I switched over to the OT today, because I needed a break from Paul’s writings. I started reading 1 Samuel. I didn’t read as much as I have been because it’s just jam packed with deep stuff.
Things of note:
- The relationship between Hannah and Elkanah. She’s distraught because she is barren (a huge stigma in those days), yet the Bible is clear to say that Elkanah gave her more than her fair share because he loved her. And Elkanah tried to comfort her by saying, “Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?” That’s a good man.
- I was surprised to find a verse that reminded me that my worth and validation come from God and no one else: “Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.”
- Question: in 2:5, Hannah speaks of “she who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away.” Does anyone know who she’s referring to?
- God hardened the hearts of Eli’s sons – “His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death.” That reminds me of Moses and Pharoah. I’m left wondering what would have happened had Eli’s sons been able to repent of their wrong-doing. Although, in thinking that through, it would have thrown off the entire Bible–including the birth of Christ.
- “In those days, the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.” Sounds familiar.
- I like how it specifically says that Samuel did not yet know the Lord and that His word had not been revealed to Him yet. That explains why Samuel didn’t recognize God’s voice when He called to him.
- God said that Eli’s house would never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering. Is this a verse that’s used to support election and predestination? It does sound like it’s saying that no one from Eli’s line would ever find redemption.
What an interesting book! I think it raised more questions than answers, but that’s okay. It definitely shows me that I’m far from knowing as much as I think I do.
God hardened the hearts of Eli’s sons – “His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death.” That reminds me of Moses and Pharoah. I’m left wondering what would have happened had Eli’s sons been able to repent of their wrong-doing. Although, in thinking that through, it would have thrown off the entire Bible–including the birth of Christ.
Wow, talk about your proto-Calvinism. Isn’t there something of a moral issue here? I really don’t like the thought of God dictating how good or bad someone is “allowed” to be just so that they fit into the intended storyline…
Incidentally, if God wanted them put to death, why bother hardening their hearts? Whatever happened to the ol’ Sodom and Gomorragh routine?
First of all, I don’t have all the answers. I don’t totally understand the hows and whys of God hardening someone’s heart. I’m not a Calvinist by any stretch of the imagination, but these stories do seem to lean that way.
Now, as far as what you said here:
I really don’t like the thought of God dictating how good or bad someone is “allowed” to be just so that they fit into the intended storyline…
It really doesn’t matter what you or I like or don’t like about God. He’s God. The same today, yesterday, and forever.