6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. 8 He raiseth up * the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and

m Ps. 37:15,17. 46:9. 76:3.

n Is. 10:4. Jer. 37:10. 2 Cor. 4: 9,10. 12:9,10. Eph. 6:14. Phil.t 4:13. Heb. 11:34.

o Ps. 34:10. Luke 1:53. 16:25. p 1:20. Ps. 113:9.

q 1:6. Is. 54:1. Jer. 15:9. Gal.x 4:27.

r Deut. 32:39. 2 Kings 5:7. Job 5:18. Ps. 68:20. Hos. 6:1,2. John 5.25-29. 11:25. Rev. 1: 18.

s 20:3. Ps. 116:3. Is. 26:19. Jon.

2:2-6. Matt. 12:40. 2 Cor. 1:
9,10.

Deut. 8:17,18. Job 1:21. 5:11.
Ps. 102:10.

u Ps. 75:7. Is. 2:12. Jam. 1:9,10.
4:10.

Job 2:8. 42:10-12. Ps. 113:7,
8. Dan. 4:17. Luke 1:51,52.
y 15:17. Gen. 41:14,40. 2 Sa.n.
7:8. Job 36:6,7. Ec. 4:14. Dan.
2:48. 6:3. Jam. 2:5. Rev. 1:6.
3:21. 5:10. 22:5.

bers, courage, or ability, glory in themselves and insultingly despise believers. But let them cease from such proud boastings, arrogance, and reproaches; remembering, that "the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed." (Note, Is. 30:18, 19.) He distinguishes men's characters, and weighs their actions in the balance, and knows when to interpose in behalf of his people: he also knows those, who despise and hate him, and will in due time effectually punish them, though for a season they may seem to prosper.-The last clause may be rendered, "By him works are regulated:" he orders every thing in perfect wisdom and power, and none can defeat his purposes. Or, still more exactly according to the text, Are not works by him regulated? (Marg. Ref.)

z Jcb 38:4-6. Ps. 24:2. 102:25.
104:5. Heb. 1:3.

a Job 5:24. Ps. 37:23,24. 91:11,
12. 94:18. 121:3,5,8. Prov. 16:
9. 1 Pet. 1:5.

b Deut. 33:3. Ps. 37:28. 97:10.
Prov. 2:8. Jude 1,3.

c Job 5:16. Ec. 5:17. Jer. 8:14.
Zeph. 1:15. Matt. 8:12. 22:12,
13. Rom. 3:19. 2 Pet. 2:17.
Jude 13.

d 17:49,50. Ps. 33:16,17. Ec. 9:
11. Jer. 9:23. Zech. 4:6,
e Ex. 15:6. Judg. 5:31. Ps. 2:9.
21:8,9. 68:1,2. 92:9. Luke 19:

27.

f 7:10. 12:18. Job 40:9. Ps. 18:
13,14.

g Ps. 50:1-6. 96:13. 98:9. Ec.
11:9. 12:14. Matt. 25.31,32.
John 5:21,22. Rom. 14:19-12.
2 Cor. 5:10. Rev. 20:11-15.
h 12:13. 15:28. 16:1. 2 Sam. 7:
8,13. Ps. 2:6. 21:1,7. Is. 32:1.
45:24. Matt. 25:34. 28:18.

i Ps. 89: 17,24. 92:10. 148:14.
Luke 1:69.

k 12:3. Ps. 2:2. 20:6. 28:8.45:7 Acts 4:27. 10:38.

condition to the throne of glory. (Notes, Ps. 107:33-43. 113:7-9. Ec. 9:11,12.) Events of this kind occasion surprise, and many attempt to account for them; but "the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them:" and the same power, which first created and established the earth in its settled course, without human help, and in such a manner as no human power can change; by his secret over-ruling providence does every thing, and should be acknowledged in every thing. (Notes, Job 34:20-30. Dan. 4:34-37. Rom. 11:33-36.)-These things are equally applicable to the dispensations of his kingdom of grace; in which he respects, not men's wisdom, learning, greatness, or imagined excellency, but selects the base, the poor, the foolish of the world, havV. 4-8. The events which these verses ing taught them to feel their guilt and misery, speak of, are often called the caprices of blind and to value his free and precious salvation. fortune: but they in fact are the settled pur-Thus he "taketh the poor out of the dust, and poses of God, thus manifesting his own perfec- the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among tions by saving those who trust in him; and princes, and to make them inherit the throne pouring contempt upon all the distinctions, in of glory;" and all this "according to the eterwhich ungodly men confide and glory. Arenal purpose, which he hath purposed in Christ they proud of valor, military skill, or strength? Jesus our Lord." (Notes, Matt. 19:29,30. 1 Cor. their bows shall be broken, and themselves 1:26-31. Eph. 1:3-12.) crushed by an inferior and despised company, V. 9. The saints are those, whom the grace Do they glory in riches, and riot in ease and of God has separated from a sinful world, and luxury, while they despise and oppress the poor? sanctified unto himself: and "he will keep their they are often impoverished, and reduced to feet," so that they shall be directed and upheld the necessity of hiring themselves out for bread, in his ways; they shall not so stumble as utterly whilst the poor and hungry are surprisingly ad- to be cast down, nor be so snared as finally to vanced to affluence. Do any glory, as Penin-be taken captive by their enemies. (Notes, Ps. nah did, in the increase of their families, and|| 37:23,24. 1 Pet. 2:2—5.) But, however sinners despise the childless? Providence may soon by may now boast, and fill the world with disturbunexpected death reduce their numbers; whilst ance and confusion, they will ere long be put the desolate are as wonderfully increased. The to silence, and sink speechless, under the diLord gives life, and takes it away: the most vine sentence of condemnation, into everlastvigorous are by the stroke of his hand brought ing darkness and despair. (Notes, Matt. 22:11 down to the gates of the grave; and the fee--14. Rom. 3:19,20.) "For by strength shall ble are unexpectedly restored to health and no man prevail," either to injure and overturn strength. Such vicissitudes may likewise be the interest of true religion, or to secure themoften observed in men's circumstances and selves from merited destruction. (Marg. Ref.) families, in which capacity and industry prove V. 10. While the adversaries of God shall utterly unavailing to prevent the adversity of be destroyed for ever, his church shall prosper, some; while others are wonderfully prospered, not only as it did under the government of Daand rise even from the lowest and most abject || vid, his king, whom Samuel by his command

15 Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

16 And if any man said unto him, Le them not fail to burn the fat * presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, 'I will take it by force.

S

17 Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD; for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.

of heart to love them, which are essential to true religion; nor that experience of the faithfulness and loving-kindness of God, to which those attain, who trust him and call on him, and have real communion with him. (Notes, 1 Chr. 28:9. John 17:1—3.)—Eli appears to have been a godly man, and probably set his sons a good example in private life, and gave them good advice and instruction: but he yielded to a natural timidity and feebleness of mind, and shunned trouble and exertion. Thus he was induced to indulge his children, instead of exercising his parental authority to restrain and correct them when young: and he connived at many abuses in the service of the sanctuary, till they became customs, and made way for greater abominations; and even then he did not exert himself, as it became the high priest and judge of Israel, to punish and repress them.

o 3:7. Judg. 2:10. Jer. 2:8. 22: anointed; but under the government of his Son, the Messiah, who hath "all power given him in heaven and earth," who shall go on conquering, till all the ends of the earth submit to his mediatorial sway, and till he come "to judge the quick and dead at his appearing." Then shall all enemies finally be put under his feet, and his glory be displayed in their destruction, and in the complete salvation of his people. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 1 Cor. 15:20-28. Rev. 6:1,2. 11:15 -18. 19:11-21. 20:11—15.)-When Hannah spake this song, there was no king over Israel, so that her words here must be prophetical, both of David the type, and Christ the Antitype. Who doth not see that the spirit of this 'woman (whose name was Anna, which signi'fies grace,) prophesied of the Christian religion, the city of God, whose King and Founder is "Christ; and of the grace of God, from which the proud are estranged, that they may fall;¦|(Notes, 23—29. 3:13.) 'but the humble are filled with it that they may V. 13-16. The priests had the whole breast, 'rise?' Augustine.-'Indeed this is the first time the right shoulder, the cheeks, and the maw, 'that the name of Messiah, or Anointed, is found allotted to them by the law, out of every peacein Scripture. With this song, that of the bless-offering. (Notes, Lev. 7:29-34. Deut. 18:3.) ed Virgin hath such a perfect resemblance, 'that one cannot but think Hannah had a re"spect to something higher than the quarrel between her and Peninnah, &c.' Bp. Patrick.This indeed is expressly saying very little: but it shews what the mind of the writer had in contemplation. As to Peninnah, on any interpretation, she can be considered no further, than nerely as having given an occasion for this most sublime and sacred song, which may bear a comparison, or even competition, with the most beautiful and magnificent productions of any other inspired writer.

V. 11. The Levites were not called to any of their peculiar services, until they were twenty-five years of age; but Samuel, being devoted to God in an especial manner, was, from a child, employed about the sanctuary in those things of which he was capable, and thus "did minister unto the LORD." (Notes, Num. 8:2426.)

V. 12. The sons of Eli had been brought up in the courts of God, and instructed out of the law, and probably had some general speculative knowledge of God and divine things: yet being sons of Belial, men of a rebellious and disobedient spirit, (Marg. Ref. n. Note, Deut. 13:13-18.) it is said, that "they knew not the LORD." They had neither that acquaintance with the divine perfections, nor that disposition

But in addition to this, it had become customary for the servants of the priest to come, while the flesh was boiling, for the use of the offerer and his friends, in vessels of various sizes, according to the nature of the oblation, placed in the court of the tabernacle; and to carry away whatever the flesh-hook, or three-pronged fork, brought up: and the people in veneration for the priesthood quietly submitted to it; by which the appetites of the priests were gratified with greater variety, and their avarice with an additional perquisite. The sons of Eli, however, were not satisfied with this innovation, which did not always secure the choicest parts: but, while they neglected or postponed "burning the fat," (which, typifying the sacrifice of Christ, and being the appointed expression of the offerer's repentance and faith, was essential to the acceptance of the sacrifice;) they insisted upon having such portions of the flesh as they chose for roasting: and when any one, however conscientiously and mildly, remonstrated against this abuse in a sacred ordinance, though willing to yield every other point, the very servants were so insolent, as to threaten to take it by force! Thus these priests "lorded it over God's heritage," and "kicked at his sacrifice which he had commanded!" (Notes, Is. 56:9-12. Hos 4:6-11. Mal. 1:12-14. 1 Pet. 5:1-4.)

V. 17. The contempt of God and his ordi

18 ¶ But Samuel "ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.

19 Moreover his mother made him a ittle coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.

20 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman, for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home.

21 And the LORD a visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.

b

22 ¶ Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his did unto all Israel; and

u 11. 3:1.

sons

d

x 22:18. Ex. 28:4. Lev. 8:7. 2 Sam. 6:14.

y 1:3,21. Ex. 23:14.

z Gen. 14:19. 27:27-29. Num.
6:23-27, Ruth 2:12. 4:11.
*Or, partition which she asked,
&c. 1:27,23.

24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: h ye make the LORD'S people to transgress.

25 If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them. 26 And the child Heb. assembled by troops.

Ex. 38:8.

e 1 Kings 1:6. Acts 9:4. 14:15.

Or, I hear evil words of you. Is. 3:9. Jer. 3:3. 8:12. Phil. 3:19.

m

Samuel grew on,

Mal. 2:8. Matt. 18:6. 2 Pet 2:
18. Rev. 2:20.
Or, cry out.

i Deut. 17:8-12. 25:1-3.

k 3:14. Num. 15:30. Ps. 51:4, 16. Heb. 10:26.

g Acts 6:3. 2 Cor. 6:8. 1 Tim. Deut. 2:30. Josh. 11:20.
3:7. 3 John 12.

h 17,22. Ex. 32:21, 1 Kings 13:
18-21. 15:30. 2 Kings 10:31.

2 Chr. 25:16. Prov. 1E.10. John 12:39,40. m 21.

nances, shewn by the sons of Eli, was in all respects very great; and the sin was aggravated by their public character and eminent station. But it is especially noted, that through them "men abhorred the offering of the LORD." ny were so prejudiced by their scandalous behavior, as entirely to neglect religion: others would deem it unnecessary to put themselves V. 22. (Note, Ex. 38:8.) These "women to the trouble and expense of going up to Shiloh that assembled at the door of the tabernacle," with their sacrifices, there to witness such enor- are said by some writers to have dedicated mities; which would prove a temptation to sac-themselves, by courses, to the service of the rificing in other places, contrary to the law: sanctuary, doing any work pertaining to it, and even those who persevered in attending, which belonged to their sex; such as spinning, were so grieved, that they hated to go, and had weaving curtains, washing the garments, and no comfort in the ordinances. So that the stat- various services of a similar nature; and by their ed worship of God was likely to be quite forsak-attendance for these purposes, the priests at the en, and general ignorance, ungodliness, prof- sanctuary had an opportunity of forming an acligacy, or idolatry, to ensue. It does not ap-quaintance with them. Their business, howevpear that Eli reproved his sons for these things, er, was doubtless professedly of a religious naor refused feasting with them on those portions ture: but when those, who ought to have been which they sacrilegiously obtained. (Notes, 29. their instructers in piety, used their influence Mal. 2:4-9.) to solicit them to wickedness, the most shameful consequences followed.-A more horrible abomination can scarcely be conceived: and it could hardly have been deemed credible, did not every age produce examples in some respects similar and not less atrocious, to the great dishonor of the gospel, and to the hardening and rejoicing of the hearts of infidels and profli gates. (Noles, Jer. 23:13—15. Hos. 6:8-10 Matt. 18:7-9. 2 Pet. 2:12-14.)

the conduct of Samuel, and with the piety of his parents, that his heart was enlarged in blessing them, and in praying that they might be recompensed, for devoting their only son to the Ma-service of God's sanctuary, by the comfort of more children: and his prayer in this respect was abundantly answered.

V. 18, 19. The contrast between the child Samuel and the wicked sons of Eli, between his docility and early piety and their daring impiety, seems intentionally marked, by the accounts of them being thus interwoven. It was a trial of the faith of Elkanah and Hannah, to leave their son with such abandoned priests: but they were performing a vow, and the Lord, with whom they trusted him, preserved him from the contagion. Eli likewise was peculiarly pleased V. 23-25. This last enormity induced Eli with him, and clothed him when employed at to reprove his sons; which he did in language the sanctuary in a linen ephod, such as the or- very reasonable, and suited to the case of those dinary priests wore, and others occasionally in who, though faulty, possess a tender conscience, the service of God; (Notes, 22:18. Ex. 28:40,41. but far too mild for such atrocious offenders 2 Sam. 6:14,15.) thus denoting the great expec-Indeed no words ought in this case to have suf tations that he had from him. His parents also, who persevered in coming to the courts of the Lord, notwithstanding the misconduct of the priests, supplied him with every thing further that he wanted.

V. 20, 21. It seems that Elkanah and Hannah, having so hopeful a son, (whom however they seldom saw,) were satisfied, though for several years they had no more children. It appears also that Eli, notwithstanding his misconduct in respect of his sons, really loved those who loved the Lord; and was so pleased with

ficed: the execution of condign punishment upon them was absolutely due to the insulted honor of God, and needful to counteract, by a salutary example, the fatal effects of their crimes upon the minds of the people. To have finally excluded them from the execution of every priestly office, was the least that Eli, as the high priest and the judge of Israel, ought to have done: and if he had imitated the zeal ot his tribe, "who said to his father and mother, 1 have not seen him, neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor know his own children;"

and was in favor both with the LORD, || fice, and at mine offering, which I have and also with men.

for their Portion, who trust him for salvation, love him above all created objects, renounce worldly interests and connexions for his glory, and count nothing too valuable to part with,|| too hard to do, or too sharp to suffer, for his sake, and to promote his cause; shall be honored by him, perhaps in this world, certainly in the world to come: but those, who despise his authority, his salvation, cause, or glory, in comparison of the interests, ease, credit, or pleasure, of themselves or families; shall sink into contempt in this world, or in the world to come, or in both. (Marg. Ref. b, c. Notes, 2 Chr. 24:15,16. 31:20,21. Mal. 2:1-9.)-For ever.] Note, Gen. 17:7,8.

The mercies which we receive in answer to our prayers, should not only be acknowledged with thankful praise, but should lead us to rejoice in the Lord as the Fountain of felicity and the God of salvation; and to anticipate with cheerful hope our complete deliverance, and victory over all the enemies of our souls. From what the Lord has done for us, we should be led to meditate upon his glorious perfections, as displayed in all his works, but especially in his dealings with sinners who hope in his mercy.-An established judgment, concerning his perfect wisdom, power, love, and faithfulness, as exercised with sovereign authority, in the whole adde-ininistration of his kingdom of providence and grace; and an habitual regard to his operations in all those events, which take place through the instrumentality of second causes, or rational agents, of whatever kind or character; will confirm our belief, that they, and they only, are safe and happy, who trust in him and enjoy his favor; and that the present success, boastings, and confidence of the wicked, will shortly terminate in disappointment, misery, and despair; and the troubles of every humble believer, in triumph and exultation.-Vain and transitory are all distinctions, except that between the godly and the ungodly, which will swallow up the rest, and endure to all eternity.

V. 31-34. This prediction began to be fulfilled, when the Philistines vanquished the Israelites with great slaughter, and killed Eli's two sons in one day; and afterwards in the massacre of his descendants by Saul, and in the deposition of Abiathar for treason by Solomon, with the subsequent degradation of his family. (Notes, 4:10-18. 22:17-19. 1 Kings 2:26,27.) As Eli had so greatly offended in old age, it was also foretold, that his descendants, even in future ages, should die in the prime of life; which no doubt was exactly fulfilled, though little pendence can be placed on the instances mentioned by the Jewish writers as examples of it. -When Eli witnessed the removal of the ark from Shiloh, he might be said, according to the marginal reading, to "see the affliction of the tabernacle, for," or instead of, "all the wealth which God would have given Israel:" for thus the tabernacle was spoiled of its chief glory; and when the ark was taken by the Philistines, Israel was deprived of their richest treasure.The tidings of these events hastened the death of Eli: and had he lived to see the subsequent calamities of his family, the sight would have been most painful to his eyes, and grieving to his heart. (Marg. Ref.)

"The LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed." He knows and approves his people, and he marks with abhorrence the presumptuous offender: with uncontrollable authority he dispenses to every man, as he pleases; and in his own most wise and

V. 35, 36. Zadok, of the line of Eleazar, was made high priest by Solomon, whose posterity continued in that office till the captivity; (Notes, 1 Chr. 6:4-15. 24:1-4,6.) and concurred with the pious princes in promoting true religion: while the descendants of Eli, be-gracious time and manner he will terminate ing excluded from the more honorable and lucrative parts of their office, would abjectly petition the priests for the lowest services, in order to obtain the meanest maintenance.

the afflictions of his people, advance their comforts, and over-rule every event for their good. Let us then wait his time, and submissively trust him; and we shall acknowledge at last