How does Elkanah's example connect to Hebrews 10:25 about gathering for worship? Setting the Scene in 1 Samuel 1 “Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD.” (1 Samuel 1:3) Elkanah’s Faithful Rhythm of Worship • Annual pilgrimage: He made the trip “year after year.” • Family involvement: He brought Hannah, Peninnah, and the children (1 Samuel 1:4). Worship was a household priority. • Costly obedience: Travel, offerings, and time were gladly invested. • Submission to God’s appointed place and leadership: He worshiped at Shiloh under the priests God had set in office, even though those priests were imperfect (1 Samuel 2:12-17). Hebrews 10:25 — The Call to Gather “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) Parallels Between Elkanah and Hebrews 10:25 • Habitual gathering: Elkanah’s yearly trips model the same consistent discipline Hebrews urges. • Corporate context: Both passages emphasize worship with others, not isolated devotion. • Encouragement through presence: Elkanah’s participation strengthened Hannah (1 Samuel 1:8) just as believers strengthen one another in Hebrews 10:25. • Expectation of God’s future work: Elkanah worshiped anticipating God’s blessings; Hebrews connects gathering with expectancy of “the Day” of Christ’s return. Practical Takeaways for Us Today • Schedule worship first; everything else fits around it. • Bring the household—children learn priority by example. • Participate even when leadership disappoints; faithfulness is to God. • See gatherings as opportunities to give courage, not merely receive it. • Increase commitment, not decrease, as the world darkens and Christ’s return draws nearer. Additional Scriptures Echoing This Principle • Exodus 23:17 — Mandatory festival gatherings for Israel. • Psalm 122:1 — “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.’” • Acts 2:42,46 — Early church “devoted” to meeting together daily. • 1 Corinthians 16:2 — Regular, systematic assembly on “the first day of every week.” |
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