Tuesday 12 January 2010

Bible Book:
1 Samuel

"Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him." (v.17)

1 Samuel 1:9-20 Tuesday 12 January 2010

Background

Elkanah's family was away at Shiloh on their annual trip toworship and sacrifice to God. There had been a good meal withplenty to eat and drink but Hannah was deeply sad - without anychildren of her own she seems to have been unable to eat. We seethis picture of her praying fervently, and almost bargaining withGod. If she has a son, she will dedicate him to God.

With the understanding that it was God's doing that left herchildless, she must appeal to God - and she was weeping while shewas praying.

Her husband, Elkanah, doesn't seem to understand her feelings, andnow the priest at Shiloh, Eli, also doesn't understand what isgoing on. He assumes that she is drunk - after all there has beenfeasting and drinking! Just as Hannah was appealing to God, now sheappeals to Eli. She was obviously persuasive. In her distress sheexplains just what is upsetting her, and Eli is moved. He gives herhis blessing and prays that God will also bless her and give herwhat she is asking for.

We can almost imagine the change in Hannah, and even in the family.They get up early the following day, they worship, and they returnhome. And before long Hannah gives birth to a son and they call himSamuel (which means something like 'name of God' or 'asked ofGod'). Now the story of Samuel can begin.

To Ponder

Have there been times when you have bargainedwith God? Can you think of things you have promised to do - andhave you kept your promises?

Do you find it easy, or hard, to accept that Godanswers prayers - as with Hannah's prayer?

Monday 11 January 2010
Wednesday 13 January 2010

Privacy information

This site uses cookies and other web storage technologies. You can set your privacy choices below. Changes will take effect immediately.

For more information on our use of web storage, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Strictly necessary storage

ON
OFF

Necessary storage enables core site functionality. This site cannot function without it, so it can only be disabled by changing settings in your browser.

Analytics cookie

ON
OFF

When you visit our website we use Google Analytics to collect information on your journey through the website. This information is anonymous and we do not use it to identify you. Google provides a Google Analytics opt-out add on for all popular browsers.

Marketing cookie

ON
OFF

When you visit our website we use a Facebook Pixel to collect information on your journey through the website. This information is anonymous and we do not use it to identify you.

Your privacy choices for this site

This site uses cookies and other web storage technologies to enhance your experience beyond necessary core functionality.