esh. In this city lived one Abinadab, by birth a Levite, and who
was greatly commended for his righteous and religious course of life; so
they brought the ark to his house, as to a place fit for God himself
to abide in, since therein did inhabit a righteous man. His sons also
ministered to the Divine service at the ark, and were the principal
curators of it for twenty years; for so many years it continued in
Kirjathjearim, having been but four months with the Philistines.

CHAPTER 2. The Expedition Of The Philistines Against The Hebrews And The
Hebrews' Victory Under The Conduct Of Samuel The Prophet, Who Was Their
General.

1. Now while the city of Kirjathjearim had the ark with them, the whole
body of the people betook themselves all that time to offer prayers and
sacrifices to God, and appeared greatly concerned and zealous about his
worship. So Samuel the prophet, seeing how ready they were to do their
duty, thought this a proper time to speak to them, while they were in
this good disposition, about the recovery of their liberty, and of the
blessings that accompanied the same. Accordingly he used such words to
them as he thought were most likely to excite that inclination, and to
persuade them to attempt it: "O you Israelites," said he, "to whom the
Philistines are still grievous enemies, but to whom God begins to be
gracious, it behooves you not only to be desirous of liberty, but to
take the proper methods to obtain it. Nor are you to be contented with
an inclination to get clear of your lords and masters, while you still
do what will procure your continuance under them. Be righteous then, and
cast wickedness out of your souls, and by your worship supplicate the
Divine Majesty with all your hearts, and persevere in the honor you
pay to him; for if you act thus, you will enjoy prosperity; you will
be freed from your slavery, and will get the victory over your enemies:
which blessings it is not possible you should attain, either by weapons
of war, or by the strength of your bodies, or by the multitude of your
assistants; for God has not promised to grant these blessings by those
means, but by being good and righteous men; and if you will be such,
I will be security to you for the performance of God's promises." When
Samuel had said thus, the multitude applauded his discourse, and were
pleased with his exhortation to them, and gave their consent to resign
themselves up to do what was pleasing to God. So Samue