4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

5 They that were full, have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that P the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

6 The LORDkilleth, and maketh alive: " he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

u

7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh
rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
8 He raiseth up
x 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.
nls. 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. 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.

$ 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.

x 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.

h

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

g Ps. 50:1-6. 96:13. 98:9. Fc. 11:9. 12:14. Matt. 25.31,32. John 5:21,22. Rom. 14:10-12. 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.

the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory;" and all this "according to the eternal purpose, which he hath purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Notes, Matt. 19:29,30. 1 Cor. 1:26-31. Eph. 1:3-12.)

condition to the throne of glory. (Noles, 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 perfections by saving those who trust in him; and pouring contempt upon all the distinctions, in which ungodly men confide and glory. Are they proud of valor, military skill, or strength? their bows shall be broken, and themselves 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 strength. Such vicissitudes may likewise be often observed in men's circumstances and 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

no man prevail," either to injure and overturn the interest of true religion, or to secure themselves from merited destruction. (Marg. Ref.)

11 T And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house; and the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.

12 Now the sons of Eli were " sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

13 And the priests' custom with the people was, that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a flesh-hook of three teeth in his hand;

14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; Pall that the flesh-hook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.

1 18. 1:28. 3:1,15.

m Hos. 4:6-9. Mal. 2:1-9.

n 10:27. 25:17.

Deut. 13:13.

Judg. 19:22. 1 Kings 21:10,13. 2 Cor. 6:15.

o 3:7. Judg. 2:10. Jer. 2:8. 22:

16. John 2:55. 16:3. 17:3. Rom.
1:28-30.

P 29. Ex. 29:27,28. Lev. 7:34.
Is. 56:11. Mal. 1:10. 2 Pet. 2:
13-15.

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; 'but the humble are filled with it that they may 'rise?' Augustine. Indeed this is the first time 'that the name of Messiah, or Anointed, is found in Scripture. With this song, that of the bless'ed Virgin hath such a perfect resemblance, 'that one cannot but think Hannah had a re"spect to something higher than the quarrel be'tween 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." (Noteɛ, Num. 8:24— 26.)

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 20]

of heart to love them, which are essential to
true religion; nor that experience of the faith-
fulness 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 ex-
ercising 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.
(Notes, 23-29. 3:13.)

V. 13-16. The priests had the whole breast,
the right shoulder, the cheeks, and the maw,
allotted to them by the law, out of every peace-
offering. (Notes, Lev. 7:29-34. Deut. 18:3.)
But in addition to this, it had become customa
ry 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, ac-
cording 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 ad-
ditional perquisite. The sons of Eli, however,
were not satisfied with this innovation, which
did not always secure the choicest parts: but,
fat," (which, typifying the sacrifice of Christ,
while they neglected or postponed "burning the
and being the appointed expression of the offer-
er'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 con-
scientiously 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

B. C. 1130.

CHAPTER II.

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 And they went unto their to the LORD. own home.

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

с

grew before the LORD. 22 ¶ Now Eli all that his sons

u 11. 3:1.

was very old, and heard
did unto all Israel; and

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

y 1:3,21. x. 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.

a 1:19,20. Gen. 21:1. Luke 1:
68.

b 26. 3:19. Judg. 13:24. Luke
1:80. 2:40,52.

c 8:1.

d 13-17. Jer. 7:9,10. Ez. 22:
26. Hos. 4:9-11.

how they lay with the women that tas-
sembled at the door of the tabernacle of
the congregation.

e

23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.

f

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

ye

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 hearken-
ed not unto the voice of their father, be-
26 And the child Samuel m
cause the LORD would slay them.
† 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.

g Acts 6:3. 2 Cor. 6:8. 1 Tim.1
3:7. 3 John 12.

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

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.

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

Chr. 25:16. Prov. 18.10. John
Deut. 2:30. Josh. 11:20. 2
12:39,40.
m 21.

nances, shewn by the sons of Eli, was in all re- the conduct of Samuel, and with the piety of his spects very great; and the sin was aggravated parents, that his heart was enlarged in blessing by their public character and eminent station. them, and in praying that they might be recBut it is especially noted, that through them ompensed, for devoting their only son to the "men abhorred the offering of the LORD." Ma- service of God's sanctuary, by the comfort of These "women ny were so prejudiced by their scandalous be- more children: and his prayer in this respect V. 22. (Note, Ex. 38:8.) havior, as entirely to neglect religion: others was abundantly answered. would deem it unnecessary to put themselves are said by some writers to have dedicated 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 enormities; 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 acIt does not ap-quaintance with them. Their business, howevligacy, or idolatry, to ensue. pear 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 to solicit them to wickedness, the most shamewhich they sacrilegiously obtained. (Notes, 29. their instructers in piety, used their influence Mal. 2:4-9.) V. 18, 19. The contrast between the child ful consequences followed.-A more horrible Samuel and the wicked sons of Eli, between his abomination can scarcely be conceived: and it not every age produce examples in some redocility and early piety and their daring impie- could hardly have been deemed credible, did ty, seems intentionally marked, by the accounts of them being thus interwoven. It was a trialspects similar and not less atrocious, to the great 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 with him, and clothed him when employed at the sanctuary in a linen ephod, such as the ordinary priests wore, and others occasionally in the service of God; (Notes, 22:18. Ex. 28:40,41. 2 Sam. 6:14,15.) thus denoting the great expecHis parents also, tations that he had from him. 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

Hos. 6:8-10 dishonor of the gospel, and to the hardening and rejoicing of the hearts of infidels and profli gates. (Notes, Jer. 23:13-15. Matt. 18:7-9. 2 Pet. 2:12—14.)

V. 23-25. This last enormity induced El to reprove his sons; which he did in language very reasonable, and suited to the case of those who, though faulty, possess a tender conscience, but far too mild for such atrocious offenders Indeed no words ought in this case to have suf ficed: the execution of condign punishment upon them was absolutely due to the insulted honor of God, and needful to counteract, by a crimes upon the minds of the people. To have salutary example, the fatal effects of their 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 of [21 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;"

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.] Nole, Gen. 17:7,8.

||

Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.

35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart, and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.

36 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may n eat a piece of bread.

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 V. 31-34. This prediction began to be ful- the Lord as the Fountain of felicity and the God filled, when the Philistines vanquished the Isra- of salvation; and to anticipate with cheerful elites with great slaughter, and killed Eli's two hope our complete deliverance, and victory over sons in one day; and afterwards in the massa- all the enemies of our souls. From what the cre of his descendants by Saul, and in the dep- Lord has done for us, we should be led to mediosition of Abiathar for treason by Solomon, tate upon his glorious perfections, as displayed with the subsequent degradation of his family.in all his works, but especially in his dealings (Notes, 4:10-18. 22:17-19. 1 Kings 2:26,27.) with sinners who hope in his mercy.-An estabAs Eli had so greatly offended in old age, it was lished judgment, concerning his perfect wis also foretold, that his descendants, even in fu- dom, power, love, and faithfulness, as exercisture ages, should die in the prime of life; whiched with sovereign authority, in the whole adno doubt was exactly fulfilled, though little de-ininistration of his kingdom of providence and 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.)

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, being 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.

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.

"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 gracious time and manner he will terminate 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