Hannah
First and second Samuel, were as one book in the Hebrew scriptures. When they were translated into the Greek, they were made into two books bearing the name of Samuel, God's prophet and the final judge. This book covers the transition from the Judges to the system of Kings in Israel. Samuel wrote the first 25 chapters, until his death. Samuel anointed the first two kings of Israel. Israel was a theocracy, meaning God and the priests of God, the judges, were in control of the laws and ruled in Israel. The people wanted a King, like all the nations around them. Saul was anointed as king by Samuel, by popular choice. Later David was God's choice as king, who was also anointed by Samuel. David was a remarkable man of faith, while Saul became the devil's man. First Samuel gives us a look at the hearts and lives of those in authority at the times of the first kings of Israel. The drama of good and evil gives us insights for our own walk with the Lord.
Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
1 Sam 1:1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:
The story starts with a certain man, Elkanah, actually a Levite, the line of God's priests, living near the borders of the inherited land of Ephraim. The Levites originally were not given an earthly inheritance of land, because their provision was God and his work.
As people of God's New Covenant, under Jesus, we are Kings and priests, and our portion is to do the will of God. This is not our home, we are pilgrims. as Abraham, looking for a heavenly dwelling place. Jesus is our provider. We occupy until he comes, we are to be doing God's will on earth.
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
1 Sam 1:2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
Enter, another important person, Hannah. She was unable to have children, a second wife to Elkanah, polygamy was not God's will, but it was common. The story of Jacob, having two wives and Sarah being unable to have children, God hearing her prayers brought her Joseph and then Benjamin. Both Sarah and Hannah pleaded to God for a child, Hannah for a male child to bear the family name and inheritance.
Two wives, brought strife. Peninnah, meant Jewel or Pearl, undoubtedly an attractive woman who bore many sons to her husband, but perhaps not loved as much as Hannah.The name Hannah, meant settled or fixed. The name looked to her future, for at this time she was broken and sorrowful. Remember when Sarah brought her handmaid to Abraham, to bear him a child after the flesh, there was envy and jealousy. There was strife between "Pearl" and Hannah.
1 Sam 1:3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.
The sacrifice in Shiloh, was a peace offering, in which a goodly portion was returned for the families meal. Eli was high priest and Judge. He had two evil sons, Hophni and Phinehas, everyone knew they were evil, they had sex with the lewd women who came, yet the temple was the place to offer sacrifices, also the place where the ark of the covenant was kept, within were the ten commandments on stone, manna, and Aaron's rod that budded. This is where the presence of God dwelled, his spirit resided with the ark. I see here described, the reality that even in the presence of God, evil lurks. We worship God regardless of the surroundings and the circumstances. But we must beware of foul spirits entering in.
Elkanah, did not let evil priests keep him from worshipping God. Every church may have those who are a stumbling block, but we look to God, not man for worship. Don't let sinners keep you from church and worship. There was no other place where God's presence dwelt at this time. He would give his spirit to certain people, but it could be withdrawn.
Jesus has given us the promise of the Holy Spirit, within. We may have a filling by seeking God's promise after receiving Jesus as Lord. Our baptism is not only water, but the Holy Ghost.
Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
1 Sam 1:4 And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:
1 Sam 1:5 But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.
The atonement was once a year, and blood was poured on the mercy seat. That offering was given only to God. The peace offering was shared between the priest and the family, but Hannah was too sad to eat.
1 Sam 1:6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
1 Sam 1:7 And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.
He gave to Hannah a double portion of the meat offering, yet Hannah, remembering her sorrows, could not eat the portion of the meat from the peace offering given to her. To those unable to eat, give your sorrows all to God and he will give you peace and a double portion of blessing. Take your cares to the Lord. Hannah suffered from her adversary, no doubt satan used Peninnah to torment her. She was envious of the love given to Hannah and Hannah was sorrowful for not being able to bear a son. Hannah was broken within herself and tormented by the devil. But God will hear her prayers.
1 Pet 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Two wives brought envy and strife into the home. This was not God's plan from the beginning, they were to be man and wife, one flesh.
Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
1 Sam 1:8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?
Elkahah loved Hannah greatly, perhaps unaware of the strife from having two wives, he thought his love and care were enough for Hannah, yet the sorrow continued, she was unable to have a son.
1 Sam 1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.
1 Sam 1:10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.
She did the right thing, praying and weeping unto the Lord.
Psa 6:9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
1 Sam 1:11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
Lord of hosts, this name for God is used 260 times in the old testament. Lord of all God's angels and powers, she is calling on the Almighty God of Israel. Look upon the sorrows of your servant, remember me. She asks for a male child, not for her family as an heir carrying her husband's name and receiving their possessions, but he would be given unto the Lord all the days of his life. A Levite, would begin his ministry at 30, Jesus waited until he was 30 before he ministered as under the law. Hannah has given Samuel completely to the Lord's service.
When our daughter was born, we gave her a Bible name, and when she was old enough we took her to the front of the church and dedicated her to the Lord. We have a little handmade plaque, a gift, with the dedication and date. Still each must choose to follow God with their own heart. We belong to the Lord through Jesus. Becky confessed the Lord at four years of age. Still each must make the choice to give all to the Lord. We must choose to be fully dedicated.
She continues her vow, as an outward sign of his ministry, no razor shall cut his hair. Samson, had such a vow with God, he sinned with Delilah, but the vow was not broken until she had his hair cut, then he lost his supernatural gifting of strength.
1 Sam 1:12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.
1 Sam 1:13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
He observed her mouth, her lips were moving, with no voice, praying to the Lord. He read her lips, but not her heart.
1 Sam 1:14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.
Eli, being the judge, missed the mark with Hannah. Too often we judge others, not knowing their needs. Likewise, when the Holy Ghost brought forth tongues of praise in the outpouring of Acts 2, the crowds thought that the disciples where drunk, the flesh cannot know spiritual things.
Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
1 Sam 1:15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.
Eli, speaking with the understanding of a natural man scolds Hannah for drinking, when she was in truth doing spiritual service to God in prayer. She might have been offended, but instead she quietly spoke the truth with respect to the High Priest. If we are at peace with God, we will not seek to strive with man.
1 Sam 1:16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
A daughter of Belial, meaning the devil, worthless, ungodly, wicked, a daughter of the devil does not seek God in prayer. Do not let another person's thoughts or words shape your view of yourself. You pray to God, and he will hear you. You trust in Jesus and he will come to you, receive you, and live within you. You are become God's daughter, you listen to His word and he listens to you. Then you will be all that HE says that you are in his word.
1 Sam 1:17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
God spoke through his High priest, a blessing to Hannah. God grant your petition.
1 Sam 1:18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
Praise God, her troubled heart was at peace completely in the Grace of God, and she was able to enjoy her food. She had heard from the LORD and believed. Jesus spoke of the importance of faith for our needs.
Mat 9:29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
Hannah saw her son through the eyes of faith, she would accomplish her purpose.
1 Sam 1:19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.
They rose early in the morning to worship the LORD. To me the morning is the best time to worship, to pray, to study and to hear from God. Jesus is the "manna" bread of life and the word of God. The people gathered manna in the mornings, and it is best to be gathering God's word early in the morning, to provide for the spiritual needs of the day.
1 Sam 1:20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.
It came to pass, God will bring to pass according to his promise. Praise God Hannah through the prayer of faith, heard from God, her prayer was answered, Samuel was born. Samuel means "asked of God" he would be the Lord's man from birth.
Hannah overcame her own sorrows, the insults of her husbands other wife who had many children and the insults of the Priest of God. She took her bitter tears to God and he answered her. Having faith in God, she believed his message spoken casually by Eli.
Hannah came herself to God in prayer. There was not a plea through a priest. Not the loud music of a praise choir, not the cutting of the flesh, as the prophets of Baal, just a woman alone with tears praying with all her heart to God. If one can reach God, two together in one heart will surely be heard.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Samuel is born, what will God accomplish through this person totally given to the LORD? What will he accomplish through you and I?
1 Sam 1:21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
The vow is not known, perhaps he was in agreement with Hannah, concerning a son given to the Lord.
1 Sam 1:22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.
Hannah gave Samuel much love and nourishment, perhaps until 2 or 3 years of age.
1 Sam 1:23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
The LORD establish his word, in other words let God's will and purpose be done. To assure this, Hannah, you obey the vow you made, but take your time. You had promised the child to God when he is no longer dependent on the mothers milk and able to do things on his own. At two or three the child will be walking and learning words, but oh what a sacrifice, to be si attached and then to give the child to another's care, one who has not raised his son's to be godly. But, the vow was to God, not to Eli. God will take care of his Samuel. God will take care of your loved ones who apart as well. Give them into his care.
1 Sam 1:24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.
1 Sam 1:25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.
Perhaps one bullock was consumed entirely as a burnt offering. Another was a sin offering for Samuel. All are sinners and Samuel, like all humans had the sin nature from Adam. Though, being so young he was not yet accountable. The third bullock was a peace offering.
1 Sam 1:26 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.
1 Sam 1:27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
I wonder if Eli had any idea what she was talking about? When Eli said be it unto you as you have prayed, he didn't even know the prayer need. I suppose this is an unspoken prayer? Unspoken, because it was not of interest to Eli, but to God.
1 Sam 1:28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
He would always be her son, but Hannah lent him to the Lord for as long as he lived. Sort of a pun of words. Humor is useful when the heart is in emotions. Her beloved Samuel will be given to the Lord's service. You cannot outgive the Lord. Many blessings will follow this gift, her vow would be fulfilled. Gary
Samuel
1 Samuel 1
1 Samuel 2
1 Samuel 3
1 Samuel 4
1 Samuel 5
1 Samuel 6
1 Samuel 7
1 Samuel 8
King Saul
1 Samuel 9
1 Samuel 10
1 Samuel 11
1 Samuel 12
1 Samuel 13
1 Samuel 14
1 Samuel 15
David and Saul
1 Samuel 16
1 Samuel 17
1 Samuel 18
1 Samuel 19
1 Samuel 20
1 Samuel 21
1 Samuel 22
1 Samuel 23
1 Samuel 24
1 Samuel 25
1 Samuel 26
1 Samuel 27
1 Samuel 28
1 Samuel 29
1 Samuel 30
1 Samuel 31
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