I Samuel Chapter 02
Memory verses
for this week: Phil 4:8 Finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be
any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Introduction:
We continue our study on Samuel this week. In last week’s
lesson, we studied about the story of Hannah. She was the wife of
Elkanah, and was barren. She poured out her heart to the Lord
concerning the matter, and God granted her request and gave her a
son. She brought the young man Samuel to the house of the Lord to
be consecrated unto the Lord.
I.
Hannah’s Prophetic Prayer
1 Sam 2:1 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.
1 Sam 2:2
There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee:
neither is there any rock like our God.
In our earlier study of Chapter 1, we found that Hannah was a woman
of prayer. The prayer that Hannah uttered on this occasion
concerning the dedication of Samuel to the Lord was prophetic. God
through the Holy Spirit moved this woman to speak eternal truths.
She begins by praising the Lord who exalts her horn (meaning power)
and enlarges her over her enemies. She praised the Lord for being
most holy and the solid rock of Israel.
Perhaps one of the errors we make when we pray is our failure to
glorify and praise the Lord. So many times in my own prayers I am
quick to start listing off all the things that I want for myself and
my family. But we need to remember to praise the Lord for all He
has done for us.
Psa 106:1
Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for
his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 106:2 Who
can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can show forth all his
praise?
Psa 106:3
Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness
at all times.
Psa 106:4
Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy
people: O visit me with thy salvation;
Psa 106:5 That
I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness
of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.
When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, he gave them the model
prayer which has become known as the Lord’s Prayer. But this is
truly the model prayer. Note that the Lord is praised first in this
prayer.
Mat 6:9 After
this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Mat 6:10 Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
We need to acknowledge the greatness of God, and be most concerned
that God’s will be done in earth as it is in heaven. That was
Jesus’ number one goal during his earthly ministry… to do the very
will of the Father.
1 Sam 2:3 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.
1 Sam 2:4 The
bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded
with strength.
1 Sam 2:5 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.
1 Sam 2:6 The
LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and
bringeth up.
1 Sam 2:7 The
LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
1 Sam 2:8 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.
1 Sam 2:9 He
will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in
darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
1 Sam 2:10 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.
In verse 3, there is good advice for all, but it appears that Hannah
could be addressing Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah directly. She
rebukes her for her pride and arrogance, and reminds her that the
Lord weights the actions and has knowledge of all men and women.
These words were to encourage us to not hurt those who are less
fortunate, as Hannah had been in child bearing. She notes in the
following verses about the power God exerts over the mighty of the
earth. He makes strong men to stumble, and yet girds the stumbling
with strength. It is the Lord who holds the destinies of all men in
His hand. In verse 6, she speaks of God’s saving power and of how
He shall exalt His people to inherit thrones of glory. It is the
Lord who is the power behind the earth. God will keep the feet of
His saints, but the wicked will he deliver to darkness. Two of
my favorite verses in the bible are over in Psalms 37.
Psa 37:23 The
steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in
his way.
Psa 37:24
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD
upholdeth him with his hand.
What an encouragement to know that God orders our steps and is there
to pick us up when we fall. We will have our failures in this
life, but God will help us and lift us up with his loving and caring
hand.
1 Sam 2:11 And
Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto
the LORD before Eli the priest.
At the end of Hannah’s words, there is a reference of Armageddon and
the final judgment. This will usher in the everlasting kingdom of
our Lord Jesus Christ. She says “For the Lord shall give strength
unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.” It says Elkanah
went to Ramah to his own house, and the child Samuel did minister
unto the Lord before Eli the priest.
II. Eli's Evil Sons
1 Sam 2:12 Now
the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
1 Sam 2:13 And
the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered
sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in
seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
1 Sam 2:14 And
he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that
the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in
Shiloh, unto all the Israelites that came thither.
1 Sam 2:15
Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said
to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for
he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.
1 Sam 2:16 And
if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat
presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would
answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will
take it by force.
1 Sam 2:17
Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD:
for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.
While Eli was a good man who ministered unto the Lord, he had two
sons that were wicked and the bible says they knew not the Lord.
Remember that people of high religious positions are not always of
the Lord. Bro. Bryant made mention of how that many will claim to
have done great things for the Lord at the Great White Throne
Judgment, but not a single saved person will be there. Only the
Lost stand at the Great White Throne Judgment. Note the words
Jesus will use:
Mat 7:21 Not
every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is
in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many
will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in
thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done
many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And
then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye
that work iniquity.
Eli had many great attributes, but failing to rebuke his sons was
one of his greatest mistakes. It very sad for God’s people to have
a leader that does not know the Lord. I’m afraid from the actions
of many pastors today, their deeds make it known that they don’t
truly know the Lord. If they did, they would lead the people in
the way of righteousness. So many today are following traditions
of men and preaching a social gospel. As in Eli’s day, God is
angry with those that fail to serve Him properly. I’m sure this
situation may have been a concern to Hannah. She had left her only
son in the hands of the elderly priest Eli who had done a poor job
in raising his own two sons. These verses give us a pretty clear
picture of Eli’s sons. They ignored the provision of the law
relative to the sacrifices and offerings. They took their portion
before the fat was removed. This violated the rules God gave
concerning the priest’s portion.
Lev 3:1 And if
his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the
herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without
blemish before the LORD.
Lev 3:2 And he
shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the
door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the
priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.
Lev 3:3 And he
shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made
by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all
the fat that is upon the inwards,
Lev 3:4 And
the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the
flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he
take away.
Lev 3:5 And
Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice,
which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made
by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
Lev 3:6 And if
his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD be of
the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.
Lev 3:7 If he
offer a lamb for his offering, then shall he offer it before the
LORD.
Lev 3:8 And he
shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before
the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons shall sprinkle
the blood thereof round about upon the altar.
Lev 3:9 And he
shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made
by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall
he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the
inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,
Lev 3:10 And
the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the
flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he
take away.
Lev 3:11 And
the priest shall burn it upon the altar: it is the food of the
offering made by fire unto the LORD.
Lev 3:12 And
if his offering be a goat, then he shall offer it before the LORD.
Lev 3:13 And
he shall lay his hand upon the head of it, and kill it before the
tabernacle of the congregation: and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle
the blood thereof upon the altar round about.
Lev 3:14 And
he shall offer thereof his offering, even an offering made by fire
unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat
that is upon the inwards,
Lev 3:15 And
the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the
flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he
take away.
Lev 3:16 And
the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the
offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat is the LORD'S.
It says that the fat was the Lord’s. Why did they not follow the
rules? It was because they were doing it their way, and didn’t
care. It says they knew not the Lord. When anyone protested,
they would threaten them and take it by force. Verse 17 says
‘their sins were very great before the Lord.’
III. The Child Samuel in the Tabernacle
1 Sam 2:18 But
Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a
linen ephod.
1 Sam 2:19
Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him
from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the
yearly sacrifice.
1 Sam 2:20 And
Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed
of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went
unto their own home.
Samuel is dressed like a priest wearing a linen ephod. He served
there in the tabernacle at Shiloh with Eli. Each year, Hannah
would make him a little coat and bring it to him when she and
Elkanah came up to offer their yearly sacrifice. You know Hannah
had to be proud of her son. Dedicating him wholly to the service
of the Lord had to be hard, but you know how great a way God used
Samuel in His service. Eli prayed and blessed Elkanah and Hannah.
The Lord heard Eli’s prayer and it says the Lord blessed them.
VI. Hannah is Blessed with More Children
1 Sam 2:21 And
the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons
and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.
After being barren for a long time, God now opens her womb and she
has 3 sons and two daughters. She is now blessed with a whole
family. And Hannah was also blessed by Samuel who grew before the
Lord. He grew physically, but the greater meaning is his growth
spiritually.
VII. Wickedness of Eli’s Sons
1 Sam 2:22 Now
Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel;
and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the
tabernacle of the congregation.
1 Sam 2:23 And
he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil
dealings by all this people.
1 Sam 2:24
Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the
Lord's people to transgress.
1 Sam 2:25 If
one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man
sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding
they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD
would slay them.
1 Sam 2:26 And
the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and
also with men.
Eli was old, but he was aware of the wickedness of his sons.
People of Israel came and told Eli what the boys were doing about
the offerings. No doubt many protested against what was going
on. Others told him about the how they committed fornication and
defiled the women who had devoted their lives to the service of the
tabernacle. These two boys, Hophni and Phinehas, had used force
to take the meat offerings improperly, and may well have forced the
women to commit the sinful acts with them. Eli tells the boys that
the report against them was not good. He suggests that there is a
judge to decide matters between men, but who would intercede between
man when he sins against God. The priests were to be there to
intercede for the people, but these priests were wicked and not
acquainted with the real Intercessor. Samuel did not appear to
properly bring these young men into line, and it costs him
dearly. We as parents have a responsibility to teach our
children, and to correct them when they fail. If we do not do
this, we have failed the Lord and our children.
VIII. The prophecy Against Eli's Family
1 Sam 2:27 And
there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the
LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they
were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?
1 Sam 2:28 And
did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to
offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me?
and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made
by fire of the children of Israel?
1 Sam 2:29
Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have
commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make
yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my
people?
1 Sam 2:30
Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy
house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever:
but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I
will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
1 Sam 2:31
Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of
thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine
house.
1 Sam 2:32 And
thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which
God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine
house for ever.
Eli is confronted by a man of God. He warns him that he should
straighten things out. He is accused in verse 29 of honoring his
sons above the Lord. He says that if he wants the blessings of the
Lord, things would have to change. Because of the evil, the man
of God pronounces doom to the house of Eli. God had chosen him to
walk after the Lord, but because they had despised the things of the
Lord, God could no longer bless them. The day was soon coming when
God would bring judgment to Eli’s house. When we are rebuked, we
need to take it patiently and learn from it. It is never fun to be
rebuked, but it says in Proverbs that a wise man can learn from it.
Prov 9:8
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he
will love thee.
Prov 9:9 Give
instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just
man, and he will increase in learning.
Prov 9:10 The
fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of
the holy is understanding.
Prov 9:11 For
by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall
be increased.
Prov 9:12 If
thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest,
thou alone shalt bear it.
1 Sam 2:33 And
the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be
to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the
increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.
1 Sam 2:34 And
this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons,
on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.
1 Sam 2:35 And
I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to
that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a
sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.
1 Sam 2:36 And
it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house
shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of
bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests'
offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.
The Lord tells Eli what is going to come to pass. When God
pronounces judgment, you can mark it down, it is going to come to
pass. One day, both sons would die. And from that day, God
would raise up a faithful priest who would do things God’s way. As
you know, this soon came to pass just as God had said.
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Prov
4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth
more and more unto the perfect day.
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