1 Samuel 1, but first a general recap so far of the Historical Timeline so we are aware of where are we in history.
From Genesis to the end of the Book of Ruth
We have come from Adam, and tracking the lineage from him, through Seth.
It is ten generations, each one seeking God, really, for salvation from the curse, and to be reconciled with him.
By the time we get to Noah, sin is rampant and God says enough. Noah, his name meaning rest, quiet, give comfort, is the one left – from this same lineage – who will not only hear God but obey him.
The biggest reset in history takes place. The flood.
It’s another 10 generations til we arrive at Abraham. The man who believed God and it was counted as righteousness. Faith. Outside of the Law given on the Mount. Righteousness was never delivered by the Law, only Faith.
The Abraham, Isaac and Jacob factor of blessing, promise and the seed (Messiah) kicks in, and the people of God are birthed. His inheritance named Israel.
Their life of persecution starts here doesn’t it? Egypt under Pharaoh. Moses sent, the deliverer. He prophesies of the Messiah coming.
God shows the world he is the God of the Hebrews by signs and wonders. He frightens them all with his power. His people are heading to the promised land but they have to dismantle and utterly remove their enemies to do so. God is their King.
He puts Judges over them to guide them. But he wants to be their King, until all the other nations. The people are constantly bewitched by Satan’s schemes – they fall into worship with their senses, what they can see, touch, feel. They replace the invisible God with idols. The period of the judges is known as ‘every man did that which was right in his own eyes’.
And now we emerge with the last judge, Samuel. The man pivotal to the emergence of the kingdom. The people of Israel were demanding a king like all the other nations. And so begins the new phase in these ancient times.
We are around 1064-971 BC in the historical context.
1 Samuel 1
The time of going to Shiloh (about 20 miles outside of Jerusalem) to worship God with sacrifices. This was where the tabernacle rested, where the ark of the covenant resided, after the end of the wilderness journey.
Hannah could not have children. And she was laughed at for her infertility. What it is about others that do this? It’s a horrible trait in people.
She was so heartsore that when she went to sacrifice to the Lord, in front of the priest Eli, that she vowed a very strong vow to the Lord of hosts (1 Samuel 1:11). If you give me a child, I’ll give him back to you to serve you.
God was looking for people that would serve him. This generation had been riddled with compromises. Eli the priests had two sons that were corrupt, the people had experienced the ups and downs recorded throughout the book of Judges. It was time to build a fresh way. Enter Samuel.
God blessed her with a boy child, and she delivered to God her promise, in full.
1 Samuel 2
Hannahs prayer is significant, and prophetic, and worth repeating:
1 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.
1 Samuel 2:1-10
2 There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
6 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.
8 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.
9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
In particular, I notice…
The Lord is a God of knowledge. He weighs actions. The mighty fall.
He raises the dead. He brings increase.
He keeps his own.
He shall judge the ends of the earth.
He shall give strength to his king.
He shall exalt the horn of his anointed.
She is at once talking about David, but she is also talking about the Messiah.
She loved God and was so happy for his salvation.
Samuel was left with Eli to serve God.
His sons were termed ‘the sons of Belial’ – remember them from the book of Judges? Evil, wicked, people. They corrupted God’s people. They would not live long. Samuel would be raised up.
Hannah was blessed with a big family, her loan to God was recognised and rewarded.
God visits Eli to deal with him about his sons. His words must have fallen hard on Eli’s heart. The priesthood was going to be removed from his family line and given to another.
We know that ultimately Jesus is the King and Priest, Paul lays out how God has brought this about. And we see it demonstrated in Zechariah 6.
