Journal Through the Bible: Week 37 Monday

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I Samuel 1:1-2:11

Samuel, the son of Elkanah, was a Levite descended from Levi's son, Kohath, just as Moses and Aaron were. You can find his lineage given in I Chronicles 6:31-38 in the list of the musicians guild. His name is given as Shemuel and his grandson was Heman, a musician under King David.

I love the question that Elkanah asked Hannah in 1:8, "Am not I better to thee than ten sons?" And I love Hannah's answer. She didn't say a word but she arose immediately after the meal and went to the tabernacle where she poured out her grief to the LORD. Her answer is obvious.

Hannah vowed a vow that would directly affect her son his whole life. He was to live at the tabernacle and he was to be a Nazarite. He had very little say in the matter, at least until he came of age. By that time he must have been told many times about his mother's grief, her faith, her request, and God's answer.

Today's reading concludes with Hannah's song of praise. I wonder if her great-grandson, Heman, put it to music for King David? :)

Does God issue any commands in this passage?

• God had previously issued the conditions of vows, specifically concerning those made by women. Elkanah had the authority to negate Hannah's vow without having it charged to her as sin but he confirmed it to both Hannah and the LORD. (See 1:23)

Does God make any promises?

• God did not speak, but the fact that He granted Hannah's request showed definite promise!

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• Samuel was "asked of God" just like the requested deliverer of Israel and he was given as the answer to prayer.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Hannah said it well in her song of praise: The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them. (2:7-8) Hannah knew that she had received one blessing from God and would one day inherit the very throne of glory.