1Samuel:1

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* Verse 1-8 - Elkanah kept up his attendance at God 's altar , notwithstanding the unhappy differences in his family . If the devotions of a family prevail not to put an end to its divisions , yet let not the divisions put a stop to the devotions . To abate our just love to any relation for the sake of any infirmity which they cannot help , and which is their affliction , is to make God 's providence quarrel with his precept , and very unkindly to add affliction to the afflicted . It is evidence of a base disposition , to delight in grieving those who are of a sorrowful spirit , and in putting those out of humour who are apt to fret and be uneasy . We ought to bear one another 's burdens , not add to them . Hannah could not bear the provocation . Those who are of a fretful spirit , and are apt to lay provocations too much to heart , are enemies to themselves , and strip themselves of many comforts both of life and godliness . We ought to notice comforts , to keep us from grieving for crosses . We should look at that which is for us , as well as what is against us . * Verse 9-18 - Hannah mingled tears with her prayers ; she considered the mercy of our God , who knows the troubled soul . God gives us leave , in prayer , not only to ask good things in general , but to mention that special good thing we most need and desire . She spoke softly , none could hear her . Hereby she testified her belief of God 's knowledge of the heart and its desires . Eli was high priest , and judge in Israel . It ill becomes us to be rash and hasty in censures of others , and to think people guilty of bad things while the matter is doubtful and unproved . Hannah did not retort the charge , and upbraid Eli with the wicked conduct of his own sons . When we are at any time unjustly censured , we have need to set a double watch before the door of our lips , that we do not return censure for censure . Hannah thought it enough to clear herself , and so must we . Eli was willing to acknowledge his mistake . Hannah went away with satisfaction of mind . She had herself by prayer committed her case to God , and Eli had prayed for her . Prayer is heart 's ease to a gracious soul . Prayer will smooth the countenance ; it should do so . None will long remain miserable , who use aright the privilege of going to the mercy-seat of a reconciled God in Christ Jesus . * Verse 19-28 - Elkanah and his family had a journey before them , and a family of children to take with them , yet they would not move till they had worshipped God together . Prayer and provender do not hinder a journey . When men are in such haste to set out upon journeys , or to engage in business , that they have not time to worship God , they are likely to proceed without his presence and blessing . Hannah , though she felt a warm regard for the courts of God 's house , begged to stay at home . God will have mercy , and not sacrifice . Those who are detained from public ordinances , by the nursing and tending of little children , may take comfort from this instance , and believe , that if they do that duty in a right spirit , God will graciously accept them therein . Hannah presented her child to the Lord with a grateful acknowledgment of his goodness in answer to prayer . Whatever we give to God , it is what we have first asked and received from him . All our gifts to him were first his gifts to us . The child Samuel early showed true piety . Little children should be taught to worship God when very young . Their parents should teach them in it , bring them to it , and put them on doing it as well as they can ; God will graciously accept them , and will teach them to do better . Henry ' _1__2 **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary **** _

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