1 Sa. 2: Hannah Prays, Eli Prophecied Agin

1 Samuel 2:35 "I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his house, and he will minister before my anointed one always."

Well, Hannah, like most good people in the Bible to this point, takes time to remember to give God glory when He grants requests. In her thanks, she acknowledges God as creator, as all powerful, all knowing, boastworthy...author of life and death. Giver of status. The great equalizer. And she takes a shot at her wife, Peninnah. It's her wife, too, right? Eh, maybe not. She may have thought that having children would be her only shot at value as a person. Amazing what we come to ascribe as attributes of value for ourselves, and what God has is completely different.

Her son begins to help out around the tabernacle...maybe becoming the world's first altar boy? Sweeping floors, vacuuming, whatnot.

Eli's sons (also priests) Hophni and Phinehas (not that Phinehas) were not exactly exemplary in line for the priesthood. They abused their position, and took advantage of the sacrifices Israel brought. However, this was apparently not worthy of a death sentence. Among the offenses counted against them, boning the chicks that helped out at the temple, and demanding the fatted portion of the sacrifice to the point where they threatened the sacrificer with taking it by force. The best was supposed to belong to God. Specifically. Additionally, anyone eating the fat offered to God was to be cut off from his people. An important punishment.

But were they incinerated like Nadab and Abihu? No. But God did want them dead (v. 25), and His justice just wasn't as swift in this case. And Eli didn't just let this sin go ignored. He made a token effort here and there to talk to them, but this wasn't enough, as it went unheeded...as though Eli was not really a man of much discipline.

Meanwhile, Samuel was given linens to wear...which, if you'll remember, linens were reserved for those who were priests or were in training to be priests. Samuel had an important place in the tabernacle, despite being an Ephraimite.

Eli was visited by a prophet who told him that this behavior by his sons was not acceptable, and would lead to a terrible curse...that no one in his family would ever live a long life. However, there was a promise that there would be a priest who would rise up who would be faithful, and would be so tight with God, that this priest would do everything according to God's heart and mind. Can you imagine that connection? His house will be firmly established, and he will minister always. As if this would be the final priest. And all would come to him asking for favor and sustenance.