BibleProject | One Story That Leads to Jesusનમૂનો

If you like full cisterns brimming with fresh water, sleek herds grazing on your foothills, and soldiers who triumph even when outnumbered six to one, then Hannah has some advice for you (1 Sam. 2).

In today’s reading, we see the theological heart of Hannah’s song play out yet again in the lives of Judah’s kings. Hannah’s song celebrated humble trust in Yahweh based on his unstoppable power to overcome evil and rescue human life.

When David’s descendants prioritize humility and faithfulness, they learn that Yahweh “watches over the feet of his godly ones” (1 Sam. 2:9). Amaziah trusts Yahweh instead of mercenaries from the north and experiences a decisive victory. Uzziah (also called Azariah) seeks Yahweh and follows the priests’ advice, leading to safety and Eden-like abundance.

When these kings start puffing themselves up with pride, which Hannah’s song also talks about, they encounter a God who breaks the bows of the mighty (1 Sam. 2:4). Amaziah gets cocky and picks a fight with the north, ending in humiliating defeat. Uzziah struts into the temple and tries to do the priests’ job, ending in permanent skin disease.

These case studies from the chronicler offer both encouragement and warning. The returned exiles may be a destitute people, oppressed by the Persians, but Yahweh “raises the poor from the dust … and has them inherit a throne of honor” (1 Sam. 2:8).

Remember: Yahweh is a God who knows, and he will one day judge the ends of the earth. He will ultimately destroy all evil. And Yahweh is a God who raises the oppressed, restoring them to life and honor.

Reflection Questions

• Can you think of another incident where Israel’s king took the responsibility to offer sacrifices to Yahweh into his own hands? (1 Samuel 13 will give you a hint.) What happened? How might this parallel help you understand Uzziah’s character?
• Take a moment to meditate on Psalm 1. Where do you see the two ways of this psalm—the way of the righteous person and the way of the wicked—play out in today’s reading?