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that "he hath done all things well." Every | disposed, and "cause even the LORD's people circumstance of our life and death is already to transgress;" they buoy up the confidence of appointed in the secret purpose of our God: we hypocrites, and by their enticements and exshall live, however exposed, till he pleases to amples tempt many to those sins, which they take away our breath; and then we must die, would otherwise have trembled to think of.whatever efforts be made to prolong our lives. We ought not, however, on account of such As this period, unknown to us, cannot be far men, to neglect the ordinances, truths, or predistant, it is our wisdom and duty to prepare for cepts of God's word: but by persevering in a it: making it our one great business to obtain contrary conduct, we should enter our protest the favor of God and do his will; in assured against them, and evince the difference behope that, however abject our condition in this tween the name and the reality of religion.— world, we shall at length "inherit the throne of Abuses, when once introduced, are soon sancglory." Though our path be dark and slippe- tioned by custom, and conformed to without ry, and beset with snares and enemies, the hesitation. Thus customs and precedents acquire Lord will keep our feet, and uphold our goings, authority in the church, which it is deemed by by the same power which established the a great majority very sinful to dissent from or earth: nor can any power prevail against his object to, even in the most peaceful manner.saints, or prevent the destruction of his ene- Yet when wicked men have thus gained one mies. May the Lord hasten that day, when point for their own lucre or ambition, they will his anointed Priest and King shall establish attempt another, and not shrink from the bashis authority throughout the earth, upon the est crimes to serve their selfish purposes. And ruins of all opposition! is it not evident, that the whole system of paV. 11-26. pal antichristianity grew up in this manner, to its full stature of spiritual domination and iniquity? The beginnings should therefore be steadily resisted; and in such a case mild arguments and gentle rebukes are feeble weapons; the coercive arm of authority should impartially and decisively interpose: for, though the magistrate must not use his sword in matters simply of conscience towards God; yet he ought to use it in punishing atrocious immorality in persons of every description: and the rulers of the church are bound, by the strongest responsibility, to exercise their spiritual authority, in excluding them from the sacred office. If, however, they escape with impunity, through the false tenderness or partial negligence of those who ought to execute condign punishment upon them, they will not escape the vengeance of God: and wretched indeed is the case of those, who, by their contempt of the sacrifice of Christ, are excluded from the benefit of his intercession; and who have so long hardened themselves, as to be left to judicial hardness, in the righteous judgment of God, because he has determined to destroy them! (Note, 2 Thes. 2:8—12.)

V. 27-36.

Our gracious God accepts thanks for mercies received, as prayers for further benefits; and when we offer him his own, he considers the service as a loan, and as such will recompense it. (Note, Prov. 19:17.) Out of the mouth of babes he can perfect his praise, and by their example expose the shame of those sons of Belial who, with every advantage, know him not, and rebel against him. (Notes, Matt. 11:25,26. 21:14-16.)-We have great encouragement to devote our chil'ren to the Lord in prayer from their birth, yea from their conception, to bring them early to his courts, and to train them up in his ways; for in this manner he generally takes them into his service, and gives them that spiritual and experimental knowledge of himself, which fortifies the heart against temptation, and is the source of all godliness. (Note, 1 Chr. 28:9.)-The feeble attempts of children to serve God are noticed with condescending regard, as peculiarly pleasing to him; for in all cases, "where there is a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not:" and the grace of God is sufficient for his feeblest servants, when in their proper place, though in the midst of the worst examples, and If the servants of God yield to temptation, and struggling with the most powerful temptations. repeatedly commit iniquity; he will perse(Noles, Gen. 39:)—The neglect of properly edu- vere in his rebukes and chastenings, till he cating children, and the indulgence of their way- has brought them to repentance: and in this ward inclinations, is a sin which God severely process the offenders will suffer unspeakable chastises in his own people: because it seems to anguish. The dishonor which they have occaimply a contempt of his authority and special sioned to the name of the Lord, shall redound favor, and a disregard to his glory, as well as in disgrace upon themselves and their families; to their immortal souls; and because it tends to the crimes which they have connived at in oththe most fatal crimes and apostacies, and to the ers, through self-indulgence or partial affection, utter decay of true religion. None are gener-will be corrected in themselves; their expectaally more abandoned than the degenerate offspring of pious persons, when they have broken through all the restraints of shame, conscience, and regard to character: and thus the cause of religion suffers, both in losing those families which were its support, and in the prejudice which their base conduct excites in the minds of beholders. And when such children of Belial have been admitted into the sacred minis-proves the immediate cause of its ruin; whilst a try, and are allowed to go on with the forms of godliness, for the sake of emolument or authority; they prove the most fatal enemies to the cause of God, and the most destructive murderers of the souls of men. Many they mislead, but more they set against all religion; they furnish infidels and scoffers with their most formidable weapons; they supply excuses to the careless and slothful; they discourage the hearts, and damp the zeal, of those who are seriously

tions will be blasted, their distinctions withered, their usefulness precluded, and their honor laid in the dust, or rather transferred to those who honor God: and perhaps the repeated and severest strokes of the Lord's chastising rod, shall pursue them down to the grave.-That improper regard to the interests of his family, which induces a man to offend God, often

disregard shewn by any one, to all personal or relative interests, when the glory of God is concerned, forms the best method of promoting the welfare of his posterity.-Many of the Lord's offending people live to witness terrible effects of their misconduct; but how would it grieve their hearts, if they could foresee all the future consequences of every kind, to their families, and to the church, and in hardening sinners to their destruction! Let us endeavor

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to conceive of them, that we may be led to greater abhorrence and dread of sin, and to more constant watchfulness and prayer: for these things were written for our warning, that we might the more earnestly resist 'emptation, and strive against the beginnings of iniquity, and train up our families "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."-But whosoever misbehaves, or is degraded, the work of the Lord shall not be stayed for want of instruments: and though others have been and are useful and faithful, as servants, in their several generations; yet the Son of God is the faithful and merciful High Priest, who doeth according to all that is in the heart of his heavenly Father, and whose priesthood shall be unchangeable and eternal. The meanest office under him is great preferment; his pleasant service is perfect freedom: he will here feed, and hereafter glorify, all who disinterestedly serve him; but the hirelings he will utterly exclude.-May he furnish and send forth many faithful ministers, who may seek his glory, and follow his example; and never henceforth suffer any, who resemble Hophni and Phinehas, to prostitute the sacred ministry to their avarice and ambition, or to disgrace it by their crimes!

NOTES.

CHAP. III. V. 1. Samuel, under the direction of Eli, diligently performed such services at the tabernacle as he was capable of. (Notes, 2:11,18,19.) He is supposed at this time to have been about twelve years of age; and he was early prepared to enter on the prophetical office, for which the Lord intended him. (Note, Jer. 1:5.)-From the death of Moses, no more than wo prophets have been mentioned; (except Deborah, who is called a prophetess:) and these only delivered an occasional message, and then etired; so that their names are not recorded. (2:27. Judg. 6:8-10.) Samuel was therefore the first eminent prophet after Moses; and with hin prophecy was openly established: so that for several ages prophets were raised up in Israel by a regular succession. But before this time

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there had been "no open vision:" whatever revelation might be made to individuals, or occasional messages publicly delivered, there was no acknowledged prophet, to whom the people might resort, to know the mind and will of God: and therefore such intimations, as were then given, were more highly valued, than when the gift of prophecy became more common. (Note, Âm. 8:11-14.)

V. 2, 3. The lamp in the sanctuary, ought to have been constantly kept burning. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, Ex. 27:20,21. 30:7,8.)-Eli being old and infirm had lain down long before; but Samuel was just retired to rest, in some room adjoining that of Eli, and near to the sanctuary.

V. 4-6. The Lord called Samuel by name, in an audible voice: (Marg. Ref. f:) which he mistook for the call of Eli, who probably often disturbed him in the night through the infirmities of old age. But when Eli assured him, that he did not call him, he went again to his bed, and concluded that he had been mistaken.-His respectful and affectionate assiduity, in waiting on the aged high priest, is well worthy of our notice. For he came, and even ran, at the first call, and that repeatedly: and Eli's language to him is expressive of affection.

V. 7. Samuel was not destitute of the knowledge of God, in that sense which implies the total absence of true piety, as Eli's sons were: (Note, 2:12.) but he did not know his manner of making his will known to the prophets, and therefore was not sensible that this was the voice of God. (Marg.) The LORD, however, over-ruled his mistake, to make Eli acquainted with his purpose of revealing himself to Samuel, and to excite his inquiry about it.

V. 8, 9. Eli could not but consider the preference, which the Lord thus shewed to a child, before himself and family, as a severe and humiliating rebuke; especially as he had reason to forebode that the message which he was about to receive, would be a denunciation of judgments on him and his family: yet, without envy, resentment, or impatience, he gave Samuel proper directions how to behave on the occasion. Speak, LORD. (9) Or, "Speak, O JEHOVAH."

B. C. 1128.

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16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said,
And he answered,
Samuel, my son.
Here am 1.

17 And he said, What is the thing that the LORD hath said unto thee? "I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me, of all the things that he said unto thee.

18 And Samuel told him ** every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

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19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD restrain-was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.

14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

15 ¶ And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD: and Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.

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20 And all Israel, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the

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Ez. 24:y Gen. 18:25. Judg. 10:15. 2†† Or, faithful. 1 Tim. 1:12.
Sam. 16:10-12. Job 1:21. 2: d Gen. 12:7. 15:1. Num. 12:6,
Am. 3:7. Heb. 1:1.
10. Ps. 39:9. Is. 39:8. Lam.
1 Pet. 5:6.
e 1,4.

Jer. 7:16. 15:1.
13. Heh, 10:26-31.
S 1:9.
Mal. 1:10.
3:39.
1 Cor. 16:10,11.
1t Jer. 1:6-8.

V. 15. In the morning, Samuel opened the V. 10. And stood, &c.] This seems to imply a visible appearance, as well as an audible voice.gates of the court of the tabernacle, into which --It is also mentioned that the name Samuel was twice repeated; and we may observe that Samuel omitted the word LORD, or JEHOVAH, in answering as Eli had instructed him, probably, through uncertainty, timidity, or profound awe and reverence.

V. 11. Shall tingle.] The very report would exceedingly affect the hearer, and would seem to thrill in his ears long after; as very loud and stupendous noises are used to do. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 4:13-22. Is. 28:17-19.)

V. 12. (Notes, 2:27-36.) It is probable, that|| this message was sent to Eli some years before his death; and this forbearance of God tended to harden the hearts of Eli's sons, in presumptuous expectations of impunity: but when he had once begun to execute the threatened vengeance, he repeated his strokes till the whole had been accomplished.

the people came to worship, as if nothing had occurred; neither elated with the distinction, nor neglecting his business, nor mentioning the matter, nor shewing the least disrespect to Eli; but rather through his great deference and affection for him, being reluctant to inform him of the distressing message.

V. 16-18. Eli was solicitous to know the revelation which God had made to Samuel, and afraid that he would not fully inform him of it: but he must no doubt have been greatly alarmed and distressed, when he heard the awful mes sage, from the mouth of a child, who was so respectfully affectionate to him, and dependent on him; and whom he could not possibly suspect of artifice, or corrupt motives, or harshness of language. Yet his answer is very remarkable. He reflected on the wisdom, justice, truth, and goodness of God, as well as on his sovereignty. He acknowledged that he had a right to do as he saw good, and was assured that he would do He was conscious that he denothing wrong.

V. 13. Eli did not use coercive measures to restrain his sons, as he ought to have done: and by this omission he brought ruin on his family. (See marg. readings.-Notes, 2:12,22--25,29,30.)||served the terrible sentence, and acquiesced in V. 14. The sins of pious individuals among the will of God, casting himself entirely on his Eli's posterity would be pardoned, through the mercy.-The meekness, patience, and humility sacrifice of Christ, for their eternal salvation: of these words are very admirable, and prove but the Lord had irrevocably determined, that that Eli was truly penitent and pious (Marg. no number of sin-offerings or oblations should Ref. y. Notes, Lev. 10:3. Job 1:20,22. Ps. 39: prevail with him, to continue that family in the 9,10.) though in his old and infirm age, he had high priesthood, or to deliver them from the not sufficient courage, vigor, or even authority, awful temporal judgments which had been de- to execute punishment upon his sons, who would nounced; as perhaps both Eli and his sons hoped now set him at defiance. (Notes, 2 Sam. 3:38, would be the case. (Notes, Num. 15:30,31. Is. 39. 2 Chr. 33:15-17.) 22:8-14.)

V. 19-21. Samuel, it seems, was after this

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frequently favored with revelations from God, multitudes who postpone repentance till God which he delivered to the people: and as these hath "sworn in his wrath that they shall not were punctually accomplished, his appointment enter into his rest:" and when he begins to take to be "a prophet of the LORD" was known and vengeance, he will also fully execute his most acknowledged, throughout the land. (Marg. tremendous threatenings.-If temporal sufferRef.) "The word of the LORD," may eitherings may be so terrible, as to "cause the ears of mean, an audible voice from God; or the ap- || all who hear of them to tingle," what will be pearance of him, "whose name is called the WORD of GOD."

the everlasting punishment of the wicked! Let us then humble ourselves before God, ere the door of mercy be for ever shut: let us accept of his chastisement, however sharp: let us submit to him, because he is a mighty Sovereign, and because he is perfectly wise, righteous, and merciful: let us cast ourselves upon his mercy and seek his salvation; and study to shew our repentance, not only by good words, but by good works; by restraining others from sin and frowning upon them, however otherwise near and dear to us, as well as by avoiding it ourselves, and by faithfully improving every talent committed to us. Then, though the infirmities of age disable us for usefulness, and we meet with many humiliating dispensations, we may rejoice to see others likely to be useful when we are gone; and should willingly impart to them the best counsel we can, though their rising reputation be attended with our dishonor. In this case, should the prospect for our families, our country, or the church of God, be gloomy; we may encourage ourselves in the hope of that state, where "the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary are at (Note, 2 Sam. 23:5.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Men are seldom duly sensible of the value of their mercies, till they are deprived of them: and this perversity operates even in matters || pertaining to religion. We, who are favored with the written word, and the public preaching of the gospel by ministers of varied talents and endowments, can scarcely conceive how great ly our forefathers, in days of ignorance and persecution, valued a Bible, or the opportunity of|| hearing a faithful sermon; and how much numbers still value them in different parts of the world. (Note, Deut. 31:10-13.) This should teach us to be thankful, and to improve our privileges, lest the Lord should show us their preciousness, by the loss of them.-He disposes of his special favors in wise and holy sovereignty, without confining himself to age, station, or office in his church; but he orders every thing so as to correct or punish such as offend him, and to "honor those who honor him."-Docility, diligence, and a humble self-denying disposition in youth, are happy indications of an hon-rest." orable and useful life.-They, who reduce to practice what they have been already taught, shall be favored with further discoveries concerning the truth and will of God: and where the heart is upright, mistakes and infirmities will be pardoned, rectified, and over-ruled for good. Young persons ought to behave with assiduous and attentive kindness to the aged; and to shew a submissive respect to their superiors, even when faulty and under divine rebukes. But no deference to men, because every way superior to themselves, must influence those, whom the Lord employs as his messengers, to conceal or mutilate their message: and they are most unwise in their spiritual concerns, who wish to be flattered; nay, who do not desire above all things to know the whole of the revealed will of God, and the worst of their own state and case. For though temporal punishment may be unalterably determined; yet, blessed be God, the blood of Jesus cleanses the penitent believer from all sin, and assuredly delivers him from eternal misery; and this most gracious Savior casts out none that come to him however guilty, vile, or accursed they have made themselves.-Presumptuous hopes of impunity, because the Lord is long-suffering, ruin

NOTES.

CHAP. IV. V. 1. The word, which the Lord had spoken to Samuel, concerning Eli's family; or the word which from time to time the Lord sent by him to the people, declaring his will and calling them to repentance; was heard throughout the land, and excited great attention. (Note, 3:19-21.)-Some learned men suppose, that the events recorded in this chapter occurred im. mediately after the death of Samson; and that the slaughter at that time made of the Philistines encouraged the Israelites to attack them. If so, Eli judged Israel during the whole life of Samson, who lived about forty years; as he too judged Israel twenty years. (18. Notes, Judg. 15:20. 16:30,31.) Again, some are of opinion, that these events happened about the middle of the forty years, during which the Philistines oppressed Israel: but on that supposition, Samson must have been born at least twenty years before that oppression began, which does not accord with the narrative: (Notes, Judg. 13:1, 4,5.) and if his exploits only made way for the defeats recorded in this chapter; how could it be said that he began to deliver Israel?-Oth||ers, however, think that the forty years, dur

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4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, m Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

5 And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.

6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, P What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.

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9 Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.

u

y

10 And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled * every man into his tent; and there was a very great slaughter: for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.

11 And the ark of God was taken,

q Ex. 14:25. 15:14-16. Deut.
32:30.

*Heb. yesterday, or the third
day.

r Ex. 7:5. 9:14. Ps. 78:43-51.

s 2 Sam. 10:12. 1 Cor. 16:13.
Eph. 6:10,11.

t Deut. 28:47.48. Judg. 10:7.
13:1. Is. 14:2. 33:1.

† Heb. be men.

u 2. Lev. 26:17.
Ps. 78:9,62.

Deut. 28:25.

1 Kings 12:16.

x 2 Sam. 20:1.
22:36. 2 Kings 14.12.

y 2 Sam. 18:7. 2 Chr. 13:17. 28:
5,6. Is. 10:3-6.

z 2:32. Ps. 79:61.

they could induce God to fight for them, though he was evidently contending against them! (Notes, 2:12,31-34. Josh. 7:10-12. 22:20. P. O. Josh. 7:10-15.) Nay, they spake, as if the ark itself could deliver them! (Marg. Ref. i.)

V. 4, 5. It is probable, that Hophni and Phinehas did not so much as ask the consent of their aged father on this occasion. Being hardened to their destruction, they were left to venture presumptuously into the holy of holies, and to carry the ark into the army; and thus, without any proper call, they were found within the reach of the sword of the Philistines, by which they were destined to be slain. (2:25. Notes, 2:31-34. Lev. 16:2. Num. 4:5. 31:8.) Doubtless they were much pleased with the service, and proud of coming as the supposed deliverers of Israel, bearing the ark of the covenant. (Notes, Lev. 10:1-3.) And when they entered the camp, the whole army was infatuated with the same groundless presumption, and shouted for joy as if already triumphant!-It is very doubtful, whether it was ever lawful to carry the ark into the army, without the express command of God. (Notes, 14:16-23. 2 Sam. 11:10,11.)

ing which the Philistines oppressed Israel, ended about seven months after Eli's death, when the ark of God was restored: and in that case the subsequent oppression by the Philistines must be considered, as distinct from that mentioned in the book of Judges. The chronology of these times is, in fact, to us abstruse and uncertain. (Notes, Judg. 3:11. 11:26.)-Perhaps Samuel was at this time about twenty years of age; but it does not appear that he was consulted on this occasion.-Eben-ezer.] Note, 7:12. V. 3. These elders seem to have been miserably sunk in ignorance and formality, which was the genuine consequence of the impiety of the priests. Though the nation was ripe for dreadful judgments, they had no idea that the defeat which they had received was intended as a warning to repent; and they proposed a very ignorant and presumptuous expedient to secure the assistance of JEHOVAH. They had heard what wonders had formerly been wrought for Israel, when the ark, the symbol of the Lord's presence, was by his command carried before the people, under the care of holy men, who trusted and glorified him; and when Israel was comparatively an obedient people, fighting under his banner: and they did not make the obvious distinction, between the outward sign V. 7-9. It is no wonder, that the Philistines or token, and the invisible presence of the Al-made no distinction between the ark, and that mighty, as assisting his servants: a distinction invisible God, whose presence with his believing little noticed, by formalists, either in ancient people this symbol denoted, when the Israelites or modern times; but of the highest importance themselves entirely overlooked it. (Notes, 3— in all respects, and under every dispensation. 5.) The Philistines probably thought, that JEIn fact they made an idol of the ark, as num- HOVAH was indeed a God, the God of Israel; but bers have done, and do, in respect of the New then so was Dagon a god, the god of Philistia. Testament sacraments; and not only papists, (Notes, 5:1,2. Judg. 16:23,24.) This therefore did by worshipping the bread, but protestants, by not destroy their hope of gaining the mastery by trusting in the outward and visible sign, to the the help of their god; and it tended on this ocneglect of the inward and spiritual grace: and casion to increase their intrepidity and resothey imagined that, (without humiliation be-lution. They spake of the works of JEHOVAH fore God or repentance of their sins,) by fetch-in Egypt and in the wilderness, in language ing the ark into the army, carried by two sons very expressive of their partial information, of Belial, who were doomed to destruction, and and confused apprehensions concerning them. whose presence brought a curse into the camp, || (Marg. Ref.)

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