having spoken largely of the kingdom of providence. And here is the first time that we meet with
the name MESSIAH, or his Anointed. The subjects of Christ's kingdom will be safe, and the enemies
of it will be ruined; for the Anointed, the Lord Christ, is able to save, and to destroy.
Verses 11–26
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the
sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was
called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who
serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. Eli shunned
trouble and exertion. This led him to indulge his children, without using parental authority to restrain
and correct them when young. He winked at the abuses in the service of the sanctuary till they
became customs, and led to abominations; and his sons, who should have taught those that engaged
in the service of the sanctuary what was good, solicited them to wickedness. Their offence was
committed even in offering the sacrifices for sins, which typified the atonement of the Saviour!
Sins against the remedy, the atonement itself, are most dangerous, they tread under foot the blood
of the covenant. Eli's reproof was far too mild and gentle. In general, none are more abandoned
than the degenerate children of godly persons, when they break through restraints.
Verses 27–36
Those who allow their children in any evil way, and do not use their authority to restrain and
punish them, in effect honour them more than God. Let Eli's example excite parents earnestly to
strive against the beginnings of wickedness, and to train up their children in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord. In the midst of the sentence against the house of Eli, mercy is promised to
Israel. God's work shall never fall to the ground for want of hands to carry it on. Christ is that
merciful and faithful High Priest, whom God raised up when the Levitical priesthood was thrown
off, who in all things did his Father's mind, and for whom God will build a sure house, build it on
a rock, so that hell cannot prevail against it.
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The word of the Lord first revealed to (1–10)
Samuel.
God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's (11–18)
house.
Samuel established to be a prophet. (19–21)Verses 1–10