Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 2:10

Charles Ellicott Commentary

1 Samuel 2:10

1819–1905
Anglican
Charles Ellicott
Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott Commentary

1 Samuel 2:10

1819–1905
Anglican
SCRIPTURE

"They that strive with Jehovah shall be broken to pieces; Against them will he thunder in heaven: Jehovah will judge the ends of the earth; And he will give strength unto his king, And exalt the horn of his anointed." — 1 Samuel 2:10 (ASV)

His king ... of his anointed. —A Lapide, quoted by Wordsworth, wrote here, “haec omnia spectant ad Christum,” “all these things have regard to Christ.” Jewish expositors, too, have generally interpreted these words as a prophecy of King Messiah. The words received a partial fulfilment in the splendid reigns of David and Solomon; but the pious Jew looked on the golden halo which surrounded these great reigns as only a pale reflection of the glory which would accompany King Messiah when He would appear.

This is the first passage in the Old Testament which speaks of “His Anointed,” or “His Messiah.” The Septuagint renders the words “Christou autou.

This song was soon evidently well known in Israel. The imagery, and in several passages the very words, are reproduced in the Psalms. See Excursus A and B at the end of this Book.