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1 Samuel 2

36 verses

TL;DR

Hannah’s prayer affirms God’s sovereignty, followed by a narrative of Eli’s corrupt household and the rise of Samuel, ending with God’s judgment on Eli’s sons and the promise of a faithful priest.

Summary

Verses 1–10 contain Hannah’s heartfelt praise and a poetic declaration of the Lord’s unmatched holiness, authority, and justice. Verses 11–26 recount the setting of Elkanah’s family: the sinful conduct of Eli’s sons, the corruption of the priestly system, and Samuel’s upbringing in the tabernacle, highlighted by the servant’s greedy practices with offerings. Verses 27–36 record an angelic messenger delivering divine judgment against Eli’s sons Hophni and Phinehas, pronouncing the end of Eli’s line and the emergence of a faithful priest who will serve God forever.

Outline
  1. 1. Hannah’s prayer and the Lord’s sovereignty (verses 1‑10)
  2. 2. Eli’s corrupt household and Samuel’s upbringing (verses 11‑26)
  3. 3. Divine judgment on Eli’s sons and the promise of a faithful priest (verses 27‑36)
Themes
Divine sovereignty and justicePriestly corruption and judgmentProphetic condemnation and hope for renewal
Keywords
HannahElkanahEliSamuelHophniPhinehaspriestsacrificeflesh hooklinen ephodLordjudgmentfaithful priest
People
HannahElkanahEliSamuelHophniPhinehassons of EliGodpriest
Places
RamahShiloh
Things
linen ephodfleshhookthree‑tooth hooksacrificefathornLord
Key Verses
  • 1 Samuel 2:1: Hannah’s heartfelt declaration of God’s exalted power
  • 1 Samuel 2:7: Illustrates God’s sovereign ability to alter fortunes
  • 1 Samuel 2:12: Highlights the moral failings of Eli’s sons
  • 1 Samuel 2:27: First divine message to Eli about judgment
  • 1 Samuel 2:34: Proclamation of the death of Hophni and Phinehas
  • 1 Samuel 2:35: Promise of a faithful priest who will serve God forever
  • 1 Samuel 2:36: Call for the people to serve the righteous priest
Questions
  • What does Hannah’s prayer reveal about her understanding of God’s nature?
  • How does the narrative portray the consequences of corrupt priesthood?
  • In what ways does the promise of a faithful priest provide hope for the Israelites?
  • What parallels can be drawn between the lament in verses 1‑10 and the judgment in verses 27‑36?
  • How does the text illustrate God’s sovereignty over the fortunes of individuals?
  • What is the significance of the “flesh hook” imagery in the context of worship practices?
Sentiment

mixed
Positive affirmation of divine sovereignty contrasted with negative judgment against corruption.