1 Samuel 1

1 Samuel 1:1

RAmathaim] The city of Rama it selfe, often mentioned in Samuls history, and the Hebrew termmation seemes to intimate that it was once divided into two cities; the word Sophim joyned thereunto signifieth, Watch-houses, or towers, as it is very likely that watch-towers were set in high places of the Countrey, as Rama was, according to the signification of its name, being upon the border of three Tribes, as Numbers 23:14. Some beleeve that it was some Schoole of Prophets, who are called watch-men in diverse places of Scripture, Jeremiah 6:17. Ezech. 3. 17. Hosea 9:8 An Ephrathite] That is to say one that dwelt in the land of Ephraim, though he were a Levite, 1 Chronicles 6:33. For the Levites were scattered all over Israel.

1 Samuel 1:3

Yeerely] At the feast of the Passeover, with all his family, 1 Samuel 2:19. Luke 2:41. but for himselfe it is very likely, he did observe the Law so strictly, that he came thither all the three solemne fasts, Exodus 23:17 Of Eli] There is no mention made of this Eli any where else. But it appeares by 2 Samuel 8:17. 1 Chronicles 24:3. that he was one of Itamars posterity, who was Aarons second-borne, and that for sme unknown cause, there had been some interruption, in the succession of the priesthood in Eleazar the first borne his line; which was afterwards re-established in Sadock, 2 Samuel 15:27. 1 Chronicles 6:8. according to Gods promise, Numb. 25. 13 Priests] Second Priests under the high Priest, who as his Vicars, and substitutes, did do many things for him, which hee himselfe had not been able to performe alone’, as 2 Samuel 8:17. See Numbers 3:32. and 2 Kings 25:18.

1 Samuel 1:4

When the time was] The Italian hath it, When the day das [one of the seven dayes of the Passcover; Offered] Sacrifices of thankesgiving; portions] according to the ancient manner of feasts.

1 Samuel 1:5

A worthy] The Italian, A double] others expound it the most principall, and the most honorable portion, See Genesis 43:34. 1 Samuel 9:23-24.

1 Samuel 1:6

Adversary] Namely Peninnah, who was her rivall: To make her] purposing and taking a delight in urging of her to some unseemely disturbance of mind, or to some distaste, and murmuring against her husband, and peradventure against God himselfe, set concerning such inhumanity, Job 24. 31.

1 Samuel 1:9

After they had] After the holy meale of the sacrifices, which was eaten in the Court of the Tabernacle: Rose up] going to the place of worship, and prayer, right against the most-holy place; Ascat] the high Priest, or the Judge his seat, 1 Samuel 4:13 A poste] it is likely that the Tabernacle, which was made by Moles was set in Siloh within the compasse of some solid building, which had gates, 1 Samuel 3:15. for otherwise the Tabernacle had neither gates nor postes, but only a carpet hanged up at the entry, Exodus 26:36.

1 Samuel 1:11

She vowed] And whether her husband then consented to it, or did (according to the Law) ratifie it afterwards, Numbers 30:7 No razr] I dedicate him to God for a perpetuall Nazarite, Numbers 6:5. Judges 13:5.

1 Samuel 1:14

Put away] Be sober before thou present thy selfe in this holy place and action.

1 Samuel 1:16

Poured out] See Psalms 142:2 Mysoule] my grievances and inward desires.

1 Samuel 1:18

Find] I recommend my selfe to thy fatherly favour, and good will; Sad] The Italian hath it, As it was before] namely sad, and sickly: which alteration happened through an inward comfort of Gods Spirit, which informed her heart, that her prayers were heard, which the Priest, blessing, did also certifie her of.

1 Samuel 1:20

Samuel] That is to say, asked of God.

1 Samuel 1:21

The yearly sacrifice] The Paschall Lambe is often so called in Scripture, see Exo. 12. 27. and 34. 25 And his vow] it was some sacrifice vowed to God for the childs happy birth.

1 Samuel 1:22

That he may] Hence it appcares that she had told her husband of her vow, and that he had approved of it: Abide] to serve in certain inferior offices in the Tabernacle, which belonged to a Levite, 1 Sam. 2. 11. and 3. 15 For ever] without intermission or without any relieving by turnes, as the other Levites were weekly. Now it is plaine by 1 Samuel 7:16-17. that Samuel dwelt in Ramah, & there judged Israel, which happened either after the age of fifty years, which was a time prefixed for the Levites service, Numb. 18. 25. or by Gods wil, who dispensed with his vow to make him a Magistrate.

1 Samuel 1:23

His Word] That extraordinary thing which he seemeth to have appointed concerning this childe, which he hath miraculously bestowed upon us.

1 Samuel 1:28

Lent him] That is to say, dedicated him, to his service. But she saith lent, because that the Hebrew word from which Samuels name is derived, signifieth asking, and lending. As who should say, I have asked him, to that end that he might by me, be bestowed upon the Lord.