Verse 7
7. Took… oxen, and hewed them in pieces Lucian says that among the ancient Scythians, when any great injury called for punishment, an individual who was deeply interested in the matter cut an ox in pieces and sent it round, whereupon all who would help avenge the wrong that had been done took a piece, and swore by it to do his utmost to punish the offender. The import of this symbolical act the words of the messengers explained. It was the king’s prerogative to call the people out to battle; this act showed that he was terribly in earnest. Saul’s conduct could not but remind the people of the similar act of the Levite of Mount Ephraim, (Judges 19:29,) and also of the bitter vengeance wrought on the inhabitants of this same Jabesh-Gilead for their refusal to respond to that call. Judges 21:10.
After Saul and after Samuel He adds the name of Samuel to his own in order to strengthen the authority and influence of his command.
Fear of the Lord fell A fear inspired by Jehovah. The people were made to feel that a most important movement for the honour of all Israel was at hand.
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