‏ 1 Samuel 7

* The ark removed to Kirjath-jearim. (1-4) The Israelites

solemnly repent. (5,6) The Lord discomfits the Philistines.

(7-12) They are subdued, Samuel judges Israel. (13-17)

1-4 God will find a resting-place for his ark; if some thrust

it from them, the hearts of others shall be inclined to receive

it. It is no new thing for God's ark to be in a private house.

Christ and his apostles preached from house to house, when they

could not have public places. Twenty years passed before the

house of Israel cared for the want of the ark. During this time

the prophet Samuel laboured to revive true religion. The few

words used are very expressive; and this was one of the most

effectual revivals of religion which ever took place in Israel. 5,6 Israel drew water and poured it out before the Lord;

signifying their humiliation and sorrow for sin. They pour out

their hearts in repentance before the Lord. They were free and

full in their confession, and fixed in their resolution to cast

away from them all their wrong doings. They made a public

confession, We have sinned against the Lord; thus giving glory

to God, and taking shame to themselves. And if we thus confess

our sins, we shall find our God faithful and just to forgive us

our sins. 7-12 The Philistines invaded Israel. When sinners begin to

repent and reform, they must expect that Satan will muster all

his force against them, and set his instruments at work to the

utmost, to oppose and discourage them. The Israelites earnestly

beg Samuel to pray for them. Oh what a comfort it is to all

believers, that our great Intercessor above never ceases, is

never silent! for he always appears in the presence of God for

us. Samuel's sacrifice, without his prayer, had been an empty

shadow. God gave a gracious answer. And Samuel erected a

memorial of this victory, to the glory of God, and to encourage

Israel. Through successive generations, the church of God has

had cause to set up Eben-ezers for renewed deliverances; neither

outward persecutions nor inward corruptions have prevailed

against her, because "hitherto the Lord hath helped her:" and he

will help, even to the end of the world. 13-17 In this great revival of true religion, the ark was

neither removed to Shiloh, nor placed with the tabernacle any

where else. This disregard to the Levitical institutions showed

that their typical meaning formed their chief use; and when that

was overlooked, they became a lifeless service, not to be

compared with repentance, faith, and the love of God and man.