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and there shall no razor come upon his||" went her way, and did eat, and her head. countenance was no more sad.

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V. 9-11. The tabernacle, now become stationary, was sometimes called "the temple." (3:3. Ps. 27:4. 29:9.)—Hannah, with great earnestness and importunity, entreated the Lord to grant her a son, and vowed that he should be a perpetual Nazarite; devoted to the service of God alone, all his days. (Notes, Judg. 13:4,5. 16:17—21.) Some learned men compute that Samuel was born before Samson, whom God thus separated to himself, 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.

V. 12-16. Probably Eli had many times seen instances of such intemperance as he here charged upon Hannah; and perhaps he sat near the tabernacle to repress these enormities, though he did not adopt the only effectual method. (Note, 2:23-25.) Perceiving her great discomposure, and observing that her lips moved, he too hastily attributed it to drunkenness. But Hannah had now obtained such inward consolation, that this severe reflection neither distressed her, nor excited her anger: so that she intimated her abhorrence of the crime with which she had been charged, and calmly and respectfully explained to him the real cause of her agitation. In doing this,

[Practical Observations.]

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19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; ° and the LORD remembered her.

20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, P Because I have asked him of the LORD.

21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.

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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.

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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 y son suck until she weaned him.

m Fc. 9:7. John 16:24. Rom. | q 3. Gen. 18:19. Josh. 24:15. 15:13. Phil. 4:6,7. Ps. 101:2.

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she emphatically described the nature of fervent prayer: "I have poured out my soul before the LORD." (Marg. Ref. f.) For 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.

V. 17, 18. The character of Eli was very defective; yet there are several traces in it of true piety, and this answer is one. He was open to conviction, and willing to acknowledge himself mistaken, and by his commendation, blessing, and prayers, to make Hannah amends for the injury which he had done her. (Marg. Ref)

V. 19-22. It is probable that Elkanah established Hannah's vow, in a solemn act of worship, before he left Shiloh. (Note, Num. 30:3-8.) Samuel's name would remind his mother, every time it was mentioned, of the Lord's kindness in remembering her affliction, and in answering her prayer.-The women were not commanded to go up to the sanctuary; and Hannah, after Samuel's birth, had a sufficient engagement at home.

V. 23.

Establish his word.] As no promise of God respecting Samuel is recorded, it is thought that the clause may be rendered,

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"Only the LORD complete his work," namely, in accepting of the child given in answer to prayer, as his devoted servant all his days. (Note, 9-11.)

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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 devV. 24, 25. One of these bullocks might be il."-The human heart can neither bear prosintended for a burnt-offering; and the other perity without insolence, nor adversity without two for thank-offerings or peace-offerings, ou impatience. Instead of being contented and part of which, and of the flour and wine, Elka- thankful in our appointed situation, and renah with his family and friends, and with the joicing in the happiness of others, we are prone Levites, might feast before the Lord. (Notes, to murmur and to vex ourselves, because others Lev. 3: 7:12-18. Deut. 12:5-7.) After the are more favored or prospered, than we supburnt-offering had been sacrificed, they seem pose ourselves to be: yet could we change conto have presented Samuel to Eli, before the ditions in every respect with them, we should other offerings were slain.-The original words generally increase our uneasiness; whereas rendered, "The child was young," seem to im- impartial reflection upon our own situation in ply that he was exceedingly dear to his pa- life, compared with our unworthiness, and with rents; who exercised great self-denial, in leav- the condition of others, would silence our coming him at the sanctuary at so early an age. plaints, or convert them into thankful praises. (Note, 2:18,19.)-Some think he was about three-All inordinate passions are irrational, as well years old; others that he was seven. (Note, Gen. as inimical to our comfort; and even pious 21:8-12.) 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.

V. 26, 27. Hannah's heart was too full of joy and gratitude upon this occasion, to notice the injurious reflection Eli had cast upon her: but she well remembered her prayer and vow, and the Lord's gracious answer. The words rendered, "as thy soul liveth," are supposed by some to have been intended merely as an expression of good will; May thy soul live. (Marg. Ref. c.)

V. 28. The word rendered "lent," is nearly similar to that translated asked; and refers to the name of Samuel.-Hannah had asked him of God, and now she returned him to him. (Marg. -Notes, Ex. 3:21,22. 11:2,3. 12:35,36.) It was her intention, that, as a Levite and a Nazarite, be should spend all his life in the immediate service of the sanctuary; but the Lord was pleased afterwards to employ him as a prophet, and a judge in the public affairs of Israel.Some think that Elkanah is meant, when it is said, "He worshipped the LORD:" but others understand it of Samuel, who thus gave some early ndications of piety.

V. 1-8.

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. This must bring down the blessings, which flow from the atoning blood of Christ, and are vouchsafed through his intercession; and it is necessary to PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. render public ordinances profitable and joyful: nor can a concurrence of all possible distresses Experience universally evinces the kind- and temptations render that man miserable, or ass. as well as equity, of the original institu- long uncomfortable, who rightly improves the tion of marriage, and the divine law concern- precious privilege of access to the mercy-seat ng it: for every deviation makes way for of a reconciled God in Christ Jesus. fomestic contention, envy, malice, impatience, through Satan's temptations, and the evil of our and every evil work, to the interruption of the hearts, we are often reluctant to begin, slight worship of God, and the ruin of family religion.in presenting, and hasty in concluding our pe-None of our troubles, however, should be al-titions! Hence it is that we go mourning all wowed to interfere with our attendance on the ordinances of God: for if Satan can induce us o yield to discouragement in one respect, he will attempt it in another, and never cease to harass us, when engaged in the duties of reigion, till he has driven us from every means of grace, and solemn act of holy worship: so

Yet,

the day long, instead of "casting our burden upon the LORD:" and our miseries will increase upon us, till we take this course. (Notes, Phil. 4:5-7. 1 Pet. 5:5-7.)-The more we experience the sweet consolations which are comme nicated while the soul is poured out before the Lord, the more we shall determine "to call

and there shall no razor come upon his went her way, and did eat, and her head. countenance was no more sad.

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It Heb. hard of spirit.
Heb. multiplied to pray.f Ps. 42:4. 62:8. 142:2,3. 143:6.
Luke 11:8-10. 13:1. Eph. 6:
18. Col. 4:2. 1 Thes. 5:17.
Jam. 5:16.

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

Lam. 2:19.

g 2:12. 10.27. 25:25. Deut. 13:
13.

h Job 6:2,3. 10:1,2. Matt. 12:
34,35.

b Zech. 9:15. Acts 2:13. 1 Cor. Or, meditation.
13.7.

c Josh. 22:12-20. Job 2:2. Ps. 62:3. Prov. 6:9. Matt. 7:1-3. d Job 11:14. 22:23. Prov. 4:24. Eph. 4:25,31.

e Prov. 15: 1. 25:15.

i 25:35. 29:7. Judg. 18:6. 2
Kings 5:19. Mark 5:34. Luke
7:50. 8:48.

k 1 Chr. 4:10. Ps. 20:4,5.

1 Gen. 32:5. 33:8,15. Ruth 2:13.

V. 9-11. The tabernacle, now become stationary, was sometimes called "the temple." (3:3. Ps. 27:4. 29:9.)-Hannab, with great earnestness and importunity, entreated the Lord to grant her a son, and vowed that he should be a perpetual Nazarite; devoted to the service of God alone, all his days. (Notes, Judg. 13:4,5. 16:17-21.) Some learned men compute that Samuel was born before Samson, whom God thus separated to himself, 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.

V. 12-16. Probably Eli had many times seen instances of such intemperance as he here|| charged upon Hannah; and perhaps he sat near the tabernacle to repress these enormities, though he did not adopt the only effectual method. (Note, 2:23-25.) Perceiving her great discomposure, and observing that her lips moved, he too hastily attributed it to drunkenness. But Hannah had now obtained such inward consolation, that this severe reflection neither distressed her, nor excited her anger: so that she intimated her abhorrence of the crime with which she had been charged, and calmly and respectfully explained to him the real cause of her agitation. In doing this,

[Practical Observations.]

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19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; ° and the LORD remembered her.

20 Wherefore it came to pass, ! when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name | Samuel, saying, P Because I have asked him of the LORD.

21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.

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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.

S

t

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.

m Ec. 9:7. John 16:24. Rom. | q 3. Gen. 18:19. Josh. 24:15.
15:13. Phil. 4:6,7.
Ps. 101:2.

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she emphatically described the nature of fervent prayer: "I have poured out my soul before the LORD." (Marg. Ref. f.) For 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.

V. 17, 18. The character of Eli was very defective; yet there are several traces in it of true piety, and this answer is one. He was open to conviction, and willing to acknowledge himself mistaken, and by his commendation, blessing, and prayers, to make Hannah amends for the injury which he had done her. (Marg. Ref.)

V. 19-22. It is probable that Elkanah established Hannah's vow, in a solemn act of worship, before he left Shiloh. (Note, Num. 30:3-8.) Samuel's name would remind his mother, every time it was mentioned, of the Lord's kindness in remembering her affliction, and in answering her prayer. The women were not commanded to go up to the sanctuary; and Hannah, after Samuel's birth, had a sufficient engagement at home.

V. 23. Establish his word.] As no promise of God respecting Samuel is recorded, it is thought that the clause may be rendered,

Lord.

d

24 And when she had weaned him, || that stood by thee here, praying unto the she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the a house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the

child was young.

25 And they slew a bullock, and b brought the child to Eli.

as thy

26 And she said, O my lord! soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman

z Num. 15:9,10. Deut. 12:5,6, 11. 16:16.

a 4:3,4. Josh. 18:1.

b Luke 2-22. 18:15,16.

c 17:55. 20:3. Gen. 42:15. 2 Sam. 11:11. 14:19. 2 Kings 2: 2,4,6. 4.30.

"Only the LORD complete his work," namely, in accepting of the child given in answer to prayer, as his devoted servant all his days. (Note, 9-11.)

V. 24, 25. One of these bullocks might be intended for a burnt-offering; and the other two for thank-offerings or peace-offerings, ou part of which, and of the flour and wine, Elkanah with his family and friends, and with the Levites, might feast before the Lord. (Notes, Lev. 3: 7:12-18. Deut. 12:5-7.) 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 self-denial, in leaving him at the sanctuary at so early an age. (Note, 2:18,19.)-Some think he was about three years old; others that he was seven. (Note, Gen. 21:8-12.)

V. 26, 27. Hannah's heart was too full of joy and gratitude upon this occasion, to notice the injurious reflection Eli had cast upon her: but she well remembered her prayer and vow, and the Lord's gracious answer. The words rendered, "as thy soul liveth," are supposed by some to have been intended merely as an expression of good will; May thy soul live. (Marg. Ref. c.)

V. 28. The word rendered "lent," is nearly similar to that translated asked; and refers to the name of Samuel.-Hannah had asked him of God, and now she returned him to him. (Marg. -Notes, Ex. 3:21,22. 11:2,3. 12:35,36.) It was her intention, that, as a Levite and a Nazarite, be should spend all his life in the immediate service of the sanctuary; but the Lord was pleased afterwards to employ him as a prophet, and a judge in the public affairs of Israel.Some think that Elkanah is meant, when it is said, "He worshipped the LORD:" but others understand it of Samuel, who thus gave some early ndications of piety.

V. 1-8.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Experience universally evinces the kindass. as well as equity, of the original institution of marriage, and the divine law concernng it: for every deviation makes way for foinestic contention, envy, malice, impatience, and every evil work, to the interruption of the worship of God, and the ruin of family religion. -None of our troubles, however, should be alwowed to interfere with our attendance on the ordinances of God: for if Satan can induce us Lo yield to discouragement in one respect, he will attempt it in another, and never cease to harass us, when engaged in the duties of reigion, till he has driven us from every means of grace, and solemn act of holy worship: so

e

27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth the shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.

d 11-13. Matt. 7:7.

the LORD.

e P's. 66:19. 116:1-5. 118:5. 1 † Or, he whom I have obtained John 5:15. by petition shall be returned. *Or, returned him, whom 1f Gen. 24 28,48. 2 Tim. 3:15. have obtained by petition, to

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. Instead of being contented and thankful in our appointed situation, and rejoicing in the happiness of others, we are prone to murmur and to vex ourselves, because others are more favored or prospered, than we suppose ourselves to be: yet could we change conditions in every respect with them, we should generally increase our uneasiness; whereas impartial reflection upon 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; and 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.

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. This must bring down the blessings, which flow from the atoning blood of Christ, and are vouchsafed through his intercession; and it is necessary to render public ordinances profitable and joyful: nor can a concurrence of all possible distresses and temptations render that man miserable, or long uncomfortable, who rightly improves the precious privilege of access to the mercy-seat of a reconciled God in Christ Jesus. 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 upon the LORD:" and our miseries will increase upon us, till we take this course. (Notes, Phil. 4:5-7. 1 Pet. 5:5-7.)-The more we experience the sweet consolations which are commo nicated while the soul is poured out before the Lord, the more we shall determine "to call

Yet,

CHAP. II.

f

2 There is none holy as the LORD; for Hannah's thankful song of praise, 1-10. The sin of Eli's sons, there is none beside thee; neither is there

El

11-17. Samuel ministers before God, 18, 19. Eli blesses Elkanah; and Hannah, who bears more children, 20, 21. reproves his sons, but far too gently, 22-26. A prophet foretels the ruin of Eli's house, 27-36.

ND Hannah prayed, and said, My A heart rejoice than

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d

horn is exalted in the LODR; my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies: because I rejoice in thy salvation.

a Neb. 11:17. Hab. 3:1. Phil. 4.0.

b Luke 1:46,47. Rom. 5:11. Phil. 3:3. 4:4. 1 Pet. 1:8.

c Ps. 18:2. 89:17. 92:10. 112:9.

Luke 1:69.

d Ex. 15:1,21. Judg. 5:1,2. Ps.
51:15. 71:8. Rev. 18:20.

e Ps. 9:14. 13:5. 20:5. 35:9.118:
14. Is. 12.2,3. Hab. 3:18.

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of secret devotion; and when special blessings
have been conferred, and restraints are remov-
ed, 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 in-
effable delight!
NOTES.

upon him as long as we live." (Note, Ps. 116:2.) -We ought to be very cautious how we condemn those, who are uncommonly earnest in religion, as if guilty of hypocrisy, enthusiasm, or some other iniquity; and ministers especially, in their zeal against sin, ought to be careful, that they do not grieve such as are "in bitterness of spirit:" but if we have rashly censured those who are not faulty, we should be ready to hear their plea, to retract our decision, to give them encouragement, and to assist them with our prayers.-Among the various trials, to which we are exposed, none is in general more CHAP. II. V. 1. The word prayer is some bitter, than the suspicions and censures of those times used for any act of devotion, whether it whom we love and esteem. But while "the be confined to petition, or include thanksgiving God of all grace" hears our prayers, we may and praise, or chiefly consist of the latter. bear even this with patience, and answer it with||(Marg. Ref. a.)—When Hannah requested a meekness: for though it is painful to be counted son, she spake in her heart, and "her voice was "children of Belial" by our brethren; yet if not heard;" but when, according to her vow, our loving Father sees that correction needful, she presented Samuel to God, his glory and the and favors us with the assurance of his ac- edification of his people required a public acceptance and the light of his countenance, we knowledgment. Whilst her heart was enlargmay thankfully submit to his will.-Even before ed with love and gratitude, she was led on, by those blessings which we have asked in prayer the Holy Spirit, to speak with great enlarge are vouchsafed, or expected with certainty, he ment and fervency, and with clear discernment sometimes communicates such supports to the of divine things, on the gracious dealings of soul, as exceed every temporal advantage, can God towards Israel, and of his dispensations tobe destroyed by no outward trouble, and give a wards men in general in every age.-"Her relish for those mercies which before we under- heart rejoiced," not in Samuel, but "in the valued or overlooked. We are also most likely LORD;" in his power, faithfulness, and love.— to obtain all our warranted desires, when we are "Her horn" (the weapon for defence and annoyrendered most willing to submit them to the ance in some animals,) "was exalted in the will of God. LORD, and her mouth was enlarged over her enemies:" being delivered from the taunts and reproaches of her rival, she took that as an earnest of more important victories, and rejoiced in the hope of triumphing over the adversaries of her soul; for she "rejoiced in the salvation of the LORD," and in looking for the coming of Him, who is the Salvation of his people. (Notes, Hab. 3:17-19. Luke 1:46–55. Phil. 4:4.)

V. 19-28.

No temporal satisfaction can be durably comfortable, which we cannot name, "Asked of the LORD;" and which we do not receive from him with gratitude as an answer to our prayers, and uprightly desire to use to his glory and in his service. If he give us children, we shall have the most comfort in them, when they are most entirely his: and therefore we should devote them to him from the first; bring them up for him; and pray continually that we may see. early proofs of his having received them into his family, and made them his to serve him all their days -The vows that we have mingled with the prayers made in our distress, must be performed with gratitude, when our desires have been granted; that others may praise our God along with us, and be encouraged to trust and call upon him. It does not become the worshippers of God to be soon weary of his ordinances; but to leave them reluctantly, when called to attend on other duties: and when men are in such haste to set out on journeys, or to engage in business, that they have not time to worship God, they are likely to proceed without his presence and blessing.-There are times, when domestic employments may render it a duty, to be occasionally absent from public ordinances: but those seasons should abound the more in the exercises

V. 2. From personal mercies, Hannah proceeded to contemplate the perfections of God. Holiness, which comprises perfect wisdom, purity, justice, truth, goodness, and mercy, is in him alone underived, immutable, and complete. "There is none holy as the LORD:" all created holiness is derived, dependent, mutable, and scanty; all human holiness mixed with impurity; and all the idols of the nations are abominable demons. Nay, says she, "there is none beside thee," no other God; and all creatures are "less than nothing, and vanity" in the comparison with him: "neither is there any rock, like our God;" he is our only Protector, Refuge, and Support; and they only are safe and strong, who trust entirely in him. (Notes, Ex. 15:11. Deut. 32:4. Is. 43:8—13. 44:6-8. 45:1–7.)

V. 3. With allusion to Peninnah's misconduct, Hannah seems here to address the enemies of true religion; who, confiding in num

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