The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 28

• no uncommon thing at the tabernacle in those corrupt times. Bue he did not "judge righteously'' (John vii. 24). Learn-1. That apparent gTound for censure is often found on inquiry to be really groundless. Therefore there should be proof ~efor~ 1:eproof. 2. That ~he most excell~nt are often the most misjudged, especinlly in rehg10us matters. Wlulst sensual excitement was often seen, spiritual excitement was rare. Religious services were formal, cold, and dead ; and holy fervour was naturall)· mis_understoo_d. and misinterpreted by superficial observers. So they who were filled ~nth the Spmt on the day of Pentecost were accused of being filled with new "·ine. And men of large views, disinterested motives and exalted aims are often ?ondem~ed by the ig:no:ant, selfish, and u~s_p_iritual. 'a. That the highest in authont~• are h:tble to err_ m Jndgment. lnfalhb1hty belongs to God alone. The assu1!1ptio1; of 1t by men 1s rebuked by their own manifest mistakes and failing·s, and 1s an msult to heaven. 4. That persons who think that they see clearly the faults of others are commonly blind to their own transgressions (Matt. vii. 3 • Rom. ii. 1). Eli was unconscious of his own easily besetting sin, which consisted in his indulgent treatment of his children and their vices. 5. That those who censure -()tbers should themselves be undeserving of censure. G. 'fhat our own exposure to judgmen~ s~ould make us cautious in passing judgment on others (Matt. vii. 1-ti). 7. Thnt 1t 1s tbe part of charity to put the best construction on their conduct. " Believeth all things; hopeth all things." Eli exhibited a want of knowledge consideration, charity, and tenderness. How different the High Priest and Judg~ " with whom we have to do " I • . II. BORNE WITH MEEKNESS. Hannah was not only innocent ,of the yic~ for which she was rebuked, but was at the time uttering a VO\" that if the Lord would give ber a son be should be a Nazarite, and a life-long protest against that vice and other prevailing evils. Her fervour of spirit was equalled by her calmness, self- . control, and discreet answer to the reproach of Eli (vers. 15, 16). Learn-1. That resentment and retaliation toward unjust accusers afford no evidence of innocence. • Some persons when rebuked fly into a passion, and utter worse judgments on others than have been pronounced on themselves. 2. That a good conscience can be calm under accusation. 3. That appearances which seem to justify censure should be as fully as possible explained. 4. That those who say they are not guilty of sin should show their abhorrence of sin. " Call not thine handmaid a daughter of Belia! " (' a worthless woman'). In her view intoxication was a gnat sin, and deserving of severe condemnation. 5. How beautiful is "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.'' 6. To look to Christ as the perfect pattern of the spirit here exhibited, and the source of the grace which is needed for its exercise (1 Pet. ii. 20-23), "Let me find grace in thy sight." • IIL TURNED INTO DENEDICTION (vers. 17, 18). Learn-I. That those who. see that they have erred in judgment should be ready to acknowledge their error. 2. That meekness and patience are adapted to change a severe reprover into a kind friend. 3. That the endurance of rebuke in a right spirit is often a means of obtaining 11. favourable answer to prayer. God himself spoke through the voice of the high priest (ver. 17; John xi. 51). 4. That it also causes perturbation and sorrow to give place to peace and joy (Matt. v. 5, 11). "Strive to rejoice when others use towards thee words of injury or rebuke, or despise thee. For a rich treasure lies hid beneath this dust; and, if thou take it willingly, thou wilt soon find thyself •ich unperceived by those who have bestowed tbis gift upon thee" (Scupoli).-D. Vers. 13-18.-Harshjudgment meekly answered. We hear much of the mothers of eminent men, and it is easy to see whence Samuel derived bis elevation of mind, bis religious temperament, and the natural aptitude to be a seer and prophet of God. It was from his mother-the sensitive, poetical, devout, unselfish· Hannah. Her 1irayer at the house of the Lord in Shiloh shows her in a noble light. She asked for 1io vengeance on her adversary Peninnah, who had so often taunted her, but only for a son whom she might devote as a pure Nazarite to Je_hovah's service. Her thou&·ht recurred to the last great judge of Israel-the Nazante Samson. The work which he might have performed had been very imperfectly done; and Hannah's devout and .patriotic wish was to give birth to one who might repair the failure of Samson, na CH, I. 9-28.] THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. 23