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1 Samuel 2:1–10
And Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord …” (v. 1a).
In her need, Hannah silently presented her petition to God (1:11). Now, God having heard and answered her request, she prays again, but these words are bold, emphatic, clear, and jubilant. Her song of praise and gratitude simply rings through the tabernacle. She takes joy not in Samuel but in Samuel’s Creator, noting in verse 1 that by answering her first prayer God has strengthened her (” ‘My horn is exalted in the Lord’ “) and has delivered her from reproaches (” ‘I smile at my enemies’ “).
The remainder of the prayer consists of three parts:
Praise for what God is like (vv. 2–3). Hannah praises four great attributes of God—His holiness (” ‘No one is holy like the Lord’ “), His omnipotence (” ‘Nor is there any rock like our God’ “), His omniscience (” ‘The Lord is the God of knowledge’ “), and His justice (” ‘By Him actions are weighed’ “). In light of these traits, she declares that human beings should shed their pride and arrogance, and should keep silent before Him.
Praise for what God has done (vv. 4–8). Having experienced a great divine reversal of “fortune,” Hannah sings of God’s power to intervene in the affairs of men and completely alter the status quo. He can break the bows of mighty men and give new strength to the weary, she says. He causes those who have plenty to become impoverished and fills the stomachs of the hungry. He can give children to the barren woman and close the womb of the prolific mother. It is He who gives and takes life, who determines poverty and wealth, who exalts and humbles, and who, above all else, elects to salvation. He can do all of this because ” ‘the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them’ “—in other words, because He is the Creator and Sustainer of the world and all the creatures within it.
An expression of faith in God’s protection (vv. 9–10). Hannah is certain God will guard those He loves, His ” ‘saints,’ ” but will defeat His enemies, ” ‘the wicked.’ ” He will judge in His time. In the meantime, one way in which He will do good for His people is through the king He will establish, the “anointed” one He will strengthen. Hannah here speaks prophetically of the coming monarchy, but also of the coming Messiah, through whom God ultimately will judge the world.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Matthew Henry declares: “Praise is our rent, our tribute. We are unjust if we do not pay it.” Are you quick to praise and thank God when He answers prayer or shows you special mercies? Expressing gratitude is a learned behavior. Begin to ask God to help you express your thankfulness to Him. And be sure to thank Him when He does.
For Further Study
- Ex. 15:11
- Deut. 32:4
- Job 1:21
- Ps. 18:2