To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him [to be] captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
Ver. 16. I will send thee a than out of the land of Benjamin.] Arcana gubernatione mea ipso aliud agente. a Little did Saul think of the kingdom when he came to Ramah. And as little do we think of heaven, when God by effectual calling "delivereth us from the power of darkness, and translateth us into the kingdom of his dear Son." Col 1:13
And thou shalt anoint him to be captain.] Unges eum Antecessorem. Public persons are leaders to others, being as the he-goats before the flock, and therefore must have double care, since they have many eyes upon them.
Out of the hand of the Philistines.] Who were now, as it may seem, confederate with the Ammonites against Israel. 1Sa 12:12
For I have looked upon my people.] Notwithstanding their late miscarriage in rejecting mine immediate government. "Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spoke against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord." Jer 31:20
.Because their cry is come unto me.] As Exodus 3:9. And the good people cried, Domine indignus sum, sed indigus; I am unworthy of mercy, but I much need it.
a Piscat.