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> 17Eleazar, replaced Abiathar as high priest in Solomon's day (1 Kings 2:35). 39 The Lord'sanointed (v. 35) was the king <strong>of</strong> Israel. One <strong>of</strong> his descendants would be Messiah. Ezekiel44:15 and 48:11 refer to the continuing ministry <strong>of</strong> Zadok's descendants when Messiahreigns in His future millennial kingdom. 40 Verse 36 evidently continues to describe thefate <strong>of</strong> Eli's descendants after God deposed Abiathar. 41Notice the chiastic (crossing) structure <strong>of</strong> chapter 2 that focuses on Eli's blessing <strong>of</strong><strong>Samuel</strong>'s parents."A.A.'The song <strong>of</strong> Hannah, concluding with reference to the Lord'sanointed (2:1-10)B. <strong>Samuel</strong> ministers before the Lord (2:11)C. The sins <strong>of</strong> Eli's sons (2:12-17)D. <strong>Samuel</strong> ministers before the Lord (2:18-19)E. Eli blesses <strong>Samuel</strong>'s parents (2:20-21a)D.' <strong>Samuel</strong> grows in the Lord's presence (2:21b)C.' The sins <strong>of</strong> Eli's sons (2:22-25)B.' <strong>Samuel</strong> grows in the Lords' presence (2:26)The oracles <strong>of</strong> the man <strong>of</strong> God, concluding with reference to theLord's anointed (2:27-36)" 42This section reveals the importance and power <strong>of</strong> parental influence, though this is notthe primary lesson. Eli had placed more importance on his sons' personal preferencesthan he had on God's preferences; he had honored them more than Him (v. 29).Consequently they became worthless men (v. 12) whom God finally killed prematurely.Hannah, on the other hand, encouraged her son, <strong>Samuel</strong>, to value the service <strong>of</strong> God.Consequently he developed into a godly man whom God and other people honored andrespected (v. 26). Eli's sons despised God and abused other people (vv. 17, 22). <strong>Samuel</strong>feared God and became a great blessing to other people.This chapter also shows that godly influence can be more powerful than ungodlyinfluence and can overcome many natural obstacles. God enabled Hannah to influence<strong>Samuel</strong> for good even though she seldom saw him, lived miles from him, and could notprevent the daily wicked influence <strong>of</strong> Eli's sons over him. Her previous dedication <strong>of</strong> himto the Lord was undoubtedly a factor in her success. Other important factors were hercontinuing encouragement to serve God and her prayers for <strong>Samuel</strong>.God has not blessed with godly <strong>of</strong>fspring all parents who have had the same desires fortheir children that Hannah did. Children are responsible for their own decisions as they39 Segal, p. 40; et al.40 See Ronald L. Rushing, "Phinehas' Covenant <strong>of</strong> Peace," Th.D. dissertation, Dallas Theological Seminary,1988.41 For another study <strong>of</strong> verses 27-36, see Tsevat, "Studies in the Book <strong>of</strong> <strong>Samuel</strong>," Hebrew Union CollegeAnnual 32 (1961):191-216.42 Youngblood, p. 588.
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