(7) В¶ And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. (8) And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. (9) And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.
It should seem from this relation, that while Israel was unarmed and engaged in their devout services, the Philistines came upon them; and that Samuel in consequence thereof, was determined to trust to sacrifice and prayer more than to the sword. He engaged the Lord of hosts on his side, and the Lord as in several instances before fought for Israel, while Israel held their peace. But Reader! do not fail to remark how the prophet did it. By sacrifice and prayer! was not this with an eye to Jesus? Was not the sucking lamb typical of the lamb slain from the foundation of the world? And was not the unceasing prayer of Samuel a representation of his eternal priesthood, whoever liveth to make intercession for sinners? Precious Jesus! how satisfying the thought, how refreshing the consideration, that every sacrifice, every offering under the law, and all the prayers of thy servants, derive their efficacy wholly from thy one all-sufficient sacrifice, by which thou hast forever perfected them that are sanctified: and by thy all prevailing mediation, by which alone all our persons and all our prayers find acceptance in the beloved!