The Barren Woman and the Anointed King (1 Sam 2:1-11)

Michiana Covenant Presbyterian Church

When Samuel was born, Hannah waited until the child was weaned - and then brought him to the priest, Eli, at the tabernacle.--What did it take for that mother to leave her firstborn behind-- What did it cost for Hannah to fulfill her vow-- She had longed to bring a son into the world, and having done so, she would now have to hand over that son to another.--Why did Hannah do this-- Because she had put to death the desires of the flesh. She was walking by the Spirit- Her desire to be a mother played second-fiddle to her desire to see the glory of the kingdom of God.--Many centuries later the priest, Zechariah, was offering incense at the temple. When his barren wife conceived and bore a son, John would be the one to baptize Jesus - just as Samuel would anoint David. The Song of Zechariah and the Song of Mary both resonate with Hannah's song.--Because it is at the temple where humanity can once again ascend the hill of the LORD in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ - the Son of David - and the Son of God.--Not only was Hannah a faithful woman who vowed what was pleasing to the LORD, but Hannah was also - at least in this moment - a prophetess. There in the tabernacle, as she delivered her son to Eli, she spoke forth the word of the LORD in song...