1Samuel 1:1-28

Title: God rescues His people from the barrenness of godly leadership.

Proposition: Overcome the barrenness of godly leadership.

Introduction: Perception creates problems.

“Perception is everything.” I recently heard this said about the work of a large university’s Athletic Director. With so many responsibilities, and no doubt a glowing resume of leadership skills and accomplishments, this Director’s job is reduced to the public perception of himself and his department. Such a situation is a virtual breeding ground for all types of hypocrisy and deception. It takes a godly leader of great spiritual stature to live under the scrutiny of the public perception and maintain Scriptural convictions like those of this Athletic Director.

At every turn university athletic programs have the responsibility of dealing with competitive coaches, and athletes who can make or break the public persona of their institution. One cross word in a television interview will be replayed by millions all across our country. A slip of the temper in a highly publicized sporting event can cost millions in support dollars. With so much riding on the personal character of leading men and women it would seem the search for godly leaders would be first priority. Sadly many have prioritized a good public perception at any cost, so that what could have been a motivation for godly leaders has become a race to find the most clever, crafty, and deceptive individuals. “Perception is everything” has led our culture to an age of godless leaders who cater to a godless public that has determined to do whatever seems right in their own eyes.

There was a man, a woman at a well, a prodigal son, a field white unto harvest, water from a rock, or a burning bush. All statements that remind us of stories. We could just as easily say, “Once upon a time” and lead into any number of scenarios that would give us opportunity to explore multiple story lines. It just so happens that the above scenarios are beginnings to stories in the Bible, and each one has characters who find themselves in varying backdrops with some unfolding plot that usually teaches a moral, and more often points the reader to God. Our story begins during a period of history where God’s people were not mindful of His commands, and one man gave into the idea that “perception is everything”. Elkanah is the man in question and our story begins with the description of this man from a long line of men who finds himself without a man child to carry on the long tradition. Elkanah’s perception of himself revolves around having a son. Having hinged his identity within his culture to having a son Elkanah searches for any method that will bring success. His pragmatism leads to compromise, which sets the stage for an unfolding story about how God can provide godly leadership when through an obedient woman.

Introduce the Subject: Social climate of Israel (Judges 21:25)

“There was no king in Israel, and every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25. Judges is a short history of how God’s people quickly fell into wickedness due to the lack of godly leadership. When there was a godly judge the people would call on the Lord. When each judge dies the people return to sin and fall into persecution. Toward the end of Judges there is no godly leader. Such was the situation when the loyalty of Ruth gives birth to the grandfather of King David. Many years later King David becomes one of the most godly kings in the Bible, uniting all of Israel, restoring a sense of respect for the tabernacle of God, writing many Psalms, and paving the way for a golden age in Israel’s history. Prior to David taking the throne as king was Saul. Before we ever see the exploits of King David, or Saul rise from obscurity to become the first king of Israel, we see the faith of another woman. Hannah was the wife of Elkanah, and through her faithful prayer, and continued obedience came Samuel who began to turn the nation of Israel back to God. It was with Samuel that God began to provide godly leadership for His chosen people.

Without godly leadership any nation, organization, community, church, or home will fall into ruin. People in every walk of life need godly leadership to provide a clear vision of what God has ordained in His word. Israel was in desperate need of such leadership, but before we see Samuel bring about a national revival, and annoint a king we see his father attempting to lead his own home in the midst of a nation devoid of godly leadership.

“Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Johu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.” 1Samuel 1:1

From this description we have little else to draw upon, but that Elkanah was from a long line of men. The perception of his family is that they produce men who carry on the bloodline. The accompanying expectation is that Elkanah will produce the next generation of men who will inherit the accomplishments of the previous generation. When the story picks up in the life of Elkanah we know little more than that he has married two women.

1. Compromise complicates the problem. 1:1-5

“And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.” 1Samuel 1:2

Now Elkanah’s situation begins to take shape. He has come from a long line of proud fathers who produced sons. In keeping with that tradition he marries and settles down to enjoy fulfilling his part in the family history. Please keep in mind that although Elkanah has come from a well documented line of men, that he still lived under the influence of the verse from Judges we looked at earlier. The societal influence Elkanah attempted to lead his family through was not conducive to godly decisions. In fact, we have a very clear indicator that Elkanah was influenced by the culture when he compromises his first marriage relationship by marrying another woman that might produce a son. From verse two we see that Elkanah’s first wife (Hannah) was unable to produce any children, so he acquires a second wife. According to the culture having a second wife was acceptable, but Biblical history to that point discloses many pitfalls and troubles associated with multiplying wives as with Abraham, and Jacob. Since Elkanah’s primary concern was producing an heir, he compromises, ignores solid moral instruction, and follows the present culture in adding another wife to his home.

As is often the case when we choose to disobey God’s instructions, Elkanah quickly finds himself in another compromising position. The second wife, Peninnah, does produce children for Elkanah but disrupts the balance in his home, and disturbs his relationship with Hannah. According to verse 5 Elkanah gives a double portion to Hannah to prove that his love is greater for her than the new rival wife Peninnah. So we see that one decision to compromise does not solve anything, but rather complicates Elkanah’s situation and puts him in position to compromise further as he is now paying off Hannah in an attempt to keep her happy.

Illustration:

In the movie “Marley and Me” the main character is in a similar dilema as his wife begins to ask for children. Finding himself unprepared for the responsibilities of fatherhood he seeks out the advice of an unmarried friend who has no experience in dealing with a healthy marital relationship. The advice he receives is to buy her jewelry as that will surely distract her from the desire to have kids, which does not work. So the second piece of advice is to get his wife a puppy. They get a puppy and this time the compromise becomes a major point of conflict in his home for the rest of the movie. The moral? Compromise does not solve anything, it only complicates the problem.

2. Retaliation intensifies the problem. 1:6-7

Elkanah provides us with the trouble of choosing to compromise in the face of difficulty. There is another example in his house of how to deal with problems. Elkanah’s choice to get a second wife did produce heirs for him, but at what cost? He now had two wives to care for, and had to doubly bless Hannah to prove his love in spite of acquiring another wife. The other woman, Peninnah begins to notice her secondary position in Elkanah’s heart every year when the whole family goes to Shiloh for the annual offering. Peninnah is presented with an opportunity to show appreciation for Elkanah’s gifts, and grace to Hannah’s predicament. Rather, she chooses to take out her frustrations over her innability to win Elkanah’s heart by persecuting Hannah.

“And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the LORD had closed her womb. So it was, year by year, when she went up to the houe of the LORD, that she provoked her; therefore she wept and did not eat.” 1Samuel 1:6-7

Notice in the passage that Peninnah is Hannah’s “rival”, and as such provokes Hannah severely. Scripture makes it clear that Peninnah purposed to make Hannah miserable with the provocations, but no indicator is given as to what other plan was involved. Peninnah did not hope to promote her own situation within the home, or gain more favor with Elkanah. The provocations were born out of an envious heart, and served no further purpose than to trouble Hannah. Hatred is the motivation, and envy is fueling Peninnah’s retaliation. Such reckless retaliation cannot ever produce anything positive and will never please God.

Illustration:

In Ephesians chapter four Paul is giving instruction to the church concerning their conduct. They had to be reminded to: tell the truth, avoid holding grudges, and cease from stealing. In any situation of conflict resolution involving the issues Paul had addressed there is opportunity for flared tempers, and further complication. To avoid escalating what might already be a tenuous situation Paul advises the Ephesian believers to: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers”. Often when faced with a difficult person (like Peninnah) we are tempted to retaliate with words that attack the person, but never deal with solving problems. Peninnah obviously had issues of her own, but attacking her verbally at this point would not solve anything, but would definitely intensify the problems in the home. Hannah sets an amazing example in the narrative of holding her tongue, and waiting for a better solution. Those who have trusted Christ as Savior have a greater motivation, and encouragement for choosing our words wisely. Following the above statement from Ephesians 4:29 comes 4:30. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” So as the Believer chooses to control his tongue, and chooses words that edify and impart grace the power of the Holy Spirit is given room to work out the problem at hand, and delve deeper into lasting transformation.

When we choose to take retaliation into our own hands, we complicate the problem, attack the person, and limit the Holy Spirit’s willingness to bring about healing and resolution. Retaliation is a slippery slope that can cause great harm to the individual, and destroys hope of redemption. So we see that retaliation has only served to trouble the husband, distance the second wife, and grieve the one who is already without help. Hannah could not change her situation, and to this point in the passage found no help. So she takes the position of mourning, and humility that delights the heart of God.

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:6-10

We now come to the turning point in the story, where Hannah begins to call upon the Lord for help. Would that all such provocation would drive people to their knees in prayer. If we had more prayer and less fleshly retaliation, we would undoubtedly see the manifest presence of Holy Spirit at work to transform lost humanity into sons and daughters of God.

1Samuel 1:1-28

3. Prayer changes problems into possibilities. 1:9-11

“So Hannah arose” thus begins the transition of Hannah’s life from that of persecuted and forsaken into a faith walk that will change everything. She finally had enough of her barren and faithless situation. The leader of the home, Elkanah, offered no spiritual guidance other than an annual trip to keep his religious rituals. Her husband had further complicated her predicament by questioning her mourning heart in 1Samuel 1:8. “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” Provoked no doubt by the escalating tension in his home Elkanah tries to guilt Hannah out of her mourning for a son. He has lavished her with gifts, preferred her over the other woman, and yet she still persists to want what he cannot provide. How many husbands have given the same retaliation to their distressed wives, when in frustration they cannot provide what she most desires.

It would seem here that God has completely forsaken Hannah to her distress, but it is often in our worst situations that God is working to bring a far greater resolution than we ever imagine. When Hannah’s husband could not help, and her fellow woman would not help, she finally gets enough and turns her heart to God. At this point in the story we begin to see God coax Hannah in her faithless surroundings to the faith-full life He wants her to enjoy.

“So Hannah arose” is the turning point in her life. It is the place in her heart where she refuses to accept life without God, and begins to walk in the way He will provide for her. She is already in the place of worship, keeping the traditions of worship, in the company of priests who lead worship, but she goes a step further. Hannah is through depending on others for her faith, and when “Hanna arose” she approaches the very heart of God.

“Then she made a vow and said, ‘O LORD of Hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.’ ”

Notice the title Hannah uses to approach God. She calls upon the “LORD of Hosts” which is the name associated with God in His warlike state. In calling God, “the Lord of angel armies” Hannah is appealing for God to fight on her behalf. She is exhausted with the heartless, and cruel world around her, and appeals to the only One who can intercede on her behalf. The preceding verse tells us that, “she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish.” This is no proper, sweet, churchy, formal prayer. Hannah’s request comes out of the depths of her persecuted heart with a desperate hope that God will fight on her behalf.

Illustration:

There was another barren mother in the recent history of Israel found in Judges 13:2-3. Her husband’s name was Manoah, and after a visit from an angel this couple was promised a son. The angel gave instructions that included never cutting the child’s hair. You may remember some of this child’s story for he grows up to become Samson the mighty judge over Israel. Samson’s great strength was no doubt legendary in Hannah’s day, and I wonder if she had some hope that her son might be blessed with a similar strength to throw off her oppressors. Either way we see in her vow a commitment to train up her son to be a leader, and a devout follower of God.

It would seem that such a heartfelt prayer would resolve Hannah’s situation and that we might insert a happy ending at this point. Such is not the way of those who pray and seek the face of God. Even as Hannah is praying she begins to come under accusation from Eli, the priest in that day. Eli sees Hannah praying silently, and assumes that she is drunk and rebukes her for what he supposes to be drunkenness. Hannah already “arose” to seek the help of God, and with a boldness that can only come through prayer she now refutes the accusation, and bares her heart before Eli.

“But Hannah answered and said, ‘No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.’ “

This is not the words of a quiet, broken woman. She has begun to cast her faith before God, and has found there a confidence that will not accept such false accusation from anyone. Hannah admits her former brokenness, and here steps forth to live by faith. Eli now recognizes Hannah is not drunk, but praying silently. In response to her faith Eli proceeds to bless Hannah, and she responds with humility.

Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

1Samuel 1:17-18

Once Hannah prayed and received a blessing from Eli, she believed her petition would in fact be answered. There was not a child in her womb, and she had no physical evidence that any child would come, but true faith has eyes to see that which may yet be unavailable. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

1. Preparation takes advantage of prayer 1:19-23

Too often believers imagine that prayer is a fix all for their problems. Although God is faithful to answer prayer, it is short-sighted to assume that our part in the work ends in prayer. It would seem from the following verses that Hannah’s troubles had ended, but her true test was only beginning.

“Then they rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD, and returned and came to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her. So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.” 1Samuel 1:19-20

Now Hannah had received the answer to prayer she had sought. The LORD blessed her with a son, and she immediately gives praise to God, and names the boy so as not to forget that God heard her prayer. This is the point where many believers cease to seek the LORD. Having prayer answered too often we forget the vows we made, or the great debt we continually owe to our faithful and loving Heavenly Father. If God should be so gracious as to answer our lowly prayers shall we not continue forward in faithful obedience. Prayer surely does change things, but what we do with answered prayer also has a lasting effect on future events. Hannah sets a wonderful example of faithful prayer as she remembers her vow to raise up a boy who would serve God all the days of his life.

Earlier in the story Hannah overcame the temptations of compromise, and retaliation as she sought the Lord in prayer. The answer to prayer removed the temptation for retaliation, but compromise is still seeking entrance to Hannah’s household of faith.

Elkanah continues his annual trip to Shiloh after Samuel is born, but Hannah refuses to go. Supposing that Hannah wanted to keep the boy for herself, or possibly to avoid giving his heir up to temple service, Elkanah offers a plan of compromise again.

Now the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice and his vow. But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “Not until the child is weaned; then I will take him, that he may appear before the LORD and remain there forever. So Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him. Only let the LORD establish His word.” Then the woman stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. 1Samuel 1:21-23

Notice Elkanah’s words in verse 23 when he says, “Only let the LORD establish His word.” Some manuscripts suggest that Elkanah says that it is the LORD’s business to establish, or ensure Hannah’s word. If we accept this possible translation then Elkanah is in essense suggesting that Hannah can do what she wishes and God will raise up another boy to take Samuel’s place. If Hannah had listened to the compromising advice of her husband (who is trying to keep his wife happy), then Samuel would have grown with a name reminding all that the God who hears prayer does not require obedience. Thus Samuel’s birth would have made matters worse during a time when according to Judges 21:25 “there was no King in Isreal, and everyone did that which was right in his own eyes.” Fortunately Hannah does not take all of her husband’s advice to heart, however she does keep Samuel until she is convinced he is ready to leave home.

Lest we imagine that simple obedience does not matter, let us remember Hannah’s obedience in this story and the lasting effect her obedience had on Israel.

When Hannah resisted the temptation to retaliate against Peninnah she set an example of how a godly wife should carry herself. Although Peninnah did not follow Hannah’s example, God’s provision of a son made much of Hannah’s humility and obedience before all who knew her. Her faithful prayer changed her life, and now her obedience would change her home, her worship, and her country. So we see that prayer changed Hannah’s problems into possibilities for obedience. Through faithful obedience Hannah makes preparations to get the most out of the new possibilities. We also would be wise to follow up our prayer life with faithful obedience to the commands of God, and the vows we make before HIM. The true tests of obedience must be bathed in prayer if we are to remain faithful. Hannah has endured tests of retaliation and compromise, but her final test is yet to come as she must follow through and present Samuel to service.

1. Presentation consumates answered prayer 1:26-28

The country was leaderless, the men lacked direction and everyone did whatever they desired. In the midst of such lawless times Hannah’s greatest desire seems to be for a son. It is through the simple desires of God’s people that He accomplishes the greatest work.

“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.” 1Corinthians 1:27-29

Elkanah and Hannah may have had a simple desire for a son and an heir, but God had other plans. As Hannah keeps her vow to God we see not just a boy dedicated to service, but a future man of God who will lead Israel. Samuel becomes a great judge in the long history of God’s people, and becomes instrumental in raising up godly leadership. Such a transformation of the national depravity finds its beginnings in the consumation of Hannah’s vow.

Hannah’s vow to give Samuel to God for, “all the days of his life” was not a shallow commitment. Hannah was committing herself to present a boy who would continue in faithful service to God even when all others failed. Furthermore, she was placing Samuel in the care of Eli who was incapable of raising up godly sons (1Samuel 2:12-17).

Now Hannah reminds Eli of the origins associated with this dedication when she says, “O my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the LORD. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of HIM.” (1Samuel 1:26-27) She would not allow that her vow would be forgotten, or the child be overlooked. Would that we were so dedicated to the new believers God sends our way. Too often churches are passionate about reaching the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ, but then become lax in their continued commitment to a changed life. Our service to God must go beyond the initial spreading of the truth, and reach into the messy, inconvenient work of total life transformation. Proverbs 11:30 reminds us that, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” This verse has been quoted and preached from pulpits many times over to remind believers that they alone possess the words of life. We are called to tell others about the gospel of Jesus Christ, but when a convert is made our work is not done. The wisdom of winning a soul is that once a life is transformed into a living representation of Jesus, then others will hear and see that the LORD is good.

Any modest opinion of motherhood would not approve of Hannah if she had dumped Samuel at Eli’s tent. Hannah presents Samuel, and in the words of her presentation we see a continued commitment, and an avowed involvement to her son’s development. “Therefore, I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD.” (1Samuel 1:28) It is well and good that Hannah should make such a promise, but her statement is only as strong as her commitment to stay involved in the development of the young boy. It is one thing for a mother to commit her child to a particular occupation and quite another to prepare her child. Not only did Hannah commit Samuel to the Lord, but she committed herself to her son’s preparation. She committed herself to his continued support and encouragement. Hannah’s continuing commitment can be seen in 1Samuel 2:18-19.

“But Samuel ministered before the LORD, even as a child, wearing a linen ephod. Moreover his mother used to make him a little robe, and bring it to him year by year when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.”

In much the same way God calls every believer to make a deliberate investment in the lives of others, so that they might be presented back to the Lord. Filling the void of godly leadership starts in prayer, but we will not see true change occur until we effectively raise up obedient disciples of Jesus Christ.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Hannah’s vow was not completed, nor her prayers for Samuel finished at his presentation. A potential leader has been given by the LORD, but the development of that leader is left to the humans watching over him. The lack of godly leadership can be repaired, but it requires a commitment from the existing generation of godly leaders to prayer and continued training. Praying for the LORD to send laborers into the fields that are white unto harvest is only the first step. As God’s people pray, they must also commit themselves to watching over those God sends in answer to prayer. Because Hannah was committed to the continuing development of Samuel he was able to overcome the poor example of Eli and his sons to become a godly leader in the history of Israel.

Conclusion:

How have you responded to the lack of godly leadership in your culture? What can you do in a culture where, “Perception is everything.” and “everyone does what is right in their own eyes”? Elkanah compromised, and fell in with his surrounding culture. Peninnah blamed others and lived with a cancer of bitterness. Eli grew incapable of effecting the culture, blind to the depravity of his own sons, and judgmental to the only person whom God would use to bring about change. When there is no hope in the world around you what will you do? Hannah in bitterness and despair of her situation arose and sought the Lord of Hosts. Through her desperate faith God wrought a revival of His people. You may feel an unlikely candidate for effecting positive change in your culture, but God looks on the heart, and the desires that drive you to your knees may be the catalyst for hope. Will you kill your desire for God, and abandon hope or believe God and pray?

Do not give in to compromise, or retaliation in your frustration. Rather, seek the Lord in prayer, and commit your heart to positive change. If you will purpose in your heart to arise and trust the Lord, you will find Him willing and able to use the most unlikely vessels to pour out His Spirit and raise up godly leaders.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

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New King James Version of the Bible

The Bible Knowledge Commentary