The cook took up the thigh, and that which was on it, and set it before Saul. Samuel said, “Behold, that which has been reserved! Set it before yourself and eat; because it has been kept for you for the appointed time, for I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 24. Shoulder. It was the left, ( Menochius.) as the right shoulder belonged to the priest, and laymen were not allowed to taste of it after it had been offered in sacrifice. Leviticus 7:32. Some suppose that Samuel had this right shoulder for his portion. But he was not a priest. Calmet.—This part was assigned to the most eminent man at table; and Josephus calls it “the royal portion.” Menochius.—Hebrew “the shoulder, and what was upon it, (or he held it up) and set it (the whole quarter) before Saul.” Aquila, and so forth translate “the thigh,” left or reserved. Septuagint “laid by.” It was then the fashion to place large pieces of meat before those who were to be most honoured. Genesis 18:6. Homer, and so forth—People. Hebrew “till now it has been ket for thee, I said, I have invited the people.” He insinuates that he knew of his coming, though it seemed so accidental, even when he invited the company. Septuagint “eat, for it is placed before thee, as a memorial, by the people, cut it in pieces.” Bible.—As the shoulder supports a burden, so the king was reminded to maintain the interests of the commonwealth. Menochius.