1 Et accidit quadam die ut diceret Jonathas filius Saul ad adolescentem armigerum suum: Veni, et transeamus ad stationem Philisthinorum, quæ est trans locum illum. Patri autem suo hoc ipsum non indicavit.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 The station of the Philistines goes forth when the throng of evil spirits is revealed to the minds of the elect through harmful suggestions. It is indeed called a station for this reason: because the wars of the elect are being described. For to stand, for malignant spirits, is to exert great forces in the battle of the elect.
Bede · AD 735 And it happened one day, that Jonathan said, etc. For Jonathan, who is interpreted as the gift of the dove, foresaw the grace of the Spirit teachers; his young armor-bearer, the disciples obediently bearing arms not of the flesh, but powerful in God; whose youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalm 103); a certain day begins the conflict, their sudden inspiration against the temp…
2 Porro Saul morabatur in extrema parte Gabaa sub malogranato, quæ erat in Magron: et erat populus cum eo quasi sexcentorum virorum.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 Gibeah, as we said, is interpreted as "hill"; Migron is said to mean "from the throat." Now holy preachers are very exalted, not only in works, but also in contemplation. The outer part of this loftiness, therefore, is that of works, while the inner part is that of contemplation.
Bede · AD 735 But he did not tell his father the same thing. Jonathan concealed from his father and the people the crossing to the station of the Philistines, as he had planned; for just as it is always most fitting to use the counsel of the spiritual, so sometimes it is useful to hide from the carnal the meditated, or even initiated deeds of the greater virtues; lest either their trepidatio…
3 Et Achias filius Achitob fratris Ichabod filii Phinees, qui ortus fuerat ex Heli sacerdote Domini in Silo, portabat ephod. Sed et populus ignorabat quo isset Jonathas.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 We said above that by this number strong men are designated in good work, who are reported to be with the king: because through their zeal for good work, they are in harmony with the life of their teacher. But the preachers of the Church have under them not only those who do great things, but also fellow ministers of the word who teach the highest truths.
4 Erant autem inter ascensus per quos nitebatur Jonathas transire ad stationem Philisthinorum, eminentes petræ ex utraque parte, et quasi in modum dentium scopuli hinc et inde prærupti: nomen uni Boses, et nomen alteri Sene:
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 Since the life of the elect is lofty in merits, while the condition of malignant spirits is lowly, what does it mean that there is said to be an ascent by which Jonathan tries to reach the garrison of the Philistines? For concerning these same Philistines as a type of demons, it was said not far above: "Going up, they encamped at Michmash" (1 Kings 13:5).
Bede · AD 735 But there were rocky cliffs on either side of the pass, etc. There are frequent dangers lying in wait from both the right and left for the holy teachers striving to ascend against the wiles of evil spirits, that is, in glory and ignominy, in prosperous and adverse situations; and just as teeth are accustomed to chew and deliver food to the stomach, so unclean spirits, formerly…
5 unus scopulus prominens ad aquilonem ex adverso Machmas, et alter ad meridiem contra Gabaa.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 The first rock juts out to the North, the other to the South, because through concupiscence the fervor of charity is extinguished, and through sin the ardor of concupiscence is increased. For the reprobate mind, while it is subjected to concupiscence, is stripped of charity, and while it does not fear to sin, it kindles in itself ever more fierce desires for sinning.
Bede · AD 735 A prominent rock towards the north, etc. Gabaa represents a hill, that is, the height of virtues; Magmas indicates the humility of the mind, from which virtues arise.
6 Dixit autem Jonathas ad adolescentem armigerum suum: Veni, transeamus ad stationem incircumcisorum horum, si forte faciat Dominus pro nobis: quia non est Domino difficile salvare, vel in multis, vel in paucis.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 What is the garrison of the Philistines, if not the strength of malignant spirits? For holy men, when they prepare themselves for the correction of sinners, openly know that they fight against angels fallen from heaven. This battle, therefore, since it is between angels and men, is fought by the strong against the weak, by the cunning against the simple.
7 Dixitque ei armiger suus: Fac omnia quæ placent animo tuo: perge quo cupis, et ero tecum ubicumque volueris.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 Some subjects, while neglecting the measure of their own order, confuse that same measure in such a way that they share in the decision-making of their superiors, yet refuse to obey their commands. They easily dare to correct the words of their superiors, but do not strive to easily fulfill what they command.
8 Et ait Jonathas: Ecce nos transimus ad viros istos. Cumque apparuerimus eis,
9 si taliter locuti fuerint ad nos: Manete donec veniamus ad vos: stemus in loco nostro, nec ascendamus ad eos.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 On the contrary, sinners eagerly desire to cross over to the teachers when they are plunged into such profound blindness that they strive to convert even the preachers themselves to the example of imitating their own depravity. For they are prone to evil, impenitent in heart, and they do not shrink from staining others with the leprosy of sin which they have put on.
10 Si autem dixerint: Ascendite ad nos: ascendamus, quia tradidit eos Dominus in manibus nostris: hoc erit nobis signum.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 It is the certain and undoubted judgment of the holy Church that chosen preachers must consider not only what, how much, and when they speak, but also to whom they speak. Hence the Lord too, concealing the word from the knowledge of certain people, forbids the disciples, saying: "Do not cast your pearls before swine" (Matt. 7:6).
11 Apparuit igitur uterque stationi Philisthinorum: dixeruntque Philisthiim: En Hebræi egrediuntur de cavernis in quibus absconditi fuerant.
Sulpicius Severus · AD 425 In these circumstances [with few weapons and Saul's fearful army], Jonathan, with an audacious design and with his armor bearer as his only companion, entered the camp of the enemy, and having slain about twenty of them, [he] spread a terror throughout the whole army.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 What is the meaning of Jonathan being said to appear to the Philistines with his armor-bearer, if not that the teacher himself must first display the good that he strives to teach others? For he cannot be received with reverence in preaching if he does not first exhibit the honor of his ministry through the light of a good life.
Bede · AD 735 Both appeared to the garrison of the Philistines, etc. Although the Philistines mockingly speak true things mystically; clearly the spiritual Hebrews, that is, those crossing over from vices, are defended from the assaults of enemies by the safest fortresses of the Scriptures, and refreshed by the consolation of these, proceed to public works of virtues to overcome the same mos…
12 Et locuti sunt viri de statione ad Jonathan et ad armigerum ejus, dixeruntque: Ascendite ad nos, et ostendemus vobis rem. Et ait Jonathas ad armigerum suum: Ascendamus: sequere me: tradidit enim Dominus eos in manus Israël.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 Whoever strives to accomplish great things knows how to weigh these matters well, if he has always been zealous to attribute them to divine praises.
Bede · AD 735 And the men of the garrison spoke to Jonathan, etc. The proud mockery and contempt of the enemies grant the faithful confidence to gain virtue. For the spirit is lifted up before ruin, and before honor is humility (Prov. XVI).
13 Ascendit autem Jonathas manibus et pedibus reptans, et armiger ejus post eum. Itaque alii cadebant ante Jonathan, alios armiger ejus interficiebat sequens eum.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 What is crawling on the hands, if not to curve the whole body, to leave nothing lofty in oneself, to bend the upper limbs to perform the duties of the lower? And what is suggested to us by this action, if not that the conversion of sinners requires great compassion from preachers?
Bede · AD 735 And the first blow was struck, with which Jonathan and his armor-bearer smote, etc. The number ten, as is certain, often signifies the perfection of good works or merit.
14 Et facta est plaga prima qua percussit Jonathas et armiger ejus, quasi viginti virorum in media parte jugeri quam par boum in die arare consuevit.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 This is called the first plague, because the saints are described as striking the wicked even afterward, at the last judgment. Hence Paul also rouses the Corinthians, saying: "Do you not know that we shall judge angels?" (1 Cor. 6:3).
15 Et factum est miraculum in castris per agros: sed et omnis populus stationis eorum qui ierant ad prædandum, obstupuit, et conturbata est terra: et accidit quasi miraculum a Deo.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 All who are perfect do not cease to marvel at the power and wisdom of almighty God in all things that have been made or are being made. Hence the Psalmist too, pressing on with divine praises, says: "God is wonderful in His saints; the God of Israel Himself will give power and strength to His people; blessed be God" (Ps. 67:36).
Bede · AD 735 And a miracle happened in the camps through the fields, etc. By the miracle, strength and virtue are given to the just among those who are reprobates camping through the fields, having hearts astray, weakened by both malice and an abundance of pleasures.
16 Et respexerunt speculatores Saul qui erant in Gabaa Benjamin, et ecce multitudo prostrata, et huc illucque diffugiens.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 But because we said above that Saul signifies the chief priests, and Jonathan his son represents the subordinate persons of preachers, if we attend to what follows, we find in the chief pontiffs the apostolic solicitude which they maintain. About which blessed Paul indeed speaks, saying: "Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is scandalized, and I am not on fire?
Bede · AD 735 And the watchmen of Saul look forth, etc. Those who have ascended the watchtower of holy Scripture look forth beyond others, and they are on the hill of the sons of the right hand, that is, established in the lofty citadel of heavenly deeds, and distinguished by evident pure knowledge and simple action, and they are the first to see the impending ruin and the flight of the wick…
17 Et ait Saul populo qui erat cum eo: Requirite, et videte quis abierit ex nobis. Cumque requisissent, repertum est non adesse Jonathan et armigerum ejus.
18 Et ait Saul ad Achiam: Applica arcam Dei. (Erat enim ibi arca Dei in die illa cum filiis Israël.)
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 Why does Saul command Ahijah the priest to bring the ark near, unless because they hear the manner of the battle from the scouts? And indeed this is rightly done in a spiritual sense by the chief priests, when they do not judge the things they hear from reporters until they seek their reasoning in the counsel of inward meditation.
Bede · AD 735 And Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God here." Ahijah, also called his brother or his relative, is thus named. Therefore, the good leaders of the Church say, all the faithful daily waging war against the powers of the air, say to their brothers endowed with the reading of sacred Scripture and with greater exercise of virtues, daily offering themselves to God through the…
19 Cumque loqueretur Saul ad sacerdotem, tumultus magnus exortus est in castris Philisthinorum: crescebatque paulatim, et clarius resonabat. Et ait Saul ad sacerdotem: Contrahe manum tuam.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 For what else does it signify that Saul first sought to bring the ark near, then commanded the priest to withdraw his hand, except that we ought to arrange obscure matters by consulting, and fulfill with haste those things that become more clearly known? But for the preacher to hear the tumult gradually increasing is to recognize the devotion of converted sinners.
20 Conclamavit ergo Saul, et omnis populus qui erat cum eo, et venerunt usque ad locum certaminis: et ecce versus fuerat gladius uniuscujusque ad proximum suum, et cædes magna nimis.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 What is this sword, if not the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God? For those who in innumerable places have been converted to the service of almighty God, because they cling inseparably to the word of God, each one holds a sword, as it were, close at hand.
Bede · AD 735 Saul and all the people cried out, etc. Jews, Gentiles, and heretics, although they are all enemies of the Church, wound each other with the sword of the word.
21 Sed et Hebræi qui fuerant cum Philisthiim heri et nudiustertius, ascenderantque cum eis in castris, reversi sunt ut essent cum Israël qui erant cum Saul et Jonatha.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 Who are the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines, if not sinners who have fallen from a religious way of life? Of whom it was said not far above: "The Hebrews crossed the Jordan." They are Hebrews indeed by the order of religion, but they are with the Philistines, and they go up with them, as long as they are deceived by harmful suggestions and advance in wicked conduct.
Bede · AD 735 And the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines yesterday and the day before, etc. Many, having been seduced by heretics and fighting against the Church with them, when they perceived the dissonance of their doctrine, and saw their dialectical subtleties surpassed by the simplicity of the Catholic faith, as if by the act of Jonathan, returned to be reconciled to the Catholic…
22 Omnes quoque Israëlitæ qui se absconderant in monte Ephraim, audientes quod fugissent Philisthæi, sociaverunt se cum suis in prælio. Et erant cum Saul quasi decem millia virorum.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 This indeed happens as often as those devoted to the more remote life deign to turn their zeal toward seeking the profit of souls. For they join themselves with their own in battle when they preach the true joys of eternal life together with the doctors of Holy Church, and equally drive malign spirits from the hearts of sinners.
Bede · AD 735 Likewise, all the Israelites who had hidden themselves in Mount Ephraim, etc. It is rightly a matter of discretion that he who can, should strive for the Church by teaching or arguing against the reprobate, avoiding that prophetic curse: Cursed is he who withholds his sword from blood (Jer. XLVIII).
23 Et salvavit Dominus in die illa Israël: pugna autem pervenit usque ad Bethaven.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 Because likewise through love of that heavenly life the darkness of sins is abandoned, there follows: (Verse 23.) "And the Lord saved Israel on that day." The contemplation of the inner light is indeed a splendid and most brilliant day, on which the Lord saves Israel, because those whose hearts he irradiates with the light of inward splendor, he raises to the height of perpetua…
Bede · AD 735 The battle, however, reached as far as Bethaven. Bethaven is called the house of idols or the useless house. And thus the Church pursues heretics by arguing, until it convinces them that in many things they have blasphemed equal to the madness of pagans, and it extends the sword of the word until it restores the impious and faithless to piety and faith.
24 Et viri Israël sociati sunt sibi in die illa: adjuravit autem Saul populum, dicens: Maledictus vir qui comederit panem usque ad vesperam, donec ulciscar de inimicis meis. Et non manducavit universus populus panem:
Tertullian · AD 220 At all events, Saul himself, when engaged in battle, clearly enjoined this duty: "Cursed (be) the man who shall have eaten bread until evening, until I am avenged against my enemy"; and his whole company did not taste (food), and (yet) the whole earth was breakfasting!
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 Whence it is also added: (Verse 24.) "And every man of Israel was joined together on that day." Indeed every man is joined to the preacher when no condition of men is left from which those who are converted are not led to a good way of life.
Bede · AD 735 And the man of Israel was joined to himself on that day. With the enemies scattered in different directions, the Church, divided throughout the whole world, rejoices always with one and the same love of brotherhood.
25 omneque terræ vulgus venit in saltum, in quo erat mel super faciem agri.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 There follows: (Verses 25, 26) "And all the common people of the land came into a forest, in which there was honey upon the surface of the field. And so the people entered the forest, and flowing honey appeared, and no one put his hand to his mouth." A forest is a wooded and hilly place.
26 Ingressus est itaque populus saltum, et apparuit fluens mel, nullusque applicuit manum ad os suum: timebat enim populus juramentum.
27 Porro Jonathas non audierat cum adjuraret pater ejus populum: extenditque summitatem virgæ quam habebat in manu, et intinxit in favum mellis: et convertit manum suam ad os suum, et illuminati sunt oculi ejus.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 There follows: (Verse 27.) But Jonathan had not heard when his father adjured the people, and he stretched out the tip of the staff that he had in his hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb, and brought his hand back to his mouth, and his eyes were brightened.
Bede · AD 735 Jonathan, however, had not heard, when his father adjured the people, etc. He speaks of eyes being illuminated, refreshed, and renewed for gazing, which had already begun to fade due to the customary long fasting or toil.
28 Respondensque unus de populo, ait: Jurejurando constrinxit pater tuus populum, dicens: Maledictus vir qui comederit panem hodie. (Defecerat autem populus.)
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 But often a lesser one, kindled with the zeal of charity, endeavors to bring back great men who are transgressing to the remembrance of the Scriptures.
Bede · AD 735 Your father bound the people by an oath, etc. He troubled, because he interdicted everything; had he interdicted in part and granted in part, the matter would have seemed to be conducted more conveniently.
29 Dixitque Jonathas: Turbavit pater meus terram: vidistis ipsi quia illuminati sunt oculi mei, eo quod gustaverim paululum de melle isto:
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 37. For what does it mean that he rebukes the father for having troubled the land, except that he reproves the leaders for having confused their own decrees through ignorance? By the name "land," the humility of subjects is designated, which is indeed seen to be troubled when, through the erring judgment of pastors, it seems to abandon the order of tranquil truth.
Bede · AD 735 You yourselves have seen that my eyes have been enlightened, etc. These words are fitting for the person who thinks that the reading of gentile literature is not harmful in the Church, whether for the learned or the teachers.
30 quanto magis si comedisset populus de præda inimicorum suorum, quam reperit? nonne major plaga facta fuisset in Philisthiim?
31 Percusserunt ergo in die illa Philisthæos a Machmis usque in Ajalon. Defatigatus est autem populus nimis:
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 The day of the mind is the splendor of instruction. But those whom the arrogant teach, because they are inflamed by the ambition of temporal glory, receive a semblance of light, not the truth. When therefore that day is spoken of, what else is signified, except that often by the aim of temporal glory, mighty deeds seemed to be accomplished?
Bede · AD 735 The people were exceedingly weary, etc. That the people were said to have eaten with blood should not be thought to mean they ate bloody and raw flesh, which is not at all human but is the nature of beasts; rather, that after slaying the animals, before the blood was fully drained, they cooked or roasted the unsanctified meat and then ate it.
32 et versus ad prædam tulit oves, et boves, et vitulos, et mactaverunt in terra: comeditque populus cum sanguine.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 He carries off the sheep who recalls the manifold causes of his innocence for the purpose of pride. He carries off the oxen as plunder when he thinks about the labors of his preaching and, by remembering, heaps together whatever he has accomplished by speaking to others, as if by cultivating the earth.
33 Nuntiaverunt autem Sauli dicentes quod populus peccasset Domino, comedens cum sanguine. Qui ait: Prævaricati estis: volvite ad me jam nunc saxum grande.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 It is proper to the preachers of the holy Church both to rebuke committed faults and to show how those rebuked faults ought to be avoided. Once rebuked, they become known, but if people do not know how to avoid them, once exposed they are repeated. What is shown in this eating of blood, if not the hidden poison of pride? But hidden vices are not cured unless they are exposed.
Bede · AD 735 They reported to Saul, saying that the people had sinned against the Lord, etc. The diligent leaders, knowing the negligence of idle teachers, wherein the people sin against the Lord, baptizing those who have not yet been purified from carnality nor fully instructed in faith, immediately rebuke such transgressors and command that the rule of heavenly life be openly proposed wit…
34 Et dixit Saul: Dispergimini in vulgus, et dicite eis ut adducat ad me unusquisque bovem suum et arietem, et occidite super istud, et vescimini, et non peccabitis Domino comedentes cum sanguine. Adduxit itaque omnis populus unusquisque bovem in manu sua usque ad noctem: et occiderunt ibi.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 To lead a bull by hand is to destroy the sin of pride through the affliction of penance. For while by laboring one destroys what one committed through pride, one leads the bull to be slaughtered on the stone by hand. But what does it mean when he says: "Until night," unless that it is not permitted to sin, but it is permitted to destroy sins up until death?
35 Ædificavit autem Saul altare Domino, tuncque primum cœpit ædificare altare Domino.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 For when sinners are converted, a heavenly edifice is, as it were, constructed from stones. And since many manuscripts have: "And then Saul first began to build," the name of altar can be understood as compunction of heart. For when compunction of heart is raised up through the word of a teacher, an altar is surely built to the Lord.
Bede · AD 735 Saul built an altar to the Lord. He built an altar to offer a holocaust upon it and to intervene for the sin of the people, which they had rashly committed.
36 Et dixit Saul: Irruamus super Philisthæos nocte, et vastemus eos usque dum illucescat mane, nec relinquamus ex eis virum. Dixitque populus: Omne quod bonum videtur in oculis tuis, fac. Et ait sacerdos: Accedamus huc ad Deum.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 This has been sufficiently explained above, but because he desires to strike the Philistines in the night until the day dawns, this surely suggests that, lest demons be able to cause harm in the future, they must now be driven out and destroyed from the hearts of sinners. Indeed, this life is called night when it is compared to eternal life.
Bede · AD 735 And Saul said, "Let us go down after the Philistines by night," etc. Saul, planning to attack the Philistines by night and to destroy them completely, consults the oracle of the Lord but is not answered; and seeking the cause of the sin, he discovers it by lot and adjudicates Jonathan, who confesses, to death; however, since he had brought great salvation to Israel, the people…
37 Et consuluit Saul Dominum: Num persequar Philisthiim? si trades eos in manus Israël? Et non respondit ei in die illa.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 What does it mean that the words of the consulting king, which the people praise, the priest declares must be brought before the Lord, except that obscure and great matters, which escape the simple, are never rightly ordered if we do not seek their outcome in the sanctuary of the mind through careful meditation?
38 Dixitque Saul: Applicate huc universos angulos populi: et scitote, et videte per quem acciderit peccatum hoc hodie.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 By these words he clearly demonstrated the well-ordered procedure of judgment, because the fault must first be discovered, and then the punishment imposed. For the order of judgment is thrown into confusion if punishment is pronounced before the examination of the discovered fault.
39 Vivit Dominus salvator Israël, quia si per Jonathan filium meum factum est, absque retractione morietur. Ad quod nullus contradixit ei de omni populo.
40 Et ait ad universum Israël: Separamini vos in partem unam, et ego cum Jonatha filio meo ero in parte altera. Responditque populus ad Saul: Quod bonum videtur in oculis tuis, fac.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 What does it mean that by the king's command the people are separated from the king and his son, except that when a hidden and suspected fault is sought, both the higher and lower persons must be examined?
41 Et dixit Saul ad Dominum Deum Israël: Domine Deus Israël, da indicium: quid est quod non responderis servo tuo hodie? si in me, aut in Jonatha filio meo, est iniquitas hæc, da ostensionem: aut si hæc iniquitas est in populo tuo, da sanctitatem. Et deprehensus est Jonathas et Saul: populus autem exivit.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 But what does it mean that Saul commands the people to separate themselves to one side, and the people ask the king to do what he commands, except that simple people do not know how to examine themselves, even when they are commanded to?
42 Et ait Saul: Mittite sortem inter me et inter Jonathan filium meum. Et captus est Jonathas.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 Those who cast lots often discover hidden things through conjectures drawn from visible things. Thus indeed Jonah is identified while fleeing (Jon. 1); thus Matthias the Apostle is found worthy of apostolic eminence (Acts 1). We therefore cast spiritual lots when, through the outward signs of works, we arrive at knowledge of hidden things.
43 Dixit autem Saul ad Jonathan: Indica mihi quid feceris. Et indicavit ei Jonathas, et ait: Gustans gustavi in summitate virgæ quæ erat in manu mea, paululum mellis, et ecce ego morior.
Jerome · AD 420 Jonathan tasted of a honeycomb on a rod, and his eyes were enlightened, and his life was in danger because he acted through ignorance. For Scripture testifies to the fact that he did not know that his father had given strict orders that no one was to taste any food until the victory of the Lord was accomplished.
Maximus of Turin · AD 465 It is no light sin, as I have said, to violate the appointed fast. In order to demonstrate this briefly by examples, we read in the book of Kings [Samuel] that when Saul the king of Israel was waging war against the foreigners he proclaimed a fast for his entire army, and when all were abstaining he began to fight against the opposing forces.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 For what is it that the captive is interrogated, except because faults which seem to have been detected by signs or conjectures are not yet to be struck? For it is as though the wound is already held, but it is still covered. Let it therefore be uncovered, so that it may be able to be healed and cured.
44 Et ait Saul: Hæc faciat mihi Deus, et hæc addat, quia morte morieris, Jonatha.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 In this passage it should be noted that the king twice uttered an oath above concerning the killing of Jonathan, whom nevertheless, overcome by the insistence of the people, he did not kill. What does it mean that he swore, and by no means kept the assertion of his oath? But from this matter two lessons come to us, namely that we ought to be both cautious and discerning.
45 Dixitque populus ad Saul: Ergone Jonathas morietur, qui fecit salutem hanc magnam in Israël? hoc nefas est: vivit Dominus, si ceciderit capillus de capite ejus in terram, quia cum Deo operatus est hodie. Liberavit ergo populus Jonathan, ut non moreretur.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 What then is the meaning of what is said, "Shall Jonathan then die," unless that another would have died for the same fault? By these words of the people there is surely shown to us the power of great discernment, because in the judgment of the elect, not only must the causes of faults be weighed, but also the merits of persons.
46 Recessitque Saul, nec persecutus est Philisthiim: porro Philisthiim abierunt in loca sua.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 When Jonathan's fault is discovered, when the king is found not to have fulfilled his oath, he is said to cease pursuing the Philistines, because when pastors are weighed down by their own weakness, they cannot vigorously seek the gains of others. For to cease pursuing the Philistines is to stop for a time pursuing the vices of others by preaching.
Bede · AD 735 And Saul withdrew, not pursuing the Philistines, etc. Indeed, teachers, conscious of their own frailty, realize they are not able to track or expel all the wiles of demons; but woe to those hearts to which the repelled and cast out unclean spirits return as if to their own places.
47 Et Saul, confirmato regno super Israël, pugnabat per circuitum adversum omnes inimicos ejus, contra Moab, et filios Ammon, et Edom, et reges Soba, et Philisthæos: et quocumque se verterat, superabat.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 The kingdom is indeed weakened when pastors fall into certain faults. But the weakened kingdom is strengthened when through the satisfaction of penance they are raised up to the work of great virtue. And it is said to be strengthened over Israel, because as one advances to the height of life, he surpasses by his conduct those whom he exceeds in rank.
Bede · AD 735 Against Moab and the sons of Ammon, and Edom, etc. Moab and Ammon, who were conceived by incest at night through the help of drunkenness, in which there is lust (Eph. V), signify heretics, degenerate by the disorderly reception of the seed of paternal faith.
48 Congregatoque exercitu, percussit Amalec, et eruit Israël de manu vastatorum ejus.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 Because while He draws sinners of every kind to life, He is recognized as triumphing everywhere. The Lord was indeed commanding His soldiers, His princes, to carry out these triumphs when He said: "Go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).
Bede · AD 735 And having gathered the army, he struck Amalek, etc. It signifies foreign nations alien to the faith and sacrament of the patriarchs' blood, whom Christ overcomes in two ways as enemies of his peace, so that he might rescue spiritual Israel from the hand of their devastators, either by saving believers through their own faith or by justly condemning unbelievers through his righ…
49 Fuerunt autem filii Saul, Jonathas, et Jessui, et Melchisua: et nomina duarum filiarum ejus, nomen primogenitæ Merob, et nomen minoris Michol.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 The sons of Saul, who are born not to any ordinary inheritance but to a kingdom, represent those of whom it is said to the holy Church through the Psalmist: "Instead of your fathers, sons have been born to you; you shall make them princes over all the earth" (Psalm 44:17). We recognize that they are three, because they defend the faith of the holy Trinity by preaching it.
Bede · AD 735 Now, the sons of Saul were, etc. The three sons of Saul represent great leaders of the Catholic faith, which proclaims one God in three persons.
50 Et nomen uxoris Saul Achinoam filia Achimaas: et nomen principis militiæ ejus Abner filius Ner, patruelis Saul.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 For what is the wife of the preacher, if not good will? For he who is joined through love to good will, from her as from a noble spouse children are born to him. For when we wish to bring forth the fruit of good works, it is necessary that we first sow them in good will.
51 Porro Cis fuit pater Saul, et Ner pater Abner, filius Abiel.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 But what does it mean that he is called a cousin of Saul? A cousin is one who is born from the brother of one's father. Hence here too it is added: 'Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.' And when a king to be chosen was sought, it was said: "And there was a man named Kish, the son of Abiel" (1 Samuel 9:1).
52 Erat autem bellum potens adversum Philisthæos omnibus diebus Saul. Nam quemcumque viderat Saul virum fortem, et aptum ad prælium, sociabat eum sibi.
Gregory the Dialogist · AD 604 Such men, because they profitably stand over the chosen faithful, because they mightily advance their subjects to victories of virtues, it follows: "And there was fierce war against the Philistines all the days of Saul." The war of those teachers is weak and altogether feeble who have neither the light of divine knowledge nor the strength of good work.
Bede · AD 735 There was indeed a mighty war against the Philistines, etc. The primary cause of the mighty war against the Philistines was this, because Saul was gathering all the strong and fit men for battle to himself.