1. Nursing to Weaning. She purposefully skipped the annual sacrifices to nurse Samuel, or maybe to spend time with him. She has set her heart to give him back to the Lord after weaning him. I can imagine her struggling with double thoughts regarding her vow whenever Samuel would make her smile. As their bond grew closer, I wonder if she made reservations to love him so much, so that it would be easier to let him go.
2. “I will take him.” It’s a personal journey for Hannah. It’s a resemblance to Abraham’s going to Mt. Moriah: taking the boy, bringing the necessities for a sacrifice, going to the altar. Both recipients of a promise, both carrying the weight of giving up a son. But they knew better. God above all!
Application:
When God asks for something from us, we should remember that we’re not giving up, but giving back. Everything is from Him, and is for Him. We are merely stewards and we own nothing. It is His grace that allows us to enjoy His gifts. It also boils down to the condition of our hearts: Do we love Him more that all these?
Hannah and her enemies:
a. Warriors’ bows are broken Those who stumbled are
armed with strength
armed with strength
b. Once full but now out for food Hungry but now no more
c. Had many sons, pines away Barren but borne seven
children
children
a. Brings death, brings down to grave Makes alive, raises up
b. Sends poverty Sends wealth
c. He humbles He exalts
Hannah after the Lord’s deliverance: FIRM, FULL, & FRUITFUL
From: The Lord raises the poor from dust,
lifts the needy from the ash heap
lifts the needy from the ash heap
To: He seats them with princes, and has them inherit a throne of honor
Application:
“The Lord is the God who knows” (v.3b). He is fully aware of our lives, our heartbreaks, our longings. He sees, hears, and remembers. He is just and wise, compassionate and gracious. We should never worry, we shall not want!
God can fully turn around a situation and transform us far more than we could imagine. Looking back and seeing myself now, is a testimony of His mercy and grace. He could have just saved me from sin, and that was enough. But He continued His good work and gave me life, and love, and joy abundantly! And the list continues..
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