out of a thousand men;" which supposes that about 1400 persons were present, and that a twentieth part was slain: and this appears to be the genuine meaning of the passage. The Bethshemites were not duly humbled for their offence; but they were so terrified, that, like the Philistines, they wanted to have the ark removed from them, and solicited the men of Kirjath-jearim to fetch it; though that was not a city of the priests. (Marg. Ref. e. Notes, Num. 17:12,13. 2 Sam. 6:8-11.)

est ornament. But presumptuous intrusion into "the secret things, which belong to God," forms a heinous provocation, and springs from a careless and impenitent heart: and the nearer to the Lord such an intruder is in profession and in office, the greater is his guilt, and the more terrible will be his punishment: for though we are not under the same dispensation as Israel was; yet "our God is still a consuming fire," and must be "worshipped with reverence and godly fear." (Note, Heb. 12:26—29.) Instead of this reverence, the carnal heart substitutes a slavish fear; and when rebuked for presumption and contempt, or alarmed with discoveries of the justice and holiness of God, it will, with the Gadarenes or these Beth-shemites, request the Savior to depart, and vainly seek to escape the Lord's displeasure by an entire forgetfulness of him. (Note, Matt. 8:33, 34.) In like manner, numbers, alarmed by the danger of "eating and drinking unworthily" in the Lord's supper, vainly expect security, by habitual and wilful disobedience to the dying command of him, whom they still continue to call their Lord and their Savior. (Notes, 1 Cor. 11:23-34.) In these ways, many smother up and silence their convictions, and put away salvation from them; and by running into one extreme or another, the very truths and ordinances of God, which are the means of life and salvation to some, become the occa

always consider what a holy LORD God he is, with whom we have to do; and may he give us a spirit of humble fear, filial love, and heavenly hope, that we may be preserved from fatal mistakes, and profit by the salvation of the gospel, and the sacred ordinances with which we are favored in his providence!

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. When transgressors, under divine rebukes, harden themselves in sin, they are sure to prolong and multiply their own miseries; and it is so much more pleasant to learn wisdom by the experience of others, than by our own, that it would be deemed madness to do otherwise, were it not so general.-Those convictions, which spring from terror without humiliation, never produce more than a reluctant and submissive obedience: and the indignant hearts of proud rebels avail themselves of every pretence to ascribe afflictions to chance, rather than to the hand of God, and to infer that it is not absolutely necessary to part with every sin. If correction be withdrawn, while the || heart is thus disposed, the respite proves an encouragement to proceed in transgression: if the affliction be continued after a partial amendment, this is deemed an argument that repent-sion of deeper condemnation to others. Let us ance and reformation are useless. Thus every dispensation of Providence eventually occasions increasing guilt and condemnation.-Natural reason and conscience, with the fragments of traditional revelation, may convince men that some method should be used to appease the anger of God, and may enable them, as priests or diviners, to give plausible advice on the subject: and when sinners are suffering under afflictions, and the terrors of an awakened con- CHAP. VII. V. 1, 2. Kirjath-jearim lay in the science, they are ready to put themselves to road between Beth-shemesh and Shiloh. (Marg. much expense and self-denial, in order to pur- Ref. a.) The inhabitants, being convinced that chase peace with God. But faith alone, appro- the ark was indeed the pledge of Israel's prospriating the information of the sacred Scrip- perity, and only dangerous when treated with tures, can discover what oblation he will ac- irreverence, were ready to entertain it. It cept, or in what way he will be approached by does not appear that Abinadab, and Eleazar his his sinful creatures. (Note, Mic. 6:6-8.)-The son, were either priests or Levites; though inconsistencies and superstitions of idolaters, some expositors take it for granted that they and the lukewarmness of his professing people, were. But it may be questioned, whether an will in due season combine to display his glory intended neglect of that tribe, for their ungodto greater advantage. The very brute crea- liness and wickedness, was not shewn on this tion, when he pleases, shall shame man's in- occasion; so that no notice was taken of them gratitude and disobedience; his enemies shall in a matter, which otherwise peculiarly and furnish memorials of their own disgrace, and entirely belonged to them. It is not so much all shall be constrained to say, "This hath God as said, whether any of them were employed to wrought!"-Many appear joyful at the revival fetch the ark to Kirjath-jearim, or whether the of religion, and favorable to its truths and or- Lord dispensed with the irregularity of the indinances, who are too busy about the world to habitants of that city, in carrying it themselves. be at much trouble or expense about them: and-Here, however, the ark remained, till David numbers unite in external observances, who removed it in the beginning of his reign over have no inward reverence for the divine maj- all Israel: (Notes, 2 Sam. 6:2,3.) but it is not esty. The true glory of religion consists in agreed how many years intervened, certainly its spiritual excellency: and that simplicity, many more than twenty; so that the expression which the carnal mind despises, forms its high-twenty years, clearly refers to the time that

NOTES.

e

3 And Samuel spake unto all the house || the children of Israel were gathered toof Israel, saying, If ye do return untogether to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philisthe LORD with all your hearts, then put tines went up against Israel. And when away the strange gods and Ashtaroth the children of Israel heard it, they were from among you, and prepare your afraid of the Philistines. hearts unto the LORD, and serve him; only; and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

h

4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.

i

5 And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpch, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.

6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.

[Practical Observations.]

7 And when the Philistines heard that d Deut. 30:2-10. 1 Kings 8:43. Judg. 20: 1. 2 Kings 25:23. Is. 55:7. Hos. 6: 1,2. 14:1. Joel 2:13.

e Gen. 35:2. Josh. 24:14,23.
Judg. 2:13. 10:6.

f Deut. 30:6. 1 Chr. 22:19. 28:9.
2 Chr. 30:19. Prov. 16:1. Jer.
4:3,4. Ez. 18:31. Matt. 15:8.
g Deut. 6:13. 10:20. 13:4. Matt.
4:10. 6:24. Luke 4:8.
h 3. Judg. 2:11,13. 10:15,16. 1
Kings 11:33. Hos. 14:3,6.

i Neh. 9:1. Joel 2:16.

j 12,16. 10:17. Josh. 15:38.

k 12:23.

11:15. Job 16:20. Ps. 6:6, 42:3
119: 136. Jer. 9:1. Lam. 2:11,
18. 3:49.

m 2 Chr. 20:3. Ezra 8:21-23.
Neb. 9:1-3. Dan. 9:3. Joel 2:
12. Jon. 3:

n Lev. 26:40. Judg. 10:10. 1
Kings 8:47. Ezra 9:5-10. Job
33:27. 40:4. 42:6. Ps. 38:3-8.
106:6. Jer. 31:19. Luke 15:18.
o Judg. 3:10. Neh. 9:27. Ez.
20:4.

passed previously to the events recorded in the rest of this chapter.-The Israelites continued in subjection to the Philistines; and generally in the beginning of these twenty years, they remained ignorant and inattentive to religion, and careless about the ark or the worship of the Lord; but we may suppose that Samuel was laboring, incessantly and successfully, from town to town, and from village to village, throughout the whole land, to bring them to repentance, and to revive true religion among them; and at length his success was so great, that "all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD."-Some learned men think that the tab-|| ernacle had before this been removed from Shiloh, perhaps to Nob. (21:1.)

8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.

9 And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt-offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD t heard him.

10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt-offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.

t

the water was used in a kind of baptismal ablution or purification; others, that it was an expression of their holy joy in God; and others, that it was intended to purify the ground on which the altar was built.-On this occasion Samuel began publicly to act as judge, or chief magistrate, in settling differences; and perhaps in punishing criminals and obstinate idolaters: though he seems to have previously exercised authority in a more private manner.|| Fasted. (6) Notes, Judg. 20:26-28. 2 Chr. 20: 3,4.

were at first alarmed: but deep repentance of sin, attended by fruits meet for repentance, and earnestness in serving the Lord, formed their best preparation; and the event shewed their enemies the difference, between attacking them while thus employed, and when impenitent and buoyed up with presumption. (Notes, 4: 2 Chr. 19:2—11. 20:1-25.)

V. 7. The Philistines considered this general convention of Israel, as the signal of war; and therefore determined immediately to attack them, before they were prepared for resist. V. 3, 4. When Samuel, by the divine bless-ance; in consequence of which the Israelites ing, had brought large numbers of the people to a sense of their sin and of their duty, he urged the heads of their several tribes to concur in a public and avowed reformation, and re-establishment of the worship of JEHOVAH, attended by putting away and destroying all their idols and images, of whatever kind: and to this proposal they readily and practically consented. (Note, Judg. 2:11-13.) Few words are indeed used; but they are so expressive, that we cannot hesitate in pronouncing this to have been one of the most general and effectual revivals of religion, which ever took place in the

church of Israel.

V. 5, 6. (Note, Judg. 20:1,2.) The ceremony of "drawing water, and pouring it out before the LORD," might be an emblem of the effects of divine grace upon the heart; which disposes it to pour forth itself as water before the Lord, in penitential confessions, with tears of godly sorrow, and in fervent prayers and thanksgivings. (Marg. Ref. 1.)-Some indeed think, that

V. 9. Samuel was not a priest; but he acted by an extraordinary authority in this and in many other instances, as a prophet of the Lord, and under his immediate direction. (Marg. Ref. q. Notes, 17. 10:8. Judg. 6:25,26.) This single lamb, offered in humble faith, was immensely more acceptable, than the most costly sacrifices offered in pride and hypocrisy.

V. 10, 11. It does not appear, that the people came armed to Mizpeh: and it is probable, that they smote the Philistines with the swords of those, who had been killed by the lightning. (Notes, 2:10. Ex. 14:26-30. Josh. 10:11. 2 Sam. 22:7—16. Rev. 16:17-21.)

[35

B. C. 1099.

12 Then Samuel " took a stone, and || of the hands of the Philistines: and there set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and was peace between Israel and the Amcalled the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.

13 So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

a

14 And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out

V. 12. The transgressions and chastisements of Israel had been many; they had repeatedly humbled themselves before God and obtained deliverance; and they had again relapsed into sin, and fallen into distress: but they had not been given up to total apostacy, or to utter ruin; and they had now once more been brought to repentance, and made partakers of a singular deliverance, by the immediate interposition of the Almighty. This Samuel and the people acknowledged with gratitude; and set up this stone to be a monument of the Lord's goodness, for his glory, and the encouragement of their descendants, to future ages. (Notes, Josh. 4:3—9,20—24. P. O.) The word Eben-ezer, signifies the stone of help.-The same place was before-mentioned by anticipation, with reference to the name given it on this occasion. (4:1. 5:1.)

b

orites.

15

c

And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

16 And he went from year to year in circuit to Beth-el, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.

17 And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto

the LORD.

V. 1-6.

When the stated ministers of God's word neglect their duty and disgrace their profession, he will render them contemptible in the eyes of the people, (Mal. 2:8,9.) and employ others to reform religion, and uphold his worship: for it is better that external institutions should be dispensed with, than that irreligion should be permitted to diffuse its baneful influence.-The truths and ordinances of God are dangerous to those alone, who despise and abuse them, and are always profitable to the humble believer: the threatenings therefore of his word, and the judgments, which he has executed on such as profaned his sacred institutions, should not induce us to neglect them; but make us more circumspect and jealous of ourselves in attending on them. (P. O. 1 Cor. 11:23-34.)-When the cause of God is desert

V. 13, 14. After this success, the Philistines were constrained to restore such cities of Israel as they had seized, even those which were situated in the neighborhood of Ekron and Gath. It is not probable, that the Israelites entered into treaty with the Amorites who dwelt among them; but they also were so kepted in one place, it will be supported in another: under as to create them no disturbance. This and, though the public and regular administrapeaceful state, within the land, was preserved tion of divine ordinances is highly desirable; till the people rejected Samuel, and Saul was yet the same blessing may redound to individumade king; and the Philistines were constant-als, when they are unavoidably driven into corly defeated by Israel, till after the death of Samuel. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, 13: 14: 28:3. 31:) V. 15. Probably Samuel retained considerable influence as a magistrate, as well as a prophet, during the reign of Saul, especially in the neighborhood of Ramah. Some, however, understand the passage as meaning, that Samuel was so diligent in the discharge of his office, that he sat to judge causes every day. (16. Notes, 12:23. Ex. 18:13--23.)

V. 17. It is very remarkable, that in this great revival of religion, the ark was neither removed to Shiloh, nor placed with the tabernacle in any other situation.-It is uncertain whether or not the sanctuary-service was carried on at Shiloh, or Nob, or elsewhere, during all this period; but probably it was either neglected, or very improperly conducted. As the ark, the glory even of the tabernacle, was departed, the more pious Israelites seem to have disregarded it; and to have preferred joining with Samuel in the sacrifices and worship, which, doubtless by divine direction, he performed near his own house. This disregard to the Levitical institutions clearly intimated, that the typical meaning formed their chief

ners, and confined to private houses.-The word of God may be faithfully preached, and other proper means used, for a long time, without producing visible or extensive effects: but those who are employed in this important service, should sow the seed in faith and hope, and water it with prayers and tears: they should be "instant in season and out of season;" persevere without weariness or yielding to despondency, and wait the Lord's time; and their labor will not be in vain. (Note, 1 Tim. 4:11-16.) Nay, perhaps the seed, which has been long sown and considered as lost, will at length spring up with so large an increase, as to exceed their own most sanguine expectations.-It is a pleasing prospect to the faithful laborer, when he perceives men deeply convinced of their sins, and mourning under the tokens of the Lord's displeasure: and this will also afford nim the long desired opportunity, of still more closely and particularly addressing their consciences; that such good impressions may not wear off through procrastination, or produce only a partial or external reformation; but that the people may be prevailed upon, to "return to the LORD with all their hearts, and to serve him only:" ex

CHAP. VIII.

Samuel, when old, makes his sons judges; who behave ill, and give the people an occasion of desiring a king, 1-5. Samuel is displeased, and prays concerning it, but the Lord requires

him to comply, and to shew them the manner of a king, 6-18. They persist in their request; and Samuel by divine direction yields to them, 19-22.

e

3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to

AND it came to pass, when Samuel Samuel unto Ramah,

was

judges over Israel.

he made his

sons

2 Now the name of his first-born was Joel, and the name of his second Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba.

a Deut. 16:18,19. Judg. 8:22,23. b Judg. 5:10. 10:4. 12:14. 2 Chr. 19:5,6. Neh. 7:2. 1 c 1 Chr. 6:28,33. Vashni. Tim. 5:21.

5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

pecting all their salvation and comfort from miring gratitude and joyful love; and then him, and renouncing every false dependence looking back on his own experience, he will and worldly idol. This blessed frame of mind find an abridgment of the same history. Notis the effect of divine grace, but it is our duty; withstanding temptation and outward opposiand in the use of means, we are required to pre- tion; notwithstanding the deceitfulness of his pare our hearts, and arm our souls with a sted-own heart, and the power of his inbred lusts; fast determination thus to trust and serve the through many transgressions, corrections, deLord. (Notes, Acts 11:23,24. 1 Pet. 4:1,2.)-liverances, and relapses; through many fears, When in the first place every one has "taken heed unto himself," he ought next to employ his best endeavors to engage his family, and his neighbors also, in the service of God: and when those in high stations and public employments unite in using their influence and authority, in a mild, intelligent, and scriptural manner, for these purposes, the most extensive blessings may be expected. (Note, 2 Chr. 30:|| 12.)

V. 7-17.

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much:" and the more men know f God and of themselves, the more earnestly will they desire and value the prayers of every Christian, especially of those who are most eminent for faith and holiness, and particularly in seasons of temporal or spiritual distress.Blessed be God, that Jesus ever lives to intercede for us, and pleads his own atoning blood in behalf of "all who come to God by him:" and through his sacrifice and mediation all our prayers, for ourselves and others, are accepted by the Father. But neither his merits, nor the intercessions of his servants, supersede the necessity of our personal repentance, confessions of sin, cries for mercy, and holy obedience: and seasons of deep humiliation, and prayer for special blessings, are very properly attended with fasting, and other indications of self-dis- || placency, and disregard to animal indulgence; that we may "pour out our souls before the LORD," without having our attention distracted by any outward concern. When we are thus employed in earnest devotion, Satan and his agents may be especially excited to assault us, as both hating our holy engagements, and envying our felicity: but they can do us no harm, unless they can affright us from our duty. Nor can any hostile preparations prevail against that nation, which, in a spirit of true repentance and reformation, and the fervent prayer of faith, has intrusted itself to the Lord's protection. Through successive generations the church of God has had occasion to set up EBENEZERS for renewed deliverances; for neither outward persecutions, nor internal corruptions have yet prevailed against her; because "hitherto the LORD hath helped her;" and he will help her even unto the end of the world.-Every believer should review the records of this preservation, and these deliverances, with ad

conflicts, and difficulties, he has still been preserved from apostacy, and perhaps from disgracing his profession; for "hitherto hath the LORD helped him." (Note, 2 Cor. 1:8-11.) If this be our happy case, let us raise up our Ebenezers in rendering him our unreserved praise; let us renew our application to God our Savior for increasing strength in our soul, and power against our enemies: let us speak to the encour agement of others concerning his love and truth, that they may be animated to trust and rejoice in him: let us push still farther every advantage against our enemies, aspiring after entire liberty and complete deliverance: let us submit to those, who have approved themselves faithful, and have been made useful to us, in watching for our souls: let us keep close to the means of grace, and the worship of God, diligently improve our talents, and lay ourselves out for the good of all around us.-At stated seasons, as at the conclusion of the year, when about to approach the Lord's table, or when we have received some remarkable mercy, we shall find it peculiarly useful thus to review our ways, and to wait upon the Lord to renew our strength: and in so doing we may hope ere long to set up our last Eben-ezer in the realms above, and to begin our eternal songs of joy ful praise to him, who hath helped us quite through, and made us more than conquerors.

NOTES.

CHAP. VIII. V. 1-5. It is not known how old Samuel was at this time: but it is probable, that he felt himself incapable of making the accustomed circuits through the whole land: (7:16.) and therefore, residing at Ramah, he superintended the northern division of it, while his sons, being stationed at Beer-sheba, had the charge of the southern.-As we do not find that either God or the people censured him, for "making his sons judges in Israel;" w~ may infer, that he had properly educated them, and that they appeared well qualified for the office, and were appointed to it for the good and by the approbation of the people; though they deceived these expectations, and through love of money became unjust judges. (Marg. Ref.Notes, Ex. 23:6-9. Prov. 17:8,23. Am. 5:1013. Mic. 3:8-12. 7:1-4.) This was Samuel's affliction, even more than Israel's grievance; and had the elders conferred with him, he

thou hast solemnly protested you in that day.

against them, then thou shalt shew, &c. Ez. 3:18.

m 11-18. 2:13. Ez. 45:7,8. 46: 18.

n Deut. 17:14-20.

o 14:52. 1 Kings 9:22,23. 10:26. 12:4,10. 2 Chr. 26:10-15.