1 Samuel 2

I just realized, after posting my entry on 1 Samuel 9, that I had started a post for chapter 2 of this book... but never finished it! I apologize for the mix-up!

I know I read this chapter quite a while ago, but apparently beyond putting in labels I never wrote anything. Skimming over it again now it is split into two sections: a beautiful prayer from Samuel's mother, Hannah, and then a condemnation of Eli's wicked sons. As I've already seen in the following chapters those men were indeed quite evil in their ways, and they were punished by God for twisting his priesthood.

1 Samuel 1

The first book of Samuel opens with his birth, and the cicumstances surrounding it. His mother Hannah was barren, but pleaded with the Lord for a son. He granted her wish, and in turn she devoted the boy to the Lord's service.

Some things I find noteworthy about the chapter:

Hannah's husband, Elkanah, had two wives - this seems to still be accepted at that point in Israelite history. I personally can't imagine having to provide for and take care of two women... not to mention all of the kids that would come along with that. A different time, I guess, and different culture!

Elkanah seems to put up no fight about his son being dedicated to the Lord. I hope this means he was a godly man, as the passage seems to indicate, but it still seems crazy to me to be so okay with giving your small child up and not being there to teach and guide him. I suppose we don't know exactly how old Samuel was when he was given over to work at the temple, but he had been weaned at least. Since that is the only sure indication given it seems to me to imply that this would have been immediately after that - perhaps 2-4 years old.

Eli the high priest at this time seems like a nice enough fellow. He mistakes Hannah's actions at first, but is very generous in his language with her afterward: "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the request that you have asked of him." (1:17, NET)