Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 2:9

9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent , in darkness , for by strength shall no man prevail .

i. e. The steps or paths, their Counsels and Actions, he will keep, i. e. both uphold, that they may not fall, at least, into Mischief or utter Ruine; and direct and preserve from wandring, and from those fatal Mistakes and Errors that Wicked Men daily run into.

Shall be put to silence: they who used to open their mouths wide against Heaven, and against the Saints, shall be so confounded with the unexpected disappointment of all their hopes, and with Gods glorious appearance and operations for his People, shall have their mouths quite stopped, and sit down in silent Amazement and Consternation. See Isa. 15. 1. Ier. 8. 14. and 47. 5, 6.

Both inward, in their own minds, which are wholly in the dark, perplexed by their own Choice and Counsels, not knowing what to say or do; and outward, in a State of deepest distress and misery.

To wit, against God; or against his Saints, as the wicked were confident they should do, because of their great Power, and Wealth, and Numbers: whereas Gods people were mean, and impotent, and helpless. And particularly, Peninnah shall not prevail against me by that strength which she hath, or thinks to have from her numerous off-spring. But it is to be observed, that although Hannah takes the rise of this song from her own condition, yet she extends her thoughts and words further, even to the usual methods of Gods Providence in the Government of the World.

Marginal references: Psa. 91. 11.; Psa. 94. 17.