He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, then sent them throughout all the borders of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, “Whoever doesn’t come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.” The dread of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out as one man.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 7. Oxen, with which he had been ploughing.—Pieces. Hebrew does not say that he sent them; and Josephus intimates, that he only “hamstrung them, and sent messengers,” and so forth Bible.—But such actions are far more impressive than words. See Judges 19:29. Acts 21:10. and so forth Calmet.—Samuel. Saul adds the name of the prophet, as the people had still great confidence in him, and he always acted as God’s envoy. Bible.—Oxen. He does not threaten capital punishment, but insinuates that both duty and interest require the presence of all. Salien.—Of the Lord; that is, a great fear: ( Calmet.) or, God moved the people to shew a ready obedience and reverence to their king’s commands.