As – The Faithfulness of Samuel and His Parents First Samuel 2: 19-21

The Faithfulness of Samuel and His Parents
First Samuel 2: 18-21

The faithfulness of Samuel and his parents DIG: How is Samuel compared to ‘Eli’s wicked sons? What must have been Samuel’s relationship with Hophni and Phinehas? How did Hannah continue to care for her son? How is Samuel compared to Yeshua? How was Hannah and Elkanah blessed because of their faithfulness?

REFLECT: What qualities set Samuel and his parents apart from ‘Eli? Which of these qualities would you like to develop more in yourself? When you have to live next to, or work with people like Hophni and Phinehas, how do you react? Does your walk convict them or make them feel right at home? What has the LORD given back to you?

Hannah had given one child to the LORD, and the LORD gave five back.

In contrast to the wicked sons of ‘Eli (to see link click Ar – ‘Eli’s Wicked Sons), we are told of the growing spirituality of little Samuel. After his parents left him at Shiloh (see Ae – The Tabernacle at Shiloh), the boy ministered to ADONAI, in the presence of ‘Eli the high priest (2:18a). The references to him, sandwiched between descriptions of the scandalous behavior of Eli’s sons, witness to the keeping power of the LORD, to whose service Samuel had been dedicated. Scripture takes seriously the commitment of children to His service, and Messiah warned against corrupting children by ungodly behavior (see the commentary on The Life of Christ Ik – The Little Children and Jesus).⁷²

And while ‘Eli’s sons were busy exploiting their sacred positions, Samuel was ministering to the LORD, and like David, wore a simple white linen ephod and functioned as a priest (see the commentary on the Life of David Cr – The Ark Brought to Yerushalayim), even though he was only a child (2:18b NLT). The ephod worn by the priests was a much simpler version of the ornate ephod worn by the high priest (see the commentary on Exodus Fz – Make the Ephod of Gold, Blue, Purple and Scarlet Yarn). It consisted of two pieces: first, a white linen cape that rested on the shoulders in front and behind, and secondly, a white linen sash fastened about the waist. Samuel was somewhat of an apprentice priest, learning the work of the Tabernacle. The Bible often speaks of clothing representing spiritual life (Isaiah 61;10; Zechariah 3:1-5; Ephesians 4:22-32; Colossians 3:8-17; First Peter 5:5), and a change of clothing symbolizes a new beginning (Genesis 35:2, 41:14, 4:22; Exodus 19:10; Revelation 3:18).

He was somewhat of an apprentice priest, learning the ministry of the Tabernacle. The Bible often speaks of clothing representing spiritual life (Isaiah 61;10; Zechariah 3:1-5; Ephesians 4:22-32; Col 3:8-17; First Peter 5:5), and a change of clothing symbolizes a new beginning (Genesis 35:2, 41:14, 4:22; Exodus 19:10; Rev 3:18). Hannah’s loving concern for her son made sure she provided a new ephod large enough to allow for a year’s growth. Each year his mother would make him an ephod and bring it when she came up with her husband to offer sacrifices at one of the three annual festivals (2:19). Each year’s new clothing spoke not only of a boy growing physically, but also spiritually.⁷³

Dressed in this fashion, Samuel not only played the part of a priest, but also looked the part given to him. His faithful example encouraged sincere faith and godliness in others. He reminds us that individual believers may serve the Lord faithfully and with holy lives regardless of the general spiritual environment. Believing managers in a harsh work environment may treat their workers with respect. Where others gain success through dishonest manipulation, believers can serve ADONAI by honest ministry. In the congregations of God, where many members are prayerless and uninterested in teaching and spreading the Gospel, believers can call out to YHVH daily to help shine His light into the darkness of the world. Such believers, who rise above their surroundings, are extremely important, and many times God uses them to bring about revival to His seemingly lifeless Church.⁷⁴

Ha’Shem was about to judge the house of ‘Eli (see Au – God’s Rejection of ‘Eli’s House). However, ‘Eli’s prayer of blessing on the couple was abundantly answered. He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children (Psalm 113:9). ‘Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say, “May ADONAI give you children from this woman because of the boy you have given to ADONAI”; then they would go home to Shiloh. Therefore, ADONAI took notice of Hannah, and she conceived and bore three more sons and two daughters. Hannah had given one child to the LORD, and the LORD gave five back!⁷⁵

Meanwhile, the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor in the presence of ADONAI (2:20-21 and 26), an appropriate description of a son who, like Mary’s Son (see The Life of Christ Bb – Jesus Grew in Wisdom and Stature, and in Favor with God and Other People), had come as a blessing to the whole world. We are told nothing of Samuel’s relationship with Hophni and Phinehas , but surely they didn’t like him. For by his godly walk he was constantly accusing them of their sins; however, Samuel’s relationship with ADONAI protected him.⁷⁶

Dear heavenly Father, praise you for being so wonderful! You love to bless me and fill me with joy. I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10c)! You offer the very best- a living relationship with You, but the relationship with You is never forced on anyone. You so freely offer it to all who choose to love and worship You. How fantastic that the Living God of the universe offers a relationship of love to all who love Him. Now that Yeshua has died and risen you promise to come and to live within that person. Yeshua answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him” (John 14:23).

Thank you that you encourage everyone to come to You, to call upon You, and You will answer. Then you will call on Me, and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek Me and find Me, when you will search for Me with all your heart.  Then I will be found by you, says ADONAI (Jeremiah 29: 12-14a). How wonderful it is to know that You see and walk with me. You are super faithful, a mighty and caring heavenly Father who is in control and will take out the evil in your perfect time. You will reign supreme forever and ever as the King of kings (Revelation 19:11-16)! I love to faithfully follow You. In the Name of the One who sits at Your right hand. Amen