with respect to the Divine word-I. Confidence in its truth. He believed (1) that it was !tis word which had been uttered by the high priest (ver. 17); (2) that its Divine origin and foithfulness had been in part confirmed by his own act (ver. 20); and (3) that it would be completely established by his bringing about the end designed. 2. Desire of its fulfilment. (1) As a matter of great importance. (2) Deeply felt. "Only." (3) Through the continued and gracious operation of God. " T!te Lord establish his word." 3. Obedumce to its requirements. In order to its establishment, co-operation on their part was-(1) Necessary. God's purposes and promises are fulfilled in connection with human-endeavour, and not independently of it. (2) Obligatory. It had been solemnly promised by them, and was a condition of the bestowment of the Divine blessing. (3) Fully resolved upon. "His father used to open his breast when he was asleep and kiss it in prayer over him, as it is said of Origen's father, that the Holy Ghost would take possession thereof" (' Life of Sir Thomas Browne'). V. CONDUCTED TO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD. As soon as he was weaned (the first step of separate, independent life) "she took him up with her" (ver. 24 ), and "they brought the child to Eli" ('ver. 25). Children are in their right place in the temple (Matt. xxi. 15, 16), and their praises are acceptable to the Lord. Even infants (sucklings) belong to the kingdom of heaven, and are capable of being blessed by him (Matt. xix. 13). Therefore the "little ones" should be brought unto him (Matt. xviii. 14). VI. DEDICATED TO A LIFE-LONG SERVICE (vers. 25-28), i. e. a continual (and not a limited or periodical) service at the sanctuary as a Levite, and an entire ( and not a partial) service as a Nazarite. It was done (1) with a burnt offering, (2) accompanied by a thankful acknowledgment of the goodness of God in answer to prayer offered on the same spot several years previously, and (3) in a full surrender of the child. " My child shall be entirely and absolutely thy servant. I give up all my maternal rights. I desire to be bis mother only in so far as that he shall owe bis existence to me; after that I give him up to thee" (Clrrysostom). "For this child I prayed, and the Lord bath granted me my request which I asked of him ; therefore I also make him one asked of the Lord all the days that he liveth ; he is asked of the- Lord " (Keil). So the vow was performed. And in the spirit of this dedication aU parents should give back to God "the children which he bath given them." VII. FOLLOWED BY PARENTAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS. "He (Elkanah) wor- shipped the Lord there" (ver. 28). "And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart re- joiceth in the Lord" (eh. ii. 1). "And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house" (eh. ii. 11 ). The sacrifice made in leaving the child behind was great, but it was attended, through Divine grace, with great joy. The more any one gives to God, the more- God gives back to him in spiritual blessing. Hannah felt little anxiety or fear for the safety of her child, for she believed that he would "keep the feet of his saints" (eh. ii. 9). What holy influences ever rest on children whose parents pray for them "without ceasing I" and what multitudes have by such means been eternally ■avedl-D. " The boy was vowed Unto the temple service. By the hand She led him, and her silent soul, the while, Oft as the dewy lo.ughter of his eyo Met her sweet serious glance, rejoiced to think That aught so pure, so beautiful, was hers, To bring before her God. I give thee to thy God-the God that gavo thee, A well-spring of deep gladness to my heart ! And precious as thou art, And pure as <lew of Hermon, he shall hnve thee, My own, my beautiful, my undefiled ! And thou shalt be his child. Therefore, farewell !-I go, my soul nrny fail me, As the stag panteth for the water brooks, Yearning for thy SW(iet looks.- '26 THE FIRST DOOK OF SAMUEL. [en. u. 1--10,
But thou, my first-born, droop not, nor bewail me I Thou in the Shadow of the Rock shalt ,hnll, The Rock of Strength.-Farewcll ! " (lllrs. Hemans).
EXPOSITION.