Hannah’s Prayer of Thanksgiving 1At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horna is exalted in the LORD. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation. 2There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God. 3Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him actions are weighed. 4The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble are equipped with strength. 5The well-fed hire themselves out for food, but the starving hunger no more. The barren woman gives birth to seven, but she who has many sons pines away. 6The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. 7The LORD sends poverty and wealth; 8He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. 9He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail. 10Those who oppose the LORD will be shattered. He will thunder from heaven against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth and will give power to His king. He will exalt the horn of His anointed.” 11Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy began ministering to the LORD before Eli the priest. Eli’s Wicked Sons 12Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD 13or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling 14and plunge it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or cooking pot. And the priest would claim for himself whatever the meat fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. 15Even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast, because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.” 16And if any man said to him, “The fat must be burned first; then you may take whatever you want,” the servant would reply, “No, you must give it to me right now. If you refuse, I will take it by force!” 17Thus the sin of these young men was severe in the sight of the LORD, for theyb were treating the LORD’s offering with contempt. 18Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod. 19Each year his mother would make him a little robe and bring it to him when she went with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. 20And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the LORD give you children by this woman in place of the one she dedicated to the LORD.c” Then they would go home. 21So the LORD attended to Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD. 22Now Eli was very old, and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 23“Why are you doing these things?” Eli said to his sons. “I hear about your wicked deeds from all these people. 24No, my sons; it is not a good report I hear circulating among the LORD’s people. 25If a man sins against another man, Godd can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death. 26And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with man. A Prophecy against the House of Eli 27Then a man of God came to Eli and told him, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Did I not clearly reveal Myself to your father’s house when they were in Egypt under Pharaoh’s house? 28And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites. 29Why then do you kick ate My sacrifice and offering that I have prescribed for My dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel.’ 30Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained. 31Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that no one in it will reach old age. 32You will see distress in My dwelling place. Despite all that is good in Israel, no one in your house will ever again reach old age. 33And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, I will cause your eyes to fail and your heart to grieve.f All your descendantsg will die by the sword of men.h 34And this sign shall come to you concerning your two sons Hophni and Phinehas: They will both die on the same day. 35Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest. He will do whatever is in My heart and mind. And I will build for him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed one for all time. 36And everyone left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver or a morsel of bread, pleading, “Please appoint me to some priestly office so that I can eat a piece of bread.”’” Footnotes: 1 a Or strength; also in verse 10 17 b DSS and LXX; MT men 20 c DSS; MT in place of the one requested from the LORD 25 d Or the judges 29 e Or scorn 33 f Hebrew; LXX his eyes will fail and his heart will grieve 33 g Or increase 33 h DSS and LXX; MT will die as mortals or will die in the prime of life Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  1 Samuel 2 Summary Hannah's Prayer of ThanksgivingVerses 1–10 – Hannah’s Song of Praise Verses 11–17 – The Sins of Eli’s Sons Verses 18–21 – Samuel’s Early Ministry and Hannah’s Further Blessing Verses 22–26 – Eli Rebukes His Sons; Samuel Grows in Favor Verses 27–36 – Prophecy Against Eli’s Household 1 Samuel Chapter 2 contrasts the exuberant prayer of a devoted servant, Hannah, with the sordid acts of Eli's sons, revealing the outcomes of righteousness and wickedness. It also introduces the prophetic judgment against Eli's house for failing to rein in his sons' blasphemy, setting the stage for young Samuel's rise. Historical and Cultural Background • Shiloh, housing the tabernacle (Joshua 18:1), was Israel’s central worship site before Jerusalem. Excavations reveal a large, flattened area dating to the period, consistent with an assembly ground for worshipers. • The priestly corruption mirrors late-period Judges (“everyone did what was right in his own eyes,” Judges 21:25). Samuel’s emergence signals the Lord’s answer to national decline. • The “three-pronged fork” (v. 13) matches tools depicted in Egyptian and Canaanite art for lifting sacrificial meat, highlighting the priests’ abuse of standard practice. Hannah’s Song and the Arc of Scripture • Luke 1:46-55 echoes her themes in Mary’s Magnificat: the humble are lifted, the proud brought low. • Verse 10 is the Bible’s first explicit mention of the LORD’s “king” and “anointed.” It anticipates David (2 Samuel 7:12-16) and ultimately Christ (Luke 1:32-33). • God “raises the poor from the dust” (v. 8) reappears in Psalm 113:7 and Proverbs 22:2, tying personal testimony to national worship and wisdom literature. Contrast of Characters Hannah: prayerful, grateful, keeps vows (Deuteronomy 23:21). Eli’s sons: greedy, immoral, “sons of Belial” (v. 12). Samuel: faithful, submissive, type of Christ in boyhood service (Luke 2:40, 52 parallels v. 26). Priestly Abuse and Divine Justice • Taking raw fat meat violated Leviticus 3:3-5, where fat belongs to the LORD. • Threatening violent seizure (v. 16) inverts the priest’s role as mediator. • Rejecting parental rebuke fulfills Deuteronomy 21:18-21 warnings about “stubborn sons.” • The prophetic verdict (vv. 31-33) comes to pass in 1 Samuel 4 (battle losses), 1 Kings 2:26-27 (Abiathar removed), and ultimately Zadok replaces Eli’s line (1 Kings 2:35). Samuel’s Linen Ephod and Robe • Linen ephods normally marked priests (Exodus 28:6-8); Samuel, though a Levite but not from Aaron’s line, foreshadows God’s willingness to bypass corrupt structures. • His annual robe pictures steady growth and parental devotion—even after dedication, Hannah still “clothed” her child, a touching image of ongoing nurture. Themes for Today 1. God honors humble faith and keeps His promises. 2. Religious position does not shield from judgment; obedience matters. 3. Children can serve the LORD meaningfully; spiritual formation begins early. 4. Divine reversals—lifting the lowly, opposing the proud—remain a core pattern of God’s work. Linking to the Broader Narrative • Eli’s failing house contrasts with the sturdy “house” God will build for David (2 Samuel 7). • The faithful priest promised in 2:35 anticipates Zadok and seamlessly foreshadows the perfect High Priest, Jesus (Hebrews 4:14). • Hannah’s once-barren womb reflects Israel’s barrenness under corrupt leadership; Samuel’s birth signals new spiritual life for the nation. Archaeological Notes • Clay storage jars in Shiloh layers show animal-fat residue, suggesting sacrificial feasting areas—supporting the narrative setting. • An Iron Age guard tower at Shiloh’s west slope could match the “doorpost” (1 Samuel 1:9) where Eli sat, hinting at administrative oversight. • Ostraca with Hebrew names from the period confirm widespread Levitical clan presence in the hill country. Literary Highlights • Chiasm in Hannah’s song (exaltation–reversal–exaltation) frames God as central. • Repetition of “ministering before the LORD” anchors Samuel’s account (1:28; 2:11, 18, 21, 26). • The prophetic word (2:27-36) uses covenant language (“I revealed Myself… I chose him… I gave to your fathers”) to underscore betrayal and retribution. Connection to New Testament Truth • Luke mirrors 1 Samuel’s structure: birth announcements (Luke 1–2; 1 Samuel 1–2) lead into ministry backdrop amid religious decline. • “Those who honor Me I will honor” (v. 30) resurfaces in John 12:26—Jesus promises the Father will honor faithful servants. Simple Takeaway Hannah’s God still hears, still reverses impossible situations, still brings low the arrogant, and still raises the faithful. Those who serve Him with integrity, like Samuel, become channels of fresh hope for an entire generation. Connections to Additional Scriptures Mary’s Magnificat Luke 1:46-55 echoes themes from Hannah’s prayer, highlighting God’s mercy and the reversal of human fortunes. God’s Sovereignty Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. Warnings Against Corruption Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride goes before destruction, a theme evident in the lives of Eli’s sons. Teaching Points Hannah’s Prayer of PraiseHannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10) is a profound declaration of God’s holiness, sovereignty, and justice. She exclaims, “There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2). God’s Reversal of Fortunes Hannah’s song emphasizes how God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. She states, “The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up” (1 Samuel 2:6). The Corruption of Eli’s Sons The chapter contrasts Hannah’s faithfulness with the wickedness of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who “had no regard for the LORD” (1 Samuel 2:12). Divine Judgment and Prophecy A man of God prophesies judgment against Eli’s house due to the sins of his sons, highlighting God’s justice and the consequences of disobedience (1 Samuel 2:27-36). Practical Applications Trust in God’s SovereigntyLike Hannah, we can trust in God’s control over our circumstances, knowing that He is faithful and just. Humility Before God Recognize the importance of humility and submission to God’s will, as He exalts the humble and brings low the proud. Integrity in Leadership Eli’s sons serve as a warning about the dangers of corruption and the importance of integrity, especially in positions of leadership. Faithful Prayer Life Emulate Hannah’s example of fervent and faithful prayer, trusting that God hears and answers in His perfect timing. People 1. HannahHannah is the mother of Samuel. She is known for her heartfelt prayer to the LORD, expressing her gratitude and dedication of her son to God's service. Her prayer is recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, often referred to as Hannah's Song or Prayer. The Hebrew root of her name, חַנָּה (Channah), means "grace" or "favor." 2. Elkanah Elkanah is Hannah's husband and the father of Samuel. He is described as a devout man who regularly worships and sacrifices to the LORD. His name in Hebrew, אֶלְקָנָה (Elqanah), means "God has created" or "God has possessed." 3. Eli Eli is the high priest and judge of Israel at the time. He is responsible for the tabernacle at Shiloh and plays a significant role in the early life of Samuel. His name in Hebrew, עֵלִי (Eli), means "ascended" or "my God." 4. Hophni and Phinehas Hophni and Phinehas are the sons of Eli. They are described as corrupt priests who do not honor the LORD, leading to their eventual downfall. Their actions are condemned in 1 Samuel 2:12-17. The name Hophni (חָפְנִי) may mean "pugilist" or "fighter," while Phinehas (פִּינְחָס) means "mouth of brass" or "oracle." 5. Samuel Although not directly mentioned in 1 Samuel 2, Samuel is the child dedicated by Hannah to the LORD. He grows up in the presence of Eli and is destined to become a significant prophet and leader in Israel. His name in Hebrew, שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemuel), means "heard by God" or "name of God." Places 1. ShilohShiloh is the central location in 1 Samuel 2. It is where the tabernacle of the LORD is located, and where Eli and his sons serve as priests. Hannah's prayer and the subsequent events involving Eli's sons occur here. In Hebrew, Shiloh (שִׁלוֹ) is significant as it was the religious center for Israel before the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital. 2. The House of Eli While not a geographical location, the "house of Eli" refers to the priestly lineage and the physical dwelling of Eli and his sons. It is in Shiloh, where Eli's family serves at the tabernacle. The term "house" (בַּיִת, bayit in Hebrew) often denotes both a physical structure and a familial lineage. Events 1. Hannah's Prayer of ThanksgivingHannah offers a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to the LORD, expressing her joy and exalting God's power and holiness. She acknowledges that there is no one holy like the LORD and that He is a God of knowledge who weighs actions. This prayer is a poetic expression of God's sovereignty and justice. (1 Samuel 2:1-10) 2. The Wickedness of Eli's Sons The sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, are described as wicked men who had no regard for the LORD. They are accused of treating the offerings of the LORD with contempt, taking portions of the sacrifices by force, and engaging in immoral behavior. This highlights their corruption and the spiritual decline in Israel. (1 Samuel 2:12-17) 3. Samuel's Ministry Before the LORD Despite the corruption of Eli's sons, Samuel is described as ministering before the LORD, wearing a linen ephod. His mother, Hannah, continues to visit him annually, bringing him a little robe. This emphasizes Samuel's dedication and the contrast between him and Eli's sons. (1 Samuel 2:18-21) 4. Eli's Rebuke of His Sons Eli confronts his sons about their wicked behavior, warning them that their actions are sinful against the LORD. He questions why they continue to sin, but they do not listen to their father's rebuke. This event underscores Eli's failure to control his sons and the impending judgment. (1 Samuel 2:22-25) 5. The LORD's Favor on Samuel Samuel continues to grow in stature and in favor with both the LORD and men. This indicates God's blessing on Samuel and foreshadows his future role as a prophet and leader in Israel. (1 Samuel 2:26) 6. A Prophecy Against Eli's House A man of God delivers a prophecy to Eli, declaring that because of the sins of his house, there will be judgment. The prophecy states that Eli's descendants will die in the prime of life, and a faithful priest will be raised up to serve the LORD. This prophecy highlights the consequences of disobedience and the LORD's plan to establish a faithful priesthood. (1 Samuel 2:27-36) Topics 1. Hannah’s Prayer of ThanksgivingHannah offers a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to the LORD, expressing her joy and exultation in God's deliverance and sovereignty. She acknowledges God's holiness and power, emphasizing that there is no one like Him. This prayer is a profound expression of faith and gratitude, reflecting the Hebrew roots of deep personal devotion and acknowledgment of God's unique nature. 2. The LORD’s Sovereignty and Justice Hannah's prayer continues to highlight the LORD's control over life and death, poverty and wealth, and the raising and lowering of individuals. This section underscores the Hebrew understanding of God as the ultimate judge and ruler, who humbles the proud and exalts the humble, demonstrating His justice and righteousness. 3. The Corruption of Eli’s Sons The narrative shifts to describe the wickedness of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who are described as "worthless men" (Hebrew: בְּנֵי בְלִיַּעַל, bnei beliyaal) who did not know the LORD. Their corrupt practices in the temple, including taking the best portions of the sacrifices for themselves, are detailed, highlighting their disregard for God's laws and the priestly duties. 4. Samuel’s Growth and Favor with the LORD In contrast to Eli’s sons, Samuel is depicted as growing in stature and favor with both the LORD and men. This section emphasizes the Hebrew concept of divine favor and blessing upon those who are faithful and obedient to God, setting the stage for Samuel's future role as a prophet and leader in Israel. 5. A Prophecy Against Eli’s House A man of God delivers a prophecy against Eli’s household, foretelling the downfall of his family due to the sins of his sons and Eli’s failure to restrain them. This prophecy includes the removal of Eli’s descendants from the priesthood and the rise of a faithful priest who will serve God’s purposes. The Hebrew roots here reflect the seriousness of covenantal faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience. Themes 1. The Sovereignty of GodHannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2 emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all creation. She acknowledges that "there is no one holy like the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:2), highlighting His unique and supreme authority. The Hebrew word for "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) underscores God's distinct and unparalleled nature. 2. Divine Reversal The theme of divine reversal is prominent as Hannah speaks of God bringing down the proud and exalting the humble. She declares, "The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up" (1 Samuel 2:6). This reflects the Hebrew concept of God as the ultimate arbiter of human fate. 3. God's Justice Hannah's song reflects God's justice, as she proclaims that "He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness" (1 Samuel 2:9). The Hebrew root for "guards" (שָׁמַר, shamar) conveys the idea of God actively watching over and protecting the righteous. 4. The Power of Prayer Hannah's prayer itself is a testament to the power of prayer and its role in the believer's life. Her heartfelt petition and subsequent praise illustrate the importance of turning to God in both need and gratitude. 5. God's Provision The theme of God's provision is evident as Hannah acknowledges that "Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry hunger no more" (1 Samuel 2:5). This reflects the Hebrew understanding of God as the provider for His people, meeting their physical and spiritual needs. 6. The Role of the Anointed King Hannah's reference to the "anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach) in 1 Samuel 2:10 foreshadows the future role of the king in Israel. This anticipates the establishment of the monarchy and the ultimate coming of the Messiah, who will fulfill God's promises. 7. God's Faithfulness Throughout her prayer, Hannah emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people. She trusts in His promises and His ability to fulfill them, as seen in her declaration that "He will give strength to His king and exalt the horn of His anointed" (1 Samuel 2:10). This reflects the Hebrew concept of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant. Answering Tough Questions 1. In 1 Samuel 2:6, it states God “kills and makes alive”—does this literal claim align with any scientific or historical evidence? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. In Hannah's prayer, she celebrates God's reversal of fortunes (1 Samuel 2:4-8). How do these verses speak to your current circumstances? 2. Compare and contrast Hannah's dedication to God with Eli's sons' disregard for Him. How does their relationship with God affect their actions and consequences? 3. What aspects of God's character does Hannah highlight in her prayer? How does this understanding of God influence her behavior and attitude? 4. How does Eli's response to his sons' wicked behavior reflect on his responsibilities as a priest and a parent? 5. How can the downfall of Eli's house serve as a warning for our conduct as individuals and as a church? 6. What is the significance of the prophecy about the 'faithful priest' and God's 'anointed one'? How does it relate to later biblical narratives? 7. How do you reconcile the goodness of God with the severe judgment announced on Eli's house? 8. How does the behavior of Eli's sons violate the spirit of the sacrifices and offerings to God? 9. Reflect on the statement: "Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained." (1 Samuel 2:30). How does this verse apply to your daily life? 10. How does Hannah's prayer model a heart of gratitude? What can you learn from it? 11. What can we learn from Samuel's faithfulness and his service to the Lord in his youth? 12. How can the drastic consequences faced by Eli's house inspire accountability in leadership roles today? 13. In what ways can you ensure that your reverence for God is reflected in your actions, similar to Hannah and Samuel? 14. How can you respond when you see behaviors like those of Hophni and Phinehas in your community or church? 15. What steps can you take to prevent falling into complacency and sin like Eli's sons? 16. What actions demonstrate that you 'honor' God in your life? 17. Reflect on how God blessed Hannah for her faithfulness. How does this inspire you to trust God with your desires? 18. How can you apply the lessons learned from Eli's family to your personal, professional, or spiritual leadership roles? 19. Considering Eli's ineffective rebuke, how can you effectively admonish those under your care when they stray? 20. What elements from Hannah's prayer could you incorporate into your own prayers to deepen your connection with God? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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