John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 7. And he took a yoke of oxen , etc.] Of his own or his father’s, which he had just followed out of the field, and for which chiefly that circumstance is mentioned: and hewed them in pieces ; as the Levite did his concubine, ( Judges 19:29) and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers ; some carrying a piece one way, and some another, throughout all the tribes; for to them all the government of Saul extended, and which by this he let them know it did: saying, whosoever cometh not after Saul and after Samuel ; he names both, because he himself, though chosen king, was not inaugurated into his office, nor was Samuel put out of his; and because he knew he was despised by some, who would not object to and refuse the authority of Samuel, and therefore if they would not follow him, they would follow Samuel; and he mentions himself first, because of his superior dignity: so shall it be done unto his oxen ; be cut to pieces as these were; he does not threaten to cut them in pieces, but their oxen, lest he should seem to exercise too much severity at his first coming to the throne: and the fear of the Lord fell on the people ; they feared, should they be disobedient, the Lord would cut them to pieces, or in some way destroy them, as well as Saul would cut their oxen to pieces; for their minds were impressed with a sense of this affair being of the Lord: and they came out with one consent ; or “as one man” f216 , as if they had consulted together; being under a divine impulse, they set out from different parts about much the same time, and met at a place of rendezvous next mentioned.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-11 - The first fruit of Saul's government was the rescue of Jabesh-gilea from the Ammonites. To save their lives, men will part with liberty and even consent to have their eyes put out; is it then no wisdom to part with that sin which is as dear to us as our right eye, rather tha to be cast into hell-fire? See the faith and confidence of Saul, and grounded thereon, his courage and resolution. See also his activity in this business. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. When zeal for the glory of God and love for the brethren, urge men to earnest efforts, and when God is pleased to help, great effects may speedily be produced.
Original Hebrew ויקח3947 צמד6776 בקר1241 וינתחהו5408 וישׁלח7971 בכל3605 גבול1366 ישׂראל3478 ביד3027 המלאכים4397 לאמר559 אשׁר834 איננו369 יצא3318 אחרי310 שׁאול7586 ואחר310 שׁמואל8050 כה3541 יעשׂה6213 לבקרו1241 ויפל5307 פחד6343 יהוה3068 על5921 העם5971 ויצאו3318 כאישׁ376 אחד׃259
