“My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation” (1 Samuel 2:1).
Hannah had been childless for a long time and had suffered greatly because of it. But God answered her fervent prayer for a child! (1 Samuel 1:10-11). As she had promised, Hannah brought her young son to the house of God in Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:21-28). He would live there. It cannot have been easy to entrust Samuel to the care of others at such an early age. Yet we hear Hannah expressing her joy about who God is and what He does.
In the Old Testament, a horn (of an animal) was a sign of strength. Hannah’s ‘horn had been exalted’ means that her strength had been restored. She turned her feelings hurt by hateful words into a song of joy. Hannah was able to see beyond the moment of taking leave of her son. Prophetically she saw God at work. In her song, the power and greatness of God stand in great contrast to the arrogant attitude of the people. God looks after those who are weak and insignificant in the eyes of proud people. He does not need human strength to do His work. Centuries later, Mary, the mother of Jesus, also magnified the Lord for what He was going to do in her life. Her song echoes the words spoken by Hannah (Luke 1:46; 52-53).
Prayer: Thank You, Father, that I may find my joy in You. Even when I am hurt or feel threatened and afraid, I will find rest in Your presence. Thank You for songs that encourage me.
Today I want to sing this song for You … (Choose a song yourself and sing/read it to the Lord).