CHAP. I.

Elkanah, a Levite, has two wives, 1, 2.

He goes yearly to worship at Shiloh, 3.
He favors and comforts annab, when
insulted by Peninnah on account of
her barrenness, 4-8. Hamah in
grief prays for a son, and vows to
perpetual
devote him to God as

Nazarite, 9-11. Eli through mistake
At first rebukes, but afterwards blesses

her, 12-18. She bears Samuel, stays
till he is weaned, and then presents
him to God, according to her vow,

19-28.

N certain Ramathaim-zophim, of mount Ephraim, and

TOW there was a man of

a

b

his name was

Elka

nah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:

d

2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

CHAP. I. V. 1-8. The history of Samuel, | rying two wives, a transgression of the original as that of Samson, and, afterwards, that of John institution of marriage; Matt. 19: 5,8. It made the Baptist, and our blessed Savior, begins even mischief in Abraham's family, and Jacob's, and before he was born. It is true of all, what God here in Elkanah's; how much better the law of says of the prophet, Jer. 1: 5. But some great God provides for our comfort and ease in this men, as Samuel, were brought into the world with world, than we should, if left to ourselves! Probmore observation than others, and were more ably Elkanah married Hannah first, and because early distinguished from common persons. The he had no children by her so soon as he hoped, story of Samson introduces him as a child of he married Peninnah, who bare him children, inpromise, Judg. 13. that of Samuel, as a child of deed, but was in other things a vexation to him. prayer. Both together intimate what wonders Thus are men often beaten with rods of their own are produced by the Word and prayer. making. The two wives could not agree. They Samuel's father's name was Elkanah, a Le- had different blessings; Peninnah, like Leah, vite of the family of the Kohathites, (the most hon- was fruitful, which should have made her easy orable house of that tribe,) as appears, 1 Chron. and thankful, though but a second wife, and less 6: 33, 34. His ancestor Zuph was an Ephra- beloved; Hannah, like Rachel, was childless inthite, i. e. of Bethlehem-Judah, called Ephrathah. deed, but very dear to her husband, who took all Ruth 1: 2. There this family was first seated, occasions to let both her and others know it, (v. 5.) but one branch of it, in process of time, removed which should have made her easy and thankful. to mt. Ephraim, from which Elkanah descended: But they were of different tempers; Peninnah Perhaps their being originally Ephrathites is no- could not bear being fruitful, but grew haughty and ticed, to show their alliance to David. This Elka- insolent; Hannah could not bear being barren, but nah lived at Ramah, or Ramathaim, double Ramah, grew melancholy and discontented; and Elkanah the higher and lower, the same with Arimathea had a difficult part to act between them, yet he of which Joseph was, here called Ramathaim-kept up his attendance at God's altar, notwithzophim. Zophim signifies watchmen; probably, standing this unhappy difference, and took his they had one of the schools of the prophets there, wives and children, that if they could not agree for prophets are called watchmen; the Chaldee in other things, they might agree to worship God paraphrase calls Elkanah a disciple of the prophets. together. If the devotions of a family prevail not But it seems to me prophecy was revived in Sam- to put an end to its divisions, yet let not the diuel; before his time there being, for a great while, visions put a stop to the devotions. no open vision, ch. 3: 1. Nor is there any mention of a prophet of the Lord from Moses to Samuel, except Judg. 6: 8. So that we have no reason to think there was any nursery or college of prophets here, till Samuel himself founded one, ch. 19: 19, 20.

3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship, and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh: and the two I. Samuel's family was devout. Ministers should be patterns of family religion. I think this sons of Eli, Hophni is the first time in Scripture, that God is called and Phinehas, the the Lord of hosts, (v. 3.) Jehovah Sabaoth, a name priests of the LORD, by which He was afterward very much called and were there. known. Probably, Samuel first used this title, for the comfort of Israel, when in his time their hosts were few and feeble, and those of their enemies many and mighty. Elkanah was a country Levite, and, for aught that appears, had not any place or office which required his attendance at the tabernacle, but he went up as a common Israelite, with his own sacrifices, to encourage his neighbors, and set them a good example. When be sacrificed, he worshipped, joining prayers and thanksgivings with his sacrifices, and this constantly.

4 And when the time was that Elkanahoffered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions. 5 But unto Hannah he gave a tworthy portion: for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had m shut up her womb.

a 19.

6 And her adversa

Matt. 27:57. Arimathea.

b Judg. 17:1. 19:1.

Elkanah kept his integrity, while others were remiss, and some worshipped idols. Hophni and Phinehas, Eli's sons, were the men now chiefly employed in the service of the house of God; and they conducted themselves very ill in their place; yet Elkanah went up to sacrifice. God had then tied his people to one place and one d 17:12. Ruth 1:2. 1 Kings 11:26. 29:23-29. Judg. 8:30. altar, therefore, in pure obedience, he attended at Shiloh; if the priests did not do their duty, he would do his: the validity and efficacy of the sacHeb. from year to year. Ex. 23:14, raments depend not on the purity of him that ad

c 1 Chr. 6:25-27,34.

e Gen. 4:19.

Matt. 19:8.

f Gen. 16:1,2. 25:21. 29:31. Judg. 13:2. Luke 1:7.

He did all he could, to encourage Hannah, and to keep up her spirits under her afflictions, v. 4, 5. Observe, 1. Elkanah loved his wife never the less for her being barren. Christ loves his church, notwithstanding her infirmities, her barrenness; and so ought men to love their wives. To abate our just love to any relation, for the sake of any infirmity which they cannot help, and which is not their sin, but their affliction, is to make God's providence quarrel with his precept, and very unkindly to add affliction to the afflicted. 2. He studied to show his love so much the more, because she was afflicted, insulted, and low-spirited. It is wisdom and duty to support the weakest, and to hold up those that are run down. 3. He showed his great love to her, by the share he gave her of

his peace-offerings. Thus we should testify our affection to our friends and relations, by abounding in prayer for them. The better we love them, the more room let us give them in our prayers.

Peninnah was extremely peevish and provoking. 1. She upbraided Hannah with her affliction, despised her as barren, and taunted her as one whom Heaven did not favor. 2. She envied her interest in Elkanah's love, and the more kind he was to her, the more was she exasperated against her; which was all over base and barbarous. 3. She did this most when they went up to the house of the Lord, perhaps, because then they were more together than at other times, or because then Elkanah showed his affection most to Hannah. But it was very sinful at such a time, to show her malice, when pure hands were to be lifted up at God's altar, without wrath and quarrelling. It was, too, very unkind to vex Hannah then, not only because then they were in company, and others would notice it, but then Hannah was to mind her devotions, and desired to be most calm, composed, and free from disturbance. The great adversary to our purity and peace is then most industrious to ruffle us, when we should be most composed. who appear at least to be walking heaven-ward themselves, as well as teaching others the true way thither; and not countenance either heretical teachers, or ungodly men. (Prov. 19: 27. 1 John 4: 1-3. 2 John 7-11.) SCOTT.

II. Yet Samuel's was a divided family, and
its divisions carried with them both guilt and

k Lev. 3:4,5. 7:15. Deut. 12:17,13. grief. Where there is piety, it is pity but there
should be unity. The joint devotions of a fam-
ily should put an end to divisions in it.
The cause of this division, was Elkanah's mar-

1 Gen. 29:30,31. Deut. 21:15. m Gen. 20:18. 30:2.

n Lev. 18:18. Job 6:14.

NOTES.

CHAP. I. V. 1. Zophim' signifles watchmen, perhaps because some watch-towers and watchmen were stationed there; for 'Ramah' signifies exaltation or it might be so called from Zuph, Elkanah's ancestor. SCOTT.-'No doubt two contiguous hills, on which watchtowers were built, and in which watchmen kept continual guard for the safety of the country; and which afterwards gave name to the place.' [See further, note, Josh. 19: 25.) Dr. A. CLARKE. Verse 3.

The stated worship at Shiloh was observed, but probably in an irregular manner; otherwise Elkanah, a Levite, would have had employment at the sanctuary. The Israelites were confined to one place, one altar, and one priesthood; and therefore Elkanah could not go elsewhere. But, though the wickedness of ministers does not deprive the pious Christian of the blessing, nor furnish a sufficient excuse for neglecting the ordinances of God; yet we, not being under a similar limitation, should certainly prefer attending on the ministry of those,

ry also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. 7 And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her: therefore she wept, and did not eat.

8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?

[Practical Observations.] 9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk: (now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD:) 10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and 'prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.

r

11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on

the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine

Heb. angered her. ⚫ 2:19.

Or, from the time that she, &c. Heb. p 2 Sam. 12:16,17. 2 Kings 8:12. Job

from the going up.

6:14. John 20:13,15. 1 Thess. 5:14. Ruth 4:15. Ps. 43:4. Is. 54:1,6. r 3:3,15. 2 Sam. 7:2.

Heb. bitter of soul. Ruth 1:20. 2

Sam. 17:8. Job 7:11. 9:18. 10:1.
Is. 38:15. 54:6. Lam. 3:15.

5.7.

■ P. 50:15. 91:15. Luke 22:44. Heb. t Gen. 50:10. Judg. 21:2. 2 Sam. 13: 36. 2 Kings 20:3. Jer. 13:17. 22:10. o Gen. 28:20. Nam. 212. 30:3-8. Judg. 11:30. Ec. 5:4.

x Gen. 29:32. Ex. 4:31. 2 Sam. 16:12.

Ps. 25:18.

719. Gen. 8:1. 30:22. Pa. 132:1,2.

When the sons of God come to present themselves part to balance her grief. Am not I better to thee
before the Lord, Satan will be sure to come among than ten sons? Thou knowest thou hast my af-
them. 4. She continued to do this from year to fection entire, and let that comfort thee.' Note,
year, it was her constant practice; neither defer- We ought to notice our comforts, to keep us from
ence to her husband, nor compassion to Hannah, grieving excessively for our crosses; for, our
could break her of it; and Lastly, What she de- crosses we deserve, but our comforts we have for-
signed, was, to make her fret; perhaps in hopes feited. If we would keep the balance even, we
to break her heart, that she might possess her hus- must look at that which is for us, as well as that
band's heart solely. Or, because she took a plea- which is against us, else we are unjust to Provi-
sure in her uneasiness: nor could Hannah gratify dence, and unkind to ourselves. God hath set the
dence of a bad disposition, to delight in grieving
her more than by fretting. Note, It is an evi- one over-against the other, and so should we.
those that are melancholy and of a sorrowful
spirit, and in putting those out of humor, that are
apt to fret and be uneasy. We ought to bear one
another's burdens, not add to them.

Hannah (poor woman) could not bear the pro-
vocation, r. 7. It made her uneasy to herself and
to all her relations. Her trouble took away her
appetite, made her unfit for any company, and a
jar in the harmony of family-joy. It was of the
feast upon the sacrifice that she did not eat, for they
were not to eat of the holy things in their mourn-
ing, Deut. 26: 14. Lev. 10: 19.
Yet it was
her infirmity, so far to give way to the sorrow of
the world, as to unfit herself for holy joy in God.
Those that are of a fretful spirit, and are apt to
lay provocations too much to heart, are enemies
to themselves, and strip themselves very much of
the comforts both of life and godliness. We find
God noticed this ill effect of discontents and disa-
greements in the conjugal relation; the parties ag-
grieved covered the altar of the Lord with tears, in-
somuch that He regarded not the offering, Mal. 2: 13.
Elkanah said what he could to comfort her.
She did not upbraid him as Sarah did Abraham,
nor did she render to Peuinnah railing for railing,
but took the trouble wholly to herself, which made
her an object of much compassion. Elkanah
showed himself extremely grieved at her grief, v.
8. They that by marriage are made one flesh,

V. 9-18. Here we find the good effect of Elkanah's gentle reproof.

Hannah did not harden herself in sorrow, nor grow sullen when reproved for it; but perceiving her husband uneasy, cheered up as well as she could, and came to table. It is as great a piece of self-denial to control our passions, as our appetites.

Elkanah's saying, Am not I better to thee than ten sons? perhaps occasioned her to think, Whether he be so or no, God is, and therefore to Him will I apply myself. If ever she will make a more solemn address than ordinary to the throne of grace on this errand, now is the time. They are at Shiloh, at the door of the tabernacle, where God had promised to meet his people, and which was the house of prayer. They had lately offered their peace-offerings, to obtain the favor of God and all good, and in token of communion with Him; and, taking the comfort of being accepted, they had feasted on the sacrifice, and now it was proper to put up her prayer in virtue of that sacrifice; for the peace-offerings typified Christ's mediation, as well as the sin-offerings; for by it not only atonement is made for sin, but the audience and acceptance of our prayers, and an answer of peace to them, are obtained for us: to that Sacrifice, in all our supplications, we must have an eye.

tions, they should make us the more lively in our addresses to God, v. 10. Our blessed Savior Himself, being in an agony, prayed more earnestly

This good use we should make of our afflic

She was very particular, and yet very modest, in her petition, v. 11. God gives us leave, not only to ask good things in general, but to mention that special good we most need and desire. Yet she says not, as Rachel, Give me children. She will be very thankful for one.

ought thus far to be of one spirit too, to share in
each other's troubles, so that one cannot be easy
while the other is uneasy. He gives her a loving
reproof for it. Why weepest thou? And why is
thy heart grieved? As many as God loves He re-
bukes, and so should we. He puts her on inquir-
ing into the cause of her grief; let her consider
whether she had reason to be troubled to such a
degree; especially so much as to be taken off by Her son would be, by birth, a Levite, and so
it from eating of the holy things. Note, Our sor- devoted to the service of God; but he should be,
row on any account is then sinful and inordinate, by her vow, a Nazarite, and his very childhood sa-
when it diverts us from our duty to God, and im- cred. Probably she had acquainted Elkanah with
bitters our comfort in Him; when it makes us her purpose before, and had his consent and appro-
unthankful for the mercies we enjoy, and distrust-bation. Note, (1.) Parents [ought, by prayer,] to
ful of the goodness of God to us in further mer- dedicate their children to God, as living sacrifi-
cies; when it casts a damp on our joy in Christ, ces and spiritual priests; and an obligation is
and hinders us from doing the duty, and taking thereby laid on them to serve God faithfully all
the comfort, of our particular relations. He in the days of their life. (2.) It is very proper, when
timates that nothing should be wanting on his in pursuit of any mercy, to bind our souls with a

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1-8. Experience universally evinces the kindness, as well as equity, of the original institution of marriage, and the divine law concerning it: for every deviation makes way for domestic contention, envy, malice, impatience, and every evil work, to the interruption of the worship of God, and the ruin of family religion. If Satan can induce us to yield to discouragement in one respect, he will attempt it in another, and never cease to harass us, when engaged in the duties of religion, till he has driven us from every mean of grace, and solemn act of holy worship: so that resolute resistance and perseverance, with earnest cries to the Lord for his assistance, are our only successful weapons: and we should not in the least degree 'give place to the devil.'-The human heart can neither bear prosperity without insolence, nor adversity without impatience: could we change conditions in every respect with others, we should generally increase our unea

Verses 9-11.

The tabernacle, now become stationary, was sometimes called 'the temple.' (S: 3. Ps. 27: 4. 29: 9.)-[Some, as Calmet, Dr. A. Clarke, (see next note,) &c. suspect from the use of the word 'temple' that the books of Samuel were not compiled till the first temple was built. Patrick remarks, 'It is not unusual to call the tabernacle by the name of a temple: as the temple is called a tabernacle, Jer. 10: 20. Lam. 2: 6.' ED.]-Some learned men compute that Samuel was born before Samson, whom God thus separated to Him

siness; whereas impartial reflection on our own situation in life, compared with our unworthiness, and with the condition of others, would silence our complaints, or convert them into thankful praises.-All inordinate passions are irrational, as well as inimical to our comfort; yet even pious Christians, who are shocked at the thought of yielding to other temptations, often rebelliously and ungratefully indulge excessive grief, against which they ought especially to watch and pray. But if our earthly comforts, when duly estimated, being greater than our sorrows, should console us under our trials; surely the favor of God is better to his people, than all beloved relations or outward satisfactions, and sufficient to compensate for the loss or the want of them all.-Every one should comfort those who are in bitterness of soul: yet a mild and tender rebuke is frequently the greatest kindness, when we see our friends forgetting their mercies, or their duty.

SCOTT.

self, and for a special purpose, before his birth; but others think he was born about the same time, or a few years after him. The chronology of this part of the history, however, is extremely obscure, and the attempts of learned men to elucidate it are peculiarly unsatisfactory, and often widely discordant from each other. SCOTT.

(9.) Temple. I think this is the first place where this is mentioned, which gives room for a strong suspicion, that the books of Samuel were not compiled till the first temple was built, or after the days of Dr. A. CLARKE, Solomon.' [See the Pref. &c.] [BAPTIST EDITION.]

[21]

handmaid *
a man-
child, then I will give
him unto the LORD all
the days of his life, and
there shall no razor
come upon his head..
12 And it came to
pass, as she continu-
ed praying before the
LORD, that Eli marked

her mouth.

13 Now Hannah, she a spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.

e

15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord; I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have 'poured out my soul before the LORD.

16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial; for hout of the abundance of my § complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. 17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

18 And she said, 'Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman her way, and did eat,

m went

and her countenance was no more sad.

[Practical Observations.] 19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped be

bond, that if God give it us, we will devote it to
his honor, and cheerfully use it in his service.
Not that hereby we can pretend to merit the gift,
but thus we are qualified for it, and the comfort
of it. In hope of mercy, let us promise duty.

She spoke all this so softly, that none could
hear her, v. 13. Hereby she testified her belief
of God's knowledge of the heart and its desires.
Thoughts are words with Him, nor is He one of
those gods that must be cried aloud to. It was
likewise an instance of her humility and holy

shame-facedness in her approach to God; she
was none of those that made her voice to be heard
on high, Isa. 58: 4. It was a secret prayer,
though made in a public place, not as the Phari-
sees to be seen of men. True, we have no reason
to be ashamed of prayer, but we must avoid all
appearances of ostentation. Let what passes be-
tween God and our souls, be kept to ourselves.

the

(2.) Hannah had been reproved by Elkanah, because she would not eat and drink; and now to be reproached by Eli, as if she had eaten and drunk too much, was very hard. It is no new thing for those that do well, to be ill thought of. Hannah bore it admirably well; she did not retort the charge, and upbraid him with the debauchery of his own sons; did not tell him how ill it became one in his place, thus to abuse a poor sorrowful worshipper at the throne of grace. When at any time unjustly censured, we need set

a double watch before the door of our lips, that we do not recriminate, and return censure for censure. Hannah thought it enough to vindicate herself, and so must we, v. 15, 16. In justice to herself, she expressly denies the charge; but in justice to him, she accounts for the manner which had given occasion to his suspicion. Note, When unjustly censured, we should endeavor, not only to clear ourselves, but to satisfy our brethren, by giving them a just and true account of that which they misapprehended.

Eli did not (as many are apt to in such a case) take it for an affront to have his mistake rectified, nor did it put him out of humor. But, on the contrary, he now encouraged Hannah's devotions, as much as before he had discountenanced them; not only intimated he was satisfied of her innocency, by those words, Go in peace, but being high-priest, as one having authority, he blessed her in the name of the Lord, and though he knew not what the particular blessing was, she had been praying for, yet he puts his Amen to it, so good an opinion had he now conceived of her prudence and piety. The God of Israel grant thee thy petition, whatever it is, that thou hast asked of Him. Note, By our meek and humble carriage toward those that reproach us, cause they did not know us, we may perhaps make them our friends, and turn their censures into prayers.

Eli was now high priest, and judge of Israel: he sat upon a seat in the temple, to receive addresses, and oversee and direct what was done there, v. 9. The tabernacle is here called the temple, because it was now fixed, and served all purposes of a temple. Somewhere, probably in a private corner, he espied Hannah at her prayers, and, by her unusual manner, fancied she was drunken, v. 14.-the very imputation Peter and the apostles fell under, when the Holy Ghost gave them utterance. Perhaps, in this degenerate age, it was no strange thing to see drunken women at the door of the tabernacle; for, otherwise, one would think the vile lust of Hoplni and Phinehas could not have found so easy a prey there, ch. 2: 22. Eli took Hannah for one of these. It is one bad effect of the abounding of iniquity, and its becoming fashionable, that it often gives occasion to suspect the innocent. When a disease is epidemical, every one is suspected to be tainted with it. Now, (1.) this was Eli's fault, and a great observation or information. fault, to pass so severe a censure without better His fault was the Hannah now went away, with great satisfaction worse, that he was the priest of the Lord, who of mind, v. 18. Whence came this sudden, happy should have had compassion on the ignorant, Heb. change? She had by prayer committed her case 5: 2. Note, It ill becomes us to be rash and to God, and left it with Him, and now was no hasty in our censures of others, and forward to more perplexed about it. She had prayed for believe people guilty, while either the matter of herself, and Eli had prayed for her; and she beful and unproved, or is capable of a good con- had prayed for, or make up the want of it to her fact, on which the censure is grounded, is doubt- lieved God would either give her the mercy she struction. Charity commands us to hope the best some other way. Note, Prayer is heart's ease concerning all, and forbids censoriousness. Paul to a gracious soul; the seed of Jacob have often had very good information, when he did but partly found it so, being confident that God will never believe, (I Cor. 11: 18.) hoping it was not so. say to them, Seek ye Me in vain. See Phil. 4: Especially we ought to be cautious how we cen- 6, 7.

be

sure the devotion of others, lest we call that V. 19-28. Elkanah and his family had a jour-
ly the fruit of honest zeal, and accepted of God.
hypocrisy, enthusiasm, or superstition, which is real-ney before them, and a family of children with
them, yet they would not stir till they had worship-

Heb. seed of men.

z Num. 6:5. Judg. 13:5.

1 Heb. multiplied to pray. Luke 11:8
-10. 18:1. Eph. 6:18. Col. 4:2. 1
Thes. 5:17. Jam. 5:16.

a Gen. 24:42-45. Neh. 2:4. Pr. 25:1.
Rom. 8:26.

b Zech. 9:15.

Acts 2:13. 1 Cor. 13:7.

c Josh. 22:12-20. Job 8:2. Ps. 62:3.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
general more bitter, than the suspicious and censures of those
whom we love and esteem. But while God hears our prayers,
we may bear even this with patience, and answer it with incek-
ness: for if our loving Father sees that correction needful, and
favors us with the assurance of his acceptance, and the light of
his countenance, we may thankfully submit to his will.-Even
before those blessings which we have asked in prayer are vouch-
safed, or expected with certainty, He sometimes communicates
such supports to the soul, as exceed every temporal advantage,
can be destroyed by no outward trouble, and give a relish for
those mercies which before we undervalued or overlooked.-We
are also most likely to obtain all our warranted desires, when we
are rendered most willing to submit them to the will of God.
SCOTT.

V. 9-18. Nothing can give solid comfort to those who are in anguish of spirit, but the assurance and experience of the love of God in their hearts; nor will that cordial in general be communicated, till they have poured out their souls' repeatedly in earnest secret prayer. Yet, through Satan's temptations, and the evil of our hearts, we are often reluctant to begin, slight in presenting, and hasty in concluding our petitions! Hence it is that we go mourning all the day long, instead of casting our burden on the LORD: and our miseries will increase upon us, till we take this course. (Phil. 4:5-7. 1 Pet. 5:5-7.)-The more we experience the sweet consolations which are communicated while the soul is poured out before the Lord, the more we shall determine to call upon Him as long as we live.' (Ps. 116: 2.) Among the various trials, to which we are exposed, none is in

Verse 15.

Hannah emphatically described the nature of fervent prayer: 'I have poured out my soul before the LORD.' (M. R. f.) Prayer does not consist merely in using good words, but in opening before the Lord the inmost soul, and, in unreserved confidence, pouring out before Him all our fears, sorrows, desires, and purposes; as a child would before A loving father, from whom alone he had expectations of relief, and

who, he was satisfied, was able and disposed to help him. SCOTT.
Verses 17, 18.

The character of Eli was very defective; yet there are several
traces in it of true piety, and this answer is one. (M. R.)
ID.
Verses 19-22.

Probably Elkanah established Hannah's vow, in a solemn act of
worship, before he left Shiloh. (Note, Num. 30: 3-8.)
ID.

22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.

23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, "Do what seemeth thee good: tarry until thou have weaned him; only *the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.

24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.

25 And they slew a 11. Gen. 8:1. 21:1. P. 25:7. 136.

23. Luke 23:42.

• Heb. in revolution of days. That is, Asked of God.

p Gen. 4:25. 5:29. 16:11. 29:32-35. 316-21. 41:51,52. Ex. 2:10,22. 43. Gen. 18:19. Josh. 24:15. P.

Matt. 1:21.

191:2.

r Deut. 15:16. Luke 2:22,41,42.
11,23. 2:11,18. 3:1. P. 23:6. 27:4.

ped God together. Prayer and provender hinder | gular; but now that he was weaned, he was pre-
no journey. They had now spent several days sented, not to be redeemed. Some think it was
in religious worship, yet attended once more.
as soon as he was weaned from the breast, which,
We should not be weary of well-doing.
the Jews say, was not till he was three years old,
v. 23. Others think it was not till he was wean-
ed from childish things, at eight or ten years old.
But I see no inconvenience in admitting such an
extraordinary child as this, into the tabernacle,
at three years old, to be educated among the
children of the priests. It is said, v. 24. The
child was young; but, being intelligent above his
years, he was no trouble, None can begin too
soon to be religious. The child was a child, so the
Hebrew reads it, in his learning-age. Isa. 28: 9.
Observe how she presented her child.

At length the Lord remembered Hannah. Though God seems long to forget his people's burdens, troubles, cares, and prayers, yet He will at length make it to appear they are not out of his mind. Some make Samuel to be much the same with Ishmael, heard of God, because the mother's prayers were remarkably heard, and he was an answer to them. Others, because of the reason she gives for the name, make it to signify asked of God; it comes nearly to the same; she designed by it to perpetuate the remembrance of God's favor in answering her prayers. Note, Mercies in answer to prayer, are to be remembered with peculiar expressions of thankfulness, as Ps. 116: 1, 2. Hannah intended by this name to put her son in mind of his obligation to be the Lord's, in consideration that he was asked of God, and at the same time dedicated to Him. A child of prayer is, in a special manner, bound to be a good child. Lemuel's mother reminds him, that he was the son of her vows.

Hannah closely attended to nursing him, not only because he was dear to her, but because he was devoted to God. We ought to take care of our children, not only with an eye to the law of nature, as they are ours, but with an eye to the covenant of grace, [that we may train them up for God's service, as Samuel was. BAP. ED.] This sanctifies the nursing of them, when it is done as

unto the Lord.

Elkanah went up every year to worship at the
tabernacle, and particularly to perform his vow;
perhaps one distinct from Hannah's, if God would
give him a son by her, v. 21. But Hannah,
though she had been accustomed to go, now ex-
cused herself. 1. Because she would not be so
long absent from her nursery: if she had gone
any whither, she would have gone to Shiloh.
Note, God will have mercy, and not sacrifice.
Persons detained from public ordinances, by the
nursing and tending of little children, may believe,
that if they do that with an eye to God, He will
graciously accept them therein. 2. Because she
would not go up to Shiloh till her son was big
enough, not only to be taken thither, but to be
left there; for if once she took him thither, she
thought she could never find it in her heart to
bring him back again. Note, Those who are
steadfastly resolved to pay their vows, may yet
see good cause to defer the payment of them.
Lev. 22:

Every thing is beautiful in its season.
27. Elkanah agrees to what she proposes, v. 23.

How good and pleasant it is, when yoke-fellows
thus draw even in the yoke, each thinking well
of what the other does, especially in works of
piety and charity. He adds a prayer, Only the
Lord establish his word; i. e. God preserve the
child through the perils of his infancy, that the
solemn vow which God signified his acceptance
of, by giving us the child, may be performed in its
season, and so the whole matter be accomplish-
ed. Note, Those that have in sincerity devoted
their children to God, may with comfort pray for
them, that God will establish [by their conversion
to himself, the word upon which he had caused

Ex. 21:6. Lev. 25:23. Josh. 4:7. is. them to hope. BAP. ED.]

110:4. 1. 9:7.

Num. 30:7-11.

1 2 Sam. 7:25. Is 44:26.

y Gen. 21:7,8. Ps. 22:9. Matt. 24.19. Luke 11:27.

Here is the solemn entering of this child into the service of the sanctuary. We may take it for granted he was presented to the Lord at 40 days

2 Num. 15:9,10. Deut. 12:5,6,11. 16. old, as all the first-born were; (Luke 2: 22, 23.) but that is not mentioned, because in nothing sin

16.

4:3,4. Jush. 18:1.

1. With a sacrifice; no less than three bullocks, with a meat-offering for each, v. 24. A bullock, perhaps, for each year of the child's life. Or, one for a burnt-offering, another for a sinoffering, and the third for a peace-offering: So far was she from thinking that, by presenting her son to God, she made God her debtor. All our covenants with God for ourselves, and ours, must be made by sacrifice, the great Sacrifice.

2. With a grateful acknowledgment of God's goodness in answer to prayer. This she makes to Eli, because he had encouraged her to hope for an answer of peace; v. 26, 27. You have forgotten me, my lord; but I, who now appear so cheerful, am the woman, that, three years ago, stood here, weeping and praying, and this was the child I prayed for.' Answers of prayer may thus be humbly triumphed in, to the glory of God. Here is a living testimony for God, I am his witness that He is gracious.' See Ps. 66: 16-19. 34: 2, 4, 6. Hannah does not remind Eli of it by adverting to the suspicion he had formerly expressed. Good men ought not to be upbraided with their infirmities and oversights; they have themselves repented of them, let them hear no more of them.

3. With a full surrender of all her interest in

this child unto the Lord, v. 28. And she repeats
it, because she will never revoke it, he shall be (a
deodand) lent or given to the Lord. Not that she
designed to call him back, as we do what we
lend, but she uses this word, Shaol, he lent, be-
cause it is the same word she had used before,
v. 20. I asked, only in another conjugation.
And, v. 27. the Lord gave me the petition I ask-
ed, (Shaalti, in Kal, therefore I have lent him;
Hishilti, the same word in Hiphil:) and so it
gives another etymology of his name, Samuel,
not only asked of God, but lent to God. And ob-
serve, (1.) Whatever we give to God, may, on
this account, be said to be lent from Him. All
our gifts to Him were first gifts to us.
Of thine
own, Lord, have we given Thee, 1 Chron. 29: 14,
16. (2.) Whatever we give to God, may, on this
account, be said to be lent to Him; that though
we may not recall it as a thing lent, yet He
will certainly repay it with interest, to our un-
speakable advantage, particularly what is given
to his poor, Prov. 19: 17. When by [prayer] we
dedicate our children to God, let us remember
that they were his before by a sovereign right,
and that they are ours still so much the more to
our comfort. Hannah resigns him to the Lord,
not for a certain term of years, as children are
sent apprentices, but as long as he liveth; a Na-
zarite for life. Such must our covenant with God
be, a marriage-covenant; as long as we live, we
must be his and never forsake Him.

Verses 24, 25.

PATRICK.

Lastly, The child Samuel did his part beyond what could have been expected from his years; V. 19. Returned.] To reconcile this with the expression, went to have sucked, in the place where I was born.' her way,' v. 18. Boothr. following the Sept. reads that v. thus, 'So the woman went her way to her own lodgings,' &c. 'For Hannah did not now (v. 18.] go on her way home, but abode all night at Shiloh; and on the following day, after having performed their devotions, they all returned together.'

ED.

Verse 23. Establish his word.] As no promise of God respecting Samuel is recorded, it is thought the clause may be rendered, 'Only the LORD complete his work,' namely, in accepting the child given in answer to prayer, as his devoted servant all his days. (9: 11.)

Scort.

After the burnt-offering had been sacrificed, they seem to have presented Samuel to Eli, before the other offerings were slain.-The original words rendered, 'The child was young,' seem to imply that he was exceedingly dear to his parents; who exercised great selfdenial, in leaving him at the sanctuary at so early an age. (2: 18, SCOTT. 19. Gen. 21: 8-12.)

(24.) Three bullocks.] The Sept. Syr. and Arab. read a bullock of three years old: and this is probably correct, because we read, v. 25. that they slew THE bullock.' [A steer (hphr, and not steers, hphrim) Dr. A. CLARKE. and So Houbigant, Dathe and Boothroyd.]

Until thou have weaned him.] Some think 3 years; but it is not improbable 6 or 7, as Lyra conjectures.. And so long I remember one [BAPTIST EDITION.]

[23]

for of him that seems to be spoken, He worship- experienced a mighty support by staying herself ped the Lord there; i. e. he said his prayers. He on Him, and therefore speaks as she had found, was, no doubt, extraordinarily forward, (we have and seems to refer to that of Moses, Deut. 32: 31. known children that have discovered some sense (3.) His unsearchable wisdom. He clearly and of religion very young,) and his mother, design- perfectly sees into the character of every person, ing him for the sanctuary, took particular care and the merits of every cause, and He gives knowto train him up to that which was to be his work ledge and understanding to those that seek it of in the sanctuary. Note, Little children should Him. (4.) His unerring justice. By Him actions learn betimes to worship God. Their parents are weighed. His own, in his eternal counsels; should instruct them in it, and bring them to it; the actions of the children of men, in the balance put them upon doing it as well as they can, and of his judgments; so He will render to every man God will graciously accept them, and teach them according to his work, and is not mistaken in what to do better. any man is, or does.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

render it a duty to be occasionally absent from public ordinances: but those seasons should abound the more in the exercises of secret devotion; and when special blessings have been conferred, and restraints are removed, the true believer will go with more longing desires to the courts of the Lord, to pay his vows, and render his grateful praises. With what transport then will he at last leave this distant land below, to ascend to the courts above, to receive the full answer of all his prayers, and to offer everlasting praises, with an uninterrupted flow of holy affections and ineffable delight! SCOTT.