1 Samuel 7:15, &c. And Samuel judged Israel— "According to Le Clerc," says Mr. Locke, "these words could not have been written by Samuel. But surely the objection is very weak; for all that the text says comes only to this, that Samuel discharged his office with the greatest exactness, and that he employed himself in it every day of his life. What is there in this which could lead one to think that he did not write these words, and thus do justice to his own fidelity? And even supposing that the hand of Esdras, or of any other person, might have inserted these verses in the text, would it follow from thence, that the body of the work was not from the pen of Samuel, as Hobbes and his followers would infer?"
REFLECTIONS.—Great were the blessings which followed this victory under Samuel's wise and spirited administration.
1. The Philistines were so broken and intimidated, that they gave Israel no more disturbance while Samuel presided, but quitted peaceably to them all the cities which they had taken between Ekron and Gaza. And the Amorites, now struck with terror, were glad to be left quiet; so that peace was perfectly restored within their borders. Note; (1.) When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh his enemies to be at peace with him. (2.) Prayer and penitence can do more for a nation than the sword.
2. The internal peace of the people was secured to them by the regular administration of justice. Samuel went his yearly circuit to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpeh, where he heard and determined the causes which were brought before him; and at his residence in Ramah, judged Israel, who brought their complaints thither, and abode by his decisions; and perhaps came thither to worship and offer sacrifices, to hear his preaching, and partake of his prayers: for Samuel had built an altar at Ramah, as no other place was yet fixed for stated offerings to God. As a prophet raised up of God, he might be authorised to offer his own and the people's sacrifices there, till the ark and tabernacle-worship should be again set up. Note: (1.) The administration of impartial justice is among the greatest blessings that any land can enjoy. (2.) They will be upright in their decisions among men, who, like Samuel, keep God always before them, and walk in his fear and worship. An irreligious judge cannot be truly impartial.