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1 Samuel 2

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‹ Chapter 1 1 Samuel — All Chapters Chapter 3 ›

1 At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD in whom my horn is exalted. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation. 2 There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God. 3 Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him actions are weighed. 4 The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble are equipped with strength. 5 The well-fed hire themselves out for food, but the starving hunger no more. The barren woman gives birth to seven, but she who has many sons pines away. 6 The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. 7 The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. 8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. 9 He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail. 10 Those who oppose the LORD will be shattered. He will thunder from heaven against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth and will give power to His king. He will exalt the horn of His anointed." 11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy began ministering to the LORD before Eli the priest. 12 Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD 13 or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling 14 and plunge it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or cooking pot. And the priest would claim for himself whatever the meat fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. 15 Even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast, because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw." 16 And if any man said to him, “The fat must be burned first; then you may take whatever you want,” the servant would reply, “No, you must give it to me right now. If you refuse, I will take it by force!" 17 Thus the sin of these young men was severe in the sight of the LORD, for they were treating the LORD’s offering with contempt. 18 Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod. 19 Each year his mother would make him a little robe and bring it to him when she went with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. 20 And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the LORD give you children by this woman in place of the one she dedicated to the LORD. " Then they would go home. 21 So the LORD attended to Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD. 22 Now Eli was very old, and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 23 “Why are you doing these things?” Eli said to his sons. “I hear about your wicked deeds from all these people. 24 No, my sons; it is not a good report I hear circulating among the LORD’s people. 25 If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death. 26 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with man. 27 Then a man of God came to Eli and told him, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Did I not clearly reveal Myself to your father’s house when they were in Egypt under Pharaoh’s house? 28 And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the offerings of the Israelites made by fire. 29 Why then do you kick at My sacrifice and offering that I have prescribed for My dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel.’ 30 Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained. 31 Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that no older man will be left in your house. 32 You will see distress in My dwelling place. Despite all that is good in Israel, no one in your house will ever again reach old age. 33 And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, your eyes will fail and your heart will grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men. 34 And this sign shall come to you concerning your two sons Hophni and Phinehas: They will both die on the same day. 35 Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest. He will do whatever is in My heart and mind. And I will build for him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed one for all time. 36 And everyone left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver or a morsel of bread, pleading, “Please appoint me to some priestly office so that I can eat a piece of bread.”’"

‹ Chapter 1 1 Samuel — All Chapters Chapter 3 ›

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with Hannah's prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God for answering her prayer and giving her a son, Samuel. She dedicates Samuel to the Lord and leaves him in the care of Eli, the priest. The chapter then contrasts the wickedness of Eli's sons, who are corrupt and disobedient, with the righteousness of Samuel, who is faithful and obedient. God judges Eli's household and establishes a new priesthood, and the chapter ends with the introduction of Samuel as a prophet and a leader in Israel. Key verses include 1 Samuel 2:1-10, which describes Hannah's prayer, and 1 Samuel 2:12-17, which describes the wickedness of Eli's sons.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Samuel, which describes the transition from the period of the judges to the period of the kings in Israel. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's plan to establish a new covenant and a new priesthood in Christ. The chapter is connected to other biblical books, such as the book of Psalms, where Hannah's prayer is echoed in Psalm 113, and the book of Hebrews, where the theme of God's sovereignty and judgment is developed.

Heart Application

This chapter applies to our lives by emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience, and by highlighting God's sovereignty and judgment. We are called to trust in God's power and majesty, and to live in obedience to His will. We are also reminded of the importance of prayer and worship, as seen in Hannah's prayer, and of the need to seek God's guidance and direction in our lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about a woman named Hannah who prayed to God for a son and promised to give him back to God if He answered her prayer. God did answer her prayer and she gave her son, Samuel, to serve God in the temple. The chapter also talks about the bad behavior of the priests at the temple and how God judged them for their sins. The main point of the chapter is that God is sovereign and judges people for their actions, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and 1 Samuel 2:27-36.

Voices from the Church

“The prayer of Hannah is a model of prayer, it is a prayer that is full of faith, and full of praise, and full of trust in God's sovereignty.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The wickedness of Eli's sons is a reminder of the corruption and depravity of human nature, and the need for God's grace and redemption in our lives.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Hannah's Prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10) — This section describes Hannah's prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God for answering her prayer and giving her a son, Samuel.
  2. The Wickedness of Eli's Sons (1 Samuel 2:12-17) — This section describes the wickedness of Eli's sons, who are corrupt and disobedient, and highlights the contrast between their behavior and the righteousness of Hannah and Samuel.
  3. The Judgment of Eli's Household (1 Samuel 2:27-36) — This section describes God's judgment of Eli's household, highlighting His sovereignty and power.
  4. The Introduction of Samuel as a Prophet and Leader (1 Samuel 2:11, 26) — This section introduces Samuel as a prophet and a leader in Israel, highlighting his faithfulness and obedience to God.
  5. Conclusion (1 Samuel 2:1-36) — This section summarizes the main points of the chapter, emphasizing God's sovereignty and judgment, and the importance of faith and obedience.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
This chapter teaches that God is sovereign and in control of all things, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:2-10 and 1 Samuel 2:27-36.
The Importance of Faith and Obedience
This chapter teaches that faith and obedience are essential for a right relationship with God, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and 1 Samuel 2:11, 26.
The Corruption and Depravity of Human Nature
This chapter teaches that human nature is corrupt and depraved, and that we need God's grace and redemption in our lives, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:12-17.
The Importance of Prayer and Worship
This chapter teaches that prayer and worship are essential for a right relationship with God, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.

Lessons from 1 Samuel 2

  1. The Importance of Faith and Obedience — This chapter teaches that faith and obedience are essential for a right relationship with God, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and 1 Samuel 2:11, 26.
  2. The Dangers of Corruption and Disobedience — This chapter teaches that corruption and disobedience can lead to judgment and destruction, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:12-17 and 1 Samuel 2:27-36.
  3. The Sovereignty and Power of God — This chapter teaches that God is sovereign and in control of all things, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:2-10 and 1 Samuel 2:27-36.
  4. The Importance of Prayer and Worship — This chapter teaches that prayer and worship are essential for a right relationship with God, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.
  5. The Example of Samuel as a Prophet and Leader — This chapter teaches that Samuel's faithfulness and obedience serve as an example to us of how to live a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:11, 26.

Themes from 1 Samuel 2

  1. The Sovereignty of God — This chapter highlights God's sovereignty and power, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:2-10 and 1 Samuel 2:27-36.
  2. The Importance of Faith and Obedience — This chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and 1 Samuel 2:11, 26.
  3. The Corruption and Depravity of Human Nature — This chapter teaches that human nature is corrupt and depraved, and that we need God's grace and redemption in our lives, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:12-17.
  4. The Importance of Prayer and Worship — This chapter teaches that prayer and worship are essential for a right relationship with God, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.
  5. The Example of Samuel as a Prophet and Leader — This chapter teaches that Samuel's faithfulness and obedience serve as an example to us of how to live a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:11, 26.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What can we learn from Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 about the importance of faith and obedience?
  2. How does the wickedness of Eli's sons in 1 Samuel 2:12-17 serve as a warning to us about the dangers of corruption and disobedience?
  3. What does the judgment of Eli's household in 1 Samuel 2:27-36 teach us about God's sovereignty and power?
  4. How does the introduction of Samuel as a prophet and leader in 1 Samuel 2:11, 26 serve as an example to us of faithfulness and obedience?
  5. What are some ways that we can apply the teachings of this chapter to our own lives and relationships with God?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to Hannah's Prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10)

2:1 This verse introduces Hannah's prayer, which is a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God for answering her prayer and giving her a son, Samuel.
2:2 This verse highlights God's sovereignty and power, emphasizing that He is unique and unparalleled.

2. The Wickedness of Eli's Sons (1 Samuel 2:12-17)

2:12 This verse introduces the theme of the wickedness of Eli's sons, who are corrupt and disobedient.
2:13 This verse describes the specific ways in which Eli's sons were corrupt and disobedient, highlighting their greed and lack of respect for God's offerings.

3. The Judgment of Eli's Household (1 Samuel 2:27-36)

2:27 This verse introduces the theme of God's judgment of Eli's household, highlighting His sovereignty and power.
2:28 This verse describes the specific ways in which God will judge Eli's household, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience.

4. The Introduction of Samuel as a Prophet and Leader (1 Samuel 2:11, 26)

2:11 This verse introduces Samuel as a servant of the Lord, highlighting his faithfulness and obedience.
2:26 This verse describes Samuel's growth in favor with God and man, emphasizing his importance as a prophet and leader in Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of 1 Samuel 2?

The main theme of 1 Samuel 2 is God's sovereignty and judgment, as well as the importance of faith and obedience, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and 1 Samuel 2:27-36.

Who is Hannah and what is her significance in the chapter?

Hannah is the mother of Samuel, and her prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 is a model of faith and obedience. She is also an example of a woman who trusts in God's sovereignty and power.

What is the significance of Eli's sons in the chapter?

Eli's sons are significant because they represent the corruption and disobedience that can lead to judgment and destruction, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:12-17 and 1 Samuel 2:27-36.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 1 Samuel 2:1 → Psalm 113:1-9 Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 is echoed in Psalm 113:1-9, which is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving to God.
2 1 Samuel 2:2 → Isaiah 45:5-6 The theme of God's sovereignty and power in 1 Samuel 2:2 is also seen in Isaiah 45:5-6, which emphasizes God's uniqueness and unparalleled nature.
3 1 Samuel 2:12 → 1 Corinthians 4:2 The theme of corruption and disobedience in 1 Samuel 2:12-17 is also seen in 1 Corinthians 4:2, which emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience in Christian leaders.
4 1 Samuel 2:27 → Hebrews 13:7 The theme of God's judgment in 1 Samuel 2:27-36 is also seen in Hebrews 13:7, which emphasizes the importance of obeying and following Christian leaders who speak the word of God.
5 1 Samuel 2:35 → Hebrews 7:11 The theme of the new priesthood in 1 Samuel 2:35 is also seen in Hebrews 7:11, which emphasizes the importance of Christ as the ultimate high priest and mediator between God and man.
6 1 Samuel 2:1 → Luke 1:46-55 Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 is also echoed in Luke 1:46-55, which is a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God by Mary, the mother of Jesus.
7 1 Samuel 2:2 → Revelation 15:3-4 The theme of God's sovereignty and power in 1 Samuel 2:2 is also seen in Revelation 15:3-4, which emphasizes God's uniqueness and unparalleled nature.
8 1 Samuel 2:12 → 2 Timothy 2:20-21 The theme of corruption and disobedience in 1 Samuel 2:12-17 is also seen in 2 Timothy 2:20-21, which emphasizes the importance of being a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 2

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson The Power of God's Presence by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and experiencing His glory. He leads the congregation in a prayer of surrender and asks the Holy Sp
David Wilkerson Two Ministries Two Priesthoods by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses four stages of the preaching of the word of God. The first stage involves God breaking the strength of the preacher and his family, resulting
David Wilkerson A Holy Remnant (Clip) by David Wilkerson God is quietly preparing a powerful army of dedicated Christians, more devoted than any before, to do exploits and shake hell. This remnant will be made up of ordinary believers wh
Leonard Ravenhill The Man God Tore Apart by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep sorrow and concern for the state of the nation. He emphasizes that God's mercy and patience are running out, as they have crucified Jesu
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 1 Samuel 1-10 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the spirit of God coming upon a person's life and anointing them. He highlights the significance of having a heart turned
Carter Conlon There Is a Song in Every Barren Womb by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker discusses the four hundred years of silence from God and how He never leaves Himself without a testimony. The speaker emphasizes that God determined to
Zac Poonen Grace to the Humble (Kannada) by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility before God, highlighting that God gives grace to the humble and exalts those who submit to His mighty hand. It contrasts Old Testa
Zac Poonen God Honours Those Who Honour Him by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the character of God. He encourages the audience to look at Jesus as an example in various area
John Piper Don't Waste Your Life - Part 2 by John Piper This sermon emphasizes the sovereignty of God over life and death, drawing parallels from Job's declaration of surrender and worship to Hannah's faithfulness and trust in God's pow
Zac Poonen (Beginning a New Year) the Spirit and the Throne by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of being lifted by the Holy Spirit to truly understand God's Word and experience His fullness. He reflects on Revelation 4:1, where John is call

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 2

In this chapter, we see the great and good God, who is holy and just, and who will not tolerate sin and corruption in His people. We see also the importance of faith and obedience, as exemplified in the life of Hannah, who trusted in God's sovereignty and power. The chapter also introduces the theme of the new priesthood, which will be faithful and obedient to God, and which will be established through the ministry of Samuel. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth, and his people are known by the obedience which they yield to him.' This chapter teaches us that God is a God of judgment and righteousness, and that we must be faithful and obedient to Him in all things. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Contrast between the Righteous and the Wicked

The chapter contrasts the righteousness of Hannah and Samuel with the wickedness of Eli's sons, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience. This contrast is seen in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, where Hannah's prayer is described, and in 1 Samuel 2:12-17, where the wickedness of Eli's sons is described.

The Theme of God's Sovereignty and Judgment

The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and judgment, highlighting His power and majesty. This theme is seen in 1 Samuel 2:2-10, where Hannah praises God for His power and majesty, and in 1 Samuel 2:27-36, where God judges Eli's household.

The Introduction of Samuel as a Prophet and Leader

The chapter introduces Samuel as a prophet and a leader in Israel, highlighting his faithfulness and obedience to God. This is seen in 1 Samuel 2:11, where Samuel is described as a servant of the Lord, and in 1 Samuel 2:26, where Samuel is described as growing in favor with God and man.

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