1 Samuel 1-2: A Rise and a Fall

The First Book of Samuel was historically called the First Book of Kings, and it's labeled as the latter in my edition of the Bible, but to keep things less confusing I'll stick with modern custom and refer to this book as 1 Samuel (a trivial point perhaps).  We're definitely embarking on a new era here in 1 Samuel.  A new prophet has been called upon by God, and the story of Samuel's conception, birth, and dedication at Shiloh in 1 Samuel 1 indicates a great and significant moment is upon the Israelites.  It's still the era of the judges, but changes are afoot.  The people are beginning to stray once again, and worst of all, the priesthood itself is falling into deep corruption, as is laid out in 1 Samuel 2.  There is a sense here at the beginning of 1 Samuel that things are simultaneously rising and falling -- a great prophet is rising while the people are falling.  God always provides a savior, most notably at the times we need one the most.  

A couple of things I wanted to highlight:

1) Hannah's song.  1 Samuel 2 begins with an inspired song, a poetic prayer of joy and thanksgiving and praise.  It's a beautiful moment in Scripture.  The language undergoes a very obvious change in tone and style.  It's as if a burst of inspiration has struck, and a poem of prayer flows forth.  In 1 Samuel 2:1 Hannah declares, "my mouth is enlarged..."  In other words, prayerful expressions are flowing from her mouth with a profundity and beauty that doesn't normally happen.  And it's no wonder.  Anyone who has ever experienced that moment when an earnest prayer is answered will be able to relate to Hannah's song.  Hannah had not been able to conceive, but after many years of suffering and praying, God blessed her with a son.  The feeling of elation and gratefulness must have been quite overwhelming.  And what's more, in her song, or canticle, can be found references to the Messiah.  In a moment of inspiration, God revealed much to Hannah, and it's there in the words of her song:  "The Lord shall judge the ends of the earth, and he shall give empire to his king, and shall exalt the horn of his Christ" (1 Samuel 2:10).  This could of course partly foretell of David's rule, but he, nor Solomon, never ruled to "the ends of the earth," as Christ will do.  There are clearly moments in Hannah's song that hint at a coming king, and not just an earthly king.  As with much in Scripture, it is multi-layered, and we see a new era coming upon Israel, a kingly era, and eventually all of this kingly language will prepare the way for the King, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  There is also the situation itself that prefigures what's to come.  Elkanah's other wife, Peninnah, has had many children, just as God's original covenant with the Israelites had initially borne much fruit, but when Hannah's prayers are answered and she conceives Samuel (and then several other children), Peninnah bears no more children.  When God's New Law comes, it is through Jesus Christ now, not the old law, that life and grace and salvation flow.

2) The wickedness of Eli's sons.  The rest of 1 Samuel 2 is concerned mainly with the corruption of the priesthood by way of Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas.  Interestingly, at the exact same time the priests are descending into evil ways, Scripture intermittently mentions that Samuel is growing in God's favor, and it's clear that, though scandal is occurring among the religious leaders, someone is out there who can bring goodness and piety back to the faith and religion of the people.  But what also occurred to me while reading this chapter was how much it parallels our own time and situation.  There is obviously much corruption in the Church today, and many, many bad priests.  A priest's sins, especially when they cause public scandal, are much more grievous than the average person because they have the potential to lead the masses astray.  As 1 Samuel 2:17 says, "Wherefore the sin of the young men was exceeding great before the Lord: because they withdrew men from the sacrifice of the Lord."  Hophni and Phinehas's sins led to many deciding not to sacrifice, or practice their religion at all.  The havoc they wreaked was not confined to their souls alone, but radiated out to bring countless others down with them.  And so it is today, as many cite their own lack of faith as being caused by corrupt religious leaders.  And what's more, Eli himself is chastised for not doing enough to end the corruption caused by his own sons.  Part of today's problem is that those in the highest positions, the bishops and cardinals, are not doing all they could or should to weed out the wolves.  The same mess created at the time of Samuel is being repeated today.  We ought to turn to Scripture to learn from past mistakes and look to the holy prophets who warn us of such iniquity among even the men who are supposed to be our guides.  Ultimately, we need to look to Christ, the Priest.  Eli is told that, because of his errors and the sins of his sons, his line will be cursed: "And thou shalt see thy rival in the temple, in all the prosperity of Israel..." (1 Samuel 2:32).  Better priests are coming to replace Eli's house, and ultimately the greatest Priest, God Himself, will come to replace the entire Levitical line with a new priesthood according to His New Law.