(28) And all that Samuel the seer.--The enumeration of those who had dedicated spoil is resumed from 1Chronicles 26:26. The seer (r?'eh), the ancient term for prophet (n?bi'). 1Samuel 9:9.

And whosoever had dedicated any thing.--These words point to a general prevalence of the practice of dedicating to God the spoils of war. (Comp. 2Samuel 8:11; 2Kings 12:18). The Law, in fact, ordained the dedication of all metals to the endowment of the Sanctuary (Numbers 31:22-23; Numbers 31:50; Joshua 6:19). These accumulations of spoil in the times preceding David help us to understand how it was that so much wealth was available for building and decorating the Temple (1Chronicles 22:14-16).

Under the hand of Shelomith.--Comp. the same phrase in 1Chronicles 25:2-3.

Verse 28. - It is, perhaps, somewhat remarkable that, though the sacred history suggests to us numerous fit occasions for the "dedications" spoken of in this verse, yet they are not described in detail, nor even alluded to at the times when they occurred. Samuel, Saul, Abner, and Joab had then been unwittingly finding some of the treasures now disposed to highest use by David.

26:1-32 The offices of the Levites. - The porters and treasurers of the temple, had occasion for strength and valour to oppose those who wrongly attempted to enter the sanctuary, and to guard the sacred treasures. Much was expended daily upon the altar; flour, wine, oil, salt, fuel, beside the lamps; quantities of these were kept beforehand, besides the sacred vestments and utensils. These were the treasures of the house of God. These treasures typified the plenty there is in our heavenly Father's house, enough and to spare. From those sacred treasuries, the unsearchable riches of Christ, all our wants are supplied; and receiving from his fulness, we must give him the glory, and endeavour to dispose of our abilities and substance according to his will. We have an account of those employed as officers and judges. The magistracy is an ordinance of God for the good of the church, as truly as the ministry, and must not be neglected. None of the Levites who were employed in the service of the sanctuary, none of the singers or porters, were concerned in this outward business; one duty was enough to engage the whole man. Wisdom, courage, strength of faith, holy affections, and constancy of mind in doing our duty, are requisite or useful for every station.And all that Samuel the seer,.... Or prophet, won in battle with the Philistines:

and Saul the son of Kish; in his wars with the Moabites, Edomites, Amalekites, and Philistines:

and Abner the son of Ner: the general of his army, who as such had his share in the spoils:

and Joab the son of Zeruiah; the general of David's army, who fought with the Ammonites, Syrians, and others; all of whom

had dedicated more or less towards the building of the temple, and the support of it, it being known by them all that God would have a place to put his name in:

and whosoever had dedicated anything, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren: this man had a great trust committed to him, with his brethren; some, before mentioned, are said to be over the treasures, some over one part, and some over another; but this man was over all of them, he had the superintendency of the whole.