- 156-
seen that we entirely repudiate the rash assertion that this is only another account
of what had been related in 1 Samuel 23:19-24:22.
(^224) We have translated as literally as possible. David considers that the guilt would
have been equally his, although the deed had been done by Abishai.
(^225) So literally (27:1).
(^226) So literally (27:1).
(^227) The words of the question in 27:10 are so dark in the original as to need slight
alteration. The rendering of the LXX., "Against whom made ye invasion?" is
evidently the correct reading of the text.
(^228) The Authorised Version supplies erroneously in ver. 11 "to bring tidings" - the
reference is clearly to captives. The last clause of ver. 11 is a substantive sentence,
being part of the narrative, and not of what the captives had said.
(^229) We venture to regard the "dreams," the "Urim," and the "prophets," as marking
progress from the lower to the higher modes of inquiry. In accordance with the
principles implied when treating of the gatherings of the "prophets," it seems to us
that the more passive the instrumentality employed, the lower the stage in the mode
of Divine communication. What we have ventured to call the lower or more
mechanical stages of communication were adapted to the varying stages of spiritual
development. But the absolutely highest stage of intercourse with God is the
indwelling of the Holy Ghost in the New Testament Church, when man's
individuality is not superseded nor suppressed, but transformed, and thus
conformed to Him in spiritual fellowship.
(^230) If it be asked how Saul could inquire by Urim, since Abiathar, and with him
"the Ephod," were with David, we reply that Saul had evidently appointed Zadok
successor to Abiathar (1 Chronicles 16:39, comp. 6:8, 53), and located the
tabernacle at Gibeon. This explains the mention of two high-priests in the early
years of
David's reign (comp. 2 Samuel 8:17; 15:24, 29, 35; 1 Chronicles 15:11; 18:16).
(^231) 1 Samuel 28:13: "I saw gods" (or rather, Elohim) "ascending out of the earth."
The expression Elohim here refers not to a Divine, but simply to a supernatural
appearance, indicating its character as not earthly. But in that supernatural light she
has also recognized her visitor as the king of Israel. Verses 13 and 14 show that
Saul had not himself seen the apparition. The question whether the vision of the
(^)