The Song of Hannah
Hannah’s prayer at the dedication of her son is a beautiful example of praise and thanksgiving.
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. 2:1
The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 7 The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. 2:6-7
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 2:9
The Sins of Eli’s Sons
Eli himself is a righteous man. But his two sons who carry on the worship rituals, are wicked men who lack personal relationship with God.
Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord. 2:12
Their immorality is a known scandal, as is their contempt for the worship regulations they are supposed to follow. Eli’s great failure is his unwillingness to judge or discipline is family. Young Samuel’s character stands in marked contrast to them among whom he grows up.
Judgment prophesied: A prophet is sent to Eli to announce God’s judgment, because “you honor your sons more than me.” A curse is placed in Eli’s line. God will raise up a man who will be faithful to all that is in God’s heart and mind.
Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people? 30 Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 2:29-30
And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them. 35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever. 2:34-35
