College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 2 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 2
Hannah's song. This grand passage in the Old Testament finds a parallel best in Mary's Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55. Both women must have spoken as they were moved by the Spirit of God, and both were expressing their heartfelt thanks for God's blessings in their lives.
Eli's sinful sons. A strange contrast is seen between the wicked ways of Eli's sons and the pious ways of Elkanah's household. Perhaps the contrast is greater because more is expected of religious leaders such as the high priests of Israel.
It is nonetheless true that piety can be displayed in the lives of any of God's people. A man does not have to be born into the household of a priest in order to live a godly life. Any man who is willing to trust God and keep his commandments can become a leader in God's kingdom.
Samuel's service in the tabernacle. The child Samuel was able to perform many needful tasks around the house of God. Under Eli's directions he grew into manhood through years of toil at menial tasks.
Prophecy against Eli's wicked sons. An unnamed man of God brought God's message of condemnation against the sinful sons of the old high priest.
Eli had learned of the impious ways of his boys, but his rebukes were not strong enough. Parental indulgences have been the undoing of many a son and daughter of doting mothers and fathers.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Man cannot outgive God. Hannah might have been tempted to go back on her promise to give Samuel to God, but she did not do it. She faithfully performed her vow and brought the child to God. As a result, ... the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters (1 Samuel 2:21). She who had no child at first was blessed greatly. She gave her first son back to God. God gave her additional sons and daughters as extra blessings.
2.
Unchastened sons are a heaviness of heart to mothers and fathers. It may have been hard for Eli to correct his sons, but he would have been infinitely better off in the long run to have punished them more severely. His halfhearted rebukes made it possible for them to continue in their sinful ways and eventually led to Eli's being rejected as high priest.
CHAPTER 2 IN REVIEW
1.
How many children did Hannah bear?
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2.
What figure did she use to describe God?
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3.
What instrument of war did she say was broken?
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4.
What was it that belonged to her and was exalted?
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5.
What word was used to describe Samuel's service?
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6.
How many teeth were in the fleshhook used by Eli's sons?
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7.
What was the distinctive garment worn by the priests?
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8.
What garment did Hannah make for Samuel each year?
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9.
Who told Eli his house was doomed?
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10.
Who was to be killed as a sign God's prophecy was being fulfilled?
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