And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.
Ver. 9. And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering.] The heathens also were wont to sacrifice before they went to war: whence also they called a sacrifice hostia, from the enemies they went against. It was Saul's error here, that he thought God would be pleased with the external act of sacrifice, though it were not offered up in faith and obedience. Luther a calleth such hypocrites Cainists. But what saith a reverend man b here? If Saul were among the prophets before, will he now be among the priests? Can there be any devotion in disobedience? O vain man! what can it avail to sacrifice to God, against God?
And he offered the burnt offering.] If he did it with his own hands, invading the priest's office, as Uzziah did, his offence was far the greater.
a Luth., in Decal.
b Dr Hall.