1 Samuel 2

1 horn. Horns are an Oriental symbol of power and rank, and as such are used as an ornament for the head.

5 ceased. i.e., were hungry no longer. Others understand the meaning to be “have rest” (R.V. marg.), i.e., have no need to work any more for bread. With this and ver. 8, cp. the words of the Magnificat (Luke i. 52, 53).

6 the grave. Heb., “Sheol,” the unseen world.

8 the pillars of the earth. Both in prose and in poetry the sacred writers speak on subjects of natural science in the ordinary language of their own age and country.

10. His anointed. This prophecy refers to that kingdom which God afterwards established in the family of David, as preparatory to the kingdom of the Messiah.

12 sons of Belial. See note on i. 16.

13 the priest’s custom. The only portions of the peace-offering to which the officiating priest was entitled by law were the shoulder and breast, and the cheeks and maw (see Lev. vii. 34; Deut. xviii. 3). Eli’s sons not only defrauded the people, but they robbed God of His portion of the offering, which was essential to its acceptance: see Lev. iii. 3-5.

17 men abhorred the offering. Or, “the men (i.e., Eli’s sons) caused the Lord’s offering to be abhorred:” see R.V. marg.

19 a little coat. Or, “robe,” as in Exod. xxviii. 4, 31. It was a dress of distinction, and marked a special priestly dedication.

20 the loan. Or, “for the petition which she asked of Jehovah” (R.V. marg.).

21. And. Heb., “For,” i.e., they went home with the blessing which Eli had asked for them (20); “for the Lord,” etc.

25 the Lord would slay them. The Heb. means, “It pleased Jehovah to slay them.”

27 in Pharaoh’s house. Or, as R.V., “in bondage to Pharaoh’s house.”

29 kick ye. “Trample on” or “spurn.”

31 thine arm. That is, “thy power.”

32 thou shalt see an enemy, etc. “Then in your straits you shall look enviously on all the prosperity I award to Israel” (Moffatt).

33 to grieve thine heart. Eli is addressed here as the representative of his family.

35. I will raise Me up a faithful priest. This sentence was fulfilled at the beginning of Solomon’s reign, by the appointment of Zadok, of the family of Eleazar, as high priest, and in this line the priesthood of the order of Aaron remained as long as it existed.