Text to read: 1 Samuel 2:1 Then Hannah prayed; she said:
“My heart exults in Adonai!
My dignity has been restored by Adonai!
I can gloat over my enemies,
because of my joy at your saving me.
2 “No one is as holy as Adonai,
because there is none to compare with you,
no rock like our God.
3 “Stop your proud boasting!
Don’t let arrogance come from your mouth!
For Adonai is a God of knowledge,
and he appraises actions.
4 The bows of the mighty are broken,
while the feeble are armed with strength.
5 The well-fed hire themselves for bread,
while those who were hungry hunger no more.
The barren woman has borne seven,
while the mother of many wastes away.
6 “Adonai kills and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave, and he brings up.
7 Adonai makes poor, and he makes rich;
he humbles, and he exalts.
8 He raises the poor from the dust,
lifts up the needy from the trash pile;
he gives them a place with leaders
and assigns them seats of honor.
“For the earth’s pillars belong to Adonai;
on them he has placed the world.
9 He will guard the steps of his faithful,
but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.
For it is not by strength that a person prevails —
10 those who fight Adonai will be shattered;
he will thunder against them in heaven —
Adonai will judge the ends of the earth.
He will strengthen his king
and enhance the power of his anointed.”
11 Elkanah went home to Ramah, while the child began ministering to Adonai under the direction of ‘Eli the cohen.
____________________________
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for: Text to read: 1 Samuel 2:1-11
Verse 1
[1] And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
Prayed — That is, praised God; which is a part of prayer.
Rejoiceth — Or, leapeth for joy: for the words note not only inward joy, but also the outward demonstrations of it.
In the Lord — As the author of my joy, that he hath heard my prayer, and accepted my son for his service.
Horn — My strength and glory (which are often signified by an horn,) are advanced and manifested to my vindication, and the confusion of mine enemies.
Mouth enlarged — That is, opened wide to pour forth abundant praises to God, and to give a full answer to all the reproaches of mine adversaries.
Enemies — So she manifests her prudence and modesty, in not naming Peninnah, but only her enemies in the general.
Salvation — Because the matter of my joy is no trivial thing, but that strange and glorious salvation or deliverance which thou hast given me from my oppressing care and grief, and from the insolencies and reproaches of mine enemies.
Verse 2
[2] There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
None holy — None so perfectly, unchangeably and constantly holy.
None beside — Not only none is so holy as thou art, but in truth there is none holy besides thee; namely, entirely, or independently, but only by participation from thee.
Any rock — Thou only art a sure defence and refuge to all that flee to thee.
Verse 3
[3] Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
Talk no more — Thou Peninnah, boast no more of thy numerous off-spring, and speak no more insolently and scornfully of me. She speaks of her in the plural number, because she would not expose her name to censure.
Of knowledge — He knoweth thy heart, and all that pride, and envy, and contempt of me, which thy own conscience knows; and all thy perverse carriage towards me.
Actions — That is, he trieth all mens thoughts and actions, (for the Hebrew word signifies both) as a just judge, to give to every one according to their works.
Verse 4
[4] The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
Bows — The strength of which they boasted.
Stumbled — Or, were weak, or feeble, in body and spirit.
Verse 5
[5] They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
Hired themselves out for bread — It is the same thing which is expressed both in divers metaphors in the foregoing, and following verses.
Ceased — That is, ceased to be hungry.
Seven — That is, many, as seven is often used. She speaks in the prophetick style, the past time, for the future; for though she had actually born but one, yet she had a confident persuasion that she should have more, which was grounded either upon some particular assurance from God; or rather upon the prayer or prediction of Eli.
She — That is, Peninnah.
Feeble — Either because she was now past child-bearing: or, because divers of her children, which were her strength and her glory, were dead, as the Hebrew doctors relate.
Verse 6
[6] The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
Killeth — The same person whom he first killeth, or bringeth nigh unto death, he afterwards raiseth to life. Me, who was almost consumed with grief, he hath revived. The name of death both in sacred scripture, and profane writers, is often given to great Calamities.
Verse 8
[8] He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them.
From the dunghill — From the most sordid place, and mean estate.
Inherit — Not only possess it themselves, but transmit it to their posterity.
Throne — That is, a glorious throne or kingdom.
Pillars — The foundations of the earth, which God created, and upholds, and wherewith he sustains the earth, and all its inhabitants, as a house is supported with pillars; and therefore it is not strange if he disposeth of persons and things therein as he pleaseth.
Verse 9
[9] He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
Feet — That is, the steps or paths, their counsels and actions; he will keep; that is, both uphold, that they may not fall into ruin; and direct and preserve from wandering, and from those fatal errors that wicked men daily run into.
Silent — Shall be put to silence: they who used to open their mouths wide against heaven, and against the saints, shall be so confounded with the unexpected disappointment of all their hopes, and with God's glorious appearance and operations for his people, that they shall have their mouths quite stopped.
Darkness — Both inward, in their own minds, not knowing what to say or do; and outward, in a state of deep distress.
Prevail — Namely, against God, or against his saints, as the wicked were confident they should do, because of their great power, and wealth, and numbers.
Verse 10
[10] The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
Exalt — Increase, or advance the strength.
Of his anointed — Of his king. This may respect Christ, the singular anointed one of God, and the special king of his people. In this sense also, the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth: David's victories and dominions reached far. But God will give to the Son of David, the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. And he will give strength unto his king, for the accomplishing his great undertaking, and exalt the horn, of the power and honour of his anointed, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet.
Verse 11
[11] And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.
Minister — In some way agreeable to his tender years, as in singing, or playing upon instruments of musick, or lighting the lamps.____________________________
Daily Devotion for Week of Monday, 8 June 2015 to Sunday, 14 June 2015:
"Monday, June 8, 2015
Text to read: 1 Samuel 2:1-11
- Read 1 Samuel 1:1-11[1 Samuel 1:1 There was a man from Ramatayim-Tzofim, in the hills of Efrayim, whose name was Elkanah the son of Yerocham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tochu, the son of Tzuf, from Efrat. 2 He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other P’ninah. P’ninah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 This man went up from his city every year to worship and sacrifice to Adonai-Tzva’ot in Shiloh. The two sons of ‘Eli, Hofni and Pinchas, were cohanim of Adonai there. 4 One day, when Elkanah was sacrificing, he gave a portion of the sacrifice to his wife P’ninah and portions to each of her sons and daughters; 5 but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved Hannah, even though Adonai had kept her from having children. 6 Her rival taunted her and made her feel bad, because Adonai had kept her from having children. 7 He did the same every year; and each time she went up to the house of Adonai, she taunted her so much that she would cry and not eat. 8 Her husband Elkanah said to her, “Hannah, why are you crying, and why aren’t you eating? Why be so sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” 9 So Hannah got up after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. ‘Eli the cohen was sitting on his seat by the doorpost of the temple of Adonai. 10 In deep depression she prayed to Adonai and cried. 11 Then she took a vow; she said, “Adonai-Tzva’ot, if you will notice how humiliated your servant is, if you will remember me and not forget your servant but will give your servant a male child, then I will give him to Adonai for as long as he lives; and no razor will ever come on his head.”]. What must it have been like to be Hannah?
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Text to read: 1 Samuel 2:1-11
- Read 1 Samuel 1:12-20[1 Samuel 1:12 She prayed for a long time before Adonai; and as she did so, ‘Eli was watching her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart — her lips moved, but her voice could not be heard — so ‘Eli thought she was drunk. 14 ‘Eli said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Stop drinking your wine!” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a very unhappy woman. I have not drunk either wine or other strong liquor; rather, I’ve been pouring out my soul before Adonai. 16 Don’t think of your servant as a worthless woman; because I have been speaking from the depth of my distress and anger.” 17 Then ‘Eli replied, “Go in peace. May the God of Isra’el grant what you have asked of him.” 18 She replied, “May your servant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went on her way, and she ate, and her face was no longer sad. 19 They got up early in the morning and worshipped before Adonai, then returned and came to their house in Ramah. Elkanah had sexual relations with Hannah his wife, and Adonai remembered her. 20 She conceived; and in due time she gave birth to a son, whom she named Sh’mu’el, “because I asked Adonai for him.”].
- What can we learn from Hannah’s persistence?
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Text to read: 1 Samuel 2:1-11
- Read 1 Samuel 1:21-28[1 Samuel 1:21 The husband, Elkanah, went up with all his household to offer the yearly sacrifice to Adonai and fulfill his vow. 22 But Hannah did not go up, explaining to her husband, “Not till the child has been weaned. Then I will bring him, so that he can appear before Adonai and live there forever.” 23 Her husband Elkanah answered her, “Do what seems good to you; stay here until you have weaned him. Only may Adonai bring about what he said.” So the woman stayed behind and nursed the child, until she weaned him. 24 After weaning him, she took him up with her, along with three young bulls, a bushel of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of Adonai in Shiloh, even though he was just a child. 25 After the bull had been slaughtered, the child was brought to ‘Eli; 26 and she said, “My lord, as sure as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here near you, praying to Adonai. 27 I prayed for this child, and Adonai has granted the request I asked of him. 28 Therefore, I too have loaned him to Adonai — as long as he lives, he is on loan to Adonai.” And he prostrated himself there before Adonai.].
- Why does Hannah take such dramatic action?
- What can we learn about thanksgiving?
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Text to read: 1 Samuel 2:1-11
- Read 1 Samuel 2:1-11.
- Select a single verse and
paraphrase it. - What new meaning is there for you?
Friday, June 12, 2015
Text to read: 1 Samuel 2:1-11
Select another verse from 1 Samuel 2:1-11 and make it yourprayer today .- Repeat it over five minutes.
- What do you sense?
- Does God speak in this kind of repetition?
Saturday, June 13, 2015
- Is there something that you need from the Lord today?
- What is it?
- How can Hannah’s
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Text to read: 1 Samuel 2:1-11
-
Pray for those longing for hope that seems to be fleeting.
Sermon Story "From Grief to Joy and Thanksfulness" from Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 14 June 2015 with Scripture: Text to read: 1 Samuel 2:1 Then Hannah prayed; she said:
“My heart exults in Adonai!
My dignity has been restored by Adonai!
I can gloat over my enemies,
because of my joy at your saving me.
2 “No one is as holy as Adonai,
because there is none to compare with you,
no rock like our God.
3 “Stop your proud boasting!
Don’t let arrogance come from your mouth!
For Adonai is a God of knowledge,
and he appraises actions.
4 The bows of the mighty are broken,
while the feeble are armed with strength.
5 The well-fed hire themselves for bread,
while those who were hungry hunger no more.
The barren woman has borne seven,
while the mother of many wastes away.
6 “Adonai kills and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave, and he brings up.
7 Adonai makes poor, and he makes rich;
he humbles, and he exalts.
8 He raises the poor from the dust,
lifts up the needy from the trash pile;
he gives them a place with leaders
and assigns them seats of honor.
“For the earth’s pillars belong to Adonai;
on them he has placed the world.
9 He will guard the steps of his faithful,
but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.
For it is not by strength that a person prevails —
10 those who fight Adonai will be shattered;
he will thunder against them in heaven —
Adonai will judge the ends of the earth.
He will strengthen his king
and enhance the power of his anointed.”
11 Elkanah went home to Ramah, while the child began ministering to Adonai under the direction of ‘Eli the cohen.
There was a woman who was one of two wives to this man because in the culture they lived a man could have more than one wife. We do not know the circumstance why the man loved the woman who was childless more than the one who was giving him sons, but we do know that the woman who was having children and her children taunted the woman who was childless. This taunted one would break into tears and be unable to eat or drink when they went to the Tabernacle. After they ate, the childless woman went to the altar to cry out to God for mercy in her life as the aging priest looked on. The preist so the woman's mouth move, but no sound came from her; therefore, thinking the woman was drunk rebuked her. The woman told the priest that she was not drunk, but in very distressful grief to which the priest even though he did not the know the request gave a God-promise that God heard and would answer her prayer. The woman went home with her husband and her husban had intimate sexual encounter as Husband and wives do from time to time and God heard her and allowed her to conceive and give birth to a son. True to her promise to give him back to God she took him to the priest after the little boy was weaned and gave to the preist for God's service. How do you relate to this story? What characters do you relate to? How will you respond to God in His answer to your prayer request? As we move forward to the 21st century, there are many families who struggle with a child who is an illegal or legal immigrant as their parents are or a child who has a different sexual orientation than their sex or the family is living in poverty which is extreme or mild or a family who has been given children who are differently abled. In whatever case may exist for you, the church appears to turn away from your family and your child without including them into full and active participation in the church as laity or clergy. You cry out the God with not only your pain, but the pain that you notice that is in your child from a number of church people. You ask God to guide you and your child into the church activities as full participants of the church. How would you react if God open doors for you and your famly? How would you worship God in thanksgiving with a newfound joy instead of grief? As we give thanks to God for what He is doing and will doing we come forward to receive more of His Grace and Love to take and eat His Body and drink His Blood in our participation of the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist singing "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior" by Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915
1. Pass me not, O gentle Savior,
hear my humble cry;
while on others thou art calling,
do not pass me by.
Refrain:
Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry;
while on others thou art calling,
do not pass me by.
2. Let me at thy throne of mercy
find a sweet relief,
kneeling there in deep contrition;
help my unbelief.
Refrain:
Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry;
while on others thou art calling,
do not pass me by.
3. Trusting only in thy merit,
would I seek thy face;
heal my wounded, broken spirit,
save me by thy grace.
Refrain:
Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry;
while on others thou art calling,
do not pass me by.
4. Thou the spring of all my comfort,
more than life to me,
whom have I on earth beside thee?
Whom in heaven but thee?
Refrain:
Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry;
while on others thou art calling,
do not pass me by.
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