Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 9:7

7 Then said Saul to his servant, But behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels , and there is not a present to bring to the man of God : What have we?

This he saith, because Bread was not unusually given by way of present, as we see 1 Sam. 10. 3, 4. Or Bread is put for all manner of Provisions; as is frequent, and among these they might have something not unfit, in these plain Times, to make a Present of, as Clusters of Raisins, or Cakes of Figs, such as Abigail Presented to David, 1 Sam. 25. 18. See also 1 King. 14. 3. 2 King. 4. 42.

Such Presents were then made to the Prophets, 1 King. 14. 2, 3. 2 King. 4. 42. and 8. 8. either as a Testimony of Respect to him as their Superior; upon which account Subjects made Presents to their Kings, 1 Sam. 10. 27. And the Persians never came to their King without some Gift: or, as a grateful acknowledgment of his Favour: or, for the support of the Prophets themselves: or, of the Sons of the Prophets: or, of other Persons in want, known to them.

Marginal references: Heb. is [illegible: 1 word] out of, & [illegible: 1+ letters].; Heb. i[illegible: 1+ letters] [illegible: 1 word] us.