the conquest (17, 18) of Laish by a portion of the tribe of Dan; and (b) the
almost total extinction of the tribe of Benjamin by the other tribes, in
consequence of their assisting the men of Gibeah (19-21). This section
properly belongs to the period only a few years after the death of Joshua.
It shows the religious and moral degeneracy of the people.
The author of this book was most probably Samuel. The internal evidence
both of the first sixteen chapters and of the appendix warrants this
conclusion. It was probably composed during Saul’s reign, or at the very
beginning of David’s. The words in 18:30,31, imply that it was written
after the taking of the ark by the Philistines, and after it was set up at Nob
(1 Samuel 21). In David’s reign the ark was at Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39)
- JUDGMENT HALL Gr. praitorion (John 18:28, 33; 19:9; Matthew
27:27), “common hall.” In all these passages the Revised Version renders
“palace.” In Mark 15:16 the word is rendered “Praetorium” (q.v.), which is
a Latin word, meaning literally the residence of the praetor, and then the
governor’s residence in general, though not a praetor. Throughout the
Gospels the word “praitorion” has this meaning (comp. Acts 23:35).
Pilate’s official residence when he was in Jerusalem was probably a part of
the fortress of Antonia.
The trial of our Lord was carried on in a room or office of the palace. The
“whole band” spoken of by Mark were gathered together in the palace
court.