King James Version
1 Samuel 3
21 verses with commentary
The Lord Calls Samuel
And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The chapter opens with spiritual famine: 'the word of the LORD was precious [rare] in those days; there was no open vision.' Samuel's ministry to Eli occurs amid prophetic silence. The term 'precious' (yaqar) indicates scarcity - prophetic revelation was so unusual that it was treasured when it came. The absence of 'open vision' (chazon niphrats) means God was not breaking through with revelation....
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **The child Samuel ministered unto the Lord.**—The writer of this history, although well aware of the great revolution accomplished in Israel by the prophet whose life and work the Holy Spirit bade him record, gives us but the simplest and shortest possible account of the child-days of him who was only second to Moses in his influence on the eventful story of the chosen people. But short and d...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The directions given to Ruth by Naomi.(1-5)
Boaz acknowledges the duty of a kinsman.(6-13)
Ruth's return to her mother-in-law.
(14-18)
**Verses 1-5**
The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form a connexion for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with great seriousne...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The physical setting carries symbolic weight. Eli lies in his place with dimming eyes - both literal and spiritual blindness. His inability to see represents his inability to perceive God's activity. The aging priest who cannot see contrasts with the young boy who will soon receive divine vision. Eli's 'place' (maqom) suggests fixed, static position, while Samuel's movement throughout the narrativ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. when he went in, he sat him down in a street of the city--**The towns of Palestine at this remote period could not, it seems, furnish any establishment in the shape of an inn or public lodging-house. Hence we conclude that the custom, which is still frequently witnessed in the cities of the East, was then not uncommon, for travellers who were late in arriving and who had no introduction to a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The directions given to Ruth by Naomi.(1-5)
Boaz acknowledges the duty of a kinsman.(6-13)
Ruth's return to her mother-in-law.
(14-18)
**Verses 1-5**
The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form a connexion for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with great seriousne...
Read full commentary →And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The lamp of God 'not yet gone out' indicates the time just before dawn when the lampstand's oil was nearly exhausted. This liminal moment - between darkness and light - becomes the setting for divine revelation. Samuel sleeps 'where the ark of God was' - in or near the Most Holy Place. The child rests in God's presence, available even in sleep. The detail 'ere the lamp went out' may symbolize prop...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3, 4) **Ere the lamp of God went out.**—There is a Talmud comment here of singular interest and beauty: “On the day that Rabbi Akiva died, Rabbi (compiler of the Mishnah) was born; on the day when Rabbi died, Rav Yehudah was born; on the day when Rav Yehudah died, Rava was born; on the day when Rava died, Rav Ashi (one of the editors of *Guemara*) was born. It teaches thee, that no righteous man ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jud 19:16-21. An Old Man Entertains Him at Gibeah.
**16. there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim--**Perhaps his hospitality was quickened by learning the stranger's occupation, and that he was on his return to his duties at Shiloh.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The directions given to Ruth by Naomi.(1-5)
Boaz acknowledges the duty of a kinsman.(6-13)
Ruth's return to her mother-in-law.
(14-18)
**Verses 1-5**
The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form a connexion for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with great seriousne...
Read full commentary →That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The divine call is simple and personal: 'Samuel.' God knows and speaks the name given by Hannah, meaning 'heard of God.' The boy's response 'Here am I' (hinneni) uses the classic formula of availability seen throughout Scripture (Abraham in Genesis 22:1; Moses in Exodus 3:4; Isaiah in Isaiah 6:8). Samuel's response is correct but misdirected - he assumes Eli is calling. Hearing God's voice require...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The directions given to Ruth by Naomi.(1-5)
Boaz acknowledges the duty of a kinsman.(6-13)
Ruth's return to her mother-in-law.
(14-18)
**Verses 1-5**
The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form a connexion for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with great seriousne...
Read full commentary →And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Samuel's immediate running to Eli shows his servant's heart and responsiveness. He naturally assumes the familiar voice is his elderly mentor. Eli's denial ('I called not') is truthful but initially uncomprehending. His instruction to 'lie down again' reflects no spiritual insight yet. The repetition of Samuel's running and lying down demonstrates obedience even when confused. His pattern of immed...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The directions given to Ruth by Naomi.(1-5)
Boaz acknowledges the duty of a kinsman.(6-13)
Ruth's return to her mother-in-law.
(14-18)
**Verses 1-5**
The married state should be a rest, as much as any thing upon earth can be so, as it ought to fix the affections and form a connexion for life. Therefore it should be engaged in with great seriousne...
Read full commentary →And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The pattern repeats: God calls, Samuel runs to Eli, Eli denies calling. The phrase 'I called not, my son' adds paternal affection to the denial. Eli's tender address as 'my son' shows relational warmth even amid his failures. Samuel obeys again, returning to his place. The threefold pattern (this is the second of three calls) follows a common narrative structure that builds toward decisive moment....
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19-20. there is no want of any thing--**In answering the kindly inquiries of the old man, the Levite deemed it right to state that he was under no necessity of being burdensome on anyone, for he possessed all that was required to relieve his wants. Oriental travellers always carry a stock of provisions with them; and knowing that even the khans or lodging-houses they may find on their way afford...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-13**
What in one age or nation would be improper, is not always so in another age or another nation. Being a judge of Israel, Boaz would tell Ruth what she should do; also whether he had the right of redemption, and what methods must be taken, and what rites used, in order to accomplishing her marriage with him or another person. The conduct of Boaz calls for the highest praise. He ...
Read full commentary →Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. Now: or, Thus did Samuel before he knew the LORD, and before the word of the LORD was revealed unto him
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This parenthetical explanation is crucial: 'Samuel did not yet know the LORD.' The Hebrew yada' (know) implies experiential, relational knowledge. Samuel served at the sanctuary but had not yet encountered God personally. The parallel phrase 'the word of the LORD yet revealed' indicates Samuel had not received direct prophetic communication. Religious service and direct divine encounter are not id...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19-20. there is no want of any thing--**In answering the kindly inquiries of the old man, the Levite deemed it right to state that he was under no necessity of being burdensome on anyone, for he possessed all that was required to relieve his wants. Oriental travellers always carry a stock of provisions with them; and knowing that even the khans or lodging-houses they may find on their way afford...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-13**
What in one age or nation would be improper, is not always so in another age or another nation. Being a judge of Israel, Boaz would tell Ruth what she should do; also whether he had the right of redemption, and what methods must be taken, and what rites used, in order to accomplishing her marriage with him or another person. The conduct of Boaz calls for the highest praise. He ...
Read full commentary →And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
By the third call, Eli finally perceives what is happening. The phrase 'Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child' indicates belated spiritual insight. Despite his general blindness, Eli retains enough discernment to recognize divine activity. His perception comes after three occurrences - perhaps he needed the pattern to become clear. Even failing leaders sometimes retain moments of spirit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child.**—The whole story of the eventful night is told so naturally, the supernatural wonderfully interwoven with the common life of the sanctuary, that we forget, as we read, the strangeness of the events recorded. The sleeping child is awakened by a voice uttering his name. He naturally supposes it is his half-blind old master summoning him. T...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-13**
What in one age or nation would be improper, is not always so in another age or another nation. Being a judge of Israel, Boaz would tell Ruth what she should do; also whether he had the right of redemption, and what methods must be taken, and what rites used, in order to accomplishing her marriage with him or another person. The conduct of Boaz calls for the highest praise. He ...
Read full commentary →Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Eli's instruction provides the proper response formula: 'Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth.' This response positions Samuel correctly - as servant awaiting the Master's word. The structure reverses Samuel's earlier mistake of speaking before listening. Eli offers Samuel what he himself has apparently lost - knowledge of how to receive divine revelation. The instruction to 'lie down' indicates p...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9, 10) **And the Lord came, and stood.**—Then before the boy, as he lay and waited for *the voice, *came *something, *and it stood before him. The question naturally occurs to us, *What *came and stood before the boy’s couch? As a rule, we find that generally, when the Lord was pleased to take some form, the form is specified. Now, as in Abraham’s case at Mamre, it was a traveller; now, as in Jos...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jud 19:22-28. The Gibeahites Abuse His Concubine to Death.
**22-24. certain sons of Belial beset the house--**The narrative of the horrid outrage that was committed; of the proposal of the old man; the unfeeling, careless, and in many respects, inexplicable conduct of the Levite towards his wife, disclose a state of morality that would have appeared incredible, did it not rest on the testimony of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-13**
What in one age or nation would be improper, is not always so in another age or another nation. Being a judge of Israel, Boaz would tell Ruth what she should do; also whether he had the right of redemption, and what methods must be taken, and what rites used, in order to accomplishing her marriage with him or another person. The conduct of Boaz calls for the highest praise. He ...
Read full commentary →And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The fourth encounter differs significantly: 'the LORD came, and stood.' This is not merely a voice but a presence. The phrase intensifies the divine encounter - God is present in a way He was not before. The doubled name 'Samuel, Samuel' signals urgency and affection (compare Genesis 22:11; Exodus 3:4). Samuel responds with the shortened formula 'Speak; for thy servant heareth,' omitting 'LORD' - ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jud 19:22-28. The Gibeahites Abuse His Concubine to Death.
**22-24. certain sons of Belial beset the house--**The narrative of the horrid outrage that was committed; of the proposal of the old man; the unfeeling, careless, and in many respects, inexplicable conduct of the Levite towards his wife, disclose a state of morality that would have appeared incredible, did it not rest on the testimony of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-13**
What in one age or nation would be improper, is not always so in another age or another nation. Being a judge of Israel, Boaz would tell Ruth what she should do; also whether he had the right of redemption, and what methods must be taken, and what rites used, in order to accomplishing her marriage with him or another person. The conduct of Boaz calls for the highest praise. He ...
Read full commentary →The Lord's Message to Samuel
And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The message God delivers is severe: 'I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.' Ear-tingling indicates shocking news, here specifying judgment. The phrase anticipates Jeremiah 19:3 and 2 Kings 21:12, where similar language introduces announcements of catastrophic judgment. Samuel's first prophetic message concerns the destruction of his mentor's...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **The ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.**—The calamity which is here referred to was the capture of the Ark of the Covenant. Neither the death of the warrior priests, Hophni and Phinehas, nor the crushing defeat of the Hebrew army, would have so powerfully affected the people; but that the sacred symbol of the presence and protection of the invisible King should be allowed to fa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jud 19:22-28. The Gibeahites Abuse His Concubine to Death.
**22-24. certain sons of Belial beset the house--**The narrative of the horrid outrage that was committed; of the proposal of the old man; the unfeeling, careless, and in many respects, inexplicable conduct of the Levite towards his wife, disclose a state of morality that would have appeared incredible, did it not rest on the testimony of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-18**
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence...
Read full commentary →In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. when: Heb. beginning and ending
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God confirms that the previously delivered prophecy (2:27-36) will now be fulfilled. The phrase 'when I begin, I will also make an end' emphasizes divine determination to complete announced judgment. This is not threat but settled decree. The reference to 'all things which I have spoken concerning his house' connects Samuel's revelation to the earlier unnamed prophet. Samuel's call validates the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-18**
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence...
Read full commentary →For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. For I: or, And I will tell him vile: or, accursed restrained: Heb. frowned not upon them
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The specific sin is restated: Eli knew his sons made themselves vile (cursed, treated with contempt) and 'restrained them not.' The Hebrew kahah (to rebuke, restrain) indicates the action Eli failed to take. He spoke (2:23-25) but did not act decisively. The sin requiring atonement is not merely the sons' wickedness but Eli's passive tolerance. His failure to exercise rightful authority constitute...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Because his sons made themselves vile.**—The enormity of the sin of Eli and his house, which was to be so fearfully punished, must be measured by the extent of the mischief it worked; well-nigh all Israel were involved in it. The fatal example the priests had set at Shiloh filtrated through the entire people; the result was, that unbelief in the Eternal was becoming general throughout the l...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-18**
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence...
Read full commentary →And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The oath formula 'I have sworn unto the house of Eli' seals irrevocable judgment. The statement 'iniquity...shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever' is devastating - the very system Eli served cannot avail for his house. Their sin exceeded what the sacrificial system could address. This does not indicate a general failure of atonement but specific judgment on a particular house. T...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Shall not be purged with sacrifice.**—No earthly sacrifice, bloody or unbloody, should ever purge on earth the sin of the doomed high priestly house. A great theological truth is contained in these few words. in the sacrificial theory of the Mosaic Law we see there was a *limit *to the efficacy of sacrifice after a certain point in sin and evil example had been reached: a scar was printed o...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-18**
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence...
Read full commentary →And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Samuel's response to the night's revelation is significant: he lay until morning, then opened the sanctuary doors - returning to normal duties. His fear to tell Eli the vision shows natural reluctance to deliver painful messages to beloved mentors. The word 'vision' (mar'ah) now applies to Samuel's experience, indicating he has received prophetic revelation. The young servant who 'did not yet know...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **And opened the doors.**—This is another notice which indicates that the sanctuary of Shiloh was enclosed in a house or temple. We have no record of the building of the *first *house of the Lord, but from the references contained in the record of Samuel’s childhood it is clear that the sacred Tabernacle had been for some time enclosed by, and perhaps covered in with, permanent buildings.
**F...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-18**
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence...
Read full commentary →Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Eli calls Samuel with paternal affection: 'Samuel, my son.' This tender address, coming from the one about whom judgment has been pronounced, intensifies the scene's pathos. Eli knows something has happened; his question indicates awareness that divine communication occurred. Samuel's response 'Here am I' (hinneni) echoes his earlier responses, now freighted with knowledge he fears to share. The r...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29. divided her ... into twelve pieces--**The want of a regular government warranted an extraordinary step; and certainly no method could have been imagined more certain of rousing universal horror and indignation than this terrible summons of the Levite.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-18**
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence...
Read full commentary →And he said, What is the thing that the LORD hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee. more also: Hebr. so add any thing: or, word
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Eli demands complete disclosure: 'hide not from me...God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing.' The self-imprecation formula invokes divine punishment on Samuel if he withholds information. Eli recognizes the seriousness of the moment and insists on full truth. This demand shows spiritual integrity even as it requires hearing his own doom. Eli would rather know God's word, however ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-18**
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence...
Read full commentary →And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good. every: Heb. all the things, or, words
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Samuel tells 'every whit' (literally 'every word'), hiding nothing. Complete disclosure fulfills prophetic responsibility and responds to Eli's demand. Eli's response is remarkable: 'It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.' No protest, no pleading, no excuse - only acceptance of divine sovereignty. This submission to judgment demonstrates a kind of faith despite failure. Eli recognizes G...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **It is the Lord.**—Such a reply, and such a reception of the news of the terrible doom twice communicated to him by a direct message from the Eternal, indicates that Eli, in spite of his weakness and foolish partiality for his sons, was thoroughly devoted to the Lord in his heart. He saw how deeply he had failed in his high office, how he had allowed worldly considerations to influence his c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-18**
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence...
Read full commentary →And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Samuel's growth now takes on prophetic dimensions: 'the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.' The phrase indicates that everything Samuel prophesied came true - a key test of prophetic authenticity (Deuteronomy 18:22). The LORD's presence 'with him' contrasts with the departed glory that will mark Eli's house. Samuel's words are effective because God's Spirit empowe...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him.**—Again in a brief sentence the life of Samuel was contrasted with another: this time with that of his predecessor in the judgeship. As the boy grew up to manhood, we hear that while, on the one hand, as, no doubt, in earlier days with Eli, so now with Samuel, the Lord was with His servant, giving him strength and wisdom, guiding him and guarding ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 20 Jud 20:1-7. The Levite, in a General Assembly, Declares His Wrong.
**1-2. all ... the congregation was gathered as one man--**In consequence of the immense sensation the horrid tragedy of Gibeah had produced, a national assembly was convened, at which "the chief of all the people" from all parts of the land, including the eastern tribes, appeared as delegates.
**Mizpeh--**the place o...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-21**
All increase in wisdom and grace, is owing to the presence of God with us. God will graciously repeat his visits to those who receive them aright. Early piety will be the greatest honour of young people. Those who honour God he will honour. Let young people consider the piety of Samuel, and from him they will learn to remember their Creator in the days of their youth. Young ch...
Read full commentary →And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD. established: or, faithful
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Recognition spreads throughout Israel: 'from Dan even to Beer-sheba' - the traditional boundaries indicating all Israel. Samuel is 'established' (ne'eman, proven trustworthy) as a prophet. The phrase 'prophet of the LORD' becomes his official designation. This national recognition ends the prophetic drought noted in verse 1. Israel again has a reliable prophetic voice. The progression from sanctua...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **A prophet of the Lord.**—Then from the northern to the southern cities of the land the fame of the boy-friend of the Eternal was established. The minds of all the people were thus gradually prepared when the right moment came to acknowledge Samuel as a God-sent chieftain. On this rapid and universal acknowledgment of the young prophet it has been observed, “that the people, in spite of thei...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 20 Jud 20:1-7. The Levite, in a General Assembly, Declares His Wrong.
**1-2. all ... the congregation was gathered as one man--**In consequence of the immense sensation the horrid tragedy of Gibeah had produced, a national assembly was convened, at which "the chief of all the people" from all parts of the land, including the eastern tribes, appeared as delegates.
**Mizpeh--**the place o...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-21**
All increase in wisdom and grace, is owing to the presence of God with us. God will graciously repeat his visits to those who receive them aright. Early piety will be the greatest honour of young people. Those who honour God he will honour. Let young people consider the piety of Samuel, and from him they will learn to remember their Creator in the days of their youth. Young ch...
Read full commentary →And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The chapter concludes with emphasis on renewed revelation: 'the LORD appeared again in Shiloh.' The prophetic silence of verse 1 has ended. God 'revealed himself to Samuel...by the word of the LORD' - divine communication has resumed through a faithful channel. The location at Shiloh is significant: despite its coming destruction, God continues to reveal Himself there through Samuel. The corrupted...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh--**Some suppose that Benjamin had been passed over, the crime having been perpetrated within the territory of that tribe [Jud 19:16]; and that, as the concubine's corpse had been divided into twelve pieces [Jud 19:29]--two had been sent to Manasseh, one respectively to the western and eastern divisions. It i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-21**
All increase in wisdom and grace, is owing to the presence of God with us. God will graciously repeat his visits to those who receive them aright. Early piety will be the greatest honour of young people. Those who honour God he will honour. Let young people consider the piety of Samuel, and from him they will learn to remember their Creator in the days of their youth. Young ch...
Read full commentary →