Hannah's Song of Triumph and Eli's House of Fall

1 Samuel 2 is a powerful reminder that God honors those who honor Him and that actions have consequences. As we see Hannah blessed for her faith and Eli's house cursed for its sacrilege, we learn that God's justice and sovereignty are unwavering. This chapter calls for trust, obedience, and reverence in our relationship with God.

Hannah's Prayer (Verses 1-10)

Hannah offers a heartfelt prayer of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for answering her petition for a son. She rejoices in God's deliverance, affirming His sovereignty, justice, and power. Hannah's prayer also prophesies about a king and the anointed one, which is a reference to the future King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ.

The Sin of Eli's Sons (Verses 12-17)

The narrative shifts to the wicked behavior of Hophni and Phinehas, Eli's sons. They treat the offerings to God with contempt, showing no regard for their priestly duties or respect for the worshippers.

The Blessing of Samuel (Verses 18-21)

Samuel, serving before the Lord, receives blessings. His mother visits him annually with a new robe. Meanwhile, God blesses Hannah with three more sons and two daughters, honoring her faithfulness.

Eli's Rebuke and the Pronouncement of Judgment (Verses 22-36)

Eli, aware of his sons' desecrations, rebukes them, but they do not heed his words. Consequently, a man of God comes to Eli, foretelling the doom of his house - no atonement will suffice for Hophni and Phinehas's sins. God will raise a faithful priest who will serve before His anointed one.

1 Samuel Chapter 2 contrasts the exuberant prayer of a devoted servant, Hannah, with the sordid acts of Eli's sons, revealing the outcomes of righteousness and wickedness. It also introduces the prophetic judgment against Eli's house for failing to rein in his sons' blasphemy, setting the stage for young Samuel's rise.

1. Worship and Praise
2. Prophetic Judgment
3. Blessing and Cursing
4. Righteousness and Wickedness
5. Faith and Dedication1. Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving
2. Eli's Sons Sinful Conduct
3. Eli's Family Pronounced Judgment
4. God's Sovereignty1. Hannah
2. Eli
3. Hophni and Phinehas (Eli's Sons)
4. Samuel
5. Unnamed Prophet1. Shiloh
2. Eli's house

1. In Hannah's prayer, she celebrates God's reversal of fortunes (1 Samuel 2:4-8). How do these verses speak to your current circumstances?

2. Compare and contrast Hannah's dedication to God with Eli's sons' disregard for Him. How does their relationship with God affect their actions and consequences?

3. What aspects of God's character does Hannah highlight in her prayer? How does this understanding of God influence her behavior and attitude?

4. How does Eli's response to his sons' wicked behavior reflect on his responsibilities as a priest and a parent?

5. How can the downfall of Eli's house serve as a warning for our conduct as individuals and as a church?

6. What is the significance of the prophecy about the 'faithful priest' and God's 'anointed one'? How does it relate to later biblical narratives?

7. How do you reconcile the goodness of God with the severe judgment announced on Eli's house?

8. How does the behavior of Eli's sons violate the spirit of the sacrifices and offerings to God?

9. Reflect on the statement: "Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained." (1 Samuel 2:30). How does this verse apply to your daily life?

10. How does Hannah's prayer model a heart of gratitude? What can you learn from it?

11. What can we learn from Samuel's faithfulness and his service to the Lord in his youth?

12. How can the drastic consequences faced by Eli's house inspire accountability in leadership roles today?

13. In what ways can you ensure that your reverence for God is reflected in your actions, similar to Hannah and Samuel?

14. How can you respond when you see behaviors like those of Hophni and Phinehas in your community or church?

15. What steps can you take to prevent falling into complacency and sin like Eli's sons?

16. What actions demonstrate that you 'honor' God in your life?

17. Reflect on how God blessed Hannah for her faithfulness. How does this inspire you to trust God with your desires?

18. How can you apply the lessons learned from Eli's family to your personal, professional, or spiritual leadership roles?

19. Considering Eli's ineffective rebuke, how can you effectively admonish those under your care when they stray?

20. What elements from Hannah's prayer could you incorporate into your own prayers to deepen your connection with God?