“And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.”
A city in the tribe of Judah, called also Kirjath Baal, Josh. 15:60 .
“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.”
Lamented for their sins, and followed the Lord.
“And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”
Cross references: : Josh. 24:15 , 23 Deut. 6:4 ; Matt. 4:19 Judg. 2:13
“And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.”
For Shiloh was now desolate, because the Philistines had taken thence the Ark.
“And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.”
The Chaldea text hath, that they drew water out of their heart: that is, wept abundantly for their sins.
“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. Cease: Heb. Be not silent from us from crying”
Signifying, that in the prayers of the godly, there ought to be a vehement zeal.
“And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.”
According to the prophecy of Hannah Samuel’s mother, 1 Sam. 2:10 .
“Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us. Ebenezer: that is, The stone of help”
Which was a great rock over against Mizpah.
“And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.”
Which was not contrary to the Law: for as yet a certain place was not appointed.