1 Samuel 7:2

Verse 2. Year. Some would date all the subsequent events from this period. But is it credible that Samuel should neglect for twenty years to make this exhortation to the people? and how will it be true, that God humbled the Philistines during the whole time ( Calmet.) of his administration, which perhaps ( Bible.) only lasted so many years? (verse 13.) Calmet.—It is more probable, therefore, that the power of the enemy was broken by the destruction caused by the presence of the ark, which kept them under due restraint for along time; and when they attempted, once more, to molest the Israelites, they were entirely discomfited by a miraculous storm, at the prayer of Samuel, verse 10. Salien ( A. 2960) allows, that this took place in the twentieth year since the ark came to Cariathiarim, in which year Samuel appointed his children judges at Bersabee, though he continued to act, and was judge for twenty-three years, (some say thirty-eight) and even under the reign of Saul had almost an absolute sway, as the prophet of the Lord. Bible.—Rested: continued steadfast, (Sanctius) “cried unto,” (Pagnin) “Looked ( Bible.) or returned,” Septuagint “Lamented after the Lord.” Hebrew Menochius.—They were not soon induced to break this solemn covenant. Isaiah 7:2. Tirinus.