How much Hannah wanted a child to love. Out of this love for a son was born the beginning of the reign of kings in Israel. This beloved son, Samuel, would be God's agent on Earth to select the first kings. What does this say, for I believe it says something, about Israel's desire for a king? Is it a subtle contrast that God orchestrates for our learning? That a parent's desire for a child is farm more perfect love than Israel's desire for a king?
Hannah desperately wants a child. Israel desperately wants a king. God will grant both desires. Hannah unselfishly and sacrificially gives her child to God. And, for all she knows, Samuel might be her one and only child. Can't you just read the incredible love and motherly aching pouring from this one matter-of-fact, understated verse:
"Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice." 1 Sam. 2:19
Can you imagine how she longed for the day they would travel to the Tabernacle in Shiloh and she would see her son again? How slowly the year passed until that day. Interesting, too, that the day she would see her son was a day so entwined with God and being made whole and pure again as a people and a person. All because the sacrifice of a son. I see in Samuel, the beloved son, an archetype that is Jesus.
Contrast all of this to the people's desire for a king and how from the very first those kings are self-serving rather than God-serving. Is it any wonder that when a heavenly king finally comes to Earth it is as beloved child rather than an earthly ruler?
My post last year on this date.
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