Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 15:33

33 And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless , so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.

Whereby it appears; that he was a cruel Tyrant, and Guilty of many Bloody Actions, and that towards Gods People, though it be not related elsewhere. And this seems to be added for the fuller vindication of Gods justice, and to shew, that although God did at this time remember and revenge a Crime committed by this Mans Ancestors 400 Years ago, yet he did not punish an Innocent Son for his Fathers Crimes, but one that allowed and persisted in the same evil courses.

This he did by Di[illegible: 1+ letters]ine instinct, and in pursuance of Gods express and particular Command, above, v. 3. which being sinfully neglected by Saul, is now executed by Samuel. See the like example 1 King. 18. 40. But these are no presidents for private Persons to take the Sword of Justice into their hands. For we must live by the Laws of God, and not by extraordinary examples.

Either, before the Ark, which, it seems, Saul carried with him in this, as he did, in his former expedition, chap. 14. 18. or, before Gods Altar: or, in the publick Assembly.

Marginal references: Num. b 14. 45.