1 Samuel 7:11

Verse 11. Bethchar, “the house of the penetrator.” Cor denotes the celestial fluid, which the Philistines probably supposed was discharged by the heavens, independently of the great Creator. Hence their punishment was very appropriate. Parkhurst.—The latter heathens always represented their Jupiter armed with thunder and lightning—

“The thunder roared aloud—

Th’ affrighted hills from their foundation nod,

And blaze beneath the lightning of the God;

At one regard of his all-seeing eye,

The vanquish’d triumph, and the victors fly.”

Pope, Iliad xvii. 596.