Hannah’s Prayer: A Deep Dive into Faith and God’s Grace

Executive Summary

1 Samuel 2 unveils the profound prayer of Hannah, a testament to faith and thanksgiving after God grants her request for a son, Samuel. Her prayer isn’t merely a personal expression of joy; it’s a powerful prophetic declaration about God’s sovereignty, His justice, and His ultimate victory over evil. The chapter also introduces the stark contrast between Hannah’s righteousness and the wickedness of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, highlighting the importance of faithful leadership and the consequences of spiritual corruption. Hannah’s prayer serves as a timeless example of humility, faith, and unwavering trust in the Lord, reminding us of the transformative power of prayer and the enduring nature of God’s promises. This chapter underscores the importance of recognizing God’s hand in our lives and living according to His righteous standards. This analysis will explore how Hannah’s Prayer: A Deep Dive into Faith and God’s Grace resonates through the ages, providing guidance and hope for believers today.

This chapter, 1 Samuel 2, serves as a hinge, turning the narrative from barren despair to hopeful anticipation and stark warning. We begin with Hannah’s glorious prayer, a vibrant expression of faith and gratitude after the birth of Samuel. We then pivot to a harsh reality check: the corrupt behavior of Eli’s sons, the priests Hophni and Phinehas. This juxtaposition highlights the critical importance of righteous leadership and the devastating consequences of straying from God’s path. Let’s delve into the nuances of this pivotal chapter.

Commentary on 1 Samuel 2

Verse 1: Hannah’s Joyful Prayer

Hebrew: וַתִּתְפַּלֵּל חַנָּה וַתֹּאמֶר עָלַץ לִבִּי בַּיהוָה רָמָה קַרְנִי בַּיהוָה רָחַב פִּי עַל־אֹיְבַי כִּי שָׂמַחְתִּי בִּישׁוּעָתֶךָ

KJV: And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

NKJV: And Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.

Hannah’s prayer is a powerful expression of joy and gratitude. The phrase “My heart rejoices in the Lord” signifies a deep, personal connection with God. The “horn” symbolizes strength and power, indicating that her strength is derived from God. Her triumph over her “enemies” (presumably those who mocked her barrenness) comes from her faith in God’s salvation. We can see this is a truly remarkable testament to faith.

Patristic Insight: St. Augustine reflects on the nature of true joy, saying: “Non enim est vera laetitia, nisi quae nascitur ex teipso” (Confessions X.22) – “For that is not true joy, which does not originate from yourself.” Hannah’s joy originates from God, the source of all true joy. Her horn is exalted, a testament to Divine strength. Get started today with a website to share your faith!

Spiritual Application: Like Hannah, we should find our joy and strength in God, especially during times of difficulty. Our victories are ultimately His victories.

Verse 2: The Holiness of God

Hebrew: אֵין־קָדוֹשׁ כַּיהוָה כִּי אֵין בִּלְתֶּךָ וְאֵין צוּר כֵּאלֹהֵינוּ

KJV: There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

NKJV: “No one is holy like the Lord, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.

Hannah declares the unparalleled holiness of God. “There is none holy as the Lord” emphasizes God’s unique and perfect nature. The comparison to a “rock” underscores His steadfastness and reliability. He is our foundation, an unmovable source of strength and security. This verse resonates with the hymnography of the Coptic Orthodox Church, often repeating the phrase “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts.”

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria comments on the immutability of God: “οὐ γὰρ μεταβλητὸς ὁ Θεὸς, οὐδὲ ἀλλοιούμενος, ἀλλ’ ἀεὶ κατὰ τὸ αὐτὸ μένων” (Commentary on John, Book 1) – “For God is not mutable nor changeable, but always remains the same.” His unchangeable nature is the bedrock of our faith.

Spiritual Application: We can trust in God’s holiness and steadfastness, even when the world around us is in chaos. He is our anchor in the storm.

Verses 3-5: God’s Justice and Sovereignty

Hebrew: אַל־תַּרְבּוּ תְדַבְּרוּ גְּבֹהָה גְּבֹהָה יֵצֵא עָתָק מִפִּיכֶם כִּי אֵל דֵּעוֹת יְהוָה וְלוֹ נִתְכְּנוּ עֲלִלוֹת׃ קֶשֶׁת גִּבֹּרִים חַתִּים וְנִכְשָׁלִים אָזְרוּ חָיִל׃ שְׂבֵעִים בַּלֶּחֶם נִשְׂכָּרוּ וּרְעֵבִים חָדֵלּוּ רָעֵב עַד־יָלְדָה שִׁבְעָה וְרַבַּת בָּנִים אֻמְלָלָה׃

KJV: Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

NKJV: “Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the Lord is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, And those who stumbled are girded with strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, And the hungry have ceased to hunger. Even the barren has borne seven, And she who has many children has become feeble.

Hannah emphasizes God’s knowledge and His weighing of actions. He sees all and judges justly. The verses speak of reversals: the mighty are broken, the weak are strengthened, the full are humbled, and the hungry are satisfied. The barren woman bears seven children, while the one with many becomes feeble. This illustrates God’s power to change circumstances and to humble the proud. She is essentially saying that “Talk no more so very proudly.” This is a key message we must take note of!

Patristic Insight: St. Basil the Great teaches about divine providence: “Οὐδὲν τῶν γινομένων ἄνευ προνοίας Θεοῦ” (Homily on Thanksgiving 5) – “Nothing that happens is without God’s providence.” God’s hand is evident in the reversals of fortune.

Spiritual Application: We must remember that God is sovereign and just. We should not be prideful or arrogant, but humble and trusting in His plan.

Verses 6-8: God’s Power Over Life and Death

Hebrew: יְהוָה מֵמִית וּמְחַיֶּה מוֹרִיד שְׁאוֹל וַיָּעַל׃ יְהוָה מֵרִישׁ וּמַעֲשִׁיר מַשְׁפִּיל אַף־מְרוֹמֵם׃ מֵקִים מֵעָפָר דָּל מֵאַשְׁפֹּת יָרִים אֶבְיוֹן לְהוֹשִׁיב עִם־נְדִיבִים וְכִסֵּא כָבוֹד יַנְחִלֵם כִּי לַיהוָה מְצֻקֵי אֶרֶץ וַיָּשֶׁת עֲלֵיהֶם תֵּבֵל׃

KJV: The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.

NKJV: “The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor out of the dust And lifts the beggar from the ash heap, To set them among princes And make them inherit the throne of glory; For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, And He has set the world upon them.

These verses proclaim God’s ultimate power over life and death, poverty and wealth, humility and exaltation. He has the power to bring down and lift up, to kill and make alive. He raises the poor from the dust and sets them among princes. The “pillars of the earth are the Lord’s” emphasizes His sovereignty over all creation. This is a powerful reminder of God’s capacity to act in ways we cannot comprehend.

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory of Nyssa writes about God’s transformative power: “Θεὸς γὰρ τὴν φύσιν ἀνακαινίζει” (On the Making of Man, Chapter 16) – “For God renews nature.” He transforms the lowly into the exalted.

Spiritual Application: We should trust in God’s providence in all aspects of our lives, knowing that He has the power to change our circumstances according to His will.

Verses 9-10: God’s Protection and Judgment

Hebrew: רַגְלֵי חֲסִידָיו יִשְׁמֹר וּרְשָׁעִים בַּחֹשֶׁךְ יִדָּמּוּ כִּי־לֹא בְכֹחַ יִגְבָּר־אִישׁ׃ יְהוָה יֵחַתּוּ מְרִיבָיו עָלָיו בַּשָּׁמַיִם יַרְעֵם יְהוָה יָדִין אַפְסֵי־אָרֶץ וְיִתֶּן־עֹז לְמַלְכּוֹ וְיָרֵם קֶרֶן מְשִׁיחוֹ׃

KJV: He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

NKJV: He will guard the feet of His godly ones, But the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces; From heaven He will thunder against them. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His King, And exalt the horn of His anointed.

These verses speak of God’s protection for His “saints” (those who are godly) and the ultimate judgment of the wicked. No one can prevail by their own strength; it is God who gives victory. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth and will give strength to His king and exalt the horn of His anointed. This is a prophetic foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, the ultimate King.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s strength, not our own: “Τὸ γὰρ καυχᾶσθαι ἐν τῇ δυνάμει τοῦ Θεοῦ κράτιστον” (Homily on 1 Corinthians 1:31) – “For to boast in the power of God is most powerful.”

Spiritual Application: We should rely on God’s protection and trust in His ultimate justice. Our strength comes from Him, and He will ultimately triumph over evil.

Verses 11-17: Eli’s Wicked Sons

Hebrew: וַיֵּלֶךְ אֶלְקָנָה אֶל־בֵּיתוֹ הָרָמָתָה וְהַנַּעַר הָיָה מְשָׁרֵת אֶת־יְהוָה אֶת־פְּנֵי עֵלִי הַכֹּהֵן׃ וּבְנֵי עֵלִי בְּנֵי בְלִיָּעַל לֹא יָדְעוּ אֶת־יְהוָה׃ וּמִשְׁפַּט הַכֹּהֲנִים אֶת־הָעָם כָּל־אִישׁ זֹבֵחַ זֶבַח וּבָא נַעַר הַכֹּהֵן כְּבַשֵּׁל הַבָּשָׂר וְהַמַּזְלֵג שְׁלֹשׁ הַשִּׁנַּים בְּיָדוֹ׃ וְהִכָּה בַכִּיּוֹר אוֹ בַדּוּד אוֹ בַקַּלַּחַת אוֹ בַסִּיר כֹּל אֲשֶׁר יַעֲלֶה הַמַּזְלֵג יִקַּח־לוֹ הַכֹּהֵן כָּכָה יַעֲשׂוּ לְכָל־יִשְׂרָאֵל הַבָּאִים שָׁם שִׁלֹה׃ גַּם בְּטֶרֶם יַקְטִרוּן אֶת־הַחֵלֶב וּבָא נַעַר הַכֹּהֵן וְאָמַר לָאִישׁ זֹבֵחַ תְּנָה בָשָׂר לִצְלוֹת לַכֹּהֵן וְלֹא־יִקַּח מִמְּךָ בָּשָׂר מְבֻשָּׁל כִּי אִם־חָי׃ וְאָמַר־לוֹ הָאִישׁ קַטֵּר יַקְטִרוּן כַּיּוֹם הַחֵלֶב וְקַח־לְךָ כַּאֲשֶׁר תְּאַוֶּה נַפְשֶׁךָ וְאָמַר לֹא עַתָּה תִּתֵּן וְאִם־לֹא לָקַחְתִּי בְחָזְקָה׃ וַתְּהִי חַטַּאת הַנְּעָרִים גְּדֹלָה מְאֹד אֶת־פְּנֵי יְהוָה כִּי נִאֲצוּ הָאֲנָשִׁים אֵת מִנְחַת יְהוָה׃

KJV: And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the Lord before Eli the priest. Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord. And the priest’s custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand; And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither. Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw. And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force. Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord: for men abhorred the offering of the Lord.

NKJV: Then Elkanah went to his house at Ramah. But the child ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest. Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know the Lord. And the priests’ custom with the people was that when any man offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged fleshhook in his hand while the meat was boiling. Then he would thrust it into the pan, kettle, caldron, or pot; and whatever the fleshhook brought up, the priest would take for himself. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. Also, before they burned the fat, the priest’s servant would come and say to the man who sacrificed, “Give meat for roasting to the priest, for he will not take boiled meat from you, but raw.” And if the man said to him, “They should really burn the fat first, then you may take as much as your heart desires,” he would answer him, “No, but you must give it now; and if not, I will take it by force.” Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord, for men abhorred the offering of the Lord.

In stark contrast to Hannah’s piety, Eli’s sons are described as “sons of Belial” who “did not know the Lord.” They abused their priestly privileges, taking the best portions of the sacrifices for themselves before the fat was offered to God, a violation of the Law. They also demanded raw meat, further disregarding the proper order of sacrifice. Their sin was “very great before the Lord” because they caused people to abhor the offering of the Lord.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyprian of Carthage warns against the dangers of corrupt leadership: “Quid enim prodest, si recte doces, et male vivis?” (De Lapsis) – “For what does it profit, if you teach correctly, and live badly?” Eli’s sons are a cautionary tale of those who abuse their positions of authority.

Spiritual Application: This serves as a warning against spiritual corruption and the abuse of power. Leaders must be righteous examples, not stumbling blocks.

Verses 18-21: Samuel’s Service and Hannah’s Blessings

Hebrew: וּשְׁמוּאֵל מְשָׁרֵת אֶת־פְּנֵי יְהוָה נַעַר חָגוּר אֵפוֹד בָּד׃ וּמְעִיל קָטֹן תַּעֲשֶׂה־לוֹ אִמּוֹ וְהַעֲלַת לוֹ מִיָּמִים יָמִימָה בַּעֲלוֹתָהּ אֶת־אִישָׁהּ לִזְבֹּחַ אֶת־זֶבַח הַיָּמִים׃ וּבֵרַךְ עֵלִי אֶת־אֶלְקָנָה וְאֶת־אִשְׁתּוֹ וְאָמַר יָשֵׂם יְהוָה לְךָ זֶרַע מִן־הָאִשָּׁה הַזֹּאת תַּחַת הַשְּׁאֵלָה אֲשֶׁר שָׁאַלְתָּ לַיהוָה וְהָלְכוּ לִמְקֹמֹו׃ כִּי־פָקַד יְהוָה אֶת־חַנָּה וַתַּהַר וַתֵּלֶד שְׁלֹשָׁה בָנִים וּשְׁתֵּי בָנוֹת וַיִּגְדַּל הַנַּעַר שְׁמוּאֵל עִם־יְהוָה׃

KJV: But Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The Lord give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the Lord. And they went unto their own home. And the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the Lord.

NKJV: But Samuel ministered before the Lord, even as a child, wearing a linen ephod. Moreover his mother used to make him a little robe, and bring it to him year by year when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “The Lord give you descendants from this woman for the loan that was given to the Lord.” Then they would go to their own home. And the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew in the presence of the Lord.

Here, we see the virtuous contrast with Samuel, who “ministered before the Lord” even as a child. Hannah faithfully brings him a little coat each year, a symbol of her love and dedication. Eli blesses Elkanah and Hannah, and the Lord blesses Hannah with more children. Samuel’s growth “before the Lord” signifies his spiritual development and dedication to God’s service.

Patristic Insight: St. Jerome praises the virtues of godly upbringing: “Bona educatio melior est quam bona nativitas” (Epistle 107) – “Good education is better than good birth.” Samuel’s upbringing is a testament to this truth.

Spiritual Application: We are called to nurture the spiritual growth of children and to dedicate them to God’s service. Faithfulness and dedication are rewarded with blessings.

Verses 22-26: Eli’s Rebuke and Samuel’s Favor

Hebrew: וְעֵלִי זָקֵן מְאֹד וְשָׁמַע אֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשׂוּן בָּנָיו לְכָל־יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאֵת אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁכְּבוּן אֶת־הַנָּשִׁים הַצֹּבְאוֹת פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד׃ וַיֹּאמֶר לָהֶם לָמָּה תַעֲשׂוּן כַּדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי שֹׁמֵעַ אֶת־דִּבְרֵיכֶם רָעִים מִכָּל־הָעָם אֵלֶּה׃ אַל בָּנַי כִּי לוֹא־טוֹבָה הַשְּׁמֻעָה אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי שֹׁמֵעַ מַעֲבִרִים עַם־יְהוָה׃ אִם־יֶחֱטָא אִישׁ לְאִישׁ וּפִלְלוֹ אֱלֹהִים וְאִם־לַיהוָה יֶחֱטָא־אִישׁ מִי יִתְפַּלֶּל־לוֹ וְלֹא יִשְׁמְעוּ לְקוֹל אֲבִיהֶם כִּי־חָפֵץ יְהוָה לַהֲמִיתָם׃ וְהַנַּעַר שְׁמוּאֵל הֹלֵךְ וְגָדֵל וְטוֹב גַּם עִם־יְהוָה וְגַם עִם־אֲנָשִׁים׃

KJV: And Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress. If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them. And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men.

NKJV: Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. And he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people. No, my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the Lord’s people transgress. If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him?” Nevertheless they did not heed the voice of their father, because the Lord desired to kill them. And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men.

Eli, now old, rebukes his sons for their wickedness, including their sexual immorality with the women who served at the tabernacle. He recognizes the severity of their sin against the Lord, but his rebuke is weak and ineffective. The text emphasizes that the Lord “desired to kill them” because of their unrepentant hearts. In contrast, Samuel “grew in stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men.”

Patristic Insight: St. Isaac the Syrian teaches about the importance of effective correction: “Better is a rebuke that is followed by repentance than a prayer that is not heard.” Eli’s rebuke lacked the power to bring about repentance.

Spiritual Application: This highlights the importance of strong, righteous leadership and the dire consequences of unrepentant sin. We must be willing to confront sin and to live in a way that is pleasing to God and to others.

Verses 27-36: Prophecy Against Eli’s House

Hebrew: וַיָּבֹא אִישׁ־אֱלֹהִים אֶל־עֵלִי וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה הֲנִגְלֹה נִגְלֵיתִי אֶל־בֵּית אָבִיךָ בִּהְיוֹתָם בְּמִצְרַיִם לְבֵית פַּרְעֹה׃ וּבָחֹר אֹתוֹ מִכָּל־שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לִי לְכֹהֵן לַעֲלוֹת עַל־מִזְבְּחִי לְהַקְטִיר קְטֹרֶת לָאֵפוֹד לִשְׂאֵת לְפָנַי וָאֶתְּנָה לְבֵית אָבִיךָ אֶת־כָּל־אִשֵּׁי בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל׃ לָמָּה תִבְּטוּ בְּזִבְחִי וּבְמִנְחָתִי אֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתִי בַמָּעוֹן וַתְּכַבֵּד אֶת־בָּנֶיךָ מִמֶּנִּי לְהַבְרִיאֲכֶם מֵרֵאשִׁית כָּל־מִנְחַת יִשְׂרָאֵל לְעַמִּי׃ לָכֵן נְאֻם־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אָמֹר אָמַרְתִּי בֵּיתְךָ וּבֵית אָבִיךָ יִתְהַלְּכוּ לְפָנַי עַד־עוֹלָם וְעַתָּה נְאֻם־יְהוָה חָלִילָה לִי כִּי־מְכַבְּדַי אֲכַבֵּד וּבֹזַי יֵקָלוּ׃ הִנֵּה יָמִים בָּאִים וְגָדַעְתִּי אֶת־זְרֹעֲךָ וְאֶת־זְרֹעַ בֵּית־אָבִיךָ מֵהְיוֹת זָקֵן בְּבֵיתֶךָ׃ וְהִבַּטְתָּ צַר מָעוֹן בְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר־יֵיטִיב אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלֹא־יִהְיֶה זָקֵן בְּבֵיתְךָ כָּל־הַיָּמִים׃ וְאִישׁ לֹא־אַכְרִית לְךָ מֵעִם־מִזְבְּחִי לְכַלּוֹת אֶת־עֵינֶיךָ וְלַאֲדִיב אֶת־נַפְשֶׁךָ וְכָל־מַרְבִּית בֵּיתְךָ יָמוּתוּ אֲנָשִׁים׃ וְזֶה־לְּךָ הָאוֹת אֲשֶׁר יָבֹא אֶל־שְׁנֵי בָנֶיךָ אֶל־חָפְנִי וְאֶל־פִּינְחָס בְּיוֹם אֶחָד יָמוּתוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם׃ וַהֲקִימֹתִי לִי כֹהֵן נֶאֱמָן כַּאֲשֶׁר בִּלְבָבִי וּבְנַפְשִׁי יַעֲשֶׂה וּבָנִיתִי לוֹ בַיִת נֶאֱמָן וְהִתְהַלֵּךְ לִפְנֵי מְשִׁיחִי בְּכָל־הַיָּמִים׃ וְהָיָה כָּל־הַנּוֹתָר בְּבֵיתְךָ יָבֹוא לְהִשְׁתַּחֲוֹת לוֹ לַאֲגוֹרַת כֶּסֶף וְכִכַּר־לֶחֶם וְאָמַר סְפָחֵנִי נָא אֶל־אַחַת הַכְּהֻנֹּת לֶאֱכֹל פַּת־לָחֶם׃

KJV: And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house? And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel? Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people? Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house. And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever. And the man of thine whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age. And this shall be a sign