Wednesday, April 08, 2015
TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 1:1-13
Key Verse: “And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and ... wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head” (1 Samuel 1:11).
Our text reveals the tragedy of polygamy and the reward for total dependence on God. The Lord, from the beginning, made the marriage institution to be one man and one wife. But Elkanah had two wives – Hannah and Peninnah. The trouble that ensued from this mistake was beyond his imagination, as Peninnah, who had children for him, made life unbearable for Hannah.
Although Elkanah loved her, Hannah was always in bitter tears, looking up to God for a day of joy. She knew her help could only come from God and she profusely poured her soul to Him in prayer. Hannah’s stance is unlike those who visit herbalists and other ungodly places to seek children. She would rather pray than seek such help. It was only her lips that moved when she was praying. Eli, the priest, misconstrued her to be drunk. Eli’s situation is a lesson that we should be sure of our facts before drawing any conclusion.
The crisis in Elkanah’s home presents a picture of many polygamous families today, where wives see themselves as rivals and children take sides with their mothers, culminating in unhealthy relationships at home. Some wives would even go the extra length to employ diabolical means to eliminate other wives and their children.
This is partly why polygamy is completely off limits for the people of God. To avoid the pitfall of Elkanah therefore, make sure you marry according to God’s absolute will. As Hannah depended upon God as the only solution to her challenge, make sure you wholeheartedly rely upon Him to give you children and He will see you through.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 44 - 50
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Reward for absolute faith in God is always huge.
Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
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