‘Apples, oranges and a three-way contrast’ (1 Samuel 2:1-36)

In 1 Samuel 2:1-36 the writer carefully contrasts the character and actions of Hannah, her son Samuel and Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas who were priests of Israel. While Hannah rejoiced in God because of His faithfulness, the two sons of Eli showed great contempt for God and His Word and so earned God’s displeasure. In was in this situation that Samuel was raised and started living according to the grace he had received from God. Believers should never be the same as the world and our witness for Christ should be evident, like a light shining in a dark place.