Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

1 Samuel 2 Devotional

He Raises the Lowly

“The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.”1 Samuel 2:7 (BSB)

Hannah's prayer celebrates a reversal she has lived, and she sings of a God who does this kind of thing again and again. He breaks the bows of the mighty and strengthens the feeble. The barren woman has children. He lifts the poor from the dust and seats them with princes (2:4-8). And she ends by looking ahead to something Israel did not yet have: a king, the LORD's anointed one, whom he will make strong (2:10).

The rest of the chapter puts her song on display. Eli's sons are priests, yet they treat the LORD's offerings with contempt (2:12-17). Meanwhile the boy Samuel grows in favor with the LORD (2:26). God promises to honor those who honor him and to raise up a faithful priest (2:30, 2:35). Centuries later Mary's song sounds the same notes, praising the God who brings down rulers and lifts up the humble (Luke 1:52). When you feel small, this is the God to trust.

To think about: Where do you feel overlooked or low right now, and how does Hannah's song shape what you expect from God?

About 1 Samuel 2: Hannah’s Song and Eli’s Wicked Sons

Hannah praises the LORD as the holy Rock who humbles the proud, lifts the needy, and will strengthen His anointed king. Eli’s sons abuse the sacrifices and ignore their father’s warning, while young Samuel grows in favor, and a man of God announces judgment on Eli’s house and a faithful priest to come.

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