Hannah’s Prayer of Praise
Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10) is a profound declaration of God’s holiness, sovereignty, and justice. She exclaims, “There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2).

God’s Reversal of Fortunes
Hannah’s song emphasizes how God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. She states, “The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up” (1 Samuel 2:6).

The Corruption of Eli’s Sons
The chapter contrasts Hannah’s faithfulness with the wickedness of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who “had no regard for the LORD” (1 Samuel 2:12).

Divine Judgment and Prophecy
A man of God prophesies judgment against Eli’s house due to the sins of his sons, highlighting God’s justice and the consequences of disobedience (1 Samuel 2:27-36).Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Like Hannah, we can trust in God’s control over our circumstances, knowing that He is faithful and just.

Humility Before God
Recognize the importance of humility and submission to God’s will, as He exalts the humble and brings low the proud.

Integrity in Leadership
Eli’s sons serve as a warning about the dangers of corruption and the importance of integrity, especially in positions of leadership.

Faithful Prayer Life
Emulate Hannah’s example of fervent and faithful prayer, trusting that God hears and answers in His perfect timing.1. Hannah
Hannah is the mother of Samuel. She is known for her heartfelt prayer to the LORD, expressing her gratitude and dedication of her son to God's service. Her prayer is recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, often referred to as Hannah's Song or Prayer. The Hebrew root of her name, חַנָּה (Channah), means "grace" or "favor."

2. Elkanah
Elkanah is Hannah's husband and the father of Samuel. He is described as a devout man who regularly worships and sacrifices to the LORD. His name in Hebrew, אֶלְקָנָה (Elqanah), means "God has created" or "God has possessed."

3. Eli
Eli is the high priest and judge of Israel at the time. He is responsible for the tabernacle at Shiloh and plays a significant role in the early life of Samuel. His name in Hebrew, עֵלִי (Eli), means "ascended" or "my God."

4. Hophni and Phinehas
Hophni and Phinehas are the sons of Eli. They are described as corrupt priests who do not honor the LORD, leading to their eventual downfall. Their actions are condemned in 1 Samuel 2:12-17. The name Hophni (חָפְנִי) may mean "pugilist" or "fighter," while Phinehas (פִּינְחָס) means "mouth of brass" or "oracle."

5. Samuel
Although not directly mentioned in 1 Samuel 2, Samuel is the child dedicated by Hannah to the LORD. He grows up in the presence of Eli and is destined to become a significant prophet and leader in Israel. His name in Hebrew, שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemuel), means "heard by God" or "name of God."1. Shiloh
Shiloh is the central location in 1 Samuel 2. It is where the tabernacle of the LORD is located, and where Eli and his sons serve as priests. Hannah's prayer and the subsequent events involving Eli's sons occur here. In Hebrew, Shiloh (שִׁלוֹ) is significant as it was the religious center for Israel before the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital.

2. The House of Eli
While not a geographical location, the "house of Eli" refers to the priestly lineage and the physical dwelling of Eli and his sons. It is in Shiloh, where Eli's family serves at the tabernacle. The term "house" (בַּיִת, bayit in Hebrew) often denotes both a physical structure and a familial lineage.1. Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving
Hannah offers a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to the LORD, expressing her joy and exalting God's power and holiness. She acknowledges that there is no one holy like the LORD and that He is a God of knowledge who weighs actions. This prayer is a poetic expression of God's sovereignty and justice. (1 Samuel 2:1-10)

2. The Wickedness of Eli's Sons
The sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, are described as wicked men who had no regard for the LORD. They are accused of treating the offerings of the LORD with contempt, taking portions of the sacrifices by force, and engaging in immoral behavior. This highlights their corruption and the spiritual decline in Israel. (1 Samuel 2:12-17)

3. Samuel's Ministry Before the LORD
Despite the corruption of Eli's sons, Samuel is described as ministering before the LORD, wearing a linen ephod. His mother, Hannah, continues to visit him annually, bringing him a little robe. This emphasizes Samuel's dedication and the contrast between him and Eli's sons. (1 Samuel 2:18-21)

4. Eli's Rebuke of His Sons
Eli confronts his sons about their wicked behavior, warning them that their actions are sinful against the LORD. He questions why they continue to sin, but they do not listen to their father's rebuke. This event underscores Eli's failure to control his sons and the impending judgment. (1 Samuel 2:22-25)

5. The LORD's Favor on Samuel
Samuel continues to grow in stature and in favor with both the LORD and men. This indicates God's blessing on Samuel and foreshadows his future role as a prophet and leader in Israel. (1 Samuel 2:26)

6. A Prophecy Against Eli's House
A man of God delivers a prophecy to Eli, declaring that because of the sins of his house, there will be judgment. The prophecy states that Eli's descendants will die in the prime of life, and a faithful priest will be raised up to serve the LORD. This prophecy highlights the consequences of disobedience and the LORD's plan to establish a faithful priesthood. (1 Samuel 2:27-36) Mary’s Magnificat
Luke 1:46-55 echoes themes from Hannah’s prayer, highlighting God’s mercy and the reversal of human fortunes.

God’s Sovereignty
Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

Warnings Against Corruption
Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride goes before destruction, a theme evident in the lives of Eli’s sons. Praise for God’s Holiness
Thank God for His holiness and sovereignty, acknowledging His unique power and authority.
Humility and Submission
Pray for a humble heart that seeks to align with God’s will and purposes.
Integrity and Righteousness
Ask God to cultivate integrity and righteousness in our lives, especially for those in leadership roles.
Trust in God’s Justice
Seek God’s help in trusting His justice and timing, even when circumstances seem unjust or challenging.

As we reflect on 1 Samuel 2, may we be inspired by Hannah’s faith and challenged by the consequences of disobedience, striving to live lives that honor God’s holiness and justice.

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?