1 Samuel 2:1-11
Q.1. What did Hannah’s humiliation do for her appreciation of the Lord? How did she view God? What do we learn about the benefits of trials from Hannah’s life? – (1 Sam.2:1-3)
Hannah had endured much shame and provocation, but God had a purpose that she could never have guessed (1 Sam.1:2 & 6). When God gave her a son, she called him – Samuel, because I have asked him of the Lord (1 Sam.1:20). For Hannah, it was all about God. Out of her sorrow she composed a glad song of tribute to Him – 1 … I rejoice in Your salvation. 2 “There is no one holy like the Lord. Indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God (1 Sam.2:1-2). She expressed her trust in God’s mysterious ways – … For the Lord is a God of knowledge, and with Him actions are weighed (1 Sam.2:3). Her trials had helped her to grow and mature in her faith.
Q.2. In what context did Hannah refer to her enemies? Why is it unwise to make surface judgments about earthly circumstances? What happened to Samuel? – (1 Sam.2:1-11)
Hannah also saw the answer to her pleadings, as vindication against her tormentors (c.f. 1 Sam.2:1, 3-4). She reminded those who sang her song, that God is able to reverse the fortunes of the needy – the barren, the poor, and the oppressed (1 Sam.2:5, 7-9). This is because the Lord alone has the power to – kill and make alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up … He also exalts (1 Sam.2:6-7 c.f. Rom.8:28). Even more – 9 “He keeps the feet of His godly ones. But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; For not by might shall a man prevail. 10 “Those who contend with the Lord will be shattered; Against them He will thunder in the heavens. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth … (1 Sam.2:9-10). She gave the Lord the most special sacrificial offering … Samuel – I have also dedicated him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is dedicated to the Lord … (1 Sam.1:28). The parents returned home – … But the boy ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest (1 Sam.2:11). God would not despise such a gift. We are wise to have such trust in the over-arching plans and purposes of God.