took pity upon them, and gave them such a victory[1] over the Philistines, that for many years after the latter did not dare to approach the frontiers of Israel.
COMMENTARY.
The Justice of God. This story teaches us above all things to know, fear, and love God. He rewarded the virtuous Samuel by revealing Himself to him, by calling him to be Judge, and by freeing and converting His people through him. On the other hand God punished Heli, his sons, and the impenitent Israelites by their defeat, and the loss of the Ark. He also punished the idolatrous Philistines by means of various plagues, and finally by their complete overthrow.
The Goodness and Mercy of God. He graciously heard Anna’s prayer, and sent her a son. He called Samuel from his earliest infancy to serve Him in the Tabernacle, loaded him with favours, preserved him from being contaminated by Heli’s sons, and made him judge and saviour of his people. God forgave the repentant people their faithlessness, and gave them a great victory over those who had oppressed them.
The Faithfulness of God. Samuel, in God’s name, said to the Israelites: “If you turn to the Lord with all your heart, He will deliver you.” God kept this promise, as He also fulfilled His threat against Heli and his sons.
God is Lord over nature. It was God who overthrew the image of Dagon; it was He who sent the mice to devastate the land of the Philistines, the pestilence which swept away the idolaters, and the storm which threw their army into confusion.
Prayer in time of trouble. Anna’s example teaches us that we ought to have recourse to fervent prayer when we are suffering, or in any sort of trouble; for God is the great Consoler and Helper, being holy and all powerful. “Is any of you sad, let him pray” (James 5, 13).
The power of prayer. By prayer Anna obtained a son; and by prayer Samuel obtained help for his people. “Samuel cried to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord heard him” (1 Kings 7, 9). Why, therefore, should not God hearken to the intercession of the Saints in heaven?
Keeping vows (see Old Test. XVII). Anna kept her vow faithfully. She most certainly wished to keep her beloved child with her, but, all the same, she “lent him to the Lord”.
Fasting and confession of sins are penances well-pleasing to God, and obtain pardon from Him. The Israelites bewailed and confessed their sins, formed good resolutions, and made satisfaction by fasting.
- ↑ A victory. God sent a terrible storm of thunder and lightning which threw the Philistine army into confusion, and made its defeat easy.
