The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 479

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Ver. 1. (RAMAH.)-Samuel's death and burial. "And Samuel died." 1. The end of the great prophet's life is recorded in brief and simple words. This is accordino- to the manner in which the death of men is usually spoken of in the Scripture: Whilst their life is narrated at length, their death is either passed over in silence or mentioned only in a sentence, as of comparatively little consequence in relation to their character, work, and influence. There is one significant exception, viz., that of him " who once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God." 2. In the last glimpse afforded of him before his decease he is described as "standing as one appointed over the company of the prophets," and occupied with them in celebrating the praises of God (eh. xix. 20). During the years that had since-elapsed he was left unmolested by Saul; and it is hardly likely that David ever ventured to Ramah again, although he probably kept up indirect intercourse with his aged and revered friend ( eh. xxii. 5), and was often in his thoughts. 3. In connection with the mention of his death it is stated that "David arose and went down" (from " the hold" in the hill of Hachilah, to which he bad returned from Engedi) "to the "-ildemess of Paran." He may have done so for reasons independent of this event, or 1lithout the knowledge of it; or possibly because he feared that with the removal of Samuel's restraining influence Saul might renew his persecution. However it may have been, the melancholy intelligence would ~peedily reach him. 4. "Samuel died." Good and great as he was, he could not escape the common lot of men. "One event happeneth to them all." But that which comes as a judgment to "the fool" (ver. 38) comes as a blessing to the wise. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." The news of it came upon the people as a surprise and filled them with grief. "It was as if from that noble star, so long as it shone in the l,ea'l'en of the holy land, though veiled by clouds, there streamed a mild beneficent light over all Israel. Now this star in Israel was extinguished" (Krummacher). "Anotlier mighty one had passed away. The very heart of the nation sighed out its loving, weeping requiem. But who among them all mourned as that son of Jesse, on whose head he had at God's command poured the anointing oil, as he arose and went down to the wilderness of Paran? Doubtless in those waste places he heard again in living memory the echoes of the prevailing cry of him who was so great among those that call upon the name of the Lord. Doubtless his own discipline was perfected in this new sorrow, but he learnt in losing Samuel to lean more simply and alone on Samuel's God" (' Heroes of Heh. Hist.'). We have here- I. TBE DECEASE OF AN ILLUSTRIOUS MAN: 1:1aint, prophet, intercessor, judge, restorer of the theocracy, founder of the monarchy. "He was a righteous man, and gentle in his nature; and on that account he was very dear to God" (Josephus). "Samuel1 tLe prophet of the Lord, beloved of the Lord, established a kingdom and anointed princes over his people. And before his long sleep he made protestations in the sight ·CII. XXV. 1-44.] THE FIRST HOOK OF SAMUEL.