time; for it cannot be meant that they came both together, and together took one kid out of the flock: and therefore also in the next words he speaks of his killing them severally; I went out after him, and smote him, &c. To wit, the Lion at one time, and the Beare at another.

Vers. 35. And when he arose, I took him by the beard, &c.] That is, by his ne∣ther jaw, or the hair about his jaw. Had he killed him casually, by shooting, or casting any thing at him it had not been so great a matter; but thus to kill him was an act indeed of admirable courage.

Vers. 37. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.] It may seem strange that Saul should yield to let David enter the lists with Goliath, considering how unequall the match was in the eye of reason, and that Goliath had propounded this as a condition in his challenge, that if he vanquished the man that fought with him, then the Israelites should be for ever servants to the Philistines: but doubtlesse however at first he sleighted Davids proffer, and told him that he was every way unfit to grapple with such an adversary, vers. 33. Yet when he had heard Davids courage and resolution, and confidence in Gods help, and the relation of these two miraculous exploits of his, against the Lion and the Beare, this wrought in him some kind of faint hope; yea perhaps some temporary faith, that God would miraculously assist him, and so he gave him liberty, and wished him good speed.

Vers. 38. And Saul armed David with his armour, &c.] That is, with ar∣mour out of his own armoury; for it is not likely that the armour which Saul used to wear could fit David.

Vers. 39. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them.] That is, I have not been used to wear such arms, and so they are a burden to me.

Vers. 40. And he took his staffe in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, &c.] The sleighter the means were, whereby David overcame this Giant, the more evident it was, that the victory was of God. And thus too the means whereby Christ overcame Sathan, were not likely in the eye of reason to van∣quish such an adversary; for he overcame him by the crosse, death, &c. Yea, this was indeed to kill that Goliath with his own sword: Heb. 2.14. That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.

Vers. 42. And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him: For he was but a youth, and ruddy, &c.] That is, he had not the countenance of a souldier, it was rather amiable then terrible.

Vers. 43. And the Philistine cursed David, by his Gods.] That is, he wished some mischief or evil might be inflicted on him by his idol-god, to wit, that Dagon might destroy him, or some other such like imprecation.

Vers. 45. But I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.] He tells him that he had defied the Lord of hosts, because he had defied the Israelites his people: for God alwayes takes any wrong done to them, as done to himself; and by saying that he came against Goli∣ath, in the name of the Lord of hosts, he meant that he came against him to vindi∣cate the dishonour that he had done to the Lord, and that by warrant from God, and in the assured confidence of his aid and assistance, whence is that which he addes, vers. 46. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand, and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Phi∣listines this day, unto the fowls of the aire, and to the wild beasts of the earth: that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

Vers. 47. And all this assembly shall know, that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear.] That is, that he can save without these, and is not tied to such out∣ward means.

Vers. 49. And smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead, &c.] Either therefore the stone which David slung was cast with such ex∣traordinary force, through the speciall assistance of God, that it went through his helmet of brasse, and so into his fore-head: or else the Philistine, as not fearing any thing which David could do, never pulled down his helmet over his face, but went with his face open to fight with David: however, the very guiding of the stone so directly to the forehead of this gyant, was doubtlesse of God: for though it was usuall with the Israelites to be able to sling stones at an hairs breadth, Judg. 20.16. Among all these people, there were seven hundred chosen men left-handed, every one could sling stones at an hairs breadth, and not misse: yet the mark was then fix∣ed; and Goliaths forehead, though it were a fairer mark, yet it was lesse easie to be hit, because he was stirring; onely God guided the stone, and so lodged it in the fore∣head of this blaspheming Miscreant.

Vers. 51. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.] God striking them with a secret terrour; for else little might they have regarded the losse of Goliath, being so strong as they were; nor the promise which he had made vers. 9. that the Philistines should be servants to the Israelites, in case their Champion should foil and kill him.

Vers. 52. And the wounded of the Philistines, fell down by the way to Shaara∣im.] A town in the borders of Judah, Josh. 15.36.

Vers. 54. And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Je∣rusalem.] For though the strong hold of Sion was as yet in the possession of the Jebusites, and so continued till David took it from them when he came to be king, 2. Sam. 5.7. Yet the city of Jerusalem it self was long before this in the possession of the Israelites, Judges 1.8, The children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem and had taken it. And therefore the Israelites returning now in triumph from the slaugh∣ter of the Philistines, David carried the head of this Gyant in triumph with him, and at last laid it up in Jerusalem as a monument of this glorious victory: The rather perhaps choosing to carry it to Jerusalem, that the Jebusites that hitherto kept that strong hold there might be terrified with this sight.

But he put his Armour in his tent.] This is meant either of the tent which David afterwards provided for the Ark of God, 1. Chron. 15.1. and therefore called his tent. Or else, rather it is meant of his own private tent, where it seems, he kept all Goliahs armour for a time; though afterward it is evident that his sword was laid up in the Tabernacle of the Lord at Nob, Chap. 21.9. And the Priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold it is wrapt up in a cloth behind the Ephod.

Vers. 55. He said unto Abner captain of the host, Abner, whose sonne is this youth?] This may well seem strange, considering what is said before concerning Saul and David, chap. 16.21. And David came to Saul, and stood before him, and he loved him greatly; and he became his armour bearer. And indeed some Ex∣positours do certainly hereupon conclude, that there is here a transposition of the history, and that these things related in this chapter were done before that which is related in the foregoing chapter, concerning Sauls sending for David to play before him, &c. But yet it is not safe to change the order of the history without necessary cause, and that, here I find not. For, notwithstanding all that had formerly passed between Saul and David: how this might be that Saul should not now know Da∣vid we may well enough conceive, if we consider, First, That the countenance of young men when they grow toward ripenesse of years, and begin to have hair on their faces, many times doth much alter in a little while. Secondly, That great Per∣sonages do take little notice of their meaner servants, and therefore easily forget them. Thirdly, That Saul was troubled with melancholly and frantick fits, and such men will often forget those that formerly they have seemed much to respect. For all this considered, it needs not seem impossible that Saul should before this greatly love David, (to wit, according to the respect which musitians or ser∣vants find with Princes) and appoint him to be one of those that sometimes carried his sheild before him; and yet having afterwards sent him home to his father, should not know him when he came to the camp in other apparell and with an∣other countenance to visit his brethren. And as for Abner being a martiall man and often abroad, he might in those times take little notice of David.