I Samuel 2 Commentary: Hannah's Song and the Contrast of Two Families
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.
There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
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.
The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
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.
The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
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.
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
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.
And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the Lord before Eli the priest.
Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.
And the priests’ custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.
Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.
And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.
Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord: for men abhorred the offering of the Lord.
But Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.
And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The Lord give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the Lord. And they went unto their own home.
And the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the Lord.
Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.
Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress.
If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them.
And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men.
And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house?
And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?
Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?
Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.
And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever.
And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.
And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.
And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.
And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.
I Samuel 2 presents a stark contrast between two families: Hannah's, marked by devotion and blessing, and Eli's, marred by wickedness and impending judgment. This chapter, rich in theological significance, begins with Hannah's powerful prayer of thanksgiving and culminates in a prophecy foretelling the downfall of Eli's house. Understanding this chapter is crucial for grasping the transition of leadership in Israel and the establishment of God's kingdom.
Hannah's Joyful Praise (I Samuel 2:1-10)
Having received the son she so fervently prayed for, Hannah responds with a beautiful song of praise in the sanctuary at Shiloh (I Samuel 2:1-10). This isn't merely a personal expression of gratitude; it's a profound theological statement about the nature of God and His ways. Her song emphasizes the holiness, sovereignty, and power of God, demonstrated both in the world and in her own life.
Hannah's prayer begins with her own emotional response to God, acknowledging her dependence on Him and expressing her joy in Him as her Savior. She recognizes that the Lord has answered her prayers, silencing those who mocked her barrenness (I Samuel 2:1, 1_Samuel 1:6).
However, the focus quickly shifts to God Himself. She extols Him as unique, a rock of refuge for all people. Her words highlight God's comprehensive knowledge and righteous judgment. Hannah's song celebrates God's power to reverse human fortunes, strengthening the weak, feeding the hungry, and granting children to the barren (I Samuel 2:3-5). The lyrics exalt the Lord for all of God’s actions on behalf of his people. He is holy, a rock, and full of knowledge (I Samuel 2:2-3).
Hannah understands that the Lord holds the keys to life and death, wealth and poverty. He elevates the humble and deposes the mighty. The entire world rests on His foundation. He protects the faithful while the wicked find no refuge in their own strength. He judges all people and empowers His anointed one (I Samuel 2:6-10). Those who align themselves with him, then, are on the winning side.
Samuel's Service and Growth (I Samuel 2:11, 18-21, 26)
While Eli's sons were corrupting the priesthood, young Samuel was faithfully serving the Lord. After Hannah’s time of praise, Elkanah and Hannah returned home, but Samuel remained in Shiloh to minister before the Lord (I Samuel 2:11). The text highlights Samuel's dedication to his duties and his growth, both physically and spiritually. Every year, Hannah would bring him a new robe, a tangible expression of her love and commitment to God (I Samuel 2:19). Eli blessed Elkanah and Hannah, praying for more children, and the Lord answered, blessing them with three more sons and two daughters. Samuel continued to grow in the sanctuary, experiencing God's presence (I Samuel 2:11, 18-21).
This section underscores the importance of faithfulness in service, regardless of age or circumstance. Even amidst the corruption of Eli's sons, Samuel remained steadfast, setting an example of devotion that pleased both God and man. The contrast between a mere boy serving the Lord well (I Samuel 2:18) and two grown men functioning as wicked priests couldn’t be greater.
The chapter emphasizes that Samuel "grew in stature, and in favour both with the LORD, and also with men" (I Samuel 2:26). This verse encapsulates Samuel's holistic development – physical, spiritual, and social – highlighting the blessings that accompany a life dedicated to God.
The Wickedness of Eli's Sons (I Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25)
In stark contrast to Samuel's devotion, Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are portrayed as "wicked men; they knew not the LORD" (I Samuel 2:12). Contrary to the law of Moses, Eli's sons demanded the choicest cuts of meat for themselves from those bringing animals to sacrifice at the sanctuary. If the people would not give it, they threatened to take the meat they wanted by force. They did all of this before the animal was offered to the Lord. This abuse of their power, especially, is said to be a very great sin in the Lord's eyes because it treats the offering meant for the Lord with such contempt (I Samuel 2:13-17).
Their actions demonstrated a profound disrespect for God and His law. They stole the best portions of the sacrifices, threatened worshippers, and even committed adultery with the women who served at the tabernacle (I Samuel 2:22). These sins were not merely personal failings; they were a direct affront to God's holiness and a corruption of the priesthood.
Eli, though aware of his sons' wickedness, offered only weak rebukes, failing to restrain them or remove them from their positions (I Samuel 2:23-24). His inaction revealed a deeper problem: he honored his sons more than God (I Samuel 2:29). Because they refused to repent, the LORD intended to kill them for their iniquity (I Samuel 2:25).
Prophecy of Judgment Against Eli's House (I Samuel 2:27-36)
God, unwilling to tolerate such blatant disregard for His holiness, sent an unnamed prophet to deliver a message of judgment to Eli. The Lord reminded Eli that He communicated with Eli's ancestors, starting with Aaron and his sons when Israel was still Egypt. God chose Aaron to be His priest for the nation, to go up to the altar and to burn incense and to wear the official ephod vest? The Lord also gave explicit instructions about specific portions of the offerings, and expected Aaron and the other priests to obey those (I Samuel 2:27-28).
The prophet declared that Eli's family would lose its priestly privileges and that his descendants would die prematurely. Even while the rest of Israel prospers, Eli's successors will die young. His family line will forever be cursed with premature death—yet Eli will live to old age simply so he can mourn the imminent deaths of his family (I Samuel 2:30-33). The sign of this judgment would be the death of Hophni and Phinehas on the same day (I Samuel 2:34). The faithful priest whom God promised to raise up could have been Zadok himself. He would serve God’s king—first David and then Solomon (I Samuel 2:35).
This prophecy highlights the consequences of dishonoring God and prioritizing personal gain over obedience. It also foreshadows the rise of a new, faithful priesthood that would serve God according to His will. Eli’s descendants would be left to beg for food and money and some priestly work that might allow them to share in the offerings to the Lord once more (I Samuel 2:34-36). This judgment was severe because Eli’s failure to discipline his sons revealed that, at heart, he despised God’s sacrifices and offerings, too (I Samuel 2:29). By his actions, Eli had honored his sons more than God (I Samuel 2:29). Thus, Eli’s family would lose its priestly privileges, which were transferred to the family of Zadok later in Israel’s history (see 1 Kings 2:26-27, 35). Eli’s descendants would die violently; his sons would even die on the same day (I Samuel 2:33-34).
Key Themes and Applications
I Samuel 2 presents several key themes relevant to believers today:
- The Sovereignty of God: Hannah's song emphasizes God's ultimate control over all things, from life and death to wealth and poverty.
- The Importance of Holiness: The contrast between Samuel and Eli's sons highlights the importance of living a life of holiness and obedience to God's commands.
- The Consequences of Disobedience: Eli's failure to discipline his sons and their blatant disregard for God's law led to severe judgment.
- God's Faithfulness: Despite the corruption of the priesthood, God remained faithful to His people, raising up Samuel as a prophet and foreshadowing the rise of a new, faithful priesthood.
This chapter challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure that we are honoring God above all else. It reminds us that true service is marked by humility, obedience, and a genuine love for God and His people. It also assures us that even in the midst of darkness, God is at work, raising up faithful servants to carry out His purposes. Let us strive to be like Samuel, growing in favor with God and man, and avoid the tragic fate of Eli's sons.
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.
There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
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.
The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
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.
The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
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.
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
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.
And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the Lord before Eli the priest.
Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.
And the priests’ custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.
Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.
And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.
Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord: for men abhorred the offering of the Lord.
But Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.
And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The Lord give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the Lord. And they went unto their own home.
And the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the Lord.
Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.
Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress.
If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them.
And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men.
And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house?
And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?
Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?
Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.
And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever.
And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.
And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.
And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.
And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.
I Samuel 2 presents a stark contrast between two families: Hannah's, marked by devotion and blessing, and Eli's, marred by wickedness and impending judgment. This chapter, rich in theological significance, begins with Hannah's powerful prayer of thanksgiving and culminates in a prophecy foretelling the downfall of Eli's house. Understanding this chapter is crucial for grasping the transition of leadership in Israel and the establishment of God's kingdom.
Hannah's Joyful Praise (I Samuel 2:1-10)
Having received the son she so fervently prayed for, Hannah responds with a beautiful song of praise in the sanctuary at Shiloh (I Samuel 2:1-10). This isn't merely a personal expression of gratitude; it's a profound theological statement about the nature of God and His ways. Her song emphasizes the holiness, sovereignty, and power of God, demonstrated both in the world and in her own life.
Hannah's prayer begins with her own emotional response to God, acknowledging her dependence on Him and expressing her joy in Him as her Savior. She recognizes that the Lord has answered her prayers, silencing those who mocked her barrenness (I Samuel 2:1, 1_Samuel 1:6).
However, the focus quickly shifts to God Himself. She extols Him as unique, a rock of refuge for all people. Her words highlight God's comprehensive knowledge and righteous judgment. Hannah's song celebrates God's power to reverse human fortunes, strengthening the weak, feeding the hungry, and granting children to the barren (I Samuel 2:3-5). The lyrics exalt the Lord for all of God’s actions on behalf of his people. He is holy, a rock, and full of knowledge (I Samuel 2:2-3).
Hannah understands that the Lord holds the keys to life and death, wealth and poverty. He elevates the humble and deposes the mighty. The entire world rests on His foundation. He protects the faithful while the wicked find no refuge in their own strength. He judges all people and empowers His anointed one (I Samuel 2:6-10). Those who align themselves with him, then, are on the winning side.
Samuel's Service and Growth (I Samuel 2:11, 18-21, 26)
While Eli's sons were corrupting the priesthood, young Samuel was faithfully serving the Lord. After Hannah’s time of praise, Elkanah and Hannah returned home, but Samuel remained in Shiloh to minister before the Lord (I Samuel 2:11). The text highlights Samuel's dedication to his duties and his growth, both physically and spiritually. Every year, Hannah would bring him a new robe, a tangible expression of her love and commitment to God (I Samuel 2:19). Eli blessed Elkanah and Hannah, praying for more children, and the Lord answered, blessing them with three more sons and two daughters. Samuel continued to grow in the sanctuary, experiencing God's presence (I Samuel 2:11, 18-21).
This section underscores the importance of faithfulness in service, regardless of age or circumstance. Even amidst the corruption of Eli's sons, Samuel remained steadfast, setting an example of devotion that pleased both God and man. The contrast between a mere boy serving the Lord well (I Samuel 2:18) and two grown men functioning as wicked priests couldn’t be greater.
The chapter emphasizes that Samuel "grew in stature, and in favour both with the LORD, and also with men" (I Samuel 2:26). This verse encapsulates Samuel's holistic development – physical, spiritual, and social – highlighting the blessings that accompany a life dedicated to God.
The Wickedness of Eli's Sons (I Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25)
In stark contrast to Samuel's devotion, Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are portrayed as "wicked men; they knew not the LORD" (I Samuel 2:12). Contrary to the law of Moses, Eli's sons demanded the choicest cuts of meat for themselves from those bringing animals to sacrifice at the sanctuary. If the people would not give it, they threatened to take the meat they wanted by force. They did all of this before the animal was offered to the Lord. This abuse of their power, especially, is said to be a very great sin in the Lord's eyes because it treats the offering meant for the Lord with such contempt (I Samuel 2:13-17).
Their actions demonstrated a profound disrespect for God and His law. They stole the best portions of the sacrifices, threatened worshippers, and even committed adultery with the women who served at the tabernacle (I Samuel 2:22). These sins were not merely personal failings; they were a direct affront to God's holiness and a corruption of the priesthood.
Eli, though aware of his sons' wickedness, offered only weak rebukes, failing to restrain them or remove them from their positions (I Samuel 2:23-24). His inaction revealed a deeper problem: he honored his sons more than God (I Samuel 2:29). Because they refused to repent, the LORD intended to kill them for their iniquity (I Samuel 2:25).
Prophecy of Judgment Against Eli's House (I Samuel 2:27-36)
God, unwilling to tolerate such blatant disregard for His holiness, sent an unnamed prophet to deliver a message of judgment to Eli. The Lord reminded Eli that He communicated with Eli's ancestors, starting with Aaron and his sons when Israel was still Egypt. God chose Aaron to be His priest for the nation, to go up to the altar and to burn incense and to wear the official ephod vest? The Lord also gave explicit instructions about specific portions of the offerings, and expected Aaron and the other priests to obey those (I Samuel 2:27-28).
The prophet declared that Eli's family would lose its priestly privileges and that his descendants would die prematurely. Even while the rest of Israel prospers, Eli's successors will die young. His family line will forever be cursed with premature death—yet Eli will live to old age simply so he can mourn the imminent deaths of his family (I Samuel 2:30-33). The sign of this judgment would be the death of Hophni and Phinehas on the same day (I Samuel 2:34). The faithful priest whom God promised to raise up could have been Zadok himself. He would serve God’s king—first David and then Solomon (I Samuel 2:35).
This prophecy highlights the consequences of dishonoring God and prioritizing personal gain over obedience. It also foreshadows the rise of a new, faithful priesthood that would serve God according to His will. Eli’s descendants would be left to beg for food and money and some priestly work that might allow them to share in the offerings to the Lord once more (I Samuel 2:34-36). This judgment was severe because Eli’s failure to discipline his sons revealed that, at heart, he despised God’s sacrifices and offerings, too (I Samuel 2:29). By his actions, Eli had honored his sons more than God (I Samuel 2:29). Thus, Eli’s family would lose its priestly privileges, which were transferred to the family of Zadok later in Israel’s history (see 1 Kings 2:26-27, 35). Eli’s descendants would die violently; his sons would even die on the same day (I Samuel 2:33-34).
Key Themes and Applications
I Samuel 2 presents several key themes relevant to believers today:
- The Sovereignty of God: Hannah's song emphasizes God's ultimate control over all things, from life and death to wealth and poverty.
- The Importance of Holiness: The contrast between Samuel and Eli's sons highlights the importance of living a life of holiness and obedience to God's commands.
- The Consequences of Disobedience: Eli's failure to discipline his sons and their blatant disregard for God's law led to severe judgment.
- God's Faithfulness: Despite the corruption of the priesthood, God remained faithful to His people, raising up Samuel as a prophet and foreshadowing the rise of a new, faithful priesthood.
This chapter challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure that we are honoring God above all else. It reminds us that true service is marked by humility, obedience, and a genuine love for God and His people. It also assures us that even in the midst of darkness, God is at work, raising up faithful servants to carry out His purposes. Let us strive to be like Samuel, growing in favor with God and man, and avoid the tragic fate of Eli's sons.