April 8

1 Samuel 1-3 (biblegateway.com)

Prayer, Purity, and Calling: Hannah’s Faith, Eli’s Failure, and Samuel’s Commission

The book of 1 Samuel begins in the days when the judges still ruled Israel, possibly during the closing years of Samson’s life. The period of the judges had been marked by widespread corruption, and even the priesthood was tainted by sin. In contrast to this darkness, God was already at work raising up a faithful leader. Samuel was Israel’s last judge and the first priest and prophet to serve during the time of a king.

The story begins with Hannah, a woman of deep faith, who cries out to God for a child and vows to dedicate him to the Lord’s service. Her son, Samuel, was born as an answer to prayer and grew up in the house of the Lord under the priest Eli. However, while Samuel matures in righteousness, Eli’s own sons, Hophni and Phinehas, descend further into wickedness. It is in this setting that God calls Samuel, marking a turning point in Israel’s history. These early chapters remind us that even in times of spiritual decline, God is faithful in raising those who will hear His voice and follow His ways.

1 Samuel 1 introduces Elkanah, a man from Ramathaim-Zophim (also called Ramah) in the hill country of Ephraim (v. 1). Elkanah was a direct descendant of Levi and was therefore qualified to function in a priestly capacity. He was a Levite by lineage but an Ephraimite by residence. He was a godly man who went annually to Shiloh, where the Tabernacle and Ark of the Covenant were located, to worship and sacrifice to the Lord (v. 3). Elkanah’s sacrifice is a peace offering, in which parts of the sacrificial animal are burned, parts are given to the priest, and parts are eaten by the people who brought the sacrifice (v. 4-5).

Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren (v. 2). Hannah was probably Elkanah’s first wife since she was named first. Possibly, he married Peninnah because Hannah was barren. The lack of an heir was a major problem in the ancient Near East, as in many other societies. Taking a second wife was one way to try to solve the problem, though it was never sanctioned by God. Elkanah’s pedigree suggests that it would be important to him to have an heir to continue the family.

In ancient Israel, childbearing was seen as a sign of divine favor, and barrenness often led to shame and emotional suffering. To make matters worse, Peninnah would provoke and mock Hannah “year by year”, especially during their visits to Shiloh (v. 6-7). The rivalry mirrors earlier biblical conflicts, such as Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16:4-6) and Leah and Rachel (Genesis 30:1-8). Also, a barren but favored wife who receives a special blessing from the Lord is not uncommon in Scripture (see Gen. 18:1-15 (Sarah/Isaac); 25:21-26 (Rebekah/Esau and Jacob); 30:22-24 (Rachel/Joseph); Judg. 13:2-5 (Manoah’s wife/Samson); and Luke 1:5-25 (Elizabeth/John)).

Despite Elkanah’s love and his efforts to console her, Hannah remained deeply distressed. Elkanah’s words, “Am I not more to you than ten sons?” (v. 8), reveal his care, but also his misunderstanding of her pain. Hannah knew she was loved by her husband, but his encouragement was not enough to ease her sorrow. Peninnah’s taunts still pierced her heart, chipping away at her confidence. While we cannot always prevent others from speaking hurtful words, we can choose how we respond. Instead of dwelling on negativity, we can focus on the blessings and loving relationships God has placed in our lives. By shifting our perspective, we can trade self-pity for hope and find peace in God’s faithfulness.

Additionally, God’s plan for Hannah included delaying her ability to have children. While Peninnah and Elkanah looked at Hannah’s outward circumstances, each in different ways, God was already at work, preparing His perfect plan. Think of those around you who may be struggling with God’s timing in answering their prayers and who need your love and help. By walking alongside them, you can help strengthen their trust in God’s perfect timing and reassure them that His plans will come to fruition in their lives.

Rather than lashing out or falling into despair, Hannah turns to prayer. She enters the Tabernacle at Shiloh, where Eli the high priest is seated, and she weeps bitterly before the Lord (v. 9-10). In her distress, she makes a Nazirite vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head” (v. 11). This vow echoes the Nazirite vow in Numbers 6:1-5, signifying complete consecration to God. It was the same vow undertaken by the parents of Samson, whom they dedicated to the Lord under nearly identical circumstances (Judges 13:2-5).

Hannah’s silent prayer was so intense that Eli noted the movement of her lips and assumed she was drunk (v. 12-14). However, Hannah humbly explains, “I have been pouring out my soul to the Lord… I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief” (v. 15-16). Eli, realizing his error, blesses her. “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him” (v. 17). Encouraged, Hannah leaves in peace, her face no longer sad (v. 18), giving evidence of her belief. While earlier, Hannah had been discouraged to the point of being physically sick and unable to eat, at this point, she returned home well and happy. This is the true antidote for discouragement. Tell God how you really feel and leave your problems with Him. This shift highlights faith in action; she trusts that God has heard her, even before seeing the answer.

In due time, God remembers Hannah, and she conceives and bears a son, naming him Samuel (v. 19-20). Various meanings of the name Samuel have been suggested, including “heard by God,” “he who is from God,” “name of God,” and even “son of God” (as one “given” or “promised” by God). Regardless of the linguistic etymology, “heard of God” is the folk etymology. Hannah asked, and her prayer was heard by God.

Elkanah continues to go with his family to offer the annual sacrifices to the Lord. However, although Hannah is fully committed to fulfilling her vow, she chooses to stay home until Samuel is weaned (v. 21-22). In ancient Israel, weaning typically occurred around three years old. Elkanah recognized the wisdom in Hannah’s decision and agreed that she and Samuel could remain at home for a time. However, he may have been concerned that delaying Samuel’s dedication to the Lord could risk God’s continued favor, especially regarding Samuel’s well-being and future. In response, Elkanah prayed that the Lord would fulfill His promise and watch over their son. He affirms Hannah’s decision, saying, “Only, may the Lord make good His word” (v. 23).

Once Samuel is weaned, Hannah makes the journey back to Shiloh, bringing him along with a significant offering, including a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine (v. 24-25). Presenting Samuel to Eli, she reminds him, “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord” (v. 27-28). Samuel is now fully entrusted to God’s service, growing up in the Tabernacle under Eli’s instruction. She did not, of course, forget her much-wanted son. She visited him regularly, and each year she brought him a robe just like Eli’s (2:19). In later years, Samuel lived in Ramah (7:17), his parents’ hometown.

To fulfill her vow, Hannah surrendered what was most precious to her, her son, by bringing him to Eli to serve in the house of the Lord. In offering Samuel to God, she wasn’t just giving up her child; she was entrusting her entire life and future to Him. Yet, in reality, she wasn’t losing Samuel; she was returning him to the One who had given him to her in the first place. This passage challenges us to reflect on the nature of our own offerings to God. Are we giving Him only what is convenient, like our Sunday mornings or a comfortable tithe? Or, are we offering Him something truly sacrificial? Are we merely giving God tokens of our devotion, or are we surrendering our entire lives in worship and obedience?

Hannah’s barrenness was not accidental. Rather, God used it to bring about Samuel’s prophetic ministry. Her faith-filled prayer teaches us that God hears and responds in His perfect timing. Hannah’s willingness to give Samuel to the Lord illustrates the principle of surrendering our most precious gifts to God, and because of her obedience, Samuel became a pivotal figure in Israel’s history.

If you are struggling with unanswered prayers, remember that God’s delays are not His denials. Like Hannah, pour out your heart before Him and trust that He hears you. Whether it’s your dreams, career, or family, be willing to dedicate them to His purposes. Hannah’s greatest joy was not merely in receiving Samuel but in dedicating him to the Lord’s service. Hannah’s story is a call to complete surrender. Is there something in your life that you are hesitant to entrust to God? This week, take a step of faith. Bring your burdens to the Lord in prayer and trust Him with the outcome.

In 1 Samuel 2, the narrative pivots between Hannah’s song of praise, the wickedness of Eli’s sons, and a prophecy of judgment on Eli’s house.

The chapter begins with Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving, which is a poetic declaration of God’s sovereignty and justice. After dedicating her son, Samuel, to the Lord, she praises God for His holiness and power. Hannah praised God for being a Rock (v. 2), firm, strong, and unchanging. In our fast-paced world, friends come and go, and circumstances change. It’s difficult to find a solid foundation that will not change. Those who devote their lives to achievements, causes, or possessions have as their security that which is finite and changeable. The possessions that we work so hard to obtain will all pass away. But God is always present. Hope in him. He will never fail.

“Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed” (v. 3). Hannah affirms that He exalts the humble and humbles the proud. No doubt, as Hannah spoke these words, she was reflecting on Peninnah’s arrogance and mocking. Yet, Hannah didn’t feel the need to seek revenge. She trusted that God, who is all-knowing, would ultimately judge all sin and pride. In her wisdom, she left judgment to God. When wronged, resist the urge to take justice into your own hands. God will assess both your actions and the actions of those who have wronged you.

In her prayer, Hannah expresses confidence that God will bring down the mighty and lift up the weak (v. 4-8). Hannah’s reference to herself and Peninnah is especially pointed out. “She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away (v. 5). Hannah eventually had five other children (v. 21), but the expression “seven children” here symbolizes the full granting of her desire for a son. The breaking of the bows (v. 4), satisfying of the hungry (v. 5), raising of the dead (v. 6), and elevating of the poor (v. 7-8) refer to the principle that the final disposition of all things is in the hand of the Lord. He who created the world (v. 8) was able to cause Hannah to triumph. In addition to stating that the Lord blesses His saints but brings the wicked to destruction (v. 9), Hannah closed her poem with the prophetic announcement that the Lord will give strength to His king and exalt the horn of His anointed (v. 10), foreshadowing the coming of Israel’s king, a reference that ultimately points to Jesus Christ as the true King and Messiah.

The chapter then shifts to the wickedness of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who are described as corrupt and evil men (v. 12). They not only abuse the sacrificial system, taking meat that was not theirs and dishonoring God’s commands (v. 13-17), but they also engage in sexual immorality with women who served at the Tabernacle (v. 22). Eli, though aware of his sons’ actions, fails to take appropriate disciplinary action, and despite his warnings, they refuse to repent (v. 23-25).

The law required that the Levites’ needs be provided through the people’s tithes. As priests, Eli’s sons were meant to be supported in this way. However, they abused their position to feed their desire for power, wealth, and control. Their disregard for both the people and the sacredness of worship undermined the integrity of the entire priesthood. Eli was aware of his sons’ corruption, yet he failed to take decisive action, even when the holiness of God’s sanctuary was at stake. As high priest, he had the authority to remove them, and according to the law, their actions warranted severe consequences. Instead, Eli’s reluctance to confront them allowed their unchecked sin to bring destruction upon themselves and others.

Some problems require firm intervention, no matter how uncomfortable or difficult it may be. Ignoring wrongdoing can have lasting consequences, not only for those directly involved but for an entire community. When spiritual leaders compromise or fail to confront sin, it not only affects them but also corrupts the community they serve.

In stark contrast to Eli’s sons, Samuel grows in favor with the Lord (v. 26). As a young boy, Samuel remains faithful to God’s service, ministering before the Lord and receiving blessings from God. Hannah’s faithfulness is rewarded as well, as she is blessed with more children after Samuel’s birth (v. 21).

The chapter ends with a prophecy from an unnamed man of God, who brings a stern message to Eli, condemning his failure to restrain his sons and warning him of the consequences for his household. This prophecy emphasizes that God’s judgment is both certain and just. Due to their actions, God declares judgment upon Eli’s family, promising that they will die young and lose their priestly position (v. 27-36).

The passage underscores that God will not tolerate sin in His house, especially when it comes from those who hold positions of authority. God calls His people to holiness, and He holds leaders accountable for guiding others in righteousness. Ignoring sin in our own lives or within our sphere of influence can lead to destructive consequences. While addressing wrongdoing can be difficult, allowing it to continue unchecked damages relationships, communities, and our witness for Christ. We must have the courage to uphold God’s standards with both truth and grace.

Are you tolerating sin in your life or overlooking it in others out of fear or complacency? Ask God for wisdom and boldness to confront issues in a way that honors Him. Whether it’s personal sin, a harmful habit, or an unhealthy dynamic in your home, church, or workplace, take a step toward repentance and restoration today.

1 Samuel 3 marks a pivotal moment in biblical history as God calls Samuel, ushering in a new era of prophetic leadership. This chapter contrasts the spiritual decline of Eli’s house with the emergence of Samuel as God’s chosen servant. It begins by highlighting the spiritual barrenness of Israel at the time, describing how “the word of the Lord was rare in those days.” Against this backdrop, Samuel experiences a divine calling, in which God speaks directly to him. This moment signifies a transition. God is moving away from Eli’s corrupt lineage and raising up a faithful prophet to guide Israel.

The chapter opens by stating that prophetic visions were uncommon (v. 1), indicating that Israel was in a period of spiritual darkness. While God had spoken directly and audibly to leaders like Moses and Joshua, His word had become rare during the nearly 300 years of the judges’ rule. By the time of Eli, prophetic voices had fallen silent. Why? A look at the behavior of Eli’s sons offers a clue. They either ignored God altogether or allowed their own corruption and greed to block any openness to hearing from Him.

Although Samuel was serving in the Tabernacle under Eli, Samuel had not yet personally encountered the Lord (v. 7). However, one night, as he lay near the Ark of the Covenant (v. 3), God called his name. Mistaking the voice for Eli’s, Samuel ran to the priest three times (v. 4-8). Finally, Eli realized that it was the Lord calling Samuel and instructed him to respond with the words, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.” (v. 9). When God called again, Samuel obeyed and listened, setting the stage for his prophetic ministry.

Once Samuel was prepared to listen, God revealed a sobering prophecy about Eli’s household. The Lord declared, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle” (v. 11). God reaffirmed His judgment against Eli’s family because of the continued wickedness of Hophni and Phinehas. The Lord specifically stated that Eli had failed to restrain his sons (v. 13), and as a result, no sacrifice or offering would atone for their sin (v. 14).

After receiving this severe prophecy, Samuel was afraid to tell Eli (v. 15). However, Eli insisted, saying, “May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you” (v. 17). With courage, Samuel revealed everything God had spoken, and Eli accepted the judgment by saying, “He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes” (v. 18). Despite his earlier failings, Eli’s response reveals a measure of humility and submission to God’s will.

As Samuel continued to grow, God’s presence was with him, and none of his prophetic words “fell to the ground” (v. 19), meaning that his prophecies were fulfilled. By the end of the chapter, all of Israel recognized Samuel as a true prophet of the Lord (v. 20), signaling a new era of prophetic leadership.

Samuel’s calling emphasizes that God still spoke, but he needed someone attentive and open to hearing His voice. Even in times when God seems silent or distant, He is at work, preparing and guiding His people. In the midst of Israel’s spiritual barrenness, God was already raising up a faithful leader in Samuel, demonstrating that God’s purposes are never hindered by the circumstances. This serves as a reminder that we, too, must be attentive and ready to hear from God, especially during seasons when we may feel spiritually dry or disconnected.

A genuine relationship with God requires both listening and responding. Though God may not speak audibly today, He continues to communicate clearly through His Word and the workings of the Holy Spirit. The question is, are we prepared to listen and respond? Like Samuel, we must cultivate a heart that is ready and willing to say, “Here I am,” when God calls us to act.

This story also highlights the consequences of spiritual neglect and the responsibility of leadership. Eli’s failure to discipline his sons led to dire consequences for Israel, reminding us that leaders are accountable for maintaining spiritual integrity and upholding God’s standards. When leaders fail, it affects not just them but the entire community, and God will not allow sin to go unchallenged. Samuel’s courage to deliver a difficult message reminds us that following God often requires boldness, even when the truth is uncomfortable.

Finally, even in the wake of Eli’s failure, God raised up Samuel, demonstrating that when one generation falters, God will always raise up another to continue His work.

In conclusion, the story of Samuel’s calling is a powerful reminder that God speaks, and He desires His people to listen. While Eli’s sons rejected God’s authority and faced judgment, Samuel responded with humility and obedience, saying, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”  His willingness to hear and obey set him apart as a faithful servant of God. These chapters challenge us to examine our own hearts: Are we listening when God speaks? Are we willing to follow Him, even when His message is difficult? Just as Samuel’s life was shaped by his response to God’s call, our spiritual growth depends on our willingness to seek and obey Him. In a world filled with distractions and competing voices, may we, like Samuel, cultivate a heart that is ready to listen and respond to God’s direction.