But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that [was] in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.
Ver. 27. But Jonathan heard not.] He was absent, and therefore innocent. "Where is no law, is no transgression."
Wherefore he put forth the end of the rod, &c.] He followed the chase, till he found the honey. A dog followeth his master till he meeteth with carrion; and goeth along with the company till it comes to a parting: so do hypocrites follow Christ till it come to a critical point, or till drawn away by ungodliness and worldly lusts. Lucian maketh mention of a fellow that would show King Ptolomy a strange sight. He had taught apes to act comedies, and show other tricks. Another being willing to put a trick upon this sport maker, cast nuts before those apes as they were acting. The apes left all, and picked up the nuts. So do hypocrites show themselves in a temptation; making good the proverb, an ape remaineth an ape, though clothed in purple.
And his eyes were enlightened.] Which through fasting and faintness were grown dim, the optic spirits failing.