Some attach the opening words to the close of 1 Samuel 3, as the complement of what is there said, “The Lord revealed himself to Samuel ... in Shiloh, and the word of Samuel went forth to all Israel.” If placed at the commencement of 1 Samuel 4, and in connection with what follows, they are to be un... [ Continue Reading ]
In the evening of the defeat of the Israelites the elders held a council, and resolved to send for the ark, which is described in full, as implying that in virtue of the covenant God could not but give them the victory (compare Numbers 10:35; Joshua 3:10).... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PEOPLE SENT - The expression is very indicative of the political state so frequently noted by the writer of the Book of Judges, “In those days there was no king in Israel.”... [ Continue Reading ]
OF THE HEBREWS - This was the name by which the Israelites were known to foreign nations (compare Exodus 1:15; Exodus 2:6).... [ Continue Reading ]
This is a remarkable testimony on the part of the Philistines to the truth of the events which are recorded in the Pentateuch. The Philistines would of course hear of them, just as Balak and the people of Jericho did Numbers 22:5; Joshua 2:10. WITH ALL THE PLAGUES ... - Rather, “with every kind of... [ Continue Reading ]
Runners who were swift of foot, and could go long distances were important and well-known persons (compare 2 Samuel 18:19). There seem to have been always professional runners to act as messengers with armies in the field (2 Kings 11:4, 2 Kings 11:6,2 Kings 11:19, the King James Version “guards”).... [ Continue Reading ]
DIM - Rather, “set.” The word is quite different from that so rendered in 1 Samuel 3:2. The phrase seems to express the “fixed” state of the blind eye, which is not affected by the light. Eli’s blindness, while it made him alive to sounds, prevented his seeing the ripped garments and dust-besprinkle... [ Continue Reading ]
A comparison of 2 Samuel 18:4, explains exactly the meaning of the “side of the gate,” and Eli’s position. His seat or throne, without a back, stood with the side against the jamb of the gate, leaving the passage through the gate quite clear, but placed so that every one passing through the gate mus... [ Continue Reading ]
IS DEPARTED - Properly, “Is gone into captivity.”... [ Continue Reading ]
The lesson of the ruin brought upon Churches by the covetousness and profligacy of their priests, which is here taught us so forcibly, and which has been again and again illustrated in Jews and Christians, is too solemn and important to be overlooked. When the glory of holiness departs from what sho... [ Continue Reading ]