In this chapter we have, I. The eclipsing of the glory of the ark, by its privacy in Kirjath-jearim for many years, 1 Sam. 7:1–2. 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…

Here we must attend the ark to Kirjath-jearim, and then leave it there, to hear not a word more of it except once , till David fetched it thence, about forty years after, 1 Chron. 13:6. I.

We may well wonder where Samuel was and what he was doing all this while, for we have not had him so much as named till now, since 1 Sam. 4:1, not as if he were unconcerned, but his labours among his people are not mentioned till there appears the fruit of them.

Here, I. The Philistines invade Israel , taking umbrage from that general meeting for repentance and prayer as if it had been a rendezvous for war, and, if so, they thought it prudent to keep the war out of their own country.

We have here a short account of the further good services that Samuel did to Israel. Having parted them from their idols, and brought them home to their God, he had put them into a capacity of receiving further benefits by his ministry.