The 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. The well-fed hire themselves out for food,God overturns human security and exposes the weakness of wealth apart from Him. Those who once lived in abundance may be brought low, while the needy receive what they lacked. Mary later rejoiced in the same righteous reversal: God fills the hungry with good things and sends the rich away empty (Luke 1:53). Gen 47:19 Why should we perish before your eyes—we and our land… but the starving hunger no more. The Lord provides for those who depend upon Him, as He gave manna to Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16). Earthly bread sustains life for a time, but God’s provision ultimately points to Christ, the Bread of Life, who satisfies all who come to Him in faith (John 6:35). Rev 7:16 Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst;… The barren woman gives birth to seven, Hannah’s own experience stands behind her song. Once grieved by barrenness and provoked by Peninnah, she cried to the Lord at Shiloh and received Samuel as God’s answer (1 Samuel 1:10–20). Seven represents fullness, declaring God’s power to grant life, fruitfulness, and joy where human hope has failed. The Lord later gave Hannah additional children after Samuel was dedicated to His service (1 Samuel 2:21). Psa 113:9 He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother… but she who has many sons pines away. Children, possessions, and social standing cannot secure anyone against loss. Hannah’s words warn against pride in visible blessings and direct confidence toward the God who gives and takes away. The Lord alone establishes, humbles, raises up, and preserves His people according to His righteous purposes. Jer 15:9 The mother of seven will grow faint; she will breathe… Persons / Places / Events 1. HannahThe mother of Samuel, who was initially barren but prayed fervently to God for a child. Her prayer and subsequent song of thanksgiving form the context of this verse. 2. Elkanah Hannah's husband, who had another wife, Peninnah, who had children while Hannah was barren. 3. Peninnah Elkanah's other wife, who had many children and often provoked Hannah because of her barrenness. 4. Samuel The son of Hannah, dedicated to the Lord, who would become a significant prophet and judge in Israel. 5. Shiloh The place where the tabernacle was located and where Hannah prayed for a son. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in ReversalsGod has the power to reverse human circumstances, turning lack into abundance and sorrow into joy. This is evident in Hannah's transformation from barrenness to motherhood. Faith and Prayer Hannah's account encourages believers to persist in prayer and faith, trusting that God hears and responds to the cries of His people. Humility and Dependence on God The verse contrasts self-sufficiency with dependence on God, reminding us that true fulfillment comes from Him, not from our own efforts. God's Justice and Provision The verse illustrates God's justice in providing for the needy and humbling the proud, encouraging believers to trust in His provision. Hope for the Hopeless The transformation of the barren woman into a joyful mother serves as a message of hope for those facing seemingly impossible situations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hannah's account in 1 Samuel 2:5 illustrate the theme of divine reversal, and what does this teach us about God's character?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of persistent prayer, as demonstrated by Hannah, to our own lives? 3. How does the contrast between those who are full and those who are hungry in 1 Samuel 2:5 challenge our understanding of self-sufficiency versus reliance on God? 4. What other biblical accounts of barren women being blessed with children can you think of, and how do they reinforce the message of 1 Samuel 2:5? 5. How can the message of hope and transformation in 1 Samuel 2:5 encourage someone facing a difficult or seemingly hopeless situation today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 21The account of Sarah, who was barren and later gave birth to Isaac, parallels Hannah's experience and highlights God's power to change circumstances. Luke 1 The account of Elizabeth, who was also barren and later gave birth to John the Baptist, echoes the theme of divine intervention in human barrenness. Psalm 113:9 This verse speaks of God granting the barren woman a home, making her a joyful mother of children, reinforcing the theme of God's provision and reversal of fortunes.
People Eli, Elkanah, Hannah, Hophni, Israelites, Pharaoh, Phinehas, SamuelPlaces Egypt, Ramah, ShilohTopics Abounding, Barren, Beareth, Birth, Born, Borne, Bread, Cease, Ceased, Family, Feeble, Forlorn, Full, Gives, Hire, Hired, Hunger, Hungry, Languished, Languishes, Languisheth, Offering, Pines, Rest, Satiated, Servants, Seven, Sons, Sorrow, Themselves, Truly, Wasted, Waxed, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 2:5 5225 barrenness 5849 exaltation Library The Child Prophet'And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 2. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; 8. And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; 4. That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 5. And he ran onto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Reverence in Worship. The Knowledge of God Though the Fore-Mentioned Eternal Moral Obligations Letter xxix. To Marcella. A Private Enquiry Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament Covenanting a Privilege of Believers. The Mystery Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory. Sanctification. Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity. The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World Entire Sanctification The Holiness of God Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C. Samuel Links 1 Samuel 2:5 NIV1 Samuel 2:5 NLT 1 Samuel 2:5 ESV 1 Samuel 2:5 NASB 1 Samuel 2:5 KJV 1 Samuel 2:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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