I Samuel 1
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I Samuel 1:9-11, Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house. In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”
Today, we begin a new book of the Bible and we will continue through all 31 chapters rather than breaking it into sections. I think that will provide a deeper and more meaningful experience for all of us. The book of I Samuel covers a period of about 110 years, from the end of the period of the judges to just after King Saul dies. On our journey through this book, we will see the birth of Samuel, his call from God and prophetic ministry, the rise and fall of King Saul, and the anointing of David. We will get a first hand look at the establishment of a central monarchy in Israel, and how kingship both benefits and causes issues for the Hebrew people. This book is set in the land of Israel, where the Hebrews have now fully settled. Numerous other people groups continue to live alongside the Israelites, often disrupting peace and tempting Israel to stray from the faith.
In today’s chapter, we meet Hannah, one of two wives married to a Jewish man named Elkanah. Hannah could not have children but Elkanah’s other wife could and this created a toxic situation, involving much hurt and jealousy. But despite her sad circumstances, Hannah was faithful to God. She prays for God to reverse her fortune and allow her to have children. She even promises to dedicate her first-born to God’s work in the world. Hannah does end up having a son, named Samuel, and she makes good on her promise. Once he was weaned, she takes him to the temple and turns him over to the priest. I can only imagine what that must have been like for her.
As I read today’s chapter, I found it very powerful that the one with the strongest faith and the closest connection to God is Hannah, a sorrowful and barren woman, with no political or social clout in her community. Eli, the priest, the one with all the power and clout, immediately assumed that Hannah had been drinking rather than recognizing her humble posture before God. It is telling that it is often the powerless, the disenfranchised, the poor, and even the outcast, that God holds up an example of faithfulness. We see that here but also throughout Scripture.
Let’s pray…Lord, We thank you the example of Hannah. Help us have pure and humble faith as she did. Give us wisdom and insight as we embark on the book of I Samuel. May you speak to each of us through your Word. In Your Name, Amen.