And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this [condition] will I make [a covenant] with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it [for] a reproach upon all Israel.
Ver. 2. On this condition will I make a covenant.] Slaves he would make them, and perpetually so, - stigmatical slaves, utterly disabled to deliver themselves out of his hands.
That I may thrust out all your right eyes.] This was most inhuman and insolent. The devil - as another Nahash, which signifieth a serpent - would likewise put out the right eye of faith, and leave us only the left eye of reason; look to him narrowly. Those that would deprive the people of the Scriptures, and muzzle them in ignorance, do the like.
And lay it for a reproach upon all Israel.] For a base people that would live upon any terms; that boasted also of an almighty God, but durst not confide in him.