August 11, 2015
1 Samuel 2-Part 1
Then Hannah prayed and said: My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high, My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in Your deliverance.
1Samuel 2:1
LET IT GLOW
Who couldn't use some praise every now and them? It sure doesn't hurt, does it? Especially mothers who work hard to raise her children, care for their husband, and household. Not to mention usually she holds down an outside job to boot. But do we praise the Lord while we do those monotonous duties? (Laundry and dishes for me.) What about being thankful for having a washer and dryer now, since we don't have to wash clothes by hand and hang them outside on the clothesline to dry like I did diapers for both of my babies? You too? Hannah was so grateful for God giving her a son that she just had to praise Him in song at the temple. It is written in ten verses. Continue reading to discuss it.
Let me insert a thanks to those who faithfully follow along with me on the journey of faith through the Old Testament. Let me encourage you to make comments along the way. Better get a cup of coffee, tea, or water, because it is a long one today.
In verses 1-10 we read of Hannah's poetic song of praise for her deliverance and exaltation. Luke alluded to it at least four times. She praises God for answering her prayer for a son. The theme of her poetic prayer is her confidence in God's sovereignty and her thankfulness for everything He had done. Keep in mind, this is the day of three year old Samuel's dedication to the Lord. His mother will soon be leaving him at the temple with the priest Eli to learn to serve the Lord there. Instead of being sad, she rejoices. Shall we take a closer look at how Hannah praises and describes the LORD?
- Hannah's heart rejoices in the Lord. (verse 1)
- Her horn (means strength) is in the Him. (verse 1)
- He delivers her. (verse 1)
- Only the Lord is holy. (verse 2)
- He is the only God. (verse 2)
- He is her Rock (cliff, refuge, strength). (verse 2)
- He weighs our deeds. (verse 3)
- He arms warriors with strength. (verse 4)
- He feeds the hungry and they are filled. (verse 5)
- He gave her 7 children when she was barren. (verse 5)
- He brings death and makes alive. (verse 6)
- He sends poverty and wealth. (verse 7)
- He humbles and exalts. (verse 7)
- He raises the poor and needy, seats them with princes, while inheriting a throne of honor. (verse 8)
- The foundations of the earth, upon which He set the world, belong to the Lord. (verse 8)
- He guards the feet of His saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. (verse 9)
- He shatters those who oppose Him as His voice thunders from heaven. (verse 10)
- He will judge the ends of the earth. (verse 10)
- He will give strength to His king. (verse 10)
- He will exalt His anointed. (verse 10)
Described as a Rock, God is firm, strong, and unchanging. In our fast paced world, friends come and go, as well as circumstances change. Is our hope in the One who does neither?
What a song of praise! Do we praise the Lord enough during the day? I have started inserting my own words when I hear Christian songs on the radio as my praise to Jesus.
LET IT GROW
In verse 3, God knows when we speak exceedingly prideful and arrogantly. The Lord is the God of Knowledge.
Is Hannah referring to her former rival, the other wife of Elkanah? Is she referring to all the enemies of God and to His people, also? Guess that covers everyone.
Like Hannah, shouldn't we be confident of God's ultimate control over the events in our lives?
Are we thankful for the ways He has blessed us?
Hey, thanks moms for all you do for your children!
Husbands appreciate you wives, too, although they may not say so often!
We appreciate you teachers, nurses, secretaries, janitors, Sunday School teachers and nursery workers, deacon's wives, pastor's wives, missionary wives! And all you out there holding down other kinds of jobs-thanks!
Keep up the good work! We need you! May the Lord bless you today at your work, no matter where it is!
LET IT GO
...of my problems, issues, and trials. Dump them into Jesus' lap. He can handle them better than I can.
...of my pride and become a humble person.
... and let God.
Praise Him! Praise Him! All ye little children. God is love, God is love.
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