Hannah worships the Lord with a powerful prayer of thanksgiving and praise to the One Who answered her plea for a son. Under the care and training of the priest Eli, the child Samuel began ministry to the Lord, “And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men” (1 Samuel 2:26 NKJV). In contrast, Eli’s own sons “…were corrupt; they did not know the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:12 NKJV). A prophet rebukes Eli for failing to discipline his sons and prophesies God’s judgment upon them and the cessation of Eli’s family line. “Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind. I will build him a sure house, and he shall walk before My anointed forever” (1 Samuel 2:35 NKJV).
In Hannah’s prayer, which reflects a deep relationship with God as a result of years of deep suffering, we see her faith in the one true God and Savior, Who is the omniscient giver of life and just Judge. In this account of Eli and his sons, we see that Christian leaders and fathers have special responsibilities in shepherding their flocks and families in the ways of God.
Maranatha!
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