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2:1 made me strong: Literally has exalted my horn; cp. 2:10. The horn of a powerful animal, such as an ox or bull, was a symbol of strength that was held high in triumph after defeating an enemy (cp. 1 Kgs 22:11).
2:10 The king was to fulfill the descriptions of 2:4-9 by using his God-given power to care for the oppressed, the hungry, and the barren (see Ps 72:1-4, 12-14; Prov 31:8-9). • he increases the strength: See study note on 1 Sam 2:1. • anointed one (Hebrew mashiakh): This climax to Hannah’s prayer is prophetic both of Israel’s anointed kings and of God’s supr...
2:10 The king was to fulfill the descriptions of 2:4-9 by using his God-given power to care for the oppressed, the hungry, and the barren (see Ps 72:1-4, 12-14; Prov 31:8-9). • he increases the strength: See study note on 1 Sam 2:1. • anointed one (Hebrew mashiakh): This climax to Hannah’s prayer is prophetic both of Israel’s anointed kings and of God’s supreme Anointed King—the Messiah, Jesus Christ (see 12:3-5; 24:6, 10; Ps 132:17; Dan 9:25-26).
2:1-10 Hannah’s Prayer of Praise celebrates Samuel’s dedication to the Lord’s service by rejoicing in God’s uniqueness (2:1-2), his ability to reverse fortunes (2:3-9), and his ability to strengthen his chosen king (2:10). Like Mary’s Song of Praise (Luke 1:46-55), Hannah’s prayer emphasizes God bringing down the rich and powerful and exalting the poor and t...
2:1-10 Hannah’s Prayer of Praise celebrates Samuel’s dedication to the Lord’s service by rejoicing in God’s uniqueness (2:1-2), his ability to reverse fortunes (2:3-9), and his ability to strengthen his chosen king (2:10). Like Mary’s Song of Praise (Luke 1:46-55), Hannah’s prayer emphasizes God bringing down the rich and powerful and exalting the poor and the downtrodden (1 Sam 2:7-8; Luke 1:52-53). David’s prayer in 2 Sam 22 is another beautiful proclamation of God’s saving power as it relates to his chosen king (1 Sam 2:10). The rich, unrighteous rulers of the land (Eli, Saul, Herod) will be brought down, while the leaders who fulfill God’s purposes (Samuel, David, Jesus) will be exalted.
2:12 scoundrels (Hebrew sons of Belial): See study note on 1:16. • had no respect for (literally did not know) the Lord: Although they were priests among God’s people, they did not acknowledge God or seek to abide by his will (cp. Jer 2:8).
Eli
Eli Eli was Israel’s chief priest at the Tabernacle at Shiloh, Israel’s central shrine during the period of the judges. Eli apparently descended from Ithamar, Aaron’s youngest son (cp. 1 Kgs 2:27; 1 Chr 18:16; 24:3). Eli was sincere and devout, but he was weak in parenting his wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas. When Eli encountered Hannah at the Tabernacle, he accused her of drunkenness as she fervently but silently asked God for a child. Upon realizing his mistake, Eli blessed Hannah, and God answered Hannah’s prayer by giving her Samuel. Samuel “grew in favor with the Lord and with the people” (1 Sam 2:26), but Eli’s sons “were scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord” (2:12). They stole from the offerings and seduced women who served at the Tabernacle. When Eli reproached them, they disregarded him. God sent a prophet to denounce Eli’s weakness and his sons’ wickedness and to announce that God would withdraw the priesthood from Eli’s family (2:27-36). This oracle was confirmed when God spoke to Samuel one night, telling him that he would soon punish Eli’s family (3:1-14). Shortly thereafter, Israel’s army was defeated in battle against the Philistines, the Ark of the C...
genesis 15:15
exodus 4:21
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exodus 8:15-32
exodus 10:27
exodus 11:10
exodus 29:9
exodus 38:8