A Verse
1 Samuel 2:1-3
And Hannah prayed and said,
“My heart exults in the LORD;
my horn is exalted in the LORD.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.
There is none holy like the LORD:
for there is none besides you;
there is no rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the LORD is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.”
A Comment
Today’s passage covers the beginning of Hannah’s prayer of praise to the LORD for providing her with a son. If you recall from the beginning of chapter 1, Hannah was barren and the object of ridicule from her rival, Penninah. The LORD, however, hears and answers her prayer. Hannah promised to dedicate her son to the LORD, which we see occurring at the end of chapter 1. Chapter 2 serves as a break in the story about Hannah and Samuel, highlighting her trust in the LORD.
In this morning’s passage, there are so many things that I would love to point out, but we just don’t have the time to dig in in such a brief devotional. I do, however, want to encourage you to send some time meditating on Hannah’s response of prayerful praise to the LORD. So, here are a few things that you should look at:
Hannah’s emotional response to the LORD - Note how she describes her response to the LORD. It is with her “heart” that she “exults” in the Lord. As one scholar put it, “My heart refers to all the faculties of Hannah’s inner being, while “exults” is a strong term for the triumphant celebration of a victory.” Yet, as the scholar goes on to say, “The repeated ‘in the LORD’ makes clear that Hannah’s joy derives from what he has done for her in overcoming her childlessness.”
Hannah’s strength in the LORD - The idea of strength is found in the symbolic language of Hannah’s reference to “my horn.” Again, many scholars note that “the horn of an animal was considered the source of its strength.” For Hannah to declare that the source of her strength, her glory is in the LORD is important. Her exultation of the LORD is not found in her own abilities or strength, but in God who supplies all of her needs.
Hannah’s theological reflections on the LORD - Whereas other ancient Near Eastern communities praised the strength and power of their deities, Hannah’s declaration about the holiness, justice, and power of God serve as a contrast to all other “gods.” Hannah’s God is utterly unique. He is not like the other so-called “gods.”
What significance do these reflections have for us this morning? Again, much could be said here, but for now, I want us to see how important it is for us to have a true understanding of the God we praise. In fact, I would say that the more we grow in our understanding of God, the more we will praise Him for who He is.
Take time this morning to reflect on who God is and what He has accomplished, especially the salvation that He has brought about in your life through Jesus Christ. As you do this, my hope is that you will respond like Hannah with praise in your prayers, honoring Him for His great work of grace in your life.
A Prayer
Would you join me in prayer?
A Blessing
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
The More We Know Him, The More We Will Praise Him (1 Samuel 2:1-3)