Why did the Holy Spirit
inspire Hannah to pray in such a way? It
seems to be left for us as a transition from the birth and dedication of her
son, to somewhat a prefiguring of Israel’s history and the ultimate success of
a coming king.
As to Israel, Hannah gives
praise to “the God who reverses human fortunes by his mighty power, the Creator
beyond all human understanding who protects the faithful.”[1] “The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind
on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those
who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who
has many children is forlorn.” (1
Samuel 2:4–5,
ESV).
This is a clear
song of praise, glorying (if not wallowing) in the certainty of God over the
affairs of human choices and affairs. I
find that the ground for her prayer is seen in the two English words “for” that
start to sentences:
1. “For the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him
actions are weighed.” [2]
2. “For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and
on them he has set the world.”[3]
God is neither the subject of
human interrogation, nor is he one who answers to mankind. He is the omniscient One who judges everyone
with perfect knowledge. He is sovereign
presiding over all the affairs of mankind. He is behind and before all things.
He is the uncaused Cause of all things. “The reference to the foundation or
support (“pillars”) of the earth is meaningful here, for the Lord upholds both
the place where his people live as well as the moral order of this world; he
protects his faithful, while he destroys the wicked (1 Sam. 2:9).”[4]
The Lord controls not only
birth and death, but also all events in between. He reveres the fortunes of the faithful (an
obvious reflection by Hannah and the birth of her son) and even brings to pass
the unexpected: “The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is
forlorn. “[5]
Hannah concludes
mentioning “His anointed”. This is literally “his messiah”. This is the first time Messiah appears in the
Bible. She also anticipates the Divinely
empowered King that would come, yet at this time in Israel, there was no
King. Fascinating!! Over time, this same Hebrew term would come
to refer to a coming anointed one of God—called the Christ and He the Son of
David would rule in righteousness. “The ancient expositors, both Jewish and
Christian, make it to look beyond David, to the Son of David. Glorious things
are here spoken of the kingdom of the Mediator, both before and since his
incarnation; for the method of the administration of it, both by the eternal
Word and by that Word made flesh, is much the same.”[6]
This
is an amazing prayer in structure and form.
It’s placement in the canon is by design and intent. As 1 Samuel starts
with Hannah’s song, the end of 2 Samuel finishes with David’s Song. This song of Hannah is clearly the foundation
form Mary’s Magnificent. But beyond the
beauty of this song of praise, it’s articulation of the uniqueness and the
sovereignty of God is unparalleled.
Those
who dismiss the sovereignty of God over all things should heed the words of
Hannah: “Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth.”
[7]
[1] Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible
(p. 493). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[2] The Holy Bible:
English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Sa 2:3). Wheaton, IL: Crossway
Bibles.
[3] The Holy Bible:
English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Sa 2:8). Wheaton, IL:
Crossway Bibles.
[4] Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible
(p. 494). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[5] The Holy Bible:
English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Sa 2:5). Wheaton, IL:
Crossway Bibles.
[6] Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s
commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume
(p. 384). Peabody: Hendrickson.
[7] The Holy Bible:
English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Sa 2:3). Wheaton, IL:
Crossway Bibles.
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