1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ
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2007 Edition Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 <strong>Samuel</strong> 15"Their sin was particularly egregious since they were supposed to beteaching morality and representing the people <strong>of</strong> God (2:22-25; cf. 2Chron. 17:7-9)." 352. Hannah's godly influence on <strong>Samuel</strong> and its effect 2:18-21In the previous paragraphs two statements about the main characters described them andframed the paragraph: they did not regard the Lord, and they despised the Lord's<strong>of</strong>ferings (vv. 12, 17). Likewise in this one the writer described <strong>Samuel</strong> as "before theLord" at the beginning and at the end (vv. 18, 21). Even though he was very young andhis service was probably menial at this time (cf. 3:15), <strong>Samuel</strong> lived sensitively beforeGod. The writer did not stress this sensitive spirit here; he only hinted at it. However itcomes out clearly later (e.g., ch. 4).In the central part <strong>of</strong> this section (vv. 18-19) the writer documented the support andencouragement to serve the Lord that <strong>Samuel</strong> received from his parents. The linen ephodwas a priestly garment, as was the robe (cf. Exod. 28:31; 2 Sam. 6:16). 36 Hannah dressed<strong>Samuel</strong> as a little priest showing that she respected this <strong>of</strong>fice and wanted her son to growup valuing it. 37Hannah's obedience resulted in God blessing Elkanah and Hannah even more (vv. 20-21).Among other blessings, God gave Hannah five additional children by overcoming herbarrenness and making her fertile (cf. Exod. 1:21; Ps. 127:3). Furthermore, <strong>Samuel</strong>continued to develop in a promising manner (cf. Luke 2:40, 52).3. Eli's lack <strong>of</strong> influence on his sons and its effect 2:22-26The sons <strong>of</strong> Eli followed the example <strong>of</strong> Canaanite worship rather than the instruction <strong>of</strong>the Mosaic Law. Ritual prostitution was part <strong>of</strong> Canaanite worship, and Eli's sons seem tohave adopted this custom. Even when their father confronted them with their sin Eli'ssons refused to repent. Frequently old men demonstrate wisdom, but Eli was not wiseenough to restrain the sinful behavior <strong>of</strong> his sons.The women referred to were evidently volunteer helpers in the service <strong>of</strong> the sanctuary(cf. Exod. 38:8). 38 Unintentional sin was pardonable under Mosaic law, but highhanded,deliberately rebellious sin was not, particularly ritual prostitution (cf. Num. 25:1-5; Deut.23:17; Amos 2:7-8). The punishment for highhanded sin was death (Num. 15:30). Godinitially judged Eli's sons by giving them hard hearts as a result <strong>of</strong> their sin before Hebrought final destruction on them (cf. Exod. 7:3; Rom. 1:24).35 Heater, p. 120.36 N. L. Tidwell, "The Linen Ephod: 1 Sam. II 18 and 2 Sam. VI 14," Vetus Testamentum 24:4 (October1974):505-7.37 Similarly today sometimes parents buy things for their children that will give them a love for those thingsand encourage them to pursue interest in them (e.g., a football, a child's cooking set, etc.).38 The Hebrew word tsaba' also means "assembled," but here it probably means "served."