He had a son whose name was Saul, an impressive young man; and there was not among the children of Israel a more handsome person than he. From his shoulders and upward he was taller than any of the people.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 2. Goodlier, better proportioned, more handsome, ( Bible.) as the daughters of men are styled good, or fair. Genesis 6:1. People seek for corporal advantages in those who command. The poets always represent their deities and heroes as taller than the rest of men. A king of Sparta was fined for marrying a little woman. Arist. Polit. iv. The Ethiopians give their highest offices to those who have the most engaging appearance. Herod. iii. 20. Calmet.—Little people may be elegant, but never majestic or perfectly beautiful. Arist. Ethic. iv. 3. Menochius.—Choice, is taken in the same sense as goodly, and does not intimate that Saul was one of the elect. Carthus.