1 Samuel 2: Same House but Not the Same People

Welcome to Chapter by Chapter for your Welcome to Chapter by Chapter for your journey through the greatest book given journey through the greatest book given journey through the greatest book given to the human race, the word of God, the to the human race, the word of God, the to the human race, the word of God, the Bible. We get to go through it chapter Bible. We get to go through it chapter Bible. We get to go through it chapter by chapter, 7 minutes a day and 7 days a by chapter, 7 minutes a day and 7 days a by chapter, 7 minutes a day and 7 days a week. Join us each day and share it with week. Join us each day and share it with week. Join us each day and share it with others so they can join this journey others so they can join this journey others so they can join this journey that will be life-changing. We'll stop that will be life-changing. We'll stop that will be life-changing. We'll stop at unexpected places on the journey and at unexpected places on the journey and at unexpected places on the journey and be challenged. Some verses will create be challenged. Some verses will create be challenged. Some verses will create awe and wonder and we'll have chapters awe and wonder and we'll have chapters awe and wonder and we'll have chapters that will be instructive and in others that will be instructive and in others that will be instructive and in others we'll find joy and comfort. We will we'll find joy and comfort. We will we'll find joy and comfort. We will occasionally be convicted and want to occasionally be convicted and want to occasionally be convicted and want to change but all in all the journey will change but all in all the journey will change but all in all the journey will be worth it. Once in a while we may take be worth it. Once in a while we may take be worth it. Once in a while we may take a detour on the journey and hear from a detour on the journey and hear from a detour on the journey and hear from some of God's servants on their favorite some of God's servants on their favorite some of God's servants on their favorite passages from a chapter of scripture and passages from a chapter of scripture and passages from a chapter of scripture and let them give you their insight. Every let them give you their insight. Every let them give you their insight. Every journey needs a small detour journey needs a small detour journey needs a small detour occasionally. The best way to get the occasionally. The best way to get the occasionally. The best way to get the most from this podcast is read the most from this podcast is read the most from this podcast is read the chapter we're discussing before or chapter we're discussing before or chapter we're discussing before or after. It's his word that transforms. after. It's his word that transforms. after. It's his word that transforms. You'll find more and see more than I can You'll find more and see more than I can You'll find more and see more than I can ever articulate. ever articulate. ever articulate. Welcome to Chapter by Chapter and Welcome to Chapter by Chapter and Welcome to Chapter by Chapter and today's chapter is 1 Samuel 2. Same today's chapter is 1 Samuel 2. Same today's chapter is 1 Samuel 2. Same house, but not the same people. house, but not the same people. house, but not the same people. Dr. Howard Hendricks was a long-time Dr. Howard Hendricks was a long-time Dr. Howard Hendricks was a long-time professor at Dallas Theological professor at Dallas Theological professor at Dallas Theological Seminary. He possessed both depth and Seminary. He possessed both depth and Seminary. He possessed both depth and warmth when he spoke or lectured. I was warmth when he spoke or lectured. I was warmth when he spoke or lectured. I was recently reading his book Color Outside recently reading his book Color Outside recently reading his book Color Outside the Lines. In his book he told a the Lines. In his book he told a the Lines. In his book he told a frightening story.

frightening story. frightening story. He said this, "When we consider the fact He said this, "When we consider the fact He said this, "When we consider the fact that Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy that Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy that Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy magazine, and Harold J. Ockenga, eminent magazine, and Harold J. Ockenga, eminent magazine, and Harold J. Ockenga, eminent Bible expositor and pastor of the Bible expositor and pastor of the Bible expositor and pastor of the historic Park Street Church in downtown historic Park Street Church in downtown historic Park Street Church in downtown Boston, were products of the same church Boston, were products of the same church Boston, were products of the same church youth group, we're forced to ask what youth group, we're forced to ask what youth group, we're forced to ask what happened to produce such radically happened to produce such radically happened to produce such radically different outcomes. Perhaps one was different outcomes. Perhaps one was different outcomes. Perhaps one was merely exposed to truth while the other merely exposed to truth while the other merely exposed to truth while the other experienced truth." experienced truth." experienced truth." This is what's before us in 1 Samuel 2. This is what's before us in 1 Samuel 2. This is what's before us in 1 Samuel 2. We are enraptured by a mother's prayer We are enraptured by a mother's prayer We are enraptured by a mother's prayer of thanksgiving and then we are quickly of thanksgiving and then we are quickly of thanksgiving and then we are quickly brought from the heavenlies down to a brought from the heavenlies down to a brought from the heavenlies down to a reality that is very similar to Dr. reality that is very similar to Dr. reality that is very similar to Dr. Hendrix's insight. We meet three boys in Hendrix's insight. We meet three boys in Hendrix's insight. We meet three boys in the house of God. We see the Akenga and the house of God. We see the Akenga and the house of God. We see the Akenga and the Hefner of 1 Samuel 2. 1 Samuel 2 the Hefner of 1 Samuel 2. 1 Samuel 2 the Hefner of 1 Samuel 2. 1 Samuel 2 starts with a prayer of Thanksgiving. starts with a prayer of Thanksgiving. starts with a prayer of Thanksgiving. Hannah is giving thanks to the Lord Hannah is giving thanks to the Lord Hannah is giving thanks to the Lord because he opened up a closed womb.

because he opened up a closed womb. because he opened up a closed womb. God gave her Samuel, who would become a God gave her Samuel, who would become a God gave her Samuel, who would become a prophet priest for Israel. Hannah prophet priest for Israel. Hannah prophet priest for Israel. Hannah dedicated the boy before conception to dedicated the boy before conception to dedicated the boy before conception to be raised in the house of the Lord. The be raised in the house of the Lord. The be raised in the house of the Lord. The words of her song and her prayer are words of her song and her prayer are words of her song and her prayer are heartfelt. Listen to it. This is 1 heartfelt. Listen to it. This is 1 heartfelt. Listen to it. This is 1 Samuel 2 verses 1 and 2. Then Hannah Samuel 2 verses 1 and 2. Then Hannah Samuel 2 verses 1 and 2. Then Hannah prayed and said, "My heart exalts in the prayed and said, "My heart exalts in the prayed and said, "My heart exalts in the Lord. My horn is exalted in the Lord. My Lord. My horn is exalted in the Lord. My Lord. My horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies mouth speaks boldly against my enemies mouth speaks boldly against my enemies because I rejoice in your salvation. because I rejoice in your salvation. because I rejoice in your salvation. There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one holy like the Lord. Indeed, there was no one beside you, nor Indeed, there was no one beside you, nor Indeed, there was no one beside you, nor is there any rock like our God." Then is there any rock like our God." Then is there any rock like our God." Then she intimates what happened to her in she intimates what happened to her in she intimates what happened to her in this prayer with these words in verse 5. this prayer with these words in verse 5. this prayer with these words in verse 5. "Even the barren gives birth to seven." "Even the barren gives birth to seven." "Even the barren gives birth to seven." It's interesting that Hannah says, "Even It's interesting that Hannah says, "Even It's interesting that Hannah says, "Even the barren gives birth to seven." the barren gives birth to seven." the barren gives birth to seven." because Hannah had six children. We read because Hannah had six children. We read because Hannah had six children. We read later on in this chapter another later on in this chapter another later on in this chapter another blessing of more children that came upon blessing of more children that came upon blessing of more children that came upon their house from Eli. Listen to verse their house from Eli. Listen to verse their house from Eli. Listen to verse 20.

20. 20. Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say, "May the Lord give you wife and say, "May the Lord give you wife and say, "May the Lord give you children from this womb in place of the children from this womb in place of the children from this womb in place of the one she dedicated to the Lord." And they one she dedicated to the Lord." And they one she dedicated to the Lord." And they went to their own home. The Lord visited went to their own home. The Lord visited went to their own home. The Lord visited Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. And the to three sons and two daughters. And the to three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew before the Lord. Is the boy Samuel grew before the Lord. Is the boy Samuel grew before the Lord. Is the six and seven number a discrepancy? Not six and seven number a discrepancy? Not six and seven number a discrepancy? Not in biblical language. When something is in biblical language. When something is in biblical language. When something is perfect and awesome, we would say today perfect and awesome, we would say today perfect and awesome, we would say today that is a 10. that is a 10. that is a 10. It can't get any better than a 10 out of It can't get any better than a 10 out of It can't get any better than a 10 out of 10. Hannah's seven is our 10. Hannah's 10. Hannah's seven is our 10. Hannah's 10. Hannah's seven is our 10. Hannah's birth to seven is not numerical, but a birth to seven is not numerical, but a birth to seven is not numerical, but a symbol of perfection. The number seven symbol of perfection. The number seven symbol of perfection. The number seven was the number of completion and was the number of completion and was the number of completion and perfection in biblical language. She was perfection in biblical language. She was perfection in biblical language. She was saying six is God's perfect number for saying six is God's perfect number for saying six is God's perfect number for me. If only Samuel was born to her, one me. If only Samuel was born to her, one me. If only Samuel was born to her, one child is still a perfect seven for the child is still a perfect seven for the child is still a perfect seven for the barren woman. barren woman. barren woman. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> Whatever God has given to me is a >> Whatever God has given to me is a >> Whatever God has given to me is a perfect seven. The problem with 1 Samuel perfect seven. The problem with 1 Samuel perfect seven. The problem with 1 Samuel 2 is while we're celebrating a perfect 2 is while we're celebrating a perfect 2 is while we're celebrating a perfect seven, this young dedicated child seven, this young dedicated child seven, this young dedicated child Samuel. There are others in the same Samuel. There are others in the same Samuel. There are others in the same house, but not the same kind of people.

house, but not the same kind of people. house, but not the same kind of people. Samuel is a boy who is growing before Samuel is a boy who is growing before Samuel is a boy who is growing before the Lord, that's verse 21, and the Lord, that's verse 21, and the Lord, that's verse 21, and ministering to the Lord, that's verse ministering to the Lord, that's verse ministering to the Lord, that's verse 18, and growing in favor with God and 18, and growing in favor with God and 18, and growing in favor with God and man, that's verse 26. And there are two man, that's verse 26. And there are two man, that's verse 26. And there are two other boys in the house of God that are other boys in the house of God that are other boys in the house of God that are zeros, not sevens. zeros, not sevens. zeros, not sevens. It was the two sons of Eli, and the It was the two sons of Eli, and the It was the two sons of Eli, and the Bible says this about them in 1 Samuel Bible says this about them in 1 Samuel Bible says this about them in 1 Samuel 2:12. Now, the sons of Eli were 2:12. Now, the sons of Eli were 2:12. Now, the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the worthless men. They did not know the worthless men. They did not know the Lord. Lord. Lord. Worthless is God's number for them. Worthless is God's number for them. Worthless is God's number for them. Their lives don't even register, though Their lives don't even register, though Their lives don't even register, though they have the title of priests. While they have the title of priests. While they have the title of priests. While Samuel is growing in the house of God, Samuel is growing in the house of God, Samuel is growing in the house of God, Hophni and Phinehas are destroying the Hophni and Phinehas are destroying the Hophni and Phinehas are destroying the priesthood, the sacrificial system, and priesthood, the sacrificial system, and priesthood, the sacrificial system, and their own lives. 1 Samuel 1 tells us their own lives. 1 Samuel 1 tells us their own lives. 1 Samuel 1 tells us this about them. Listen to verse three. this about them. Listen to verse three. this about them. Listen to verse three. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the Lord Phinehas, were priests to the Lord Phinehas, were priests to the Lord there. They were priests to the Lord there. They were priests to the Lord there. They were priests to the Lord from 1:3, but they did not know the Lord from 1:3, but they did not know the Lord from 1:3, but they did not know the Lord from 2:12. We have a big problem in from 2:12. We have a big problem in from 2:12. We have a big problem in God's house. We have two brothers who God's house. We have two brothers who God's house. We have two brothers who know how to do the stuff a priest does, know how to do the stuff a priest does, know how to do the stuff a priest does, but they are far from God. We would call but they are far from God. We would call but they are far from God. We would call them hypocrites. An actor in ancient them hypocrites. An actor in ancient them hypocrites. An actor in ancient Greece was called a hypocrites, meaning Greece was called a hypocrites, meaning Greece was called a hypocrites, meaning one who wears a mask. Hypocrites wore one who wears a mask. Hypocrites wore one who wears a mask. Hypocrites wore only costumes and acted out the part.

only costumes and acted out the part. only costumes and acted out the part. There is no better description for There is no better description for There is no better description for Hophni and Phinehas than hypocrites. Hophni and Phinehas than hypocrites. Hophni and Phinehas than hypocrites. What is ironic is that in the Bible, What is ironic is that in the Bible, What is ironic is that in the Bible, there are two distinct men that have the there are two distinct men that have the there are two distinct men that have the name Phinehas. The most famous Phinehas name Phinehas. The most famous Phinehas name Phinehas. The most famous Phinehas is the grandson of the high priest is the grandson of the high priest is the grandson of the high priest Aaron, who is known for his fierce zeal Aaron, who is known for his fierce zeal Aaron, who is known for his fierce zeal for God. The second is here before us for God. The second is here before us for God. The second is here before us and is a wicked priest from the time of and is a wicked priest from the time of and is a wicked priest from the time of Eli. Eli. Eli. The first Phinehas was filled with God The first Phinehas was filled with God The first Phinehas was filled with God and the second Phinehas simply had a and the second Phinehas simply had a and the second Phinehas simply had a costume and a title. May God help us costume and a title. May God help us costume and a title. May God help us today. May the ministry always be today. May the ministry always be today. May the ministry always be Phinehas number one, men and women Phinehas number one, men and women Phinehas number one, men and women filled with the zeal of God. It was the filled with the zeal of God. It was the filled with the zeal of God. It was the first Phinehas that saved the nation. first Phinehas that saved the nation. first Phinehas that saved the nation. Listen to what God said about him in Listen to what God said about him in Listen to what God said about him in Numbers 25:11. Phinehas, the son of Numbers 25:11. Phinehas, the son of Numbers 25:11. Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned my wrath away from the has turned my wrath away from the has turned my wrath away from the Israelites for he was zealous for my Israelites for he was zealous for my Israelites for he was zealous for my sake among them so that I did not sake among them so that I did not sake among them so that I did not consume the Israelites in my zeal. There consume the Israelites in my zeal. There consume the Israelites in my zeal. There was a plague in Israel called the was a plague in Israel called the was a plague in Israel called the iniquity of Peor and 24,000 iniquity of Peor and 24,000 iniquity of Peor and 24,000 people died. It was Phinehas number one people died. It was Phinehas number one people died. It was Phinehas number one that put the plague in check. You that put the plague in check. You that put the plague in check. You couldn't be more opposite when we see couldn't be more opposite when we see couldn't be more opposite when we see Phinehas number two in 1 Samuel 2. This Phinehas number two in 1 Samuel 2. This Phinehas number two in 1 Samuel 2. This second man was only looking out for second man was only looking out for second man was only looking out for himself. We are given what they would do himself. We are given what they would do himself. We are given what they would do when the people brought a burnt when the people brought a burnt when the people brought a burnt offering. 1 Samuel 2:13-17 says this, offering. 1 Samuel 2:13-17 says this, offering. 1 Samuel 2:13-17 says this, "When any man was offering a sacrifice, "When any man was offering a sacrifice, "When any man was offering a sacrifice, the priest's servant would come while

the priest's servant would come while the priest's servant would come while the meat was boiling with a the meat was boiling with a the meat was boiling with a three-pronged fork in his hand. Then he three-pronged fork in his hand. Then he three-pronged fork in his hand. Then he would thrust it into the pan or kettle would thrust it into the pan or kettle would thrust it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or pot. All that the fork or cauldron or pot. All that the fork or cauldron or pot. All that the fork brought up the priest would take for brought up the priest would take for brought up the priest would take for himself. Thus they did in Shiloh to all himself. Thus they did in Shiloh to all himself. Thus they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. Also, the Israelites who came there. Also, the Israelites who came there. Also, before they burned the fat, the priest's before they burned the fat, the priest's before they burned the fat, the priest's servant would come and say to the man servant would come and say to the man servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, "Give the priest who was sacrificing, "Give the priest who was sacrificing, "Give the priest meat for roasting, as he will not take meat for roasting, as he will not take meat for roasting, as he will not take boiled meat from you, only raw." If the boiled meat from you, only raw." If the boiled meat from you, only raw." If the man said to him, "They must surely burn man said to him, "They must surely burn man said to him, "They must surely burn the fat first, and then take as much as the fat first, and then take as much as the fat first, and then take as much as you desire," then he would say, "No, but you desire," then he would say, "No, but you desire," then he would say, "No, but you shall give it to me now, and if not, you shall give it to me now, and if not, you shall give it to me now, and if not, I will take it by force." Thus the sin I will take it by force." Thus the sin I will take it by force." Thus the sin of the young men was very great before of the young men was very great before of the young men was very great before the Lord, and the men despised the the Lord, and the men despised the the Lord, and the men despised the offering of the Lord. The priests were offering of the Lord. The priests were offering of the Lord. The priests were allowed portions of the sacrifice after allowed portions of the sacrifice after allowed portions of the sacrifice after they were offered to the Lord. Phinehas they were offered to the Lord. Phinehas they were offered to the Lord. Phinehas number two took his portion before it number two took his portion before it number two took his portion before it was ever offered to the Lord. What a was ever offered to the Lord. What a was ever offered to the Lord. What a contrast. When you read the Gospels, contrast. When you read the Gospels, contrast. When you read the Gospels, it's worth noting that Jesus didn't it's worth noting that Jesus didn't it's worth noting that Jesus didn't condemn bad people, he condemned condemn bad people, he condemned condemn bad people, he condemned religious people. He condemned those who religious people. He condemned those who religious people. He condemned those who were Phinehas number two. Whether it was were Phinehas number two. Whether it was were Phinehas number two. Whether it was a prostitute, or a tax collector, or a a prostitute, or a tax collector, or a a prostitute, or a tax collector, or a leper, Jesus always reached out to them.

leper, Jesus always reached out to them. leper, Jesus always reached out to them. It was a memorable group of people that It was a memorable group of people that It was a memorable group of people that followed Jesus. It never made Jesus followed Jesus. It never made Jesus followed Jesus. It never made Jesus uncomfortable talking to lepers and uncomfortable talking to lepers and uncomfortable talking to lepers and prostitutes and tax collectors, only the prostitutes and tax collectors, only the prostitutes and tax collectors, only the hypocrites, the Phinehas number two hypocrites, the Phinehas number two hypocrites, the Phinehas number two priests. priests. priests. The Queen Mary was the largest ship to The Queen Mary was the largest ship to The Queen Mary was the largest ship to cross the oceans when it was launched in cross the oceans when it was launched in cross the oceans when it was launched in 1936. 1936. 1936. Through four decades and a world war, Through four decades and a world war, Through four decades and a world war, she served until she was retired and she served until she was retired and she served until she was retired and anchored as a floating hotel and museum anchored as a floating hotel and museum anchored as a floating hotel and museum in Long Beach, California. During the in Long Beach, California. During the in Long Beach, California. During the conversion, her three massive conversion, her three massive conversion, her three massive smokestacks were taken off to be smokestacks were taken off to be smokestacks were taken off to be scrapped down and repainted, but when scrapped down and repainted, but when scrapped down and repainted, but when they took them down on the dock, they they took them down on the dock, they they took them down on the dock, they crumbled into pieces. crumbled into pieces. crumbled into pieces. Nothing was left of the 3/4 in steel Nothing was left of the 3/4 in steel Nothing was left of the 3/4 in steel plate from which the stacks had been plate from which the stacks had been plate from which the stacks had been formed. All that remained were more than formed. All that remained were more than formed. All that remained were more than 30 coats of paint that have been applied 30 coats of paint that have been applied 30 coats of paint that have been applied over the years. The steel had rusted over the years. The steel had rusted over the years. The steel had rusted away. away. away. When Jesus called the Pharisees When Jesus called the Pharisees When Jesus called the Pharisees whitewashed tombs, he meant they had no whitewashed tombs, he meant they had no whitewashed tombs, he meant they had no substance, only an exterior appearance.

substance, only an exterior appearance. substance, only an exterior appearance. Pastor Ray Stedman once said, "The Pastor Ray Stedman once said, "The Pastor Ray Stedman once said, "The moment we start pretending to be what we moment we start pretending to be what we moment we start pretending to be what we really are not, death enters in." That's really are not, death enters in." That's really are not, death enters in." That's what happened to Eli's sons. It starts what happened to Eli's sons. It starts what happened to Eli's sons. It starts by repainting the outside over and over by repainting the outside over and over by repainting the outside over and over not realizing there's no more internal not realizing there's no more internal not realizing there's no more internal steel left. Thank God there was a man of steel left. Thank God there was a man of steel left. Thank God there was a man of steel in the house of God. Thank God for steel in the house of God. Thank God for steel in the house of God. Thank God for the miracle birth and the godly life of the miracle birth and the godly life of the miracle birth and the godly life of Samuel. Though they were in the same Samuel. Though they were in the same Samuel. Though they were in the same house, it wasn't the same people. And house, it wasn't the same people. And house, it wasn't the same people. And Elkana Elkana Elkana was there in the house of God. Thank you was there in the house of God. Thank you was there in the house of God. Thank you for joining chapter by chapter, every for joining chapter by chapter, every for joining chapter by chapter, every chapter from the greatest book, the chapter from the greatest book, the chapter from the greatest book, the Bible, the word of God, 7 minutes a day, Bible, the word of God, 7 minutes a day, Bible, the word of God, 7 minutes a day, 7 days a week. We'll see you tomorrow.