Bible Commentaries

We have the record of the song of triumph sung by Hannah, in which she set forth the might and justice of Jehovah. Thus, in the dark and troublous times, Jehovah is seen acting toward deliverance, by answering the prayer of faith as faith operated in the heart of a simple and trusting woman. There is much human passion manifest in her desire, but the fact that she turned to Jehovah is evidence of her trust in Him; and on the basis of that confidence she prepared a way for the future guidance of His people.

The latter part of the chapter gives a vivid picture of two simultaneous movements of degeneration and regeneration in Israel. The condition of the people was waxing worse and worse, but all the while Jehovah is enthroned, and without let or hindrance moving forward in His work of deliverance.

The corruption of the priesthood was appalling. The sons of Eli were securing their own selfish ends in the most terrible fashion. Moreover, they were polluting the very courts of the house of God by the grossest immorality.

Meanwhile, the boy Samuel dwelt in the precincts of the Tabernacle, and in obedience to the instructions of Eli, ministered to the Lord.

It was during this time that a prophetic messenger came to Eli with a word of stern rebuke. While Eli had been loyal to God in his personal life and action, he had not exercised discipline in his own family; and out of a false pity for his sons had tolerated their evil courses. To him, then, were uttered the solemn words, "Them that honour Me I will honour, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed." These words should be pondered in this connection, for they teach us that no human affection must be permitted to intervene between the soul and its absolute loyalty to God.