1 Samuel 4

1 Samuel 4:1

THe Word] that is to say, Samuel as an acknowledged Prophet, begun to preach to all the people: Others, the word of Samuel came to passe, that is to say, God did caule his prophecy to be put in execution, by the event thereof set down in this chapter: Eben-Ezer] A place so called by anticipation, see 1 Samuel chapter 7. v. 12.

1 Samuel 4:3

The Arke] As an inviolable pawn of Gods presence and power: Now this was accustomed to be done some times, Numbers 31:6. Joshua 4:11. by Gods expresse commandement: See Num, 14. 44. But here the peoples act was unadvised, and here the signe became effectuall for want of faith, repentance and true invocation.

1 Samuel 4:4

Between] The Italian, Upon] on the top of the Arke which was covered by two Cherubims, from whence God gave his answers, and shewed his Majesty, and power, as out of a throne of glory: see Exodus 25:22. Numbers 7:89. Psalme 80. 1. and 99. 1 Were there] namely in the campe.

1 Samuel 4:8

With all the plagues] The Italian hath it, With an entire overthrow] Others with all maner of plagues and in the wildernesse: In the wildernesse] in the red sea, which is along the wildernesse of Etam, Exodus 13:20.

1 Samuel 4:10

Footmen] These are not so called, as opposite to horsemen, but it is meant that they were men of compleate age, strong and able to march a foot, and had no need of waggons or horses to carry them, as children and old and impotent men were, see Exodus 12:37.

1 Samuel 4:13

Watching] Expecting what news would come from the campe.

1 Samuel 4:21

Jhabod] That is to say, there is no more glory: For the Arke was called the glory of God, Psal. 78. 60.