1Sa 7:5, 9-10 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 5. Gather all Israel to Mizpeh ] This appears to have been an armed assembly, though probably collected principally for religious and political purposes; but Samuel knew that an unarmed multitude could not safely be convened in the vicinity of the Philistines.

‏ 1 Samuel 7:5

Verse 5. Gather all Israel to Mizpeh] This appears to have been an armed assembly, though probably collected principally for religious and political purposes; but Samuel knew that an unarmed multitude could not safely be convened in the vicinity of the Philistines.

‏ 1 Samuel 7:9-10

Verse 9. Samuel took a sucking lamb] This sucking lamb must have been eight days under its mother before it could be offered, as the law says, Le 22:27.

Though Samuel was not a priest, yet he offered this sacrifice; or he might have ordered Eleazar to offer it, and still be said to have done it himself: Qui facit per alterum, facit per se; "He who procures a thing to be done, may be said to do it himself."

His not sacrificing at the tabernacle was justified by the necessity of the case; neither tabernacle nor ark was at hand.

Verse 10. The Lord thundered with a great thunder] Literally, The Lord thundered with a great voice-he confounded them with a mighty tempest of thunder and lightning, and no doubt slew many by the lightning.