Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
1 Samuel Ch.1 / 31 Ch.s
1SA:1
** In this book we have an account of Eli, and the wickedness of
his sons; also of Samuel, his character and actions. Then of the
advancement of Saul to be the king of Israel, and his ill
behaviour, until his death made way for David's succession to
the throne, who was an eminent type of Christ. David's patience,
modesty, constancy, persecution by open enemies and feigned
friends, are a pattern and example to the church, and to every
member of it. Many things in this book encourage the faith,
hope, and patience of the suffering believer. It contains also
many useful cautions and awful warnings.
* Elkanah and his family. (1-8) Hannah's prayer. (9-18) Samuel,
Hannah presents him to the Lord. (19-28)
#1-8 Elkanah kept up his attendance at God's altar,
notwithstanding the unhappy differences in his family. If the
devotions of a family prevail not to put an end to its
divisions, yet let not the divisions put a stop to the
devotions. To abate our just love to any relation for the sake
of any infirmity which they cannot help, and which is their
affliction, is to make God's providence quarrel with his
precept, and very unkindly to add affliction to the afflicted.
It is evidence of a base disposition, to delight in grieving
those who are of a sorrowful spirit, and in putting those out of
humour who are apt to fret and be uneasy. We ought to bear one
another's burdens, not add to them. Hannah could not bear the
provocation. Those who are of a fretful spirit, and are apt to
lay provocations too much to heart, are enemies to themselves,
and strip themselves of many comforts both of life and
godliness. We ought to notice comforts, to keep us from grieving
for crosses. We should look at that which is for us, as well as
what is against us.
#9-18 Hannah mingled tears with her prayers; she considered the
mercy of our God, who knows the troubled soul. God gives us
leave, in prayer, not only to ask good things in general, but to
mention that special good thing we most need and desire. She
spoke softly, none could hear her. Hereby she testified her
belief of God's knowledge of the heart and its desires. Eli was
high priest, and judge in Israel. It ill becomes us to be rash
and hasty in censures of others, and to think people guilty of
bad things while the matter is doubtful and unproved. Hannah did
not retort the charge, and upbraid Eli with the wicked conduct
of his own sons. When we are at any time unjustly censured, we
have need to set a double watch before the door of our lips,
that we do not return censure for censure. Hannah thought it
enough to clear herself, and so must we. Eli was willing to
acknowledge his mistake. Hannah went away with satisfaction of
mind. She had herself by prayer committed her case to God, and
Eli had prayed for her. Prayer is heart's ease to a gracious
soul. Prayer will smooth the countenance; it should do so. None
will long remain miserable, who use aright the privilege of
going to the mercy-seat of a reconciled God in Christ Jesus.
#19-28 Elkanah and his family had a journey before them, and a
family of children to take with them, yet they would not move
till they had worshipped God together. Prayer and provender do
not hinder a journey. When men are in such haste to set out upon
journeys, or to engage in business, that they have not time to
worship God, they are likely to proceed without his presence and
blessing. Hannah, though she felt a warm regard for the courts
of God's house, begged to stay at home. God will have mercy, and
not sacrifice. Those who are detained from public ordinances, by
the nursing and tending of little children, may take comfort
from this instance, and believe, that if they do that duty in a
right spirit, God will graciously accept them therein. Hannah
presented her child to the Lord with a grateful acknowledgment
of his goodness in answer to prayer. Whatever we give to God, it
is what we have first asked and received from him. All our gifts
to him were first his gifts to us. The child Samuel early showed
true piety. Little children should be taught to worship God when
very young. Their parents should teach them in it, bring them to
it, and put them on doing it as well as they can; God will
graciously accept them, and will teach them to do better.