August 22, 2021
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Reading along with us in 1 Samuel? Here’s today’s reading:
1 Samuel 1 (NIV)
The Birth of Samuel
1 There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.........Continue Reading
We start this chapter with some classic Biblical favoritism! I do love the reminders of humanity and our sin nature that allows us to relate even after all this time.
Hannah wanted a son so badly and wanted to give that to her husband and her response was exactly what ours should be and that was to pray! we can not always understand God’s timing but we need to trust and He tells us to ask. So she remained faithful, prayed, and God finally did give her a son. A son that she then gave back to God based on the vow she made in those prayers showing again her faithfulness to God.
1 Samuel 1
We begin this book about Samuel’s life and ministry by looking at the miraculous nature of his birth. It is a common yet unfortunate thing for people in their jealousy or their privileged position to mock and provoke others. When we are on the receiving end of such things what a blessing it is to have a God we can turn to. Hannah is a faithful woman who in spite of her difficult situation brings a request to God and yet does something that is unnecessary which is to promise God something if He grants the request. It is another common thing that happens which corrupts the relational nature of prayer and makes it a thing of bargaining. And yet on the other hand, where would Samuel end up if he wasn’t dedicated to the service of God? So in His faithfulness and power God answers Hannah and opens her womb. And Samuel is brought to the tabernacle to begin his ministry there even as a young boy.
Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”
I was thinking of the priority of marriage (of course, Elkanah did have two wives, I’m sure that didn’t help!), but also the value of children. How far we have come from God’s initial command to “be fruitful and multiply” and fill the earth.