Fathers

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What the Fathers say

1 Samuel 7:1

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

1. Aminadab is interpreted as "my people, willing"; Gibeah, "lofty." And indeed the ark of God must be entrusted to such persons. For a willing people is one whom good will alone draws to the exercise of virtuous works, whom necessity does not compel to fulfill the commandments of God. Blessed Paul indeed proclaims such persons under a single description, saying: "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7). What is the house of the willing people, if not the stronghold of holy love? …

Commentary on 1 Kings, Book 3, Chapter 5 ↗

Bede

They sanctified his son Eleazar, etc. They chose holy and learned men, and by the name of the sons of God, they appointed teachers who would guard the state of the Church. For Eleazar, who is called the helper of God, figuratively expresses the assembly of those who can say with the apostle: "For we are God's fellow workers" (I Cor. III). And elsewhere: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth" (Ibid.)

Commentary on Samuel ↗