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1 Samuel 2:1-11: The Reversal of Human Fortunes

There are two threads that run through Hannah’s prayer, and she weaves them together into one cord that sets the scene for the entire story. The first strand is the rule of God. The second is the reversal of human fortunes.

In v4-5 we’re given three things God rules over: (military) Force, Food, and Fertility. But he’s not just the great Ruler. He’s the great Reverser too. On the battle field he smashes the mighty archer’s bow, and the stumbling ones gird themselves up with strength. In the harvest fields, those whose bellies are full have to look for work, and those whose bellies were empty have them filled. In the family home, the barren (Hannah) cradles a beautiful boy and Peninnah, with her many children, is consumed by the misery of bitterness (revealed in her taunting of Hannah in chapter 1).

Reversing fortunes – this is God’s way of working. Hannah has seen it in her life, she sees it in the world around her, and we will see it through this story. Like verse 4 declares: the mighty warrior Goliath will be felled, and David, who couldn’t even wear armour will be victorious (chapter 17). As verse 5 asserts: Nabal will feast while David starves; Nabal will be struck down while God provides bread for David (chapter 25). The raised up king, Saul, will eventually be laid low. The LORD who rules is the reverser of human fortunes. This is the way he rules the world.

We get so discouraged by our weakness, as individuals and congregations. We look at the world and see power. We look at other churches and we see outward strength. We need to forget outward appearances and the way the world works – God girds the feeble and fills the hungry. “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Questions

  1. From what you know of the events of 1 Samuel, can you think of other reversals of human fortune?
  2. Where do you feel weak and/or laid low?

Prayer Points

  1. Take your weaknesses to God in prayer and ask him to work through them in his strength.
  2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
  3. Pray for family matters.