WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.040 We are beginning a series in the book of 1 Samuel, so if you want to look along in a Bible, it's page 225 in the Pew Bibles. 00:00:09.400 --> 00:00:17.080 And I'm actually going to start by reading the end of our passage. We have a long passage tonight, which we'll look at in a couple sections. 00:00:17.780 --> 00:00:28.000 It begins with a story and ends with a song. So let me begin by reading the song, which is 1 Samuel chapter 2, Hannah's Prayer. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:34.020 And then as we go along, we'll go back through the story that leads up to it. 00:00:36.539 --> 00:00:42.620 So 1 Samuel 2, I'm going to read chapter 2, 1 through 11, and then we'll go back through chapter 1 as we go. 00:00:44.060 --> 00:00:44.579 It says, 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:30.000 00:01:30.000 --> 00:02:00.000 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:21.900 So according to many people, the Christian church in the United States is declining. 00:02:21.900 --> 00:02:31.099 According to one survey, approximately 80% of all churches in North America have reached a plateau or are decreasing in attendance. 00:02:31.920 --> 00:02:37.480 Another survey asked people, did you attend a church service in the last seven days? 00:02:38.120 --> 00:02:40.259 And about 40% of people said yes. 00:02:40.259 --> 00:02:51.739 But then they contacted churches and denominations to get their records, and they added up all the churches' records and only got about 20%. 00:02:51.739 --> 00:03:00.780 So it seems like there's a lot more people who are saying they're going to church than actually are, if the statistics are correct. 00:03:00.780 --> 00:03:11.599 But if present trends continue, by the year 2050, about 35 years from now, only half as many people, percentage-wise, will still be attending church. 00:03:12.780 --> 00:03:21.420 So, that's a challenge for churches and people who work for churches, right? 00:03:21.419 --> 00:03:24.539 The future seems bleak or at best uncertain. 00:03:26.099 --> 00:03:32.500 Well, maybe you feel similarly as you look to your own life or your own future. 00:03:33.379 --> 00:03:41.379 Maybe you worry about finding a job after you graduate, when in some fields, over 50% of PhDs never find a position in their field. 00:03:42.399 --> 00:03:44.179 Maybe you worry about finding a job, period. 00:03:45.060 --> 00:03:50.879 The economy has improved somewhat in the last five years, but jobs are still not easy to find. 00:03:51.419 --> 00:03:56.979 Especially if you're getting older, or if you don't have a college degree, or if you have any kind of criminal record. 00:03:58.299 --> 00:03:59.979 Maybe you're hoping to find someone to marry. 00:04:00.939 --> 00:04:04.500 But every year, that possibility seems more and more distant. 00:04:05.519 --> 00:04:08.459 Maybe you worry about the world that your children are growing up in. 00:04:09.560 --> 00:04:11.159 How unstable it seems to be. 00:04:12.399 --> 00:04:15.139 Well, this evening we're beginning a series in 1 Samuel. 00:04:15.139 --> 00:04:21.519 And the book of Samuel begins in a time when the outlook for God's people seemed bleak. 00:04:22.599 --> 00:04:26.740 It seemed that their future prospects were dim and the world was falling apart. 00:04:27.740 --> 00:04:31.139 But it tells a story of God mercifully intervening. 00:04:32.139 --> 00:04:34.959 To turn the world upside down and inside out. 00:04:35.519 --> 00:04:38.199 To bring down corrupt and proud leaders. 00:04:38.419 --> 00:04:41.139 And raise up a faithful and humble king. 00:04:42.139 --> 00:04:43.379 To lead God's people. 00:04:43.379 --> 00:04:49.219 Now, over the next few months, we're going to be going through this book of 1 Samuel. 00:04:50.079 --> 00:04:52.060 But it's actually part of a larger book. 00:04:52.180 --> 00:04:55.579 1 and 2 Samuel were originally one long book. 00:04:56.120 --> 00:04:58.060 It was split into two halves later on. 00:04:58.120 --> 00:04:59.639 Probably just because it was so long. 00:05:00.079 --> 00:05:02.259 And it maybe didn't fit on an ancient scroll. 00:05:02.600 --> 00:05:07.659 But in order to understand 1 Samuel, we'll occasionally look to 2 Samuel as well. 00:05:07.659 --> 00:05:10.079 Because really, they're two volumes of the same book. 00:05:10.079 --> 00:05:14.560 But before we delve into Samuel, flip a few pages back. 00:05:14.659 --> 00:05:16.459 Notice what comes right before Samuel. 00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:18.339 So there's the small book of Ruth. 00:05:18.939 --> 00:05:21.099 That tells the story of Ruth and her family. 00:05:21.240 --> 00:05:23.159 And God's provision and kindness to them. 00:05:23.699 --> 00:05:28.479 But the last major book recounting the history of Israel is the Judges. 00:05:28.919 --> 00:05:31.060 And if you look at the last verse of Judges. 00:05:31.759 --> 00:05:33.199 Judges 21-25. 00:05:33.199 --> 00:05:34.539 It says, 00:05:34.639 --> 00:05:36.539 In those days there was no king in Israel. 00:05:36.719 --> 00:05:39.699 And everyone did what was right in his own eyes. 00:05:40.719 --> 00:05:43.039 And if you read the last five chapters of Judges. 00:05:43.180 --> 00:05:45.599 It's a pretty dark time. 00:05:46.519 --> 00:05:49.899 The end of Judges describes political and moral chaos. 00:05:50.599 --> 00:05:53.240 It begins with a child who stole from his mother. 00:05:53.800 --> 00:05:56.719 And then a crooked priest who only cared about money. 00:05:57.240 --> 00:06:00.159 Violent gangs who preyed on unsuspecting people. 00:06:00.160 --> 00:06:02.640 The rape and murder of an innocent woman. 00:06:02.920 --> 00:06:04.540 Ending in a brutal civil war. 00:06:06.040 --> 00:06:08.140 It was a dark time in Israel. 00:06:08.260 --> 00:06:09.500 The nation was falling apart. 00:06:09.620 --> 00:06:12.320 The leaders were corrupt or simply non-existent. 00:06:13.340 --> 00:06:16.860 And the beginning of Samuel also portrays this dark time. 00:06:18.740 --> 00:06:20.379 Now if you go to 1 Samuel 1. 00:06:21.460 --> 00:06:23.100 We're going to start reading the story. 00:06:24.420 --> 00:06:26.200 That leads up to the prayer we just read. 00:06:26.199 --> 00:06:30.539 So 1 Samuel 1 begins like this. 00:06:30.899 --> 00:06:32.199 We'll go through section by section. 00:06:32.300 --> 00:06:34.379 At the end as we usually do in our evening service. 00:06:34.479 --> 00:06:35.699 We'll have time for some Q&A. 00:06:36.240 --> 00:06:38.039 So if you have questions as you go along. 00:06:38.159 --> 00:06:40.159 You can jot those down or note them in your mind. 00:06:40.279 --> 00:06:41.839 And you'll have a chance to ask them. 00:06:42.219 --> 00:06:43.199 And we can talk about them. 00:06:43.620 --> 00:06:45.159 So 1 Samuel chapter 1. 00:06:45.219 --> 00:06:47.839 There was a certain man of Ramatham Zophim. 00:06:47.899 --> 00:06:49.180 Of the hill country of Ephraim. 00:06:49.439 --> 00:06:50.519 Whose name was Elkanah. 00:06:51.199 --> 00:06:52.139 The son of Jerohim. 00:06:52.279 --> 00:06:53.139 The son of Elihu. 00:06:53.219 --> 00:06:53.919 The son of Tohu. 00:06:54.019 --> 00:06:54.719 The son of Zuth. 00:06:55.039 --> 00:06:55.659 And Ephrathite. 00:06:55.660 --> 00:06:57.020 He had two wives. 00:06:57.540 --> 00:06:58.500 The name of the one was Hannah. 00:06:59.040 --> 00:07:00.220 The name of the other Peninnah. 00:07:00.980 --> 00:07:02.060 And Peninnah had children. 00:07:02.200 --> 00:07:03.260 But Hannah had no children. 00:07:04.220 --> 00:07:05.480 Now this man used to go up. 00:07:05.560 --> 00:07:06.640 Year by year from his city. 00:07:06.740 --> 00:07:08.020 To worship and to sacrifice. 00:07:08.140 --> 00:07:09.640 To the Lord of hosts at Shiloh. 00:07:10.180 --> 00:07:11.500 Where the two sons of Eli. 00:07:11.640 --> 00:07:12.520 Hophni and Phinehas. 00:07:12.600 --> 00:07:13.660 Were priests of the Lord. 00:07:14.360 --> 00:07:16.460 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed. 00:07:16.720 --> 00:07:18.720 He would give portions to Peninnah his wife. 00:07:18.940 --> 00:07:20.340 And to all her sons and daughters. 00:07:21.040 --> 00:07:22.780 But to Hannah he gave a double portion. 00:07:22.780 --> 00:07:23.879 Because he loved her. 00:07:23.879 --> 00:07:25.659 Though the Lord had closed her womb. 00:07:26.199 --> 00:07:27.219 And her rival. 00:07:27.600 --> 00:07:28.659 Used to provoke her. 00:07:29.259 --> 00:07:30.779 Grievously to irritate her. 00:07:31.100 --> 00:07:32.719 Because the Lord had closed her womb. 00:07:32.819 --> 00:07:33.620 So it went on. 00:07:33.920 --> 00:07:35.100 Year by year. 00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:37.639 As often as she went up to the house of the Lord. 00:07:37.719 --> 00:07:38.719 She used to provoke her. 00:07:39.779 --> 00:07:40.719 Therefore Hannah wept. 00:07:41.159 --> 00:07:42.019 And would not eat. 00:07:43.000 --> 00:07:44.680 And Elkanah her husband said to her. 00:07:44.719 --> 00:07:45.019 Hannah. 00:07:45.659 --> 00:07:46.719 Why do you weep? 00:07:47.240 --> 00:07:48.259 And why do you not eat? 00:07:48.319 --> 00:07:49.659 And why is your heart sad? 00:07:49.660 --> 00:07:52.380 Am I not more to you than ten sons? 00:07:53.420 --> 00:07:54.340 Now what's surprising. 00:07:54.720 --> 00:07:56.180 About the beginning of Samuel. 00:07:56.740 --> 00:07:58.160 Is that Samuel is a book about. 00:07:58.300 --> 00:07:59.880 God raising up great leaders. 00:08:00.460 --> 00:08:01.900 For the nation of Israel. 00:08:02.020 --> 00:08:03.680 But it begins by focusing in. 00:08:03.760 --> 00:08:05.380 On this obscure family. 00:08:06.040 --> 00:08:07.320 From the middle of nowhere. 00:08:08.200 --> 00:08:09.560 The hill country of Ephraim. 00:08:10.780 --> 00:08:11.060 Right? 00:08:11.740 --> 00:08:13.280 The most rural part. 00:08:13.279 --> 00:08:15.879 And first Samuel as a whole. 00:08:16.179 --> 00:08:18.239 Focuses on three powerful men. 00:08:18.979 --> 00:08:19.419 Samuel. 00:08:19.919 --> 00:08:20.299 Saul. 00:08:20.679 --> 00:08:21.179 And David. 00:08:22.319 --> 00:08:23.819 But the book begins. 00:08:24.259 --> 00:08:25.539 By focusing in. 00:08:25.739 --> 00:08:27.679 On a relatively powerless woman. 00:08:28.679 --> 00:08:28.939 Hannah. 00:08:30.299 --> 00:08:31.959 Verses one and two set the stage. 00:08:32.279 --> 00:08:33.559 By introducing the family. 00:08:33.720 --> 00:08:35.220 But gradually the focus shifts. 00:08:35.699 --> 00:08:36.319 To Hannah. 00:08:37.220 --> 00:08:38.279 Whose name means. 00:08:38.679 --> 00:08:39.779 Favored one. 00:08:41.019 --> 00:08:42.079 Now the problem is. 00:08:42.080 --> 00:08:43.500 Hannah's life. 00:08:43.500 --> 00:08:44.400 Didn't seem. 00:08:44.820 --> 00:08:45.840 Very favored. 00:08:47.040 --> 00:08:47.940 Verse two tells us. 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:48.960 Hannah had no children. 00:08:49.800 --> 00:08:51.420 Because the Lord had closed her womb. 00:08:52.620 --> 00:08:53.759 Now in the ancient world. 00:08:54.420 --> 00:08:55.340 A woman's identity. 00:08:55.500 --> 00:08:56.940 Normally revolved around. 00:08:57.320 --> 00:08:58.240 Marriage and children. 00:08:58.400 --> 00:08:59.420 Far more than today. 00:09:00.180 --> 00:09:01.240 But in ancient Israel. 00:09:01.360 --> 00:09:02.300 There was even more. 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:03.020 At stake. 00:09:03.740 --> 00:09:04.980 Because God had promised. 00:09:05.160 --> 00:09:06.300 In Deuteronomy 28. 00:09:06.960 --> 00:09:08.040 That if the people of Israel. 00:09:08.220 --> 00:09:08.800 Were faithful. 00:09:09.259 --> 00:09:09.860 And obedient. 00:09:10.080 --> 00:09:10.980 In the promised land. 00:09:11.060 --> 00:09:12.000 That he would bless them. 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:13.679 With fruitful wombs. 00:09:14.179 --> 00:09:15.059 With many children. 00:09:16.259 --> 00:09:17.460 And back in Genesis three. 00:09:17.639 --> 00:09:18.500 God had promised. 00:09:19.179 --> 00:09:20.500 That the seed of the woman. 00:09:21.240 --> 00:09:21.940 A child. 00:09:22.179 --> 00:09:22.940 Born to a woman. 00:09:22.940 --> 00:09:23.799 Would one day. 00:09:24.139 --> 00:09:24.539 Crush. 00:09:25.159 --> 00:09:26.320 The serpent's head. 00:09:27.039 --> 00:09:28.379 Would crush the evil one. 00:09:28.919 --> 00:09:29.519 And defeat. 00:09:29.919 --> 00:09:30.279 Evil. 00:09:30.639 --> 00:09:31.220 In the world. 00:09:32.240 --> 00:09:33.460 So Hannah must have wondered. 00:09:34.460 --> 00:09:35.779 If I am favored. 00:09:35.779 --> 00:09:37.019 By God. 00:09:37.740 --> 00:09:39.000 Why is God treating me. 00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:40.319 As if I am cursed. 00:09:41.159 --> 00:09:42.459 Why am I being prevented. 00:09:42.459 --> 00:09:43.319 From participating. 00:09:43.959 --> 00:09:44.879 In God's plan. 00:09:46.519 --> 00:09:47.139 And of course. 00:09:47.199 --> 00:09:48.019 It only got worse. 00:09:49.139 --> 00:09:50.279 Because it wasn't just Hannah. 00:09:50.539 --> 00:09:50.899 Wandering. 00:09:51.259 --> 00:09:52.059 Inside herself. 00:09:52.179 --> 00:09:52.480 It was. 00:09:53.159 --> 00:09:53.519 Peninnah. 00:09:53.639 --> 00:09:54.179 Her rival. 00:09:54.339 --> 00:09:55.159 Who was rubbing it in. 00:09:55.220 --> 00:09:55.860 All the time. 00:09:55.860 --> 00:09:57.860 It says her rival. 00:09:57.860 --> 00:09:58.740 Used to provoke her. 00:09:59.620 --> 00:10:00.100 Grievously. 00:10:00.600 --> 00:10:01.480 To irritate her. 00:10:01.480 --> 00:10:02.259 And it went on. 00:10:02.340 --> 00:10:02.940 Year by year. 00:10:03.039 --> 00:10:03.940 As often as she went up. 00:10:04.000 --> 00:10:04.779 To the house of the Lord. 00:10:04.840 --> 00:10:06.100 It wasn't just a one time again. 00:10:06.340 --> 00:10:06.700 Event. 00:10:06.960 --> 00:10:08.340 These verses are talking about. 00:10:08.620 --> 00:10:09.320 An ongoing. 00:10:09.820 --> 00:10:10.899 Never stopping. 00:10:11.240 --> 00:10:11.720 Pattern. 00:10:12.700 --> 00:10:13.180 I mean. 00:10:13.220 --> 00:10:13.680 Just think. 00:10:14.159 --> 00:10:15.600 If every time. 00:10:15.800 --> 00:10:16.840 You came to church. 00:10:17.399 --> 00:10:18.440 Someone else. 00:10:19.120 --> 00:10:19.639 Intentionally. 00:10:20.279 --> 00:10:21.240 Made comments. 00:10:21.800 --> 00:10:22.480 To irritate. 00:10:22.480 --> 00:10:23.180 And provoke you. 00:10:23.240 --> 00:10:23.759 To the point. 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:24.740 Of you. 00:10:25.039 --> 00:10:25.960 Bursting into tears. 00:10:26.139 --> 00:10:27.159 Every single time. 00:10:27.240 --> 00:10:27.879 You came here. 00:10:29.519 --> 00:10:29.879 Eventually. 00:10:30.000 --> 00:10:30.860 You just wouldn't want to come. 00:10:32.460 --> 00:10:33.420 Maybe pretty quickly. 00:10:33.500 --> 00:10:34.159 You wouldn't want to come. 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:37.460 Maybe you can identify. 00:10:37.460 --> 00:10:38.720 With Hannah's. 00:10:39.019 --> 00:10:39.340 Feeling. 00:10:41.240 --> 00:10:42.620 You might wonder inside. 00:10:42.779 --> 00:10:43.420 If God. 00:10:43.680 --> 00:10:44.560 Really loves me. 00:10:45.159 --> 00:10:46.779 If he has extended his favor. 00:10:46.920 --> 00:10:47.639 And grace to me. 00:10:47.700 --> 00:10:48.539 In Jesus Christ. 00:10:50.019 --> 00:10:51.460 Why is my life so hard? 00:10:52.480 --> 00:10:54.960 Why does it seem to be heading toward a dead end? 00:10:56.320 --> 00:10:57.800 Of meaninglessness? 00:10:59.300 --> 00:11:00.440 Why do other people. 00:11:00.960 --> 00:11:01.399 Who. 00:11:02.000 --> 00:11:04.220 Perhaps don't really care about God at all. 00:11:04.560 --> 00:11:06.639 Seem so much more successful than I am. 00:11:08.779 --> 00:11:11.259 Maybe there's even someone who sort of rubs it in your face. 00:11:12.659 --> 00:11:14.300 And it just seems to go on and on. 00:11:15.620 --> 00:11:16.620 Well in verse 9. 00:11:17.360 --> 00:11:18.920 We see Hannah's response. 00:11:18.919 --> 00:11:21.279 So let's read. 00:11:21.479 --> 00:11:22.259 Starting at verse 9. 00:11:22.259 --> 00:11:24.039 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh. 00:11:24.839 --> 00:11:26.059 Hannah rose. 00:11:27.079 --> 00:11:28.059 Now Eli the priest. 00:11:28.199 --> 00:11:29.120 Was sitting on the seat. 00:11:29.199 --> 00:11:31.099 Beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. 00:11:31.399 --> 00:11:32.719 She was deeply distressed. 00:11:33.199 --> 00:11:34.459 And prayed to the Lord. 00:11:34.939 --> 00:11:36.319 And wept bitterly. 00:11:36.719 --> 00:11:37.919 And she vowed a vow. 00:11:38.539 --> 00:11:39.000 And said. 00:11:39.059 --> 00:11:40.059 O Lord of hosts. 00:11:40.459 --> 00:11:43.279 If you will indeed look upon the affliction of your servant. 00:11:43.659 --> 00:11:44.579 And remember me. 00:11:45.039 --> 00:11:46.360 And not forget your servant. 00:11:46.360 --> 00:11:48.720 But will give to your servant a son. 00:11:49.840 --> 00:11:51.340 Then I will give him to the Lord. 00:11:52.060 --> 00:11:53.279 All the days of his life. 00:11:54.100 --> 00:11:55.600 And no razor shall touch his head. 00:11:56.840 --> 00:11:58.720 As she continued praying before the Lord. 00:11:58.820 --> 00:11:59.980 Eli observed her mouth. 00:12:01.259 --> 00:12:02.460 Hannah was speaking in her heart. 00:12:03.259 --> 00:12:04.259 Only her lips moved. 00:12:04.340 --> 00:12:05.419 And her voice was not heard. 00:12:05.539 --> 00:12:06.720 Therefore Eli took her. 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:08.060 To be a drunken woman. 00:12:08.940 --> 00:12:09.899 And Eli said to her. 00:12:09.980 --> 00:12:11.740 How long will you go on being drunk? 00:12:12.139 --> 00:12:13.580 Put your wine away from you. 00:12:13.580 --> 00:12:15.840 But Hannah answered. 00:12:15.920 --> 00:12:17.000 No my Lord. 00:12:17.720 --> 00:12:19.259 I am a woman troubled in spirit. 00:12:20.060 --> 00:12:22.460 I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink. 00:12:22.879 --> 00:12:25.420 But I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. 00:12:26.160 --> 00:12:28.480 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman. 00:12:29.320 --> 00:12:30.900 For all along I have been speaking. 00:12:31.040 --> 00:12:33.560 Out of my great anxiety and vexation. 00:12:34.740 --> 00:12:35.600 Then Eli answered. 00:12:35.680 --> 00:12:36.280 Go in peace. 00:12:36.940 --> 00:12:37.960 And the God of Israel. 00:12:38.080 --> 00:12:39.840 Grant your petition that you have made to him. 00:12:40.680 --> 00:12:41.240 And she said. 00:12:41.280 --> 00:12:43.100 Let your servant find favor in your eyes. 00:12:43.820 --> 00:12:45.639 Then the woman went her way and ate. 00:12:46.120 --> 00:12:47.580 And her face was no longer sad. 00:12:48.720 --> 00:12:49.500 Now verse 9. 00:12:50.820 --> 00:12:51.460 Where it says. 00:12:51.680 --> 00:12:52.960 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh. 00:12:53.019 --> 00:12:53.740 Hannah rose. 00:12:54.360 --> 00:12:55.700 Verse 9 is a turning point. 00:12:56.019 --> 00:12:56.740 In this story. 00:12:57.580 --> 00:12:59.560 Because verses 1 and 2 set the stage. 00:12:59.620 --> 00:13:01.000 And give us the cast of characters. 00:13:02.040 --> 00:13:03.139 Verses 3 through 9. 00:13:03.240 --> 00:13:04.480 Show us the habitual pattern. 00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:05.800 That's going on year by year. 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:06.519 On and on. 00:13:06.519 --> 00:13:08.360 But in verse 9. 00:13:09.320 --> 00:13:10.399 Hannah speaks. 00:13:10.399 --> 00:13:11.579 And acts. 00:13:12.120 --> 00:13:13.799 For the first time. 00:13:14.120 --> 00:13:14.579 In the story. 00:13:14.679 --> 00:13:15.379 Now so far. 00:13:15.459 --> 00:13:16.600 Hannah's been passive. 00:13:17.500 --> 00:13:19.679 She's only responded to Peninnah. 00:13:20.120 --> 00:13:21.100 Provoking her. 00:13:21.319 --> 00:13:23.220 By weeping and refusing to eat. 00:13:24.360 --> 00:13:25.699 She's been silent. 00:13:25.980 --> 00:13:26.779 And suffering. 00:13:28.779 --> 00:13:30.879 She hasn't been able to do anything. 00:13:31.620 --> 00:13:32.799 But here in verse 9. 00:13:32.860 --> 00:13:34.319 It says Hannah rose. 00:13:34.319 --> 00:13:35.319 She stood up. 00:13:36.000 --> 00:13:37.760 She didn't simply remain passive. 00:13:39.200 --> 00:13:40.500 But her first action. 00:13:41.379 --> 00:13:42.280 Was not to. 00:13:42.940 --> 00:13:44.280 Sock Peninnah in the face. 00:13:45.600 --> 00:13:47.420 But to come before God in prayer. 00:13:49.200 --> 00:13:51.020 Before she spoke to anyone else. 00:13:51.580 --> 00:13:52.620 She spoke to God. 00:13:53.400 --> 00:13:54.800 And she brought all her distress. 00:13:55.700 --> 00:13:56.800 All her longings. 00:13:57.320 --> 00:13:58.180 All her hopes. 00:13:58.180 --> 00:14:00.600 All her pain and misery to God. 00:14:01.300 --> 00:14:02.140 In prayer. 00:14:02.139 --> 00:14:05.299 One scholar wrote. 00:14:05.860 --> 00:14:07.039 Her prayer was direct. 00:14:07.319 --> 00:14:08.179 And artless. 00:14:08.819 --> 00:14:09.759 Not poetic. 00:14:09.960 --> 00:14:10.519 Or symmetrical. 00:14:10.740 --> 00:14:11.580 It was an anxious. 00:14:12.000 --> 00:14:13.080 Desperate plea. 00:14:13.899 --> 00:14:14.639 Of a simple. 00:14:15.080 --> 00:14:15.620 Sincere. 00:14:16.100 --> 00:14:16.500 Country. 00:14:16.980 --> 00:14:17.240 Woman. 00:14:19.000 --> 00:14:19.899 Lord of hosts. 00:14:20.819 --> 00:14:21.379 She prayed. 00:14:22.379 --> 00:14:23.480 If you will indeed. 00:14:23.980 --> 00:14:24.819 Look upon. 00:14:25.179 --> 00:14:26.659 The affliction of your servant. 00:14:26.779 --> 00:14:27.519 And remember me. 00:14:28.059 --> 00:14:29.299 And not forget your servant. 00:14:29.299 --> 00:14:30.819 But will give to your servant a son. 00:14:30.820 --> 00:14:33.800 Then I will give him to the Lord. 00:14:34.660 --> 00:14:35.879 All the days of his life. 00:14:36.520 --> 00:14:38.080 And no razor shall touch his head. 00:14:38.920 --> 00:14:40.840 You might wonder about that last phrase. 00:14:41.640 --> 00:14:43.680 Why is she promising never to give him a haircut. 00:14:43.960 --> 00:14:44.560 Or a shave. 00:14:45.100 --> 00:14:47.280 Well Hannah was referring to an ancient Israelite custom. 00:14:47.920 --> 00:14:49.240 Called the Nazarite vow. 00:14:50.560 --> 00:14:51.840 Described in number six. 00:14:52.540 --> 00:14:53.780 Where someone would be dedicated. 00:14:53.980 --> 00:14:54.780 And set apart. 00:14:55.400 --> 00:14:55.820 For. 00:14:56.960 --> 00:14:58.420 Special service to God. 00:14:58.419 --> 00:14:58.519 God. 00:14:59.519 --> 00:15:01.579 And for as long as you were a Nazarite. 00:15:01.719 --> 00:15:03.120 You would grow your hair long. 00:15:04.079 --> 00:15:04.679 And back then. 00:15:04.779 --> 00:15:05.579 Long hair. 00:15:05.959 --> 00:15:06.399 Especially. 00:15:06.979 --> 00:15:07.759 When you got old. 00:15:08.039 --> 00:15:08.759 Gray hair. 00:15:09.519 --> 00:15:11.839 Was seen as a crown of glory. 00:15:12.759 --> 00:15:14.559 And when you completed the time. 00:15:14.659 --> 00:15:15.779 Of your Nazarite vow. 00:15:16.259 --> 00:15:17.360 You would go to the temple. 00:15:18.139 --> 00:15:19.860 And you'd cut off all your hair. 00:15:20.399 --> 00:15:21.759 And then you'd throw it on. 00:15:21.879 --> 00:15:22.959 You'd put it on the altar. 00:15:23.419 --> 00:15:24.679 Along with a sacrifice. 00:15:24.799 --> 00:15:25.799 And it would be burned up. 00:15:25.799 --> 00:15:28.299 In a symbolic way. 00:15:28.799 --> 00:15:29.620 It would represent. 00:15:30.099 --> 00:15:30.899 Throwing down. 00:15:31.219 --> 00:15:32.279 Your crown of glory. 00:15:32.819 --> 00:15:34.299 Before the Lord of hosts. 00:15:35.719 --> 00:15:37.679 And giving him your most precious. 00:15:38.259 --> 00:15:38.559 Treasure. 00:15:40.019 --> 00:15:40.719 That's what. 00:15:41.279 --> 00:15:42.359 Being a Nazarite. 00:15:42.599 --> 00:15:44.039 Represented in the first place. 00:15:45.319 --> 00:15:45.919 Wholehearted. 00:15:47.039 --> 00:15:48.839 Unreserved dedication to God. 00:15:49.779 --> 00:15:51.019 There are only three people. 00:15:51.679 --> 00:15:52.620 In the Bible. 00:15:52.620 --> 00:15:53.960 Who were Nazarites. 00:15:54.039 --> 00:15:55.039 Their whole life long. 00:15:55.700 --> 00:15:56.580 One was Samson. 00:15:56.779 --> 00:15:57.340 The judge. 00:15:58.120 --> 00:15:58.960 One was Samuel. 00:15:59.399 --> 00:16:00.060 Hannah's son. 00:16:00.759 --> 00:16:02.100 And a third was John the Baptist. 00:16:03.940 --> 00:16:04.879 And they all. 00:16:05.220 --> 00:16:05.639 Were born. 00:16:06.080 --> 00:16:06.500 To women. 00:16:06.620 --> 00:16:07.419 Who were previously. 00:16:07.799 --> 00:16:08.220 Barren. 00:16:08.899 --> 00:16:09.759 And they all. 00:16:10.419 --> 00:16:10.919 Arose. 00:16:11.039 --> 00:16:11.360 And brought. 00:16:11.700 --> 00:16:11.919 Hope. 00:16:12.039 --> 00:16:12.659 And deliverance. 00:16:12.720 --> 00:16:13.299 To Israel. 00:16:14.080 --> 00:16:15.200 In particularly dark. 00:16:15.460 --> 00:16:15.940 Times. 00:16:15.940 --> 00:16:18.580 You see. 00:16:18.640 --> 00:16:19.500 What we'll see here. 00:16:20.260 --> 00:16:21.220 In this story. 00:16:21.340 --> 00:16:22.160 And as we go through. 00:16:22.220 --> 00:16:22.940 The book of Samuel. 00:16:23.460 --> 00:16:23.880 Is that. 00:16:24.100 --> 00:16:24.540 Hannah's. 00:16:25.000 --> 00:16:25.780 Desperate plea. 00:16:26.620 --> 00:16:27.860 Her anxious prayer. 00:16:28.540 --> 00:16:30.000 Became a crucial turning point. 00:16:30.060 --> 00:16:31.360 Not just for her own life. 00:16:32.040 --> 00:16:33.040 But for the entire. 00:16:33.500 --> 00:16:34.300 Nation of Israel. 00:16:35.980 --> 00:16:37.120 That God began. 00:16:37.120 --> 00:16:37.920 A great. 00:16:38.920 --> 00:16:39.480 History. 00:16:39.720 --> 00:16:40.120 Making work. 00:16:41.400 --> 00:16:42.480 With this one. 00:16:42.720 --> 00:16:43.340 Obscure. 00:16:43.660 --> 00:16:43.960 Woman. 00:16:44.280 --> 00:16:44.900 From the countryside. 00:16:44.899 --> 00:16:47.019 Who was despised. 00:16:47.340 --> 00:16:47.799 And neglected. 00:16:49.100 --> 00:16:50.519 Now we see three results. 00:16:51.500 --> 00:16:52.299 To Hannah's prayer. 00:16:53.659 --> 00:16:54.620 In verse 11. 00:16:55.480 --> 00:16:56.620 Now the most immediate result. 00:16:56.759 --> 00:16:57.360 Was that Eli. 00:16:57.740 --> 00:16:58.399 The priest. 00:16:58.799 --> 00:16:59.699 Misunderstood her. 00:17:01.000 --> 00:17:01.299 This is. 00:17:01.480 --> 00:17:03.120 We see this in verses 12 through 17. 00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:05.279 Apparently. 00:17:06.180 --> 00:17:06.900 Now Eli. 00:17:07.019 --> 00:17:08.000 Was the main priest. 00:17:08.700 --> 00:17:09.900 In charge of the temple. 00:17:10.000 --> 00:17:10.819 Or the tabernacle. 00:17:11.339 --> 00:17:12.059 It was called the temple. 00:17:12.180 --> 00:17:12.879 But it's actually the. 00:17:13.019 --> 00:17:13.619 The tent. 00:17:13.740 --> 00:17:14.720 The temporary. 00:17:14.720 --> 00:17:15.420 Tabernacle. 00:17:15.839 --> 00:17:16.740 At Shiloh. 00:17:17.819 --> 00:17:18.600 But apparently. 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:20.440 Eli wasn't really used to seeing people. 00:17:20.440 --> 00:17:21.400 Actually come in. 00:17:21.500 --> 00:17:22.160 And praying. 00:17:23.160 --> 00:17:24.839 It seems like it was more common. 00:17:24.839 --> 00:17:25.819 For him to deal with. 00:17:26.180 --> 00:17:27.120 People coming in. 00:17:27.319 --> 00:17:28.039 Having had a few. 00:17:28.160 --> 00:17:28.880 Too many drinks. 00:17:30.480 --> 00:17:31.480 And so he thinks. 00:17:31.480 --> 00:17:33.259 Hannah's just another one of these people. 00:17:35.480 --> 00:17:36.839 And so he rebukes her. 00:17:37.400 --> 00:17:37.839 Harshly. 00:17:37.839 --> 00:17:39.779 You can just imagine. 00:17:40.519 --> 00:17:41.319 How you feel. 00:17:41.399 --> 00:17:41.839 If you're Hannah. 00:17:44.419 --> 00:17:44.859 Your. 00:17:46.179 --> 00:17:47.099 Greatest longing. 00:17:48.139 --> 00:17:49.699 Has not been fulfilled. 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:52.539 This other woman. 00:17:52.539 --> 00:17:53.459 Who lives in your house. 00:17:53.559 --> 00:17:54.859 Rubs it in all the time. 00:17:55.519 --> 00:17:56.679 You come before. 00:17:56.899 --> 00:17:57.379 God. 00:17:57.559 --> 00:17:58.299 In the temple. 00:17:59.299 --> 00:17:59.819 Hopefully. 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:01.000 A safe space. 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:01.639 To pray. 00:18:01.640 --> 00:18:02.520 And you get. 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:03.700 Harshly rebuked. 00:18:04.660 --> 00:18:06.320 By the priest in charge. 00:18:07.520 --> 00:18:08.380 But Hannah. 00:18:08.580 --> 00:18:09.540 Wasn't deterred. 00:18:10.520 --> 00:18:11.560 Hannah was a strong. 00:18:11.740 --> 00:18:12.120 Woman. 00:18:12.880 --> 00:18:13.840 She didn't run away. 00:18:14.980 --> 00:18:15.900 She didn't apologize. 00:18:15.900 --> 00:18:17.420 For something that she hadn't done. 00:18:18.160 --> 00:18:19.180 She respectfully. 00:18:19.440 --> 00:18:19.920 But firmly. 00:18:19.920 --> 00:18:21.539 Corrected Eli's misunderstanding. 00:18:22.279 --> 00:18:23.259 And informed him. 00:18:23.360 --> 00:18:24.580 Of what was really going on. 00:18:26.100 --> 00:18:27.519 Now Eli's misunderstanding. 00:18:28.259 --> 00:18:29.279 Was an indication. 00:18:29.420 --> 00:18:30.080 Of the blindness. 00:18:30.340 --> 00:18:31.800 Of Israel's spiritual leaders. 00:18:31.800 --> 00:18:32.500 At the time. 00:18:33.560 --> 00:18:34.539 Later on in chapter 2. 00:18:34.600 --> 00:18:35.640 We'll see that Eli's sons. 00:18:35.700 --> 00:18:36.380 Were even worse. 00:18:38.500 --> 00:18:39.100 But you know. 00:18:39.160 --> 00:18:40.120 God was not dependent. 00:18:40.920 --> 00:18:41.960 On Eli the priest. 00:18:43.320 --> 00:18:44.279 The priest in Israel. 00:18:44.279 --> 00:18:45.300 Had a noble calling. 00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:45.800 They were called. 00:18:45.880 --> 00:18:46.900 To teach God's word. 00:18:47.120 --> 00:18:48.360 To pray for the people. 00:18:48.460 --> 00:18:49.300 To lead in worship. 00:18:49.299 --> 00:18:51.259 But you know. 00:18:51.319 --> 00:18:52.159 God heard. 00:18:52.639 --> 00:18:53.639 And God answered. 00:18:53.740 --> 00:18:54.579 Hannah's prayer. 00:18:56.059 --> 00:18:57.159 Without Eli. 00:18:57.819 --> 00:18:59.119 Having any part of it. 00:19:01.319 --> 00:19:02.180 Eli wasn't. 00:19:02.519 --> 00:19:03.180 A necessary. 00:19:03.639 --> 00:19:04.000 Part. 00:19:04.480 --> 00:19:05.240 Of God hearing. 00:19:05.319 --> 00:19:05.759 And answering. 00:19:05.879 --> 00:19:06.480 Hannah's prayer. 00:19:07.460 --> 00:19:08.700 He was a witness to it. 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:11.200 But he wasn't a mediator. 00:19:13.339 --> 00:19:14.720 And God hears us. 00:19:15.200 --> 00:19:16.279 When we cry out to him. 00:19:17.299 --> 00:19:18.259 Even if other people. 00:19:18.559 --> 00:19:19.119 Misunderstand us. 00:19:19.299 --> 00:19:22.779 Even if you've been wrongly rebuked. 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:24.599 By a church leader. 00:19:25.319 --> 00:19:26.240 For something that. 00:19:26.740 --> 00:19:27.379 In fact. 00:19:27.619 --> 00:19:28.399 You never did. 00:19:30.019 --> 00:19:31.159 God hears. 00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:33.579 And God is not. 00:19:34.579 --> 00:19:35.019 Blocked. 00:19:35.740 --> 00:19:36.980 By Eli's misunderstanding. 00:19:38.639 --> 00:19:40.819 And God answers the prayers of those who cry out to him. 00:19:41.579 --> 00:19:42.440 And that's good news. 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:44.559 So that's the first result. 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:45.899 To Hannah's prayer. 00:19:46.000 --> 00:19:46.919 Eli misunderstood her. 00:19:46.920 --> 00:19:47.320 At first. 00:19:47.880 --> 00:19:48.440 She prays. 00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:49.440 And things seem to get worse. 00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:50.160 Instead of better. 00:19:50.980 --> 00:19:52.039 But the second result. 00:19:52.140 --> 00:19:52.400 Is that. 00:19:52.800 --> 00:19:53.720 Verse 18 says. 00:19:53.800 --> 00:19:55.000 Hannah wasn't sad anymore. 00:19:56.700 --> 00:19:57.220 You see. 00:19:57.279 --> 00:19:58.160 The habitual pattern. 00:19:58.160 --> 00:19:59.300 That had gone on and on. 00:19:59.360 --> 00:19:59.700 Was that. 00:19:59.700 --> 00:20:00.700 Peninnah provoked. 00:20:00.779 --> 00:20:01.680 And irritated Hannah. 00:20:01.779 --> 00:20:03.080 And Hannah responded by. 00:20:03.079 --> 00:20:05.639 Receding into her shell. 00:20:06.299 --> 00:20:06.819 Weeping. 00:20:07.460 --> 00:20:08.299 Refusing to eat. 00:20:09.439 --> 00:20:10.339 She was distraught. 00:20:10.419 --> 00:20:11.500 And she couldn't be comforted. 00:20:12.159 --> 00:20:13.279 It happened over and over. 00:20:13.359 --> 00:20:14.599 Because more than anything else. 00:20:14.599 --> 00:20:15.119 Hannah wanted. 00:20:15.299 --> 00:20:15.939 A child. 00:20:16.939 --> 00:20:18.179 And she didn't have one. 00:20:18.960 --> 00:20:20.179 She didn't have the thing. 00:20:20.240 --> 00:20:20.899 That she most. 00:20:21.179 --> 00:20:21.679 Wanted. 00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:24.480 And whenever she was. 00:20:24.480 --> 00:20:26.140 Cruelly reminded of that fact. 00:20:26.259 --> 00:20:26.960 She fell apart. 00:20:29.200 --> 00:20:30.460 Now Hannah had a loving. 00:20:31.180 --> 00:20:32.539 And understanding husband. 00:20:33.539 --> 00:20:35.380 But even he couldn't change the pattern. 00:20:37.080 --> 00:20:38.240 Verse 5 said he loved her. 00:20:39.460 --> 00:20:41.060 Even gave her a double portion. 00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:44.480 Verse 8 says he gently spoke to her. 00:20:44.600 --> 00:20:45.440 And reassured her. 00:20:45.440 --> 00:20:47.980 But nothing seemed to change. 00:20:49.120 --> 00:20:50.259 Until Hannah stood up. 00:20:51.100 --> 00:20:52.100 And poured out her heart. 00:20:52.160 --> 00:20:52.880 Before the Lord. 00:20:53.279 --> 00:20:54.380 She laid out her desire. 00:20:54.460 --> 00:20:55.200 Before God. 00:20:55.860 --> 00:20:57.299 And earnestly asked for God. 00:20:57.299 --> 00:20:59.299 To grant her deepest longing. 00:21:01.940 --> 00:21:02.519 But you know. 00:21:02.600 --> 00:21:04.039 She also released. 00:21:04.559 --> 00:21:05.759 Her deepest longing. 00:21:06.380 --> 00:21:07.539 Into God's hands. 00:21:09.200 --> 00:21:09.799 She said. 00:21:09.860 --> 00:21:11.220 God if you give me a son. 00:21:11.360 --> 00:21:13.440 If you give me what I most deeply long for. 00:21:13.519 --> 00:21:14.480 More than anything else. 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:17.420 I'll give him back to you. 00:21:18.279 --> 00:21:19.779 And he'll be yours. 00:21:20.200 --> 00:21:20.519 Forever. 00:21:22.259 --> 00:21:23.019 And you know. 00:21:23.140 --> 00:21:24.580 Only after she did that. 00:21:25.840 --> 00:21:27.480 Poured out her deepest longing. 00:21:27.640 --> 00:21:29.120 And prayer before God. 00:21:29.420 --> 00:21:31.840 And released it into his hands. 00:21:33.120 --> 00:21:34.580 Only after she did that. 00:21:34.660 --> 00:21:36.080 Did she find peace. 00:21:37.059 --> 00:21:38.320 She was able to eat. 00:21:39.460 --> 00:21:40.920 Her face wasn't sad anymore. 00:21:40.920 --> 00:21:41.140 What do you long for? 00:21:44.740 --> 00:21:45.880 What do you long for? 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:48.460 More than anything else in this world. 00:21:50.380 --> 00:21:51.519 Maybe it's to get married. 00:21:52.820 --> 00:21:54.620 Maybe it's to have kids. 00:21:55.800 --> 00:21:57.620 Maybe it's to have the career. 00:21:58.080 --> 00:21:59.420 That you're training for. 00:21:59.420 --> 00:22:05.060 Are you torn up. 00:22:06.120 --> 00:22:06.980 By envy. 00:22:07.560 --> 00:22:08.900 Or self-loathing. 00:22:09.060 --> 00:22:10.180 Or vexation. 00:22:10.380 --> 00:22:11.019 Frustration. 00:22:11.200 --> 00:22:13.420 When you see people who have what you want. 00:22:14.580 --> 00:22:15.759 And you don't. 00:22:19.259 --> 00:22:20.640 Can you pour out. 00:22:21.120 --> 00:22:22.560 Your deepest longing. 00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:24.660 Before God. 00:22:24.660 --> 00:22:25.880 Can you say. 00:22:25.960 --> 00:22:26.180 Lord. 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:26.820 I long. 00:22:26.980 --> 00:22:27.779 To find. 00:22:28.060 --> 00:22:28.620 A husband. 00:22:29.620 --> 00:22:30.240 I long. 00:22:30.320 --> 00:22:31.100 To find a wife. 00:22:31.900 --> 00:22:32.519 I long. 00:22:32.580 --> 00:22:33.100 To have kids. 00:22:33.200 --> 00:22:33.460 I long. 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.480 To have a great career. 00:22:37.779 --> 00:22:39.180 But if you give me a husband. 00:22:40.300 --> 00:22:41.980 I will come alongside him. 00:22:42.680 --> 00:22:43.940 To help him be faithful. 00:22:44.100 --> 00:22:44.960 And loyal to you. 00:22:45.560 --> 00:22:46.860 And he will be yours. 00:22:47.300 --> 00:22:47.600 Forever. 00:22:48.880 --> 00:22:50.160 If you give me a wife. 00:22:50.240 --> 00:22:50.940 I will love her. 00:22:51.380 --> 00:22:51.779 Sacrificially. 00:22:53.300 --> 00:22:54.640 As Christ loved the church. 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:57.300 So that she might be holy. 00:22:57.480 --> 00:22:58.380 And devoted to you. 00:22:58.840 --> 00:22:59.160 Forever. 00:23:00.620 --> 00:23:01.960 If you give me kids. 00:23:02.600 --> 00:23:04.340 I will daily pray for them. 00:23:04.740 --> 00:23:06.500 And entrust them into your hands. 00:23:07.360 --> 00:23:08.980 If you give me a great career. 00:23:09.180 --> 00:23:10.980 I will consecrate my work to you. 00:23:12.000 --> 00:23:13.259 And seek to be a blessing. 00:23:13.820 --> 00:23:14.360 To others. 00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:15.180 Through it. 00:23:17.800 --> 00:23:18.340 You see. 00:23:18.420 --> 00:23:19.100 It's only when we. 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:20.460 Pour out our deepest. 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:21.400 Longings. 00:23:22.440 --> 00:23:23.360 Before God. 00:23:23.359 --> 00:23:26.359 And ask him to grant them. 00:23:28.240 --> 00:23:29.099 But also. 00:23:29.819 --> 00:23:31.319 Release them into his hands. 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:33.859 That he. 00:23:34.379 --> 00:23:35.299 Then gives us peace. 00:23:35.759 --> 00:23:36.159 And joy. 00:23:38.079 --> 00:23:38.819 It's interesting. 00:23:38.939 --> 00:23:39.859 Hannah was able to eat. 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:41.419 And her face was no longer sad. 00:23:41.959 --> 00:23:43.819 But her problem hadn't yet been solved. 00:23:43.819 --> 00:23:47.279 She wasn't pregnant yet. 00:23:47.700 --> 00:23:49.039 She hadn't had the kid yet. 00:23:50.200 --> 00:23:51.399 But she was able to eat. 00:23:51.460 --> 00:23:52.779 And her face wasn't sad anymore. 00:23:55.559 --> 00:23:56.500 Because she had prayed. 00:23:57.759 --> 00:23:58.759 The third result. 00:23:59.099 --> 00:23:59.759 Of her prayer. 00:23:59.859 --> 00:24:00.659 Was that God gave her. 00:24:01.159 --> 00:24:02.019 What she asked for. 00:24:03.319 --> 00:24:04.079 Verse 19. 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:06.740 They rose early in the morning. 00:24:07.240 --> 00:24:08.619 And worshiped before the Lord. 00:24:08.699 --> 00:24:10.299 Then they went back to their house at Ramah. 00:24:11.159 --> 00:24:12.740 And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife. 00:24:12.799 --> 00:24:13.799 And the Lord remembered her. 00:24:14.699 --> 00:24:16.960 And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. 00:24:17.559 --> 00:24:18.839 And she called his name Samuel. 00:24:19.659 --> 00:24:20.199 For she said. 00:24:20.259 --> 00:24:21.500 I have asked for him from the Lord. 00:24:22.339 --> 00:24:23.919 The man Elkanah and all his house. 00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:26.019 Went up to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice. 00:24:26.019 --> 00:24:26.939 And to pay his vow. 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:28.519 But Hannah did not go up. 00:24:28.580 --> 00:24:29.559 For she said to her husband. 00:24:30.240 --> 00:24:31.440 As soon as the child is weaned. 00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:32.140 I will bring him. 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:34.920 So that he may appear in the presence of the Lord. 00:24:35.259 --> 00:24:36.180 And dwell there forever. 00:24:37.360 --> 00:24:38.580 Elkanah her husband said to her. 00:24:38.660 --> 00:24:39.640 Do what seems best to you. 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:40.840 Wait until you have weaned him. 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:42.779 Only may the Lord establish his word. 00:24:43.259 --> 00:24:44.980 So the woman remained and nursed her son. 00:24:45.019 --> 00:24:45.880 Until she weaned him. 00:24:46.360 --> 00:24:47.360 And when she had weaned him. 00:24:47.400 --> 00:24:48.299 She took him up with her. 00:24:48.299 --> 00:24:49.600 Along with a three-year-old bull. 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:50.460 An ephah of flour. 00:24:50.600 --> 00:24:51.360 And a skin of wine. 00:24:51.700 --> 00:24:53.660 And she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. 00:24:54.059 --> 00:24:55.019 And the child was young. 00:24:55.779 --> 00:24:56.860 Then they slaughtered the bull. 00:24:57.320 --> 00:24:58.680 And they brought the child to Eli. 00:24:59.120 --> 00:25:00.299 And she said oh my Lord. 00:25:00.340 --> 00:25:01.240 As you live my Lord. 00:25:01.299 --> 00:25:03.180 I am the woman who is standing here in your presence. 00:25:03.340 --> 00:25:04.160 Praying to the Lord. 00:25:04.960 --> 00:25:06.240 For this child I prayed. 00:25:06.940 --> 00:25:09.559 And the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 00:25:10.140 --> 00:25:11.680 Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. 00:25:11.880 --> 00:25:13.120 As long as he lives. 00:25:13.700 --> 00:25:14.900 He is lent to the Lord. 00:25:15.380 --> 00:25:16.519 And he worshiped the Lord. 00:25:16.519 --> 00:25:17.279 There. 00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:22.580 You see what we see here is that God accomplished. 00:25:23.340 --> 00:25:24.460 What no one else could. 00:25:26.940 --> 00:25:30.160 There was nothing that Hannah could do. 00:25:31.160 --> 00:25:33.200 To open her closed womb. 00:25:34.120 --> 00:25:35.519 She could try as hard as she wanted. 00:25:37.160 --> 00:25:38.700 But there was nothing she could do. 00:25:39.640 --> 00:25:40.080 To. 00:25:42.080 --> 00:25:42.799 Make sure. 00:25:43.799 --> 00:25:44.700 Things changed. 00:25:44.700 --> 00:25:48.220 And in the same way the people of Israel. 00:25:49.600 --> 00:25:51.500 In this dark time of the judges. 00:25:51.500 --> 00:25:53.920 When everything was going down and down. 00:25:54.380 --> 00:25:55.860 On a downward spiral. 00:25:56.400 --> 00:25:57.559 They were powerless. 00:25:58.920 --> 00:26:00.080 To bring new life. 00:26:00.640 --> 00:26:02.680 And create lasting spiritual renewal. 00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:06.240 In the midst of their dark and decaying world. 00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:10.759 But the message here is that God did what no human being could do. 00:26:11.660 --> 00:26:12.839 God gave Hannah a son. 00:26:13.400 --> 00:26:14.940 Because he heard her cry. 00:26:16.200 --> 00:26:17.259 Hannah went from fasting. 00:26:17.519 --> 00:26:18.400 To feasting. 00:26:19.019 --> 00:26:19.900 From emptiness. 00:26:20.339 --> 00:26:21.000 To fullness. 00:26:22.859 --> 00:26:24.079 And her response. 00:26:25.079 --> 00:26:25.920 And we'll see that. 00:26:26.579 --> 00:26:27.700 In the book of Samuel. 00:26:28.220 --> 00:26:29.920 That God brings Israel from. 00:26:31.099 --> 00:26:31.700 Emptiness. 00:26:32.079 --> 00:26:32.720 To fullness. 00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:34.079 From chaos. 00:26:34.079 --> 00:26:34.960 To order. 00:26:38.720 --> 00:26:39.759 From corruption. 00:26:41.639 --> 00:26:43.480 In the tabernacle at Shiloh. 00:26:44.339 --> 00:26:46.019 To the last thing that happens. 00:26:46.079 --> 00:26:47.119 At the end of 2 Samuel. 00:26:47.259 --> 00:26:47.980 Is King David. 00:26:48.279 --> 00:26:49.619 Buys the land. 00:26:50.119 --> 00:26:51.319 For the temple in Jerusalem. 00:26:52.319 --> 00:26:53.039 For a house. 00:26:53.639 --> 00:26:56.000 Where God and his people can dwell together. 00:26:58.419 --> 00:27:00.359 So they go from being far from God. 00:27:01.199 --> 00:27:03.339 To a place where they can come near. 00:27:03.339 --> 00:27:04.379 To God. 00:27:05.480 --> 00:27:07.119 That's the big picture. 00:27:07.699 --> 00:27:08.359 Of Samuel. 00:27:10.980 --> 00:27:12.099 And we see that. 00:27:12.459 --> 00:27:13.619 In miniature here. 00:27:13.720 --> 00:27:14.419 In the life of Hannah. 00:27:15.439 --> 00:27:16.500 Now Hannah's response. 00:27:16.980 --> 00:27:18.179 To God's merciful intervention. 00:27:18.379 --> 00:27:19.639 Was to follow through on her word. 00:27:20.980 --> 00:27:21.240 Right. 00:27:21.299 --> 00:27:22.279 She brought Samuel back. 00:27:22.500 --> 00:27:23.419 To Eli the priest. 00:27:23.519 --> 00:27:24.059 She offered a. 00:27:24.339 --> 00:27:25.699 Quite a generous sacrifice. 00:27:25.700 --> 00:27:27.880 It was more than. 00:27:27.880 --> 00:27:28.880 Was required. 00:27:31.059 --> 00:27:33.019 She publicly affirmed to Eli. 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:34.420 That God had answered her prayer. 00:27:34.920 --> 00:27:36.460 And she entrusted her beloved child. 00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:37.120 To the care. 00:27:37.519 --> 00:27:38.779 Of the Lord himself. 00:27:40.880 --> 00:27:41.920 And finally she. 00:27:42.160 --> 00:27:43.400 Launched into this prayer. 00:27:44.840 --> 00:27:46.500 This prayer that's been preserved for us. 00:27:46.539 --> 00:27:47.080 In chapter 2. 00:27:47.160 --> 00:27:48.039 Which we read in the beginning. 00:27:48.039 --> 00:27:50.980 And Hannah's prayer. 00:27:50.980 --> 00:27:52.240 Really tells us. 00:27:52.299 --> 00:27:53.639 The meaning of this whole story. 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:54.859 That we've gone through. 00:27:54.980 --> 00:27:55.839 Step by step. 00:27:56.899 --> 00:27:57.920 The main point. 00:27:58.079 --> 00:27:59.859 Is that God brings down the proud. 00:28:00.859 --> 00:28:02.159 And raises up the humble. 00:28:03.940 --> 00:28:05.059 Right at the beginning of the story. 00:28:05.119 --> 00:28:06.579 We saw proud Peninnah. 00:28:07.440 --> 00:28:09.000 Who dominated the scene. 00:28:09.180 --> 00:28:10.480 At the beginning of the story. 00:28:10.559 --> 00:28:11.940 She was outwardly prospering. 00:28:11.980 --> 00:28:13.159 She had many children. 00:28:13.279 --> 00:28:13.940 And she rubbed it. 00:28:13.940 --> 00:28:15.400 And she had what Hannah didn't. 00:28:15.460 --> 00:28:16.720 And she rubbed it in Hannah's face. 00:28:16.759 --> 00:28:17.360 All the time. 00:28:18.360 --> 00:28:19.460 And she was arrogant. 00:28:20.600 --> 00:28:22.019 And dismissive of Hannah. 00:28:24.220 --> 00:28:25.440 You know by the end of the story. 00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:26.720 Peninnah just disappears. 00:28:26.720 --> 00:28:27.360 From the narrative. 00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:29.500 She doesn't reappear again. 00:28:32.840 --> 00:28:34.720 She wasn't ultimately that important. 00:28:35.900 --> 00:28:37.820 In God's great plan. 00:28:39.759 --> 00:28:41.400 Because God brings down the proud. 00:28:41.400 --> 00:28:44.940 But we also see God raising up the humble. 00:28:46.240 --> 00:28:47.700 Hannah who was despised. 00:28:48.740 --> 00:28:50.740 Who had no future prospects. 00:28:51.019 --> 00:28:52.960 Who humbled herself in prayer before the Lord. 00:28:53.480 --> 00:28:54.360 And God heard her. 00:28:54.480 --> 00:28:55.519 And God raised her up. 00:28:55.960 --> 00:28:57.600 To become an honored mother. 00:28:58.120 --> 00:28:58.759 In Israel. 00:29:00.259 --> 00:29:01.100 The mother of Samuel. 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:03.160 Who would take the place of Eli. 00:29:03.660 --> 00:29:05.620 And his wicked sons in the tabernacle. 00:29:06.580 --> 00:29:09.340 Who would hear the word of the Lord. 00:29:09.340 --> 00:29:10.980 And be a faithful prophet. 00:29:11.400 --> 00:29:14.840 And who would one day anoint King David. 00:29:15.380 --> 00:29:17.360 Whom God had chosen to lead his people. 00:29:18.460 --> 00:29:20.060 Hannah was exalted. 00:29:20.560 --> 00:29:21.240 And brought up. 00:29:21.320 --> 00:29:23.320 From a place of obscurity and scorn. 00:29:23.400 --> 00:29:24.400 To a place of honor. 00:29:24.680 --> 00:29:25.360 And dignity. 00:29:25.519 --> 00:29:26.560 And God's saving plan. 00:29:29.040 --> 00:29:30.360 That's the pattern we see. 00:29:31.500 --> 00:29:32.720 We'll see the pattern throughout. 00:29:32.960 --> 00:29:33.759 The book of Samuel. 00:29:33.860 --> 00:29:35.560 God bringing down the proud. 00:29:36.240 --> 00:29:37.600 And raising up the humble. 00:29:37.599 --> 00:29:41.899 You see it's. 00:29:42.139 --> 00:29:43.279 The story is about God. 00:29:43.980 --> 00:29:44.500 Intervening. 00:29:44.659 --> 00:29:46.259 To give hope and meaning to Hannah. 00:29:47.379 --> 00:29:49.179 But also to give hope. 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:50.859 And meaning to the people of Israel. 00:29:51.980 --> 00:29:53.639 And to replace a corrupt. 00:29:54.639 --> 00:29:56.399 And dying social order. 00:29:57.039 --> 00:29:58.519 With a new king. 00:29:58.579 --> 00:29:59.179 Who would judge. 00:29:59.659 --> 00:30:00.639 With righteousness. 00:30:00.640 --> 00:30:03.340 And who would bring peace. 00:30:05.500 --> 00:30:06.600 Hannah's song ends. 00:30:07.020 --> 00:30:08.480 By talking about this king. 00:30:09.120 --> 00:30:10.100 In verse 10. 00:30:10.460 --> 00:30:11.200 Of chapter 2. 00:30:11.280 --> 00:30:11.580 He says. 00:30:11.980 --> 00:30:13.820 She says the Lord will judge the ends of the earth. 00:30:13.900 --> 00:30:15.220 He will give strength to his king. 00:30:15.680 --> 00:30:17.720 And exalt the horn of his anointed. 00:30:17.720 --> 00:30:21.640 The symbol of a horn. 00:30:23.079 --> 00:30:23.559 Was. 00:30:25.200 --> 00:30:26.180 When an animal. 00:30:26.940 --> 00:30:27.380 Was. 00:30:28.160 --> 00:30:29.200 Was in a fight. 00:30:29.700 --> 00:30:29.940 And had. 00:30:30.299 --> 00:30:30.500 It was. 00:30:30.600 --> 00:30:31.860 It was a symbol of victory. 00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:34.299 An animal raising its horns. 00:30:34.640 --> 00:30:35.100 In victory. 00:30:36.240 --> 00:30:37.319 It was also interestingly. 00:30:37.799 --> 00:30:38.700 A horn of oil. 00:30:38.799 --> 00:30:39.700 That was used to anoint. 00:30:40.180 --> 00:30:40.660 A king. 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:43.240 Later on. 00:30:43.500 --> 00:30:43.920 In the book. 00:30:44.980 --> 00:30:45.900 So it's a sign of strength. 00:30:46.019 --> 00:30:46.460 And victory. 00:30:46.460 --> 00:30:48.539 The horn. 00:30:48.779 --> 00:30:49.519 Of God's anointed. 00:30:49.680 --> 00:30:50.700 It will exalt the victory. 00:30:50.799 --> 00:30:51.200 And strength. 00:30:51.299 --> 00:30:52.160 Of the king. 00:30:53.880 --> 00:30:54.779 So what we see here. 00:30:54.840 --> 00:30:55.680 Is that the birth of Samuel. 00:30:55.799 --> 00:30:57.220 Was a sign of resurrection hope. 00:30:57.620 --> 00:30:58.779 God bringing new life. 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:00.240 To his. 00:31:00.700 --> 00:31:01.660 By his grace. 00:31:02.059 --> 00:31:02.779 Breaking into. 00:31:02.920 --> 00:31:03.720 And reshaping. 00:31:04.100 --> 00:31:05.059 A dying world. 00:31:06.180 --> 00:31:06.519 And you know. 00:31:06.519 --> 00:31:06.960 That's. 00:31:08.420 --> 00:31:08.860 Ultimately. 00:31:09.700 --> 00:31:10.640 That's what God did. 00:31:10.740 --> 00:31:11.299 Through Samuel. 00:31:11.759 --> 00:31:12.319 And David. 00:31:13.220 --> 00:31:13.600 And ultimately. 00:31:13.779 --> 00:31:14.420 That's what God did. 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.880 Through his son. 00:31:14.940 --> 00:31:15.640 Jesus Christ. 00:31:16.460 --> 00:31:17.920 Because a thousand years later. 00:31:18.059 --> 00:31:18.680 There was another. 00:31:19.680 --> 00:31:20.519 Barren woman. 00:31:20.880 --> 00:31:21.420 And her husband. 00:31:22.180 --> 00:31:23.620 Who were longing for a child. 00:31:24.259 --> 00:31:25.559 And their names were Zachariah. 00:31:25.720 --> 00:31:26.360 And Elizabeth. 00:31:27.840 --> 00:31:28.940 And God came to them. 00:31:28.980 --> 00:31:29.220 And said. 00:31:29.319 --> 00:31:30.279 I will give you a son. 00:31:31.180 --> 00:31:32.299 And he'll be a prophet. 00:31:32.299 --> 00:31:33.279 Of the most high. 00:31:33.519 --> 00:31:34.660 And he'll prepare the way. 00:31:34.740 --> 00:31:35.600 For the Lord himself. 00:31:39.059 --> 00:31:39.920 Luke chapter one. 00:31:39.980 --> 00:31:40.500 Tells the story. 00:31:40.539 --> 00:31:41.660 Of the birth of John the Baptist. 00:31:42.720 --> 00:31:43.720 Who prepared the way. 00:31:43.720 --> 00:31:44.360 For Jesus. 00:31:45.319 --> 00:31:46.620 And then the birth of Jesus. 00:31:47.140 --> 00:31:48.140 The king himself. 00:31:52.279 --> 00:31:53.380 So that's the good news. 00:31:53.600 --> 00:31:54.640 Of what God has done. 00:31:55.240 --> 00:31:56.039 And in Jesus Christ. 00:31:56.120 --> 00:31:56.759 And Jesus said. 00:31:57.079 --> 00:31:58.319 Everyone who exalts himself. 00:31:58.440 --> 00:31:58.960 Will be humbled. 00:31:59.819 --> 00:32:00.960 And everyone who humbles himself. 00:32:01.059 --> 00:32:01.680 Will be exalted. 00:32:04.860 --> 00:32:05.539 And Jesus. 00:32:06.980 --> 00:32:07.980 Did that himself. 00:32:08.640 --> 00:32:09.600 He humbled himself. 00:32:09.600 --> 00:32:10.339 To the point of death. 00:32:10.339 --> 00:32:11.000 On a cross. 00:32:12.419 --> 00:32:13.319 To pay the price. 00:32:13.399 --> 00:32:14.059 For our sins. 00:32:14.779 --> 00:32:16.000 And he's now exalted. 00:32:16.439 --> 00:32:17.740 To the highest place. 00:32:18.259 --> 00:32:19.240 As the king overall. 00:32:20.959 --> 00:32:21.839 He's our great. 00:32:21.939 --> 00:32:22.879 And victorious king. 00:32:23.679 --> 00:32:24.899 The Lord's anointed one. 00:32:28.079 --> 00:32:29.159 Now let me conclude. 00:32:29.819 --> 00:32:30.679 With this quote. 00:32:30.680 --> 00:32:34.720 It says. 00:32:34.720 --> 00:32:35.420 If an incident. 00:32:35.820 --> 00:32:36.620 Speaking about. 00:32:36.920 --> 00:32:37.980 Hannah and Samuel. 00:32:38.900 --> 00:32:39.279 And how. 00:32:39.840 --> 00:32:40.820 Hannah's life was the beginning. 00:32:40.940 --> 00:32:41.660 Of God's great. 00:32:42.060 --> 00:32:42.519 Work. 00:32:42.860 --> 00:32:43.380 For his people. 00:32:43.480 --> 00:32:43.720 It says. 00:32:43.840 --> 00:32:44.380 If an incident. 00:32:45.400 --> 00:32:46.460 In a woman's ordinary. 00:32:46.460 --> 00:32:47.420 Family life. 00:32:48.060 --> 00:32:49.560 Could be such a significant step. 00:32:49.620 --> 00:32:50.660 In the eternal plan. 00:32:50.779 --> 00:32:51.799 Of a saving God. 00:32:52.460 --> 00:32:53.100 Each day. 00:32:53.700 --> 00:32:55.080 Can be no less significant. 00:32:55.560 --> 00:32:56.299 To a believer. 00:32:56.799 --> 00:32:58.080 For God's plan. 00:32:58.400 --> 00:32:59.019 And purpose. 00:32:59.019 --> 00:33:00.680 You see. 00:33:00.740 --> 00:33:01.000 God. 00:33:01.379 --> 00:33:01.980 Starts. 00:33:02.240 --> 00:33:03.119 His great work. 00:33:03.139 --> 00:33:03.680 Of salvation. 00:33:03.680 --> 00:33:04.299 In the world. 00:33:05.039 --> 00:33:06.200 With humble. 00:33:07.119 --> 00:33:08.700 And unrecognized people. 00:33:11.339 --> 00:33:12.460 It all began. 00:33:12.660 --> 00:33:13.299 With Hannah. 00:33:14.839 --> 00:33:16.079 In the book of Samuel. 00:33:17.299 --> 00:33:18.519 Maybe you're discouraged. 00:33:19.079 --> 00:33:19.559 Tonight. 00:33:19.720 --> 00:33:20.139 Maybe you're. 00:33:20.440 --> 00:33:20.920 Discouraged. 00:33:20.960 --> 00:33:21.920 About your own life. 00:33:22.660 --> 00:33:23.240 And you feel. 00:33:23.379 --> 00:33:24.119 As Hannah did. 00:33:24.220 --> 00:33:25.019 That the future. 00:33:25.139 --> 00:33:25.779 Seems dim. 00:33:26.139 --> 00:33:26.839 And bleak. 00:33:26.839 --> 00:33:28.679 Maybe you're discouraged. 00:33:28.679 --> 00:33:29.559 About the church. 00:33:30.799 --> 00:33:31.939 And where it's going. 00:33:34.199 --> 00:33:34.899 Maybe you. 00:33:35.500 --> 00:33:35.939 Feel. 00:33:36.079 --> 00:33:36.459 At best. 00:33:36.559 --> 00:33:36.959 Uncertain. 00:33:37.079 --> 00:33:37.759 About the future. 00:33:38.859 --> 00:33:39.919 But come before God. 00:33:40.000 --> 00:33:40.599 As Hannah did. 00:33:41.299 --> 00:33:42.220 Pour out your heart. 00:33:42.279 --> 00:33:42.839 Before him. 00:33:44.119 --> 00:33:45.179 And when we do that. 00:33:45.259 --> 00:33:46.159 Let's see what he does. 00:33:47.679 --> 00:33:48.319 Let's pray. 00:33:48.319 --> 00:33:48.399 Amen. 00:33:48.399 --> 00:33:48.459 Amen. 00:33:48.459 --> 00:33:48.500 Amen. 00:33:48.500 --> 00:33:48.519 Amen. 00:33:48.519 --> 00:33:49.019 Amen. 00:33:49.019 --> 00:33:49.099 Amen. 00:33:49.099 --> 00:33:50.459 Amen. 00:33:50.459 --> 00:33:50.500 Amen. 00:33:50.500 --> 00:33:51.019 Amen. 00:33:51.019 --> 00:33:51.059 Amen. 00:33:51.059 --> 00:33:52.459 Amen. 00:33:52.459 --> 00:33:53.059 Amen. 00:33:53.059 --> 00:33:53.099 Amen. 00:33:53.099 --> 00:33:53.139 Amen. 00:33:53.139 --> 00:33:53.159 Amen. 00:33:53.159 --> 00:33:53.179 Amen. 00:33:53.179 --> 00:33:53.240 Amen. 00:33:53.240 --> 00:33:54.240 Amen. 00:33:54.240 --> 00:33:54.259 Amen. 00:33:54.259 --> 00:33:55.059 Amen. 00:33:55.059 --> 00:33:55.099 Amen. 00:33:55.099 --> 00:33:56.279 Amen. 00:33:56.279 --> 00:33:58.379 A reflection. 00:34:23.880 --> 00:34:24.219 A reflection. 00:34:24.219 --> 00:34:26.379 of your goodness 00:34:26.379 --> 00:34:29.739 and your wisdom 00:34:29.739 --> 00:34:32.399 and your love and your power 00:34:32.399 --> 00:34:34.819 in this world. 00:34:37.899 --> 00:34:40.019 Lord, we pray that you would do what we cannot. 00:34:40.899 --> 00:34:44.079 That you would bring new life to us 00:34:44.079 --> 00:34:46.599 where we are dead, 00:34:47.459 --> 00:34:48.659 where we are dying. 00:34:50.599 --> 00:34:52.099 Come by your Holy Spirit. 00:34:52.099 --> 00:34:54.880 Lord, revive us. 00:34:56.159 --> 00:34:58.460 Individually and corporately, we pray. 00:35:02.679 --> 00:35:05.539 We pray that you would give us humility. 00:35:08.159 --> 00:35:09.659 Lord, save us from our pride. 00:35:12.679 --> 00:35:14.599 Bring us to humble ourselves before you 00:35:14.599 --> 00:35:16.159 so that you may lift us up. 00:35:18.139 --> 00:35:20.179 In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.