1 Samuel 1:1-28
First, let me begin by apologizing, again, for my absence. There is really no reason or explanation for it; I have just been slack, I guess. I have been continuing my study, however, so part of my delay in returning was trying to figure out where to pick up again - where I left off, or where I am now. In order to be complete, I decided it would be better to pick up where I left off, even if it does mean some time to review. After all, a little review and reflection can be a good thing! So, here we go.
Here we begin to learn about the life of Samuel. His life is important because it represents a major transition in the history of the Israelites and their relationship with God. He was Israel's last judge and the first priest and prophet to serve with a king. So, the miracle of his very conception cannot go unnoticed. It all started with prayer in faith.
Samuel's parents were Elkanah and Hannah. His father, Elkanah, actually had two wives (the other was called Peninnah). Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren. Much in the way that women, unfortunately, behave, Peninnah never let Hannah forget her barrenness, teasing and taunting her about it. When they went on their annual pilgrimages to worship and sacrifice, Peninnah would rub it in Hannah's face when she received a greater portion to sacrifice because of all her children. And, every year, Hannah would become so sad and ill about her situation that she lost her appetite and became inconsolable.
This particular time, things were going as they usually did and Hannah just couldn't take it. She went away on her own and cried out to God, pouring out her heart to him and asking for his favor. She even went so far as to promise God that if he gave her a son, she would give him back to him, dedicating his whole life to him. She was so upset that when she prayed, no sound came from her mouth, only her lips moved. Eli, the priest at the time, saw this and accused her of being drunk. When she explained her situation to him, he understood and gave her his blessing, praying that God would grant whatever she had prayed for.
Here's where the story gets interesting to me. Now, up to this point and for many years, Hannah had been haunted and vexed by her infertility. She was at her wits end and could not be comforted, even though her husband was so loving and supportive of her. So, the first big credit to her character was that she knew only God could truly understand and help her situation. So, she took it to him; she was open and honest - and probably didn't mince words or try to sound fancy or super-spiritual. She didn't worry about who was looking or what she looked like. She just knew that she had a great need and only God could fulfill it, so she had to give it to him.
The next thing that impressed me about Hannah was her faith. Sure, she was praying out of despair, making big promises to God in order to get big results. But, she had total faith that her prayer would be answered. How do we know this? When Eli approached her about her state, she told him her truth. When he added his blessing to her prayer, she was good. Her whole countenance changed. In her heart, it was already done! She didn't have to be sad anymore; she didn't have to worry anymore. She prayed to God and received the priest's blessing, so she had no reason to worry that her prayer would be unanswered or denied. And she walked in it!
The last thing that bolsters Hannah's character, in my eyes, is her commitment. She had waited so long and prayed so hard for her son - Samuel - but, when the time came to fulfill her end of the bargain she made with God, she did just that. Even though it probably hurt her to her core to give up the son she so desperately desired, she told God she would give him back to be dedicated to his service for life, so that is exactly what she did. When he was three years old, Hannah left Samuel with Eli upon their return to the Tabernacle in Shiloh for worship.
Dependence on God, faith in God,and commitment to God. Hannah possessed each of these characteristics and exercised them in requesting, receiving and relinquishing her son. Do you know that God can handle your situation? Do you trust him enough to give him your problems and leave them alone? Are you willing to do what you need to do until your desire has come to fruition? God can and God will.
God, I thank you for who you are and all you have done. Thank you for hearing our prayers and giving us the desires of our hearts. Thank you for being a promise-keeper and dream-fulfiller. You supply all our needs and bless us beyond measure. We have but to trust you and live our lives in faith. Help us to do that, God. Help us to do our part and not doubt that you will do yours. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
First, let me begin by apologizing, again, for my absence. There is really no reason or explanation for it; I have just been slack, I guess. I have been continuing my study, however, so part of my delay in returning was trying to figure out where to pick up again - where I left off, or where I am now. In order to be complete, I decided it would be better to pick up where I left off, even if it does mean some time to review. After all, a little review and reflection can be a good thing! So, here we go.
Here we begin to learn about the life of Samuel. His life is important because it represents a major transition in the history of the Israelites and their relationship with God. He was Israel's last judge and the first priest and prophet to serve with a king. So, the miracle of his very conception cannot go unnoticed. It all started with prayer in faith.
Samuel's parents were Elkanah and Hannah. His father, Elkanah, actually had two wives (the other was called Peninnah). Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren. Much in the way that women, unfortunately, behave, Peninnah never let Hannah forget her barrenness, teasing and taunting her about it. When they went on their annual pilgrimages to worship and sacrifice, Peninnah would rub it in Hannah's face when she received a greater portion to sacrifice because of all her children. And, every year, Hannah would become so sad and ill about her situation that she lost her appetite and became inconsolable.
This particular time, things were going as they usually did and Hannah just couldn't take it. She went away on her own and cried out to God, pouring out her heart to him and asking for his favor. She even went so far as to promise God that if he gave her a son, she would give him back to him, dedicating his whole life to him. She was so upset that when she prayed, no sound came from her mouth, only her lips moved. Eli, the priest at the time, saw this and accused her of being drunk. When she explained her situation to him, he understood and gave her his blessing, praying that God would grant whatever she had prayed for.
Here's where the story gets interesting to me. Now, up to this point and for many years, Hannah had been haunted and vexed by her infertility. She was at her wits end and could not be comforted, even though her husband was so loving and supportive of her. So, the first big credit to her character was that she knew only God could truly understand and help her situation. So, she took it to him; she was open and honest - and probably didn't mince words or try to sound fancy or super-spiritual. She didn't worry about who was looking or what she looked like. She just knew that she had a great need and only God could fulfill it, so she had to give it to him.
The next thing that impressed me about Hannah was her faith. Sure, she was praying out of despair, making big promises to God in order to get big results. But, she had total faith that her prayer would be answered. How do we know this? When Eli approached her about her state, she told him her truth. When he added his blessing to her prayer, she was good. Her whole countenance changed. In her heart, it was already done! She didn't have to be sad anymore; she didn't have to worry anymore. She prayed to God and received the priest's blessing, so she had no reason to worry that her prayer would be unanswered or denied. And she walked in it!
The last thing that bolsters Hannah's character, in my eyes, is her commitment. She had waited so long and prayed so hard for her son - Samuel - but, when the time came to fulfill her end of the bargain she made with God, she did just that. Even though it probably hurt her to her core to give up the son she so desperately desired, she told God she would give him back to be dedicated to his service for life, so that is exactly what she did. When he was three years old, Hannah left Samuel with Eli upon their return to the Tabernacle in Shiloh for worship.
Dependence on God, faith in God,and commitment to God. Hannah possessed each of these characteristics and exercised them in requesting, receiving and relinquishing her son. Do you know that God can handle your situation? Do you trust him enough to give him your problems and leave them alone? Are you willing to do what you need to do until your desire has come to fruition? God can and God will.
God, I thank you for who you are and all you have done. Thank you for hearing our prayers and giving us the desires of our hearts. Thank you for being a promise-keeper and dream-fulfiller. You supply all our needs and bless us beyond measure. We have but to trust you and live our lives in faith. Help us to do that, God. Help us to do our part and not doubt that you will do yours. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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