Verses 5, 6
Israel drew water and poured it out before the Lord; signifying their humiliation and sorrow
for sin. They pour out their hearts in repentance before the Lord. They were free and full in their
confession, and fixed in their resolution to cast away from them all their wrong doings. They made
a public confession, We have sinned against the Lord; thus giving glory to God, and taking shame
to themselves. And if we thus confess our sins, we shall find our God faithful and just to forgive
us our sins.
Verses 7–12
The Philistines invaded Israel. When sinners begin to repent and reform, they must expect that
Satan will muster all his force against them, and set his instruments at work to the utmost, to oppose
and discourage them. The Israelites earnestly beg Samuel to pray for them. Oh what a comfort it
is to all believers, that our great Intercessor above never ceases, is never silent! for he always appears
in the presence of God for us. Samuel's sacrifice, without his prayer, had been an empty shadow.
God gave a gracious answer. And Samuel erected a memorial of this victory, to the glory of God,
and to encourage Israel. Through successive generations, the church of God has had cause to set
up Eben-ezers for renewed deliverances; neither outward persecutions nor inward corruptions have
prevailed against her, because “hitherto the Lord hath helped her:” and he will help, even to the
end of the world.
Verses 13–17
In this great revival of true religion, the ark was neither removed to Shiloh, nor placed with the
tabernacle any where else. This disregard to the Levitical institutions showed that their typical
meaning formed their chief use; and when that was overlooked, they became a lifeless service, not
to be compared with repentance, faith, and the love of God and man.
Chapter 8
Chapter Outline
The evil government of Samuel's sons. (1–3)
The Israelites ask for a king. (4–9)
The manner of a king. (10–22)Verses 1–3
It does not appear that Samuel's sons were so profane and vicious as Eli's sons; but they were
corrupt judges, they turned aside after lucre. Samuel took no bribes, but his sons did, and then they