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1 Samuel 2:18–21, 26
And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men (v. 26).
In a sharp contrast, the details of the sinfulness of Eli’s sons in 1 Samuel 2 are interspersed with brief comments about the covenant faithfulness of Samuel and his family. Unlike many in this apostate time, these Israelites do not abhor the offering of the Lord (v. 17) and do not transgress because of the poor example of the priests (v. 24). The family is obedient to the law of God, and Samuel is trained up by Eli in the way he should go even in the shadow of the heinous sins of the high priest’s sons.
Consider Samuel’s family. Elkanah, his wives, and their children continue to come to Shiloh at least once a year to sacrifice and worship God. Of course, the annual trip is now also an opportunity for them to see Samuel, and Hannah each year makes a small robe and takes it to the boy. The family also gets to know Eli. As time has gone by, the old priest’s appreciation of Samuel has grown, as well as his recognition of Hannah’s sacrifice in giving up her first-born son to God. Therefore, Eli blesses Hannah and Elkanah each year, and prays for them, that God might give them additional children. God answers that prayer, we are told, by “visiting” Hannah and causing her to give birth to three sons and two daughters. Matthew Henry writes: “What is lent to the Lord will certainly be repaid with interest, to our unspeakable advantage, and oftentimes in kind. Hannah resigns one child to God, and is recompensed with five.” The blessing of God is clearly upon this family.
Now consider Samuel. We are told here that he “ministered before the Lord, even as a child.” Henry speculates that Samuel’s ministering may have included learning the law of God, serving the needs of Eli, and performing simple tasks around the tabernacle, such as opening the doors each morning to admit worshipers (3:15). In time, Eli permits him to wear a small linen ephod, the garment of the priesthood. Meanwhile, Samuel is growing much as the boy Jesus later would (Luke 2:52)—”in stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men.” In other words, he is growing physically, but he also is evidencing the hand of God upon his life and making a good impression upon the people. The blessing of God is upon Samuel, just as it is upon his family.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Living in a covenant-keeping family is no guarantee that a child will possess faith in Christ. But it is a tremendous advantage, for the way of salvation and blessedness are made clear to the child. God frequently works in and through such families. If you are a parent, make covenant obedience a Matthew priority—for your child’s eternal good.
For Further Study
- Deut. 6:7
- Ps. 8:2
- Prov. 13:24; 22:6, 15; 23:13–14; 29:15, 17