The ark is placed in Kirjath-jearim; Eleazar’s son is sanctified to keep it, 1, 2. Samuel exhorts them to repent, and put away their idols; they obey him. A fast at Mizpeh, 3-6. The Philistines intend to set upon the Israelites, who are afraid, 7. Samuel offereth and prayeth for Israel: God heareth; terrifieth the Philistines with thunder, and they are smitten; are subdued; and the cities which they had taken from the Israelites are recovered, 8-14. Samuel visiteth all the cities of Israel, and returns to Ramah; there builds an altar to the Lord, 15-17.
Matthew Henry: 'In this chapter we have, I. The eclipsing of the glory of the ark, by its privacy in Kirjath-jearim for many years, verses 1-2. II. The appearing of the glory of Samuel in his public services for the good of Israel, to whom he was raised up to be a judge, and he was the last that bore that character. This chapter gives us all the account we have of him when he was in the prime of his time; for what we had before was in his childhood (1 Samuel 2-3); what we have of him after was in his old age, 1 Samuel 8. 1. We have him here active, 1. In the reformation of Israe…
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