Of prophets, that were so by a perpetual calling in the Old Testament, some were “supreme,” and some “subordinate”: supreme were first Moses; and after him the high priests, everyone for his time, as long as the priesthood was royal; and after the people of the Jews had rejected God, that He should no more reign over them, those kings which submitted themselves to God’s government, were also His chief prophets, and the high priest’s office became ministerial. And when God was to be consulted, they put on the holy vestments, and inquired of the Lord as the king commanded them, and were deprived of their office when the king thought fit. For king Saul (1 Sam. 13:9) commanded the burnt-offering to be brought, and (1 Sam. 14:18) he commands the priests to bring the ark near him; and (verse 19) again to let it alone, because he saw an advantage upon his enemies. And in the same chapter (verse 37) Saul asketh counsel of God. In like manner king David, after his being anointed, though before he had possession of the kingdom, is said to “inquire of the Lord” (1 Sam.