The first and second book of Samuel focus on five pivotal biblical figures, Hannah, Samuel, Eli, Saul, and David. They demonstrate the outcome of perseverance and great faith in God, as well as the outcome of disobedience of God's law. They turn the course of Salvation history according to God's plan and promise, and they show God's eternal presence in the lives of His children. We can learn a valuable lesson from each. The first one we will look at is Hannah.
Hannah is a lowly figure, the beloved but childless wife of Elkanah, a man of Ephraim. Shamed and abused by her husband's other wife Peninnah who has borne Elkanah sons and daughters, Hannah vows to the Lord, If you will indeed look on the affliction of your maidservant and remember me and not forget your maidservant but will give to your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head. 1Samuel 1:10-11. While Hannah is praying, she is approached and rebuked by Eli, the priest who presumes her to be drunk. How long will you be drunken? Put away your wine from you. 1Sam.1:13
Hannah is not drunk; she replies, No my lord, I am a woman sorely troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your maidservant as a base woman, for all along, I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation. 1Sam. 1:14-16. Eli responds, Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition. 1Sam.1:17.
If we read carefully these first few verses in 1 Samuel, we can glean some important details that should serve as teaching moments for ourselves. We might ask ourselves, for instance, how often we tend to overlook the plight of others. Do we often rush to judgement as Eli did, sure of our place in the temple? As Peninnah, are we boastful of our family's accomplishments in front of those who may be undergoing great trials and sorrow?
We learn indeed in these opening verses that God rewards great faith, humility and perseverance. He hears Hannah's prayer and He answers her. ...the Lord remembered her, and in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, ' I have asked him of the Lord.' 1Sam. 1:19-20. Hannah did not forget her vow before God. She gave her son back to God as she had promised. For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me my petition which I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord. 1Sam 1:27-28. Let us not forget our promises to the Lord.
Hannah
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| Young Samuel |
