Singing (1–11). Most people would sing if they could keep their son, but Hannah sang because she could give her son to the service of the Lord. She glorified the Lord who does great things for His people. Mary’s song is similar to Hannah’s (Luke 1:46–55) because Mary had also made a sacrifice to the Lord (Luke 1:38). First the sacrifice, then the song (2 Chron. 29:27).
Sinning (12–17, 22–36). Eli had lost his influence over his sons and as a result caused his family to lose the priesthood (1 Kings 2:26–27, 35). (See 1 Tim. 3:4–5. It has well been said that the greatest evil comes from the corruption of the greatest good, and Eli’s sons illustrate this truth.
Serving (18–21). Blessed are those parents who realize that their children are growing and facing new needs and struggles, and blessed are those children who grow “before the Lord” (Luke 2:52). God kept Samuel pure in the midst of a defiled environment because he had parents who loved him and prayed for him. Jesus has a special love for children, and we must pray for them.
Children
Children are a gift from God (Gen. 48:8–9), a heritage and a reward (Ps. 127:3), weapons to use in fighting the enemy (Ps. 127:4–5), a source of joy (Ps. 113:9), and a crown in their parents’ old age (Prov. 17:6). It is a serious thing to abuse children (Matt. 18:1–6) or to neglect their spiritual training (Eph. 6:1–4). Christian witness is always one generation short of extinction. If we fail to train the children for Christ, we forfeit the future.
