God is her rock

1 Samuel 2:1-5

Before we explore the first three verses of Hannah’s prayer, this quote from Dave Anderson is so fitting: “The desire to do the will of God is the gift of God, it is not my maturity, it’s not my discipline, it’s not my self-control, it’s not doing this or that, it is flat out the gift of God.”  From a heart that has experienced the gift of God Hannah cried out this prayer to our Father.  Now Hannah lives under the Law, but God’s grace is seen in both her life and the blessing of Samuel.

This is the first part of her prayer: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is lifted up by the Lord.  My mouth boasts over my enemies because I rejoice in Your salvation.  There is no one holy like the Lord.  There is no one besides You!  And there is no rock like our God.  Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogant words come out of your mouth, for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and actions are weighed by Him.  The bows of the warriors are broken, but the feeble are clothed with strength.  Those who are full hire themselves out for food, but those who are starving hunger no more.  The woman who is childless gives birth to seven, but the woman with many sons pines away.”

Do you recall Hannah’s first prayer in the presence of Eli, he thought she was drunk because her lips were moving, but no words were coming out?  Now this is the second prayer, and I’m not sure about Eli’s thoughts, but I am well aware of mine, I’m hearing a lady who has a personal relationship with a Holy God.

The Easton’s Bible Dictionary gives this insight to the meaning of horn that Hannah is referring to in verse one. “Horns are emblems of power, dominion, glory, and fierceness, as they are the chief means of attack and defense with the animals endowed with them (Daniel 8:5, Daniel 8:9; 1 Samuel 2:1).”  Who were Hannah’s enemies, I’m sure Peninnah and the many others who made little of her during the many years she was without a child.  Hannah goes on to acknowledge that God is her rock, and only He is trustworthy, for all other gods have no authority or power.  She lived in a time much like the culture we find ourselves in, and I believe this quote gives much insight to our generation.  “Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.”  Verse three addresses such folks speaking arrogant words about a loving God that they do not understand.  These were God’s chosen who were doing this, much like many who are called by the name Christian.

One of my greatest concerns for the U.S.A. and the Churches of this nation is that we have misplaced faith in our might.  It is apparent that Hannah understood it is not in the power of the warrior, and that even with the most needy person God will provide.  From heavens view or God’s perspective, often it is the poor who are the richest, and the first who will be last and those who are willing to give their lives to gain them, and the one who tries to save it will lose it.  When you hear a child or an adult say life is not fair, we have no real understanding of the term.  But it is evident life often brings unexpected events, and one must look to the Lord for He is merciful, good, and just, and He has seen the beginning and the end.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice