Daily Bible Devotion - 1 Samuel 2:1-36
A JOURNEY THROUGH 1 AND 2 SAMUEL
23. October 2026
Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi
Theme: NEW DIRECTION
Sub-theme: HONOR & THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FASTING AND PRAYER
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 2:1-36
Please take your time to read this devotion and underline the Bible verses in your Bible as you go along. Allow about 30 minutes to read the devotion and Scriptures thoughtfully, reflecting on what God is teaching you through His Word.
1. HANNAH’S SONG OF REJOICING: A PROPHETIC PRAYER
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:1–10
Hannah begins this chapter with a song of rejoicing in the Lord.
1 Samuel 2:1 (NKJV):
“My heart rejoices in the LORD; My horn is exalted in the LORD.”
Hannah is rejoicing because the Lord has lifted her above her adversaries. The expression “My horn is exalted in the LORD” speaks of God giving her strength, dignity, and victory.
Sometimes, worship is expressed through prayer and praise. Hannah’s song is more than an ordinary expression of gratitude; it is a prophetic prayer revealing the character, power, holiness, and sovereignty of God.
She acknowledges that there is no one holy like the Lord and no rock like our God.
In verse 3, Hannah cautions against arrogance and pride, reminding us that God knows everything and weighs our actions. As we fast and pray, we must examine our hearts and approach God with humility rather than spiritual pride.
The Bows of the Mighty Are Broken
1 Samuel 2:4 (NKJV):
“The bows of the mighty men are broken, And those who stumbled are girded with strength.”
This is powerful! There are mighty men and seemingly powerful forces in our lives and circumstances. Some situations appear too strong for us to overcome. Yet Hannah declares that the bows of the mighty are broken while those who stumble receive strength.
Church, the strength of our adversaries is not greater than the strength of our God. This is why we must fast and pray, depending on the Lord rather than our own strength.
God Is Sovereign Over Life and Destiny
1 Samuel 2:6–7 reveals God’s sovereignty over life, death, poverty, riches, humiliation, and exaltation.
He is the One who brings people low and lifts them up. Therefore, we must never despise the poor or boast in our riches. Our circumstances do not determine our ultimate destiny; God remains sovereign.
Hannah declares in verse 8:
“He raises the poor from the dust And lifts the beggar from the ash heap, To set them among princes And make them inherit the throne of glory.”
This reminds me of my own life and where God has brought me from. There was a time in my past when I was in the dust, but the Lord is able to lift a person from the dust and establish that person in a place of honor.
Church, never despise your beginning. If you are in a season of lack or humiliation, continue to trust the Lord. He is able to change your circumstances and bring you favorable news.
The Pillars of the Earth Belong to God
Hannah continues:
“For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, And He has set the world upon them.” — 1 Samuel 2:8 (NKJV)
Church, the world may appear unstable, but God sustains His creation. Everything that appears secure in this world ultimately depends on Him.
Hannah further declares that the Lord guards the feet of His saints and that the wicked will not prevail.
1 Samuel 2:9 (NKJV):
“For by strength no man shall prevail.”
This is a fundamental lesson for the Church. No matter how gifted, intelligent, or powerful we may be, human strength alone cannot guarantee victory.
As we fast and pray, we acknowledge our need for God’s wisdom, strength, protection, and direction.
The Prophetic Revelation of the King and His Anointed
Hannah concludes her song:
1 Samuel 2:10 (NKJV):
“The LORD will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king, And exalt the horn of His anointed.”
Hallelujah!
Here we see the prophetic language of the King and His Anointed One. As Christians, we recognize the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom purposes in Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Anointed King.
We are talking about King Jesus!
As we pursue a new direction, we must align ourselves with God’s purposes and honor the King.
Key Lesson: Fasting and prayer help us humble ourselves before God, depend on His strength, and align our lives with His purposes.
⸻
2. SAMUEL’S FAITHFULNESS AND THE WICKEDNESS OF ELI’S SONS
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:11–26
The chapter presents a sharp contrast between Samuel and the sons of Eli.
1 Samuel 2:11 tells us that Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest. However, verses 12–17 describe Eli’s sons as corrupt men who did not know the Lord.
Although they served in the priesthood, their conduct demonstrated a lack of reverence for God.
Dishonoring God Through His Offerings
Under the sacrificial system, the fat of certain offerings was to be burned on the altar to the Lord. However, Eli’s sons sent their servants to take meat from the people before the fat was burned.
They disregarded God’s prescribed order of worship and took what belonged to Him to satisfy their own desires.
1 Samuel 2:17 (NKJV):
“Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD, for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.”
Church, God does not take lightly the dishonoring of His name or the misuse of what belongs to Him. It is possible to occupy a spiritual position while living in disobedience.
As we fast and pray, we must ask the Lord to examine our hearts and purify our motives.
Samuel Continued to Minister Before the Lord
In contrast, Samuel continued to serve God faithfully.
1 Samuel 2:18 (NKJV):
“But Samuel ministered before the LORD, even as a child, wearing a linen ephod.”
Samuel was still young, yet he faithfully served before the Lord despite the corruption around him.
The Bible further tells us that Samuel grew in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men (1 Samuel 2:26).
Church, we must pray for a generation that will remain faithful to God regardless of the environment around them. Our fasting and prayers must include our children, young people, families, and future leaders.
Key Lesson: Like Samuel, we must remain faithful to God even when surrounded by ungodliness.
⸻
3. HANNAH’S FAITHFULNESS AND THE BLESSING OF GOD
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:19–21
When Hannah prayed for a child, she made a vow to the Lord that if He gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord all the days of his life (1 Samuel 1:11).
God answered her prayer, and Hannah fulfilled her vow by bringing Samuel to serve before the Lord.
But look at what happened next!
1 Samuel 2:21 (NKJV):
“And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters.”
Can you imagine that? Hannah had been barren, yet the Lord visited her, and she gave birth to three sons and two daughters after Samuel.
What a blessing!
This passage reminds us of God’s faithfulness and His ability to do beyond what we can imagine. Hannah honored her commitment to the Lord rather than holding Samuel back after receiving her answer.
Our giving and service must come from a heart that honors God, not from an attempt to purchase His blessings. Hannah’s experience is a testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness.
Church, when you make a commitment to God, fulfill it. When He answers your prayer, remain faithful to Him.
Key Lesson: Honor God with what you have promised Him and trust His faithfulness with your future.
⸻
4. THE DANGER OF NEGLECTING CORRECTION
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:22–26
Eli heard about the evil conduct of his sons. They were abusing the offerings and engaging in sexual immorality with women who assembled at the entrance of the tabernacle of meeting.
Their conduct brought dishonor to the sacred responsibilities entrusted to them.
Eli eventually confronted his sons.
1 Samuel 2:23–24 (NKJV):
“Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people.”
Church, this is a serious lesson for parents and leaders.
When our children do what is wrong, we must not cover up their wrongdoing. We must correct them and hold them accountable.
Love does not mean allowing children to continue in destructive behavior. Parents must teach, correct, and guide their children according to God’s principles.
Likewise, church leaders must not protect wrongdoing simply because the person involved is a relative, friend, or someone who holds a position in the church.
Who Will Intercede for Someone Who Sins Against the Lord?
Eli asks his sons a profound question.
1 Samuel 2:25 (NKJV):
“If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?”
Church, this is a sobering question. Who will stand in the gap for us if we persist in dishonoring the Lord?
We must never take God’s mercy for granted. This is why our fasting and prayer must be accompanied by repentance and obedience.
Lord, may You have mercy upon us!
The Bible says that Eli’s sons did not heed their father’s correction because the Lord desired to put them to death.
The passage presents their judgment as part of God’s response to their persistent wickedness. The text does not record whether Eli privately prayed for his sons, so we cannot ascertain what he may have done privately. What is clear is that their wickedness continued despite his confrontation.
Key Lesson: We must never treat sin lightly. We need God’s mercy, genuine repentance, and the courage to correct wrongdoing.
⸻
5. HONORING GOD WITH HIS OFFERINGS AND RESOURCES
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:27–30
The Lord sent a man of God to Eli with a message of judgment. The messenger reminded Eli of the privilege God had given his family in the priesthood and confronted him about the way His offerings were being treated.
1 Samuel 2:29 (NKJV):
“Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me?”
Notice the word HONOR.
The Lord confronted Eli because he honored his sons more than God. Instead of dealing decisively with the dishonor taking place in his household, Eli allowed the situation to continue.
We Are Accountable for What Belongs to God
Church, as pastors and church leaders entrusted with the offerings of God’s people, we have a responsibility to manage those resources faithfully.
As a pastor, I recognize that I am accountable for ensuring that the offerings entrusted to the church are not misused or spent on personal pleasure.
This is why we place importance on financial accountability, including having a dedicated finance leader and responsible leaders who oversee the church’s resources.
The church leadership must ensure that resources entrusted to us are directed toward the work of God’s kingdom.
We must never treat the offerings of the Lord as though they belong to us personally.
The sons of Eli used their priestly positions to satisfy their own desires. Their conduct brought judgment upon their household.
Church, we must honor God not only with what we say in prayer but also with how we manage what belongs to Him.
It is not enough to spend hours praying while mishandling the resources of the church. Our fasting and prayer must be reflected in our integrity, stewardship, and obedience.
The Principle of Honor
The Lord declares:
1 Samuel 2:30 (NKJV):
“For those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.”
This is the central message of our devotion.
Honor is demonstrated through our priorities, obedience, treatment of God’s people, and stewardship of His resources.
We cannot claim to honor God while deliberately dishonoring His Word, protecting wrongdoing, or using what belongs to Him for personal benefit.
Key Lesson: Those entrusted with spiritual leadership and church resources must exercise their responsibilities with reverence, integrity, and accountability.
⸻
6. THE CONSEQUENCES OF DISHONORING GOD
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:30–36
The man of God delivered a warning concerning Eli’s household. The Lord declared that the strength of Eli’s family would be cut off and that judgment would come upon his house.
The message was serious because the dishonor had persisted. The Lord also gave a sign to confirm the message, and the events that followed would demonstrate the seriousness of His warning.
Church, spiritual privileges come with responsibilities. Being called by God does not give us permission to live carelessly, and being entrusted with leadership does not exempt us from accountability.
As we fast and pray, let us ask God not only to bless our churches but also to preserve us from attitudes and actions that dishonor His name.
CONCLUSION: A NEW DIRECTION BEGINS WITH HONOR
God honors those who honor Him. As we fast and pray, let us walk in obedience, depend on His strength, and honor Him in everything we do.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Prayer for Humility and Dependence
Father, deliver us from pride and self-reliance. Teach us to depend on Your strength, because by human strength no one shall prevail.
2. Prayer for Victory Over Adversaries
Lord, as You declared through Hannah, break the bows of the mighty and strengthen those who stumble. Let Your power be revealed in every situation that stands against Your purposes.
3. Prayer for Our Children and the Next Generation
Father, raise a generation like Samuel, who will serve You faithfully. Give parents the courage to correct their children and raise them according to Your Word.
4. Prayer for Holiness and Accountability in the Church
Lord, purify Your Church. Give pastors and leaders the courage to uphold righteousness, correct wrongdoing, and remain accountable before You.
5. Prayer for Faithful Stewardship
Father, help us honor You with the offerings and resources entrusted to our churches. Give our leaders wisdom, integrity, and faithfulness in advancing Your kingdom.
6. Prayer for Mercy and Repentance
Lord, have mercy upon us. Search our hearts and lead us into genuine repentance and obedience.
7. Prayer for a New Direction
Father, lead us into a new direction established in Your Word. Renew our minds, transform our character, and help us honor You in everything we do.
8. Prayer for God’s Purposes
Father, establish Your purposes in our lives, families, and churches. Raise a people who will faithfully serve You and advance Your kingdom.
CLOSING DECLARATION
Father, lead us into a new direction. Raise a generation that honors You, purify Your Church, and establish integrity in our leadership and stewardship. Let our fasting and prayer produce humility, obedience, and a deeper commitment to Your purposes. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen!
Author: Rev. Joseph Antwi
Rev. Joseph Antwi is the District Pastor of the Basel City Churches District. He is passionate about teaching God’s Word, raising young disciples, and empowering believers to live purposefully and impact their generation through Christ.
Out now!
Rev. Joseph Antwi has released his first book called; "How to know if he or she is the right one" in which he dives into seven biblical keys to a succesfull relationship.
@revjosephantwi
+41 79 663 63 24
What did you learn from today’s devotion?
Leave a comment below and share what spoke to you. Scroll down to the comments section and inspire others with what God revealed to you!
NEW HERE? DISCOVER THE BASEL CITY CHURCHES DISTRICT
Stay connected with the Basel City Churches District and be inspired through our daily devotionals, powerful teachings, and messages of faith. Grow with us, deepen your relationship with Christ, and discover what God has in store for you.
Comments