The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 52

tl1eir loved ones, and they sorely need such care in this sinful world. 2. The impre,<sive teacliing imparted. Surely Samuel was not placed in the house of the Lord without much teaching suited to his capacity as to the holy life he was to live. It is something to make a child believe that he is the Lord's, to see the beauty and joy of being given up to his service. With exquisite delicacy did Hannah teach her son that he must for ever be holy. The girding· with the ephod meant to him, "Thou art a servant of God, a child of the sanctuary, thou canst not do any unworthy deeds or speak unholy words. Remember thou bclongest to the Lord, my son." Happy they who know the art of showing their sons the beauty of holiness, and the manner of pe_rs~ns they ought ever to be. 3. A_ssociation with tlie sanctuary. The hallowed associat10ns of the house of God exercised power over the tender child· and so the principle is set forth that in our nurture of youthful piety we must seek to encourage a love for the worship of the Lord and of all pertaining to his service. It is ,. g~eat gain when our youth can rejoice in the Sabbath services, feel that in the sanctuary they have a much-loved spiritual home. 4. Engagement in useful religious work, It was a wise choice of this mother to divert the child's attention from the evil habits of the age by absorption in works suited to his little powers, and under the imme- diate eye of a venerable man of God. Whatever lol"e to God may dwell in the heart of a child is strengthened and guarded by being exercised in deeds pertaining to his serrice. And the service of God is very wide and varied. There are many ways in. which youthful piety may be exercised. Let children be caused to feel that they by life, by simple prayers, and by sympathy can bless the so1Towing world, and their piety will g.-ow and the world will be enriched. The momentous interests involved in the presence or absence of youthful piety should awaken deep concern on several Practical questions .-1. To what extent does it prevail in Church and home? 2. How far the lack of early piety is due to parental neglect, erroneous views, defective Church organisations, or unhealthy literature·? 3. In what form can the existing piety of children be more utilised for their own benefit and for the good of the world? 4. How is it possible to render the services of the sanctuary more interesting and helpful to the young? 5. How can the missing link between the youthful and more mature piety of the Church be restored? 6. By what means can Christian parents be Jed to manifest an all-absorbing concern for the development of piety in theil,' offspring? 7. What would be the effect on the ultimate conversion of the world i£ tlie Church could be so wrought upon to exerc.ise faith in the possibility of early piety as to save the need of employing agencies to convert in adult age any who have passed through its hands? Faith's symbols. Judged by the customs of the age, it was a darin(J tliing £or Hannah to clothe lier cliild with the epliod, the every-day robe of the pnest, seeing that her son was only a Levite (1 Chron. vi. 19, 23; cf. Ex. xxxix. 27; 1 Sam. xxii. 18), She clearly intended him to be invested with the prerogatives of the priest. The holy daring went further in her making for him the" little coat," which properly was part of the dress of the high priest, and sometimes of princes and nobles. The act is in perfect keeping with the first deed of consecration, and with the tenor of the inspired song. To her prophetic vision this child was from birth ordained to be an extraor- dinary servant of God, for the reformation of that age and the advancement of that kingdom the glories of which she saw afar. It is not likely that a woman of such strong and exalted hope would be ready to speak out in detail what was in her heart, and yet the force of her faith would demand adequate expression. Some natures are not demonstrative by words, but prefer silent acts to both indicate their thoughts and to nourish their faith and hope. Therefore the clothing· of Samuel with the pure " eplwd '' and the " little coat" was the creation of permanent symbols of _faith for his instruction and impressment, and her own satisfaction and support. It 1s !lot for mere notice of casual incident that tl,e sacred writer refers to the event. but evidently to set forth valuable truth. J. FAITH SEES GERMS OF FUTURE GOOD WHERE UNBELIEF WOULD SEE NOTHING. Jt is probable that neighbours reflected on the eccentric conduct of the mother who so unnecessarily parted with her child. To them he was as other children. The spiritual travail of his birth was hidden from them. But Hannah, being· in sympathy CH. II. 11-26.] nm FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. 47