He stayed seven days, according to the time set by Samuel; but Samuel didn’t come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 8. Of Samuel. Yet the prophet condemns his proceedings, either because he did not wait till the expiration of the seventh day, ( Calmet. S. Ignatius, and so forth Salien) or because he ventured to offer sacrifice himself. Lyra. after Sulp. Serverus, and so forth Bible. Worthington.—He had however the high priest with him; (Calmet. 14:3,) so that he might have performed this sacred function, at the request of Saul: and we do not find that the latter is accused of sacrilege. Salien.—The magnitude of the punishment is no proof of the nature of the transgression, as God often punishes, with great severity, sins which to us might appear venial. Bible.—This is true, particularly with respect to those who first dare to transgress a positive command; (Numbers 15:32. Menochius.) as Saul seems to have done the injunction of the prophet, Calmet. 10:8. The regal dignity was a gratuitous gift. Salien.—With a trembling heart, we must consider how he was rejected for neglecting to wait so short a time,” (Saint Gregory) when the circumstances seems to plead so strongly in his favour. How impenetrable are the judgments of God! and how punctually does he require his orders to be obeyed! Calmet.