1  The affliction of Hannah, Sa1 1:1-8.
Her prayer to God, with Eli's blessing, Sa1 1:9-18.
The birth and nursing of Samuel, Sa1 1:19-23.
The presenting of him to God, Sa1 1:24-28.

1:1 Ramathaim - zophim - Called Ramah, ver. Sa1 1:19.Eparathite - That is, one of Bethlehem - judah, by his birth and habitation, though by his original a Levite.

1:2 Two wives - As many had in those ages, tho' it was a transgression of the original institution of marriage. And it is probable that he took his second wife, namely, Peninnah, because Hannah was barren.

1:3 Yearly - At the three solemn feasts, when he, together with all other males were obliged to go to worship God in the place appointed; and at other times, when he as a Levite, was to go thither in his course.To sacrifice - Not in his own person, which the Levites could not do, but by the priests. Were there - Or, were the priests of the Lord there, under their father Eli, who is generally conceived to have been the high - priest, but being very old and infirm, his sons ministered in his stead. This is the first time in scripture, that God is called the Lord of hosts or Armies. Probably Samuel was the first who used this title of God, for the comfort of Israel, at the time when their armies were few and feeble, and those of their enemies many and mighty.

1:4 Portions - Out of the sacrifice of his peace - offerings, the greatest part whereof fell to the offerer, and was eaten by him, and his friends or guests, before the Lord. And out of this he gave them all portions, as the master of the feast used to do to the guests.

1:5 Shut up her womb - Yet Elkanah did not withdraw his love from her. To abate out just love to any relation, for the sake of any infirmity which they cannot help, is to add affliction to the afflicted.

1:6 Her adversary - Peninnah: so her envy or jealousy made her though so nearly related.

1:7 When she went - This circumstance is noted as the occasion of the contention, because at such times they were forced to more society with one another, by the way, and in their lodgings; whereas at home they had distinct apartments, where they might be asunder; and then her husband's extraordinary love and kindness was shewed to Hannah, whereby Peninnah was the more exasperated; then also Hannah prayed earnestly for a child, which hitherto she had done in vain; and this possibly she reproached her with. Did not eat - Being overwhelmed with grief, and therefore unfit to eat of the sacred food. Which they were not to eat in their mourning.

1:8 Ten sons - Oughtest thou not to value my hearty love to thee, more than the having of as many sons as Penninah hath? She would willingly change conditions with thee.

1 

1:14  Mat 4:12.

1:15 The time is fulfilled - The time of my kingdom, foretold by Daniel, expected by you, is fully come.

1:16  Mat 4:18; Luk 5:1.

1:18 Straightway leaving their nets, they followed him - From this time they forsook their employ, and constantly attended him.Happy they who follow Christ at the first call!

4 

4:2 But the word which they heard did not profit them - So far from it, that it increased their damnation. It is then only when it is mixed with faith, that it exerts its saving power.

4:3 For we only that have believed enter into the rest - The proposition is, There remains a rest for us. This is proved, Heb 4:3-11, thus: That psalm mentions a rest:yet it does not mean,

1. God's rest from creating; for this was long before the time of Moses. Therefore in his time another rest was expected, of which they who then heard fell short Nor is it,
2. The rest which Israel obtained through Joshua; for the Psalmist wrote after him. Therefore it is,
3. The eternal rest in heaven.

4:4 For, long after he had rested from his works, he speaks again. Gen 2:2.

4:5 In this psalm, of a rest yet to come.

2 

2:1 And again - After having been in desert places for some time, he returned privately to the city. In the house - In Peter's house.

2:2 And immediately many were gathered together - Hitherto continued the general impression on their hearts. Hitherto, even at Capernaum, all who heard received the word with joy.

2:3  Mat 9:2; Luk 5:18.

2:4 They uncovered the roof - Or, took up the covering, the lattice or trap door, which was on all their houses, (being flat roofed.) And finding it not wide enough, broke the passage wider, to let down the couch.

2:6 But certain of the scribes - See whence the first offence cometh! As yet not one of the plain unlettered people were offended. They all rejoiced in the light, till these men of learning came, to put darkness for light, and light for darkness.Wo to all such blind guides! Good had it been for these if they had never been born. O God, let me never offend one of thy simple ones! Sooner let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth!

2:12 They were all amazed - Even the scribes themselves for a time.