At that time Hannah prayed: "My heart rejoices in the LORD in whom my horn is exalted. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation. At that time Hannah prayedThe phrase sets the scene for a pivotal moment in Hannah's life. The Hebrew root for "prayed" is "palal," which means to intercede or to make supplication. This indicates a deep, heartfelt communication with God, reflecting Hannah's intimate relationship with Him. Historically, prayer was a central part of Hebrew worship, and Hannah's prayer is a model of personal devotion and thanksgiving. My heart rejoices in the LORD
The "heart" in Hebrew, "leb," often represents the inner self, including emotions, will, and intellect. Hannah's joy is not superficial but deeply rooted in her being. The phrase "in the LORD" signifies that her joy is not based on circumstances but on her relationship with Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. This reflects a profound trust and satisfaction in God's character and promises. my horn is exalted in the LORD
The "horn" symbolizes strength and power in Hebrew culture, often associated with victory and honor. The exaltation of her horn "in the LORD" suggests that her strength and dignity are derived from God. This imagery is consistent with the ancient Near Eastern context, where horns of animals were seen as symbols of power and might. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies
The phrase "speaks boldly" comes from the Hebrew "rachab," meaning to open wide or enlarge. It implies confidence and fearlessness. Hannah's newfound boldness is a result of her faith in God's deliverance. Her "enemies" could be literal adversaries or symbolic of the trials and challenges she faced, including her previous barrenness and the taunts of Peninnah. for I rejoice in Your salvation
The word "salvation" in Hebrew is "yeshuah," which means deliverance or victory. Hannah's rejoicing is rooted in the tangible experience of God's saving power in her life. This salvation is not just personal but also anticipates the broader deliverance God would bring to His people. Theologically, it points to the ultimate salvation found in Jesus Christ, whose name in Hebrew, "Yeshua," is derived from the same root. Persons / Places / Events 1. HannahA devout woman who was initially barren but prayed fervently for a child. God answered her prayers, and she became the mother of Samuel, a significant prophet in Israel. 2. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the central figure in Hannah's prayer and the source of her joy and strength. 3. EnemiesWhile not named specifically in this verse, Hannah's enemies could be seen as those who mocked her barrenness, including Peninnah, her husband's other wife. 4. SalvationIn this context, it refers to God's deliverance and blessing, particularly in granting Hannah a son. 5. ShilohThe place where Hannah prayed and dedicated Samuel to the Lord, a significant location for worship in Israel at the time. Teaching Points Rejoicing in the LORDHannah's joy is rooted in her relationship with God, not just in her circumstances. Believers are encouraged to find their joy in the Lord, regardless of life's challenges. God's DeliveranceHannah's experience reminds us that God hears and answers prayers, often in ways that exceed our expectations. Boldness in FaithHannah's boldness in speaking against her enemies is a testament to her faith in God's justice and protection. Exaltation of the HumbleGod exalts those who are humble and dependent on Him, as seen in Hannah's life and echoed throughout Scripture. The Power of PrayerHannah's account underscores the importance of persistent and heartfelt prayer in the life of a believer. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1 reflect her personal relationship with God, and how can we cultivate a similar relationship in our own lives? 2. In what ways does Hannah's account encourage us to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, especially in difficult circumstances? 3. How can we apply the principle of rejoicing in the Lord, as Hannah did, in our daily lives, even when facing challenges or opposition? 4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate boldness in our faith, as Hannah did, in our interactions with others? 5. How does Hannah's prayer connect with other biblical examples of praise and thanksgiving, and what can we learn from these connections about the nature of worship? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 1Provides the background to Hannah's prayer, detailing her initial barrenness, her vow to God, and the birth of Samuel. Luke 1:46-55Mary's Magnificat echoes themes from Hannah's prayer, highlighting God's intervention and reversal of fortunes. Psalm 113:9Speaks of God granting the barren woman a home, making her a joyful mother, reflecting God's power to change circumstances. Exodus 15:1-21The Song of Moses and Miriam, another example of a song of praise following divine deliverance. People Eli, Elkanah, Hannah, Hophni, Israelites, Pharaoh, Phinehas, SamuelPlaces Egypt, Ramah, ShilohTopics Boasts, Boldly, Delight, Deliverance, Derides, Enemies, Enlarged, Exalted, Exulted, Exulteth, Exults, Glad, Hannah, Haters, Heart, Horn, Joy, Large, Lifted, Mouth, Open, Opened, Prayed, Prayer, Prayeth, Rejoice, Rejoiced, Rejoices, Rejoiceth, Salvation, Speaks, Strength, WideDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 2:1 1070 God, joy of
1320 God, as Saviour
4654 horn
5015 heart, and Holy Spirit
5830 delight
5844 emotions
5874 happiness
6634 deliverance
8287 joy, experience 1 Samuel 2:1-2 8632 adoration 1 Samuel 2:1-3 6121 boasting 1 Samuel 2:1-10 5849 exaltation
8352 thankfulness Library The Child Prophet
'And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 2. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; 8. And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; 4. That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 5. And he ran onto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureReverence in Worship.
"Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."--1 Samuel ii. 18. Samuel, viewed in his place in sacred history, that is, in the course of events which connect Moses with Christ, appears as a great ruler and teacher of his people; this is his prominent character. He was the first of the prophets; yet, when we read the sacred narrative itself, in which his life is set before us, I suppose those passages are the more striking and impressive which represent him, in …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Though the Fore-Mentioned Eternal Moral Obligations
are incumbent indeed on all rational creatures, antecedent to any respect of particular reward or punishment, yet they must certainly and necessarily be attended with rewards and punishments: Because the same reasons, which prove God himself to be necessarily just and good, and the rules of justice, equity, and goodness, to be his unalterable will, law, and command, to all created beings; prove also that he cannot but be pleased with and approve such creatures as imitate and obey him by observing …
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God Letter xxix. To Marcella.
An explanation of the Hebrew words Ephod bad (1 Sam. ii. 18) and Teraphim (Judges xvii. 5). Written at Rome to Marcella, also at Rome a.d. 384. …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome A Private Enquiry
"What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee?"--1 Samuel 3:17. THE Lord would not speak directly to Eli, although he was the High Priest. In ordinary circumstances it would have been so; but Eli had grieved the Lord, and thus had lost his honorable standing. God had not cast him off; but he viewed him with such displeasure that he would only speak to him through another person: even as great kings, if they are offended with their courtiers, send them messages by other hands. The Lord sent, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891 Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
Whatever attainment is made by any as distinguished from the wicked, or whatever gracious benefit is enjoyed, is a spiritual privilege. Adoption into the family of God is of this character. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power (margin, or, the right; or, privilege) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."[617] And every co-ordinate benefit is essentially so likewise. The evidence besides, that Covenanting …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Mystery
Of the Woman dwelling in the Wilderness. The woman delivered of a child, when the dragon was overcome, from thenceforth dwelt in the wilderness, by which is figured the state of the Church, liberated from Pagan tyranny, to the time of the seventh trumpet, and the second Advent of Christ, by the type, not of a latent, invisible, but, as it were, an intermediate condition, like that of the lsraelitish Church journeying in the wilderness, from its departure from Egypt, to its entrance into the land …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Sanctification.
VI. Objections answered. I will consider those passages of scripture which are by some supposed to contradict the doctrine we have been considering. 1 Kings viii. 46: "If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near," etc. On this passage, I remark:-- 1. That this sentiment in nearly the same language, is repeated in 2 Chron. vi. 26, and in Eccl. …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
Text: Ephesians 4, 1-6. 1 I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon then hath the light shined. C ontrasts are suited to illustrate and strengthen the impression of each other. The happiness of those, who by faith in MESSIAH, are brought into a state of peace, liberty, and comfort, is greatly enhanced and heightened by the consideration of that previous state of misery in which they once lived, and of the greater misery to which they were justly exposed. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Entire Sanctification
By Dr. Adam Clarke The word "sanctify" has two meanings. 1. It signifies to consecrate, to separate from earth and common use, and to devote or dedicate to God and his service. 2. It signifies to make holy or pure. Many talk much, and indeed well, of what Christ has done for us: but how little is spoken of what he is to do in us! and yet all that he has done for us is in reference to what he is to do in us. He was incarnated, suffered, died, and rose again from the dead; ascended to heaven, and there …
Adam Clarke—Entire Sanctification The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
In order accurately to understand the position of woman in Israel, it is only necessary carefully to peruse the New Testament. The picture of social life there presented gives a full view of the place which she held in private and in public life. Here we do not find that separation, so common among Orientals at all times, but a woman mingles freely with others both at home and abroad. So far from suffering under social inferiority, she takes influential and often leading part in all movements, specially …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 2:1 NIV1 Samuel 2:1 NLT1 Samuel 2:1 ESV1 Samuel 2:1 NASB1 Samuel 2:1 KJV
1 Samuel 2:1 Commentaries
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