The Birth of Samuel

I Samuel 1-2

Elkanah was a Levite man who lived in the Ephraim hills.
His wife Hannah loved the Lord, but she felt so unfulfilled.
Hannah in her outward way appeared so meek and mild,
But deep within her spirit, she yearned to bear a child.

Elkanah had a second wife whose womb was fruitfully open.
She taunted Hannah with her smirk and cutting words ill-spoken.
Hannah grieved and promised God, as she knelt at the house of the LORD,
To give her son to lifetime service if her prayers were not ignored.

God, of course, heard all of her prayers. The delay was not a rebuke.
He answers prayer exactly on time. Not one of them is a fluke.
Eli the priest observed her prayer; learned of her earnest petition.
He told her spirit to be at rest and prepare for a coming addition.

It wasn’t long before she conceived and gave birth to a special son.
She gave him the name of Samuel,* for by prayer the battle was won.
She treasured each moment with her child preparing to keep her word
Knowing it was because of God’s grace that his birth occurred.

When he was weaned she took little Sam along with a sacrifice.
She taught him how to worship and gave other important advice.
Next she took him to the priest presenting Samuel so fair;
Then she knelt before the Lord and poured out her heart in prayer.

Elkanah and Hannah returned to their home but left little Sam behind.
He learned how to minister to the Lord. He was truly “one of a kind.”
Hannah’s heart ached but she was true to the promise she had begun.
God then gave two beautiful daughters and three additional sons.

Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with God and men.
With Godly character instilled in him, the next phase could begin.
Eli was old and his sons were wicked. God heard the nation’s cry.
Samuel soon would be the high priest; Hophni and Phinehas would die.

Perhaps you have waited many long years for an answer to your prayer.
You’ve been praying earnestly wondering if He is there.
Let the example of Hannah remind you that nothing is wrong.
“For the race is not always to the swift or the battle to the strong.” **

* Samuel means “heard of God”
**Ecclesiastes 9:11

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved