(24) Unleavened bread.--There was no time to be lost; so she did not wait to leaven the dough, but at once baked it, and set it before the king.

28:20-25 Those that expect any good counsel or comfort, otherwise than from God, and in the way of his institutions, will be as wretchedly disappointed as Saul. Though terrified even to despair, he was not humbled. He confessed not his sins, offered no sacrifices, and presented no supplications. He does not seem to have cared about his sons or his people, or to have attempted any escape; but in sullen despair he rushed upon his doom. God sets up a few such beacons, to warn men not to stifle convictions, or despise his word. But while one repenting thought remains, let no sinner suppose himself in this case. Let him humble himself before God, determined to live and die beseeching his favour, and he will succeed.And the woman had a fat calf in the house,.... This was reckoned a very dainty dish in those countries, and fit for any guests, see Genesis 18:7; Josephus says (l), she vouchsafed to feed and take care of it in her house, and it was very familiar with her; and he highly commends the liberality of the woman, and as worthy of imitation:

and she hasted and killed it; and dressed it in some way or another, and which in those times was done speedily:

and took flour and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread therewith; which was soonest made, she not having time to leaven it.

(l) Antiqu. l. 6. c. 14. sect. 3. 4.