“The sons of Eli were worthless men; they did not know the Lord.” The purpose of the semicolon here is to hold together both the cause and the judgment.The cause: they did not know God.The judgment: they were worthless men. These two ideas are closely linked. Our relationship with the Lord determines much about who … Continue reading Appetite and Allegiance | I Samuel 2:12-36
So much is happening in Hannah’s song. It is more than simple gratitude for God giving her a child. In fact, we see no direct mention of, “the child.” Instead, we see the language consistent with victory—victory over her enemy, over her hardship. Peninnah’s name is often understood to relate to “face” or “pearl,” and … Continue reading Actions Are Weighed | 1 Samuel 2:1–11
“The Lord had closed Hannah’s womb.” Her barrenness was not accidental. Year after year she was provoked by Peninnah, her rival. She wept. She would not eat. She was deeply distressed and bitter in soul. How many times have I been warned about bitterness taking root in my heart — only to sink deeper into … Continue reading Bitter of Soul | I Samuel 1:1–11
My Faith Place 