Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

1 Samuel 7

In this chapter we have, I. The eclipsing of the glory of the ark, by its privacy in Kirjath-jearim for many years, 1 Samuel 7:1, 7:2. II. The appearing of the glory of Samuel in his public services for the good of Israel, to whom he was raised up to be a judge, and he was the last that bore that character. This chapter gives us all the account we have of him when he was in the prime of his time; for what we had before was in his childhood (1 Samuel 2:1-1 Samuel 3:21); what we have of him after was in his old age, 1 Samuel 8:1. We have him here active, 1. In the reformation of Israel from their idolatry, 1 Samuel 7:3, 7:4. 2. In the reviving of religion among them, 1 Samuel 7:5, 7:6. 3. In praying for them against the invading Philistines (ver. 7-9), over whom God, in answer to his prayer, gave them a glorious victory, 1 Samuel 7:10, 7:11. 4. In erecting a thankful memorial of that victory, 1 Samuel 7:12. 5. In the improvement of that victory, 1 Samuel 7:13, 7:14. 6. In the administration of justice, 1 Samuel 7:15-7:17. And these were the things for which God was preparing the designing him, in the early vouchsafements of his grace to him. MHBCC 244.1