A compleat history and mystery of the Old and New Testament logically discust and theologically improved : in four volumes ... the like undertaking (in such a manner and method) being never by any author attempted before : yet this is now approved and commended by grave divines, &c. / by Christopher Ness ...

1 Sam CHAP. XVIII.

CHapter the Eighteenth giveth an Account, First, Of the extraordinary Grace and Favour that Saul, &c. expressed towards David, from v. 1. to v. 8. And, Secondly, How all this came to be changed in Saul into extraordinary envy and hatred, from v. 8. to the end. Remarks upon the first part are,

First, Saul looked upon David with an Amicable Eye, and with a Look of Love, when Abner brought him to the King with Goliah's Head in his Hand, chap. 17.57, 58. and when he had made an excellent Oration to Saul, debasing himself and exalting his God, who was the sole giver of the Victory over Goliah, &c. 'Tis said here, v. 1. [When David had made an end of speaking to Saul,] no doubt but he spake much more to Saul than is here Recorded; for himself saith, [The Mouth of the Righteous speaketh Wisdom, and his Tongue talketh of Judgment, the Law of God is in his Heart,] Psal. 37.30,

31. When Saul heard the many Gracious Words that proceeded out of his Mouth, and withal saw the Giant's Head in his Hand, for which a little before he would have given even the half of his Kingdom, while Goliah put him to shame for forty Days to∣gether, How could Saul do less but thank him for his Valour and Victory, (a Mercy to himself and to all his Subjects? yea, and Admire him also, for his most excellent En∣dowments which shone forth in him both in his Speeches and Actions. Saul might also admire David's Modesty in not claiming the Wages promised for his Work, Chap. 17.25.

N. B. However, this is expressed, that David found so much favour with Saul, as that he now must have his constant Residence in the King's Court, and have no more Dismissions into a Countrey-Life, as he had heretofore, v. 2. and Chap. 17.15. If Saul could Love David greatly, when he was to him but a skilful Musician, chap. 16.22. How much more now, when he was so highly Honour'd of God to become his Conquering Champion? better had it been to have loved him less, and loved him long.

The Second Remark is, David had the Love of Jonathan, v. 1, 3, 4. whatever defect was found in the Father's Love to David, it was abundantly supplyed in the Sons Love to him: And this Love of Jonathan's to David, was,

First, Internal, he Loved him as his own Soul, v. 1. as if there had been but one Soul in their two Bodies, [Corporibus geminis Spiritus unus erat,] because of suitableness in their Age, Natures and Manners.

2. Jonathan's Love was External in making a League of Love, a Convenant of Friend∣ship with him; the Symbol and Pledge whereof was, his striping himself of all his Princely Robes and Accoutrements, and putting them upon David, who devested him∣self of his Pastoral Habits in order thereunto, v. 3, 4. so that here Prince Jonathan (to mend his Father's, the King's neglect) did, as it were, confer the Honour of Knight∣hood upon David, saying to him, [Kneel down David a Shepherd, and rise up David a Prince,] thou shalt have the Veneration due to Jonathan, in the Garments and Orna∣ments of Jonathan; thou shalt be my alter ego, thou shalt be my Court-Companion, and wear these Robes of the highest Courtier, as a Reward of thy Heroick Valour and Victory.

N. B. Nor was it perhaps without a Mystery (saith one) that Saul's Garments fit∣ted not David, but Jonathan's fitted him, and these he was as much delighted to put on and wear, as he was desirous to put off and disburden himself of the other: Oh how liberal was Jonathan's Love to David, thus to strip himself even to his Sword, Bow, and Girdle! but the Love of our Jonathan, of our Jesus, is more liberal, in stripping himself of his own righteousness, and became sin for us, that we might be Righteous to God in him! 2 Cor. 5.21. Jonathan did not put on David's poor Pastoral Coat, when he put off his own Royal Robes, as our Jesus doth for us, &c.

The Third Remark is, The Love that the Courtiers bare to David, yea, and all the People also loved him, v. 5. for his prudent management of all his Military Matters, when Saul had made him the Captain of his Life-guard, his Vertue was so Amiable and At∣tractive, [In his behaving himself so wisely in all his concerns,] that both the Court and the Countrey were plainly Inamour'd with him, though no doubt some of Saul's Servants did envy his Glory.

The Fourth Remark is, The Love that he gained likewise among the Women, v. 6, 7. This was immediately after the Slaughter of Goliah, and of the Army of the Phili∣stines, as Saul and David marched through the Cities to Jerusalem, the Women (who share deeply in the common Calamities of War, as Ravishments, &c. and rejoyce greatly in Victories, whereby they are freed from such Abuses) came forth to meet King Saul with singing and playing upon Instruments of Musick, according to the cu∣stom of those times and places, Exod. 15.20. Judg. 11.34. the burden of their Song was, [Saul hath slain his Thousands, but David his Ten Thousands,] as if they had said, Saul deserves to be commended much, but David ten times more, [Hinc illae lachrymae.] From hence came the rise of all David's following Troubles.

N. B. Objection, Had this Song of the Virgins (enamour'd with David) been immedi∣ately after the Victory over Goliah, &c. This would have hindered Saul from preferring Da∣vid to be the Commander in Chief of his Life-guard, &c.

Answer 1. It was Saul's Policy to prefer David at the present to gratifie his whole Army and People, especially his Son Jonathan, who was become such a passionate Lo∣ver of David, and therefore Saul must bestow a badge of Honour upon him for his famous Victory, or he could not retain his own Reputation, nor answer Universal Ex∣pectation of fulfilling his promise of preferring the Conqueror, Chap. 17.25.

Answer 2. It was principally God's Providence, more than Saul's Policy, over-ruling Saul against his own Inclinations, who designed to crush him when he could obtain a fit opportunity; but now he must be made a Captain, as Samuel had foretold it, 1 Sam. 8.11, 12. as a step to the Kingdom, whereunto he was Anointed, and whereof he was no less assured, Psal. 63 11.

The second part is Saul's Envy and Hatred, the matter and form whereof is expressed. in v. 8. how it had its Conception, and Nativity, the foul effects follow. Remarks hereon are,

First, Saul was very wroth with the Womens singing ten times more Praises to David, than to himself. Chrysostom and others do blame the Women for so doing, because all Comparisons are odious, even among equals, how much more when an Inferiour is made equal to his Superiour, but most of all when a Subject is preferr'd before his Soveraign? this seems to have some Imprudence in it, especially when such a Song would (for the same of it) spread far and near, even into other Lands, as indeed it did even into the Philistines Countrey▪ chap. 21.9. and 29.5. those Songs of Triumph for this famous Victory were so solemnly transacted, so that Saul seemeth to have just cause of displea∣sure against the Women for their Imprudent Actings, but still be had no just cause of Anger against Innocent David, who had so modestly behaved himself all along before Saul, that he might easily gather, it was neither David's desire or design, much less his doing, that any thing, least of all, that so much should be ascribed to him; therefore the same Chrysostom excellently observeth, that Saul's Anger against David was altoge∣ther without cause, and he qualifies the fault and folly (if any were indeed in their so doing, being over-ruled by God so to do, &c.) in the Women, for

N. B. Their Ascribing to Saul more than he deserved, because he suffered the Phi∣listines Champion to Challenge and Desie the Army of the Israel of God, and to Blas∣pheme the God of Israel twice a Day for forty Days together; yet he cowardly kept himself in his Camp for safety, and durst not venture to vindicate God's Glory, and the Honour of Israel; whereas the Women attributed to David less than his due, seeing to him (as to an Instrument of God's Hand) the whole Glory of the Victory ought to have been deservedly ascribed; he was the only Agent, and Saul was but a Patient and an Idle Spectator, in the grand Conquering Controversie. Yet the Women do give him some praise: However in David there was no fault, for he neither composed, nor sang the Song.

The Second Remark is, The first product or effect of Saul's Envious Heart against David, which was his looking upon David with an Envious Eye, with a Lowring Look, and with a Sowre Frowning Countenance, v. 9. This Vitium Diabolicum, or Devilish Sin of Envy from the Envious one, lay boiling in his Heart ever after the Wo∣mens singing so, and his saying, [What can David have more but the Kingdom?]

Invidiâ Siculi non Invenere Tyranni Majus Tormentum.—

saith Horace.

The Tyrants of Sicily never invented a worse Torment than Envy, which now be∣came a burning fire in Saul's Bosome, and as a Worm that uncessantly gnawed upon his Entrails.

N. B. Saul now began to think that David was the Man, that Samuel had twice told him of, [A Man after God's own Heart,] chap. 13.14. and [A Man better than me,] chap. 15.28. to whom my Kingdom must be transferr'd: I now see God is gone from me, in those Royal Gifts he once gave me, but now they shine forth in David: Kings hate Corrivals, thus Saul hated David in his Heart, when he saw him God's Darling, and the Peoples Favourite; and though he was a dissembling Hypocrite, carrying plausibly with Court Complements toward David, because he knew this pleased his Son Jona∣than, (a great Crony with him) and his Subjects generally, yet could he not hide his Heart-Hatred, but discovered it by an Envious Eye, and a Malicious Aspect; such a Countenance he cast upon David, as Cain did upon Abel, Gen. 4, 5, 6.

Heu quàm Difficile est Crimen non prodere Vultu.

Though he sometimes gilded over his inward Malice, with outward shews of Love to David, yet could he not at all times conceal his Hypocrisie, but discovered it by his Countenance.

The Third Remark is, Saul's Envious Heart and Eye revived his Melancholick Di∣stemper, and the Devil of Discontent sets him now into a new Phrenzy, v. 10. which while David endeavoured to qualifie by playing upon his Harp, as at other times, Saul ra∣ved and raged like a mad Prophet, a Kings 9.11. and being acted and agitated by the Devil, his Hand now, as his Eye had done before, doth make a new discovery of his secret Dissimulation: For this Tyrant, being as terrible to himself, (a Magormissabib, Jer. 20. 3, 4. terrour to himself) as he had been to others, kept ever a Javelin by him for his own defence; this the Hypocrite snatches up in a Fury, hurls it with great force at David:

N B. Who, for his kindness in Harping to cure Saul's Melancholy, hath this Jave∣lin cast at him to kill him, and to prick him to the Wall, v. 11. tho' (as Chrysostom well observeth) Saul could not have sufficiently Honoured David, had he taken the Crown from off his own Head, and placed it upon the Head of David, seeing he owed to him both his Kingdom and his very Life: This was truly Diabolical, to requite David evil for good; yea, and now while David was doing this good Office for him, whereof he had formerly such good experience of great Success; and had not the Devil been in him, he would surely never have done it to good David.

N. B. Note well. These three things here: The First is The Devil was not so in Saul, as to take away altogether the use of his Reason, but suffers Saul to exercise it for ex∣ecrable ends: Saul could say to himself, Now have I a fair opportunity to kill David. Some suppose, that Satan prompted Saul to prophesie of Divine things, politickly to lull David asleep, that he might dispatch him the better while he feared no danger.

The second is, God over-shoots the Devil in his own Bow, in making Saul's Javelin to miss David's Body, who made David's stone to hit Goliah's Forchead and kill him.

The third thing is, David in thus escaping, is a Type of Christ, who while he sought to cure the Jews, they sought to kill him, yet did he escape them often, Luke 4.18, 19, 20. and John 8.59. till his hour was come. Thus David escaped twice, once here, v. 11. and again, chap. 19.10.

The Fourth Remark is, Saul's sending David away from his Court at Gibeah, whither Saul marched from the Camp, and Jonathan together with David, after he had put him into a Soldier and a Courtiers Garb: In their way thither was that Song (so offensive to Saul) sung by the Women as is aforesaid; however, Saul Hypocritically hides his Malice, till he had the opportunity of casting a Javelin at David, which he marvelous∣ly avoided, as is before related.

N. B. Now Saul taketh new measures, and Banisheth David from his Court, v. 12, 13. Yet under pretence of Honour, that he might seem to make good his Promise of prefer∣ring the Man that could Conquer Goliah, so he makes him a Collonel over a Thousand Soldiers; but his intent was to free himself from his own fears.

First, Lest (as some say) David should dispatch him privily in his Bed, as he would have done to David upon advantage, with his Javelin: This was to Muse, as he did Ʋse.

Secondly, Lest (as others say) he should ingratiate himself too much with his Courtiers, as he had already gained the Commonalty, and he might fear that both these would joyn together to Depose him, and set up David in his stead because of the Song of the Women, v. 7. But,

Thirdly, The true cause was to quit himself of his great Eye-sore, for now David's Presence made Saul as much sad, as ever his Musick had made him merry, by fetching him out of his Melancholick Dumps.

The Fifth Remark is, The effects of this new Preferment conferr'd by Saul upon Da∣vid, v. 14, 15, 16. Saul designed to expose David in the Wars, that he might fall by the Philistines Hands, when he could not make him fall by his own Hands: But such was the Providence of God over him, and his own Prudence in managing all his Mili∣tary Matters, that David became prosperous in all his Proceedings, whereby he plainly captivated the Universal Affections of the People, when they saw the Lord was departed from Saul, and was present with David, giving him prudence in his Conduct, and pro∣sperous Success in all his Ʋndertakings: No wonder if Saul was afraid of him, as it is said of him three times, v. 12. and 15. and 19.

N. B. Dr. Lightfoot well observeth, that when David was now set at large from Saul, to go in and out at his pleasure, then likely he bringeth Goliah's Armour to Bethlehem, and his Head to Jerusalem, laying up those Trophies of his Valour and Victory among his own Tribe, that when occasion should be, the sight of these things might influence a

sufficient Party to stand up for him, whom God had already Anointed and Appointed by Samuel.

The Sixth Remark is, Saul's restless malice in plotting to destroy David secretly and treacherously by pretending an Honourable Marriage to him; but intending most notorious mischief against him therein. And first he proposeth to Marry David to his Eldest Daughter Merab, but for a destructive purpose, v. 17, 18, 19. Saul's malice to David was such and so unsatisfiable, that he was resolved to ruin him, vel vi, vel clam, vel precariò, either privately or openly; and when he saw the latter could not be done, he makes an experiment of the former by propounding a Royal Match to him, thinking that would please the People, who, he feared would protect David from his offering him any open Violence. Therefore his Secret Wheedle was to offer him Merab in Marriage, only upon this condition [Be Valiant for me, and Fight the Lords Battles,] hoping he might fall by the hands of the Philistines, being a forward Man in Fight, (he well knew) and would venture far, yea too far; as Uriah did af∣terwards and was cut off, 2 Sam. 11.16, 17.

N. B. Note well; First, This very Pit which Saul had digged for David, the Lord over-ruled the matter so, that Saul fell into that very Pit himself, Psal. 9.15, 16. and 7.15, 16. For whereas he designed that David should Die by the hands of the Philistines, that very fate did befal himself; they made him kill himself, Chapter 32. Verse 3, 4.

N. B. Note well; Secondly, Merab was due to David before by Promise for his killing Goliah, Chap. 17.25. yet he that there twice enquired into the reward of that enterprize before he undertook it, never demanded it after the Atchievement. Be∣hold Saul's base Hypocrisie, still waxing worse and worse; Love is here pretended, and Truth in performing his Promises; but Mischief is purposed: Designing that he being made Saul's General, so Valiant in himself, would expose himself the more in most Desperate Enterprizes, to give more than Ordinary Proofs of his Extraordinary Valour.

N. B. Note well; Thirdly, David's modest refusal of this Royal Offer, because of his own meanness, not because there was really so much distance betwixt Saul and David, for the former had been but a Feeder of Asses, as the latter had been a Feeder of Sheep; and Saul himself, when he had a better mind than now, had the like modesty to Samuel, when he was first sent to Anoint him King, Chap. 9.21. but alas, Honores mutant mores, His Honour had marred both his Mind and his Manners; he had now forgot that himself was raised out of the very Rubbish of almost Destroyed Benjamin, Judg. 20, &c. David speaks lowly of himself with∣out dissimulation, as too low and unmeet for so high a Marriage, that Saul might not suspect so low-minded a Man, for being Ambitious to seek the Kingdom, though already Anointed thereto.

N. B. Note well; Fourthly, The persidious dealing of Saul with David, when he had performed the Conditions in Fighting the Lords Battles, that he might be Married to Merab; and through Divine Protection, and contrary to Saul's expectation, had run through many difficulties, and eminent dangers. Saul, contrary to his Promise to David, gave his Daughter to another Man, namely, to Adriel, v. 19. on purpose to provoke David into some Treasonable Actions and Speeches, which might give Saul some colour to cut him off: This Affront and injury was very unbearable, and the like had incensed Samson to Destroy the Corn, Vines, &c. of the Philistines, Judg. 15.2, 4. though to be deprived of the Joy of Marriage; and when the Mar∣riage Day was come, wherein the Bridegroom was in high expectation of Embrace∣ing his Bride, even then to be disappointed was exceeding hard measure, yet David resolves to bear it patiently.

N. B. Note well; Fifthly, David over-matched Saul's Malice in this matter also by his great Prudence and Patience, neither Acting nor Speaking any thing unbe∣seeming a Loyal Subject, but committed his Cause with all Calmness to God who Judges Righteously: And so indeed God did notably when Merab's five Sons (which she had by this Adriel) were in due time by Gods own appointment all Hanged, 2 Sam. 21.8, 9. To appease his great Wrath, &c.

The Second Secret Design of Saul to destroy David, was by his Marrying him to his Younger Daughter Michal, who could not hide her Love to David▪ which (some say) her Sister wanted, otherwise she would not have consented to Marry another Man, even Adriel, v. 20, 21. Here this Hypocrite discovers his Hypocrisie: 'Tis said, he

was pleased that his Daughter Michal loved David, yet was highly displeased that his Son Jonathan loved him: So that this was not pleasing to Saul simply that David was belov∣ed of Michal, but that she might Become a Snare to him, either by causing him to run some desperate Adventures for procuring her, or by obliging her (as his Daughter) to complot with her Father for Davids destruction: Put herein likewise David's God over-shot Saul's Devil in his own Bow. This bad Counsel for betraying David had no good success, for Michal minded more her Conjugal Love to a Good Husband, than an Impious Obeisence to a Bad Father; therefore was she an instrument of preserving David and not of destroying him, as the sequel sheweth, v. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27. The Plot is promoted,

N. B. First, By Saul himself, offering to him Michal, though he had Robb'd him of Marab, saying, [One of the twain thou shalt have,] v. 21. Here's a fair Glove drawn upon a foul Hand, designing to pervert the Holy Ordinance of God (to wit, Marriage, instituted for mutual comfort) to his own Devilish ends; that the Wife might betray the Husband.

Secondly, By Saul's Courtiers, who besprinkled him (as we say) with a little Court Holy-Water, and perswade him into a willingness whom they found unwilling to embrace this Royal Offer, V. 22, 23. and not only so, but they Covenant with him too For an Hundred Fore-skins of the Philistines, v. 24, 25. not an hundred Heads (as Josephus saith,) for Fore-skins would much more enrage the Philistines against David, because they hated Circumcision utterly, v. 25. This pleased David well, v. 26. be∣cause this Match might mount him towards the Kingdom, which God had promised him; and he in order to it brings in the double number to prevent all Cavils that might hinder his Marrying of Michal; which was effected, v. 27.

The Last Remark is, This secret Conspiracy of Saul was likewise very marvelously confounded For,

First, He saw God was with David to secure him from all danger: The Hypocrite pretended, [To be avenged of the Kings Enemies, v. 25.] but intended that they should be avenged of David in his behalf, but God counter wrought him.

Secondly. He found his Daughters Love to David, was such as would not serve his hatred of him, v. 28. and when he saw this double disappointment, he became more afraid of David than ever before, v. 29. more especially when he saw Davids Prudence, Valour, Courage and Conduct Advanced Daily with the People, Verse 30.

N. B. Note well; Saul's hating God in David, seems like the unpardonable Sin: Glory fled from Saul who followed it, but follows David who fled from it: God Wills it, this none can resist, Rom. 9.19, 20.