1 & 2 Samuel – Page 23

1 Samuel 2:27-36 – You Have Been Warned!

warning sign (black exclamation point inside a red triangle

The evil of Eli’s sons has not gone unnoticed by God. In fact, we understand God is very displeased with Eli as well. The message from the LORD was this: “Why do you give your sons more honor than you give me—for you and they have become fat from the best offerings of my people Israel!”

Even if God’s message stirred in Eli to seek a “second chance,” his fate was sealed. “But I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me.” The messenger goes on to tell how God is going to put an end to Eli’s family and their position as priests. What could Eli have been thinking now?

1 Samuel 2:12-26 – Such Behavior!

Read 1 Samuel 2:12-26

Young boy with a big chocolate face grin with a piece of melting chocolate in his hands

I know it can be hard to be a “PK” (a pastor’s kid, or in this case the priest’s kids), but these boys were something else! Their abuse of their position was totally out of control. Their behavior clearly demonstrated their lack of respect for the Lord and their disregard for their duties as priests.

They were acting like spoiled brats, wouldn’t you agree? We know from our other readings that priests didn’t have their own land or possessions of value. To me, that means they lived frugally, without wealth or the “comforts” of life. I expected that they needed to rely on the other Israelites for their sustenance.

1 Samuel 2:1-11 – Song of Praise

Read 1 Samuel 2:1-11

red on black - treble clef with hearts on a staff, all swirling around bright light

For the gift Hannah received from the Lord, she was full of joy. It overflowed into this beautiful song. The first couple verses (1-2) could be a song of praise we all sing to God for how he is working in our lives. Reread it again as if this is your praise!

I love the sense of peace that flows over me as I read those words. God is our rock, steady and strong. We may be facing all sorts of tormentors and temptations, but we can cling to God, our rock. I think of Isaiah 40:29 which reads, “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” That theme is running through this song of praise as well, and it’s truth is comforting.

1 Samuel 1:19-28 – Could You Do It?

Read 1 Samuel 1:19-28

Parent holding hand with child (child grasping tightly to the finger)

Now we’ve met Samuel. Answered prayer personified! You will recall how desperately Hannah had wanted a son. While we saw the side of her who was feeling inadequate and hurt from the bullying, she was probably also feeling the emptiness that can come when God doesn’t give a woman a child. Those feeling are deep.

Can you imagine her joy when she realized God had heard her prayer and answered it! Think of a time in your life when you turned around and God granted a desire of your heart. It could be as simple as an open parking space at the mall! Multiply that almost insignificant moment with giving life to a child, and you may be able to relate to Hannah’s joy!

1 Samuel 1:9-18 – Cry Out To God!

Read 1 Samuel 1:9-18

woman praying, standing and looking toward the sky with pleading posture

Hannah shows us raw humility and great wisdom. She doesn’t know what to do with her despair, so she cries out to the Lord. “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.” What a vow!

We may remember that Samson was dedicated to the Lord as a Nazarite. He was set aside for God’s purpose, and his great strength and power from God was in his uncut locks. Presumably, this type of lifestyle was known to Hannah. She wanted a child so badly she was willing to give him back to the Lord.