(2) And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
It is difficult to explain this verse, or to account for what we read in it. Was it possible for Israel to remain so long satisfied with the want of the ark, that it should continue in the private house of Eleazar without altar and without sacrifice? Where was Samuel all this while, and how could his gracious soul brook all this. I beg the Reader however not to overlook what is said from this long absence of the ark; all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord. No doubt the Lord poured out of his Holy Spirit upon Israel, and then Israel felt the sweet influences of grace. As it is said that all Israel lamented after the Lord, some have thought that the blessed effects from this outpouring of the Spirit, was not unsimilar, though not in an open display of it, to that of Pentecost. Reader! it is a precious token of God's favour for good, when after the want of ordinances, the Spirit of grace is given to lead sinners to lament after them.