The
child Samuel grew on, and increased in favor both with Yahweh, and also with men.
1 Samuel 2:26
1 Samuel 2 [20.] Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, “May Yahweh give you offspring[b] from this woman for the petition which was asked of Yahweh.” Then they went to their own home. Yahweh visited Hannah, and she conceived, and bore three sons and two daughters. The child Samuel grew before Yahweh. Now Eli was very old; and he heard all that his sons did to all Israel, and how that they slept with the women who served at the door of the Tent of Meeting. He said to them, “Why do you do such things? for I hear of your evil dealings from all this people. No, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear! You make Yahweh’s people disobey. If one man sins against another, God will judge him; but if a man sins against Yahweh, who will intercede for him?” Notwithstanding, they didn’t listen to the voice of their father, because Yahweh intended to kill them.
1 Samuel 2 [26.] The child Samuel grew on, and increased in favor both with Yahweh, and also with men. A man of God came to Eli, and said to him, “Yahweh says, ‘Did I reveal myself to the house of your father, when they were in Egypt in bondage to Pharaoh’s house? Didn’t I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? Didn’t I give to the house of your father all the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire? Why do you[c] kick at my sacrifice and at my offering, which I have commanded in my habitation, and honor your sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel my people?’
1 Samuel 2 [30.] “Therefore Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, ‘I said indeed that your house, and the house of your father, should walk before me forever.’ But now Yahweh says, ‘Far be it from me; for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me will be lightly esteemed.
Meaning:
This verse speaks of Samuel’s early life and highlights his growth, both spiritually and socially. Samuel, the child born to Hannah after her heartfelt prayer to God, was dedicated to the Lord from a young age. He was raised in the temple under the care of Eli, the priest, and this verse describes the ongoing development of Samuel as a young servant of God.
- Growth in Favor with God
The first aspect of this verse that stands out is Samuel's increasing favor with the Lord. Samuel wasn’t just growing physically; he was maturing in his relationship with God. This spiritual growth is the foundation for everything else in his life. Samuel’s heart was aligned with God's purposes from a young age, and it’s clear that God’s favor rested upon him.
Growing in favor with God means living in a way that pleases Him, seeking to know His will, and walking in obedience. Samuel’s life as a young boy was characterized by a deep dedication to God, which continued throughout his life. Even though Samuel was living in a time of great spiritual decline in Israel—when the priesthood was corrupt, and the word of the Lord was rare—he stood out as someone who sought after God.
This mirrors the life of Jesus, who, as described in Luke 2:52, also "grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Like Samuel, Jesus was set apart from a young age, and both grew in their relationship with God, which was evident in their lives. For us, Samuel's example is a reminder that we too should continually grow in our relationship with God, seeking His will and walking in ways that honor Him. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen overnight; it requires time, dedication, and a heart that is open to God’s leading.
- Favor with Men
The second part of the verse mentions that Samuel also grew in favor with men. This means that not only did God take notice of Samuel, but so did the people around him. His integrity, dedication, and kindness earned him respect in the eyes of others. Samuel wasn’t living in isolation; he was interacting with people and gaining their trust and admiration through his actions and his character.
This balance of favor with God and with people is important. While our primary concern should always be pleasing God, it’s also valuable to maintain good relationships with others. Samuel’s growing favor with people showed that he lived in a way that reflected his relationship with God. His life was a witness to the people around him, even from a young age.
Proverbs 3:3-4 echoes this idea: "Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man." When we live lives that reflect God’s truth and kindness, it often results in gaining the respect and trust of others, just as it did for Samuel. His life was a living testimony to God’s presence and favor, and others couldn’t help but notice.
- Samuel’s Role in a Time of Spiritual Decline
The context of this verse is important because it comes at a time when the priesthood in Israel was corrupt, particularly through the actions of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas. They were described earlier in the chapter as "worthless men" who did not know the Lord (1 Samuel 2:12). Their behavior had led to a spiritual crisis in Israel, and as priests, they were failing to represent God properly. In contrast to their sinful ways, Samuel’s life stands out as a beacon of hope and righteousness.
This verse, therefore, shows the contrast between Samuel and Eli’s sons. While Hophni and Phinehas were abusing their positions and dishonoring God, Samuel was growing in favor with God and men. He was being prepared for the significant role he would play in Israel’s history as both a prophet and a judge. God was raising up Samuel as a faithful leader in the midst of a spiritually dark time.
It’s a powerful reminder that God can raise up faithful servants even in the most corrupt and challenging environments. Samuel’s integrity and faithfulness allowed him to grow into the leader that Israel needed, and his growth in favor with both God and men was a sign of his future impact. Samuel’s life reminds us that even when the world around us is far from God, we can still grow in righteousness and be a light for others.
- The Importance of Godly Upbringing
Samuel’s growth in favor with God and men also reflects the importance of his early upbringing. Samuel’s mother, Hannah, dedicated him to God even before he was born. In 1 Samuel 1:27-28, she says, “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life, he will be given over to the Lord.” From the very start of his life, Samuel was set apart for God’s service, and this early dedication had a profound impact on his development.
Even though Samuel was raised in the temple, where he was exposed to the corrupt influence of Eli’s sons, his foundation in the Lord remained strong. This shows the power of a godly foundation. Samuel’s early training and dedication to God helped him stay on the right path, even in the midst of a morally compromised environment.
For us, Samuel’s story highlights the value of early spiritual instruction and the impact that godly parents or mentors can have on a young person’s life. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Samuel’s life is a testament to the power of early spiritual formation and the lasting impact it can have.
Conclusion: 1 Samuel 2:26 gives us a beautiful picture of Samuel’s growth in both spiritual and social dimensions. As a young boy dedicated to God’s service, Samuel increased in favor with both God and men, standing in stark contrast to the corruption of the priesthood around him. His life serves as an example of how we, too, can grow in our relationship with God and reflect His favor to the world around us.
Samuel’s story also reminds us of the importance of a strong spiritual foundation and the lasting impact of godly upbringing. Even in a spiritually dark time, Samuel stood out as a beacon of righteousness and was being prepared for a greater role in God’s plan for Israel. Like Samuel, we are called to grow in favor with God and others, living lives that reflect God’s truth, kindness, and integrity.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible