1 SAMUEL 1 - HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW
1 Samuel 1
The Book of 1 Samuel covers a monumental period in the history of Israel. Israel will transition from a nation ruled by Judges to a monarchy. Israel will see the birth of two different dynasties. The first dynasty, short lived and cut short by God, will be ruled by a giant of a man, whose stature will prove kingly, but who God will ultimately reject because as the Lord will teach Samuel in chapter 16 verse 7, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
The second dynasty will lay the foundation for Israel to reach the zenith of its power in the region, and will prepare the way for God’s coming Messiah. While the time period and the events that are to occur are epic, God begins this monumental historical narrative with the story of a simple despairing woman. There are many lessons to learn in 1 Samuel chapter 1— lessons of God’s providence, God’s responsiveness, God’s faithfulness and God’s grace—however, there is no greater lesson than the reality of God’s personal care and love for each of us individually.
It is almost impossible to contemplate that the God who is at this very moment maintaining the order of billions of stars, planets and galaxies, not only sees me, but cares about me intimately and personally.
That this very same God would take the prayers of a forlorn, dejected young woman and use them to shape, not just the future of a single nation, but use them to fulfil His own purposes in the scheme of eternity. And yet that is how the book of Samuel begins. It’s not just that God is going to respond to Hannah’s prayers, it is that God has purposed for Hannah greatness beyond her imagination. Not the greatness of the son she will bear, but the greatness that comes from knowing God intimately.
The Bible tells us that God is not just responding to Hannah, but has created the circumstances that will give Hannah her greatest gift—a renewed fellowship with the God of Israel. 1 Samuel 1:5 tells us “The Lord had closed her womb.” Was God closing her womb out of cruelty? We soon learn the answer is no. God had closed her womb that she might seek Him. And as Hannah gets to know the God who loves her, she will come to understand that He alone is the greatest gift of all. While Hannah no doubt will revel in the birth of her son, and God will subsequently overflow her cup with blessings, as she will give birth to 5 more children, yet in chapter 2 she will unequivocally declare “My heart exults in the LORD…”
Take comfort with whatever trials God has allowed in your life. Know that God has not forgotten you.
Rest assured that God has your best interest at heart and that his ultimate desire is that you would experience the ultimate good; which in the words of Psalm 73:28 is that we would be near to God. And as God reveals himself and his goodness to you, you too will be able to sing, in the words of the old hymn:
Why should I feel discouraged,
Why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely,
And long for heav’n and home;
When Jesus is my portion?
My constant Friend is he;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me”