Vv. 1-10 Hannah’s Prayer: Though we see the Lord answer Hannah’s prayer for a child, the language that is used by Hannah is portraying seemingly more than an answer for a son. This may be because the salvation that Hannah is connecting to through the provision of a child is the same prayer that can be shared for the entire nation of Israel. God is portrayed beautifully as a sovereign and powerful God. He is righteous and uplifts the weary while bringing low the proud. When Israel cries out for a king that they might be delivered, the Lord will provide that he may be seen as rightful king of their lives.

Vv. 12-17 Another similarity between Samuel and Judges is made (first was the barren woman giving birth and a Nazarite vow). We see the Eli’s sons do not know the Lord, just as Israel does not know the Lord (Judges 2:10). The sons of Eli are wicked men who use their positions as priests for their own desire and break the custom of the Lord. Their behavior was appalling to the people coming to worship.

Vv. 18-21 Young Samuel is described in contrast to to the sons of Eli. He was approved by the Lord, Eli, and his family. The Lord blessed Hannah for both her and Samuel’s faithfulness.

Vv. 22-25 As Eli grows old, he continues to hear negative reports of the evil his sons are committing. He rebukes them a little to late.

V. 26 Samuel is favored by all, most importantly by God. This is contrast to Eli’s sons and is a comparison to Luke’s description of young Jesus (Luke 2:52).

Vv. 27-36 A prophet appears to Eli and gives a gut-wrenching prophecy about the future of Eli’s family. His two sons will die on the same day.