“And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.”
Context:The book of 1 Samuel begins with the story of Hannah, who was barren but earnestly prayed to God for a child. God answered her prayer, and she gave birth to Samuel. As promised, she dedicated Samuel to the Lord’s service, and he grew up in the presence of the priest Eli in the tabernacle.
Spiritual Growth:In 1 Samuel 2:26, we see that the child Samuel grew physically, intellectually, and spiritually. This growth was not limited to worldly aspects but extended to his relationship with the Lord. As he matured, Samuel found favor in the eyes of both God and people. This verse highlights the significance of Samuel’s spiritual development and the resulting blessings.
God’s Favor:The phrase “in favour both with the LORD” emphasizes Samuel’s close relationship with God. Samuel’s faithfulness, obedience, and devotion to serving the Lord allowed him to experience God’s favor and approval. This favor was not limited to Samuel’s personal life but also extended to his service as a prophet, judge, and spiritual leader of Israel.
Favor with Men:The latter part of the verse states that Samuel also found favour with men. This indicates that Samuel’s exemplary character, wisdom, and leadership qualities earned him the respect and admiration of the people. Samuel’s integrity and righteous living had a positive impact on his relationships with others.
Application:The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual growth and how it impacts our relationships with both God and people. When we prioritise our relationship with God, seeking to know Him, obey His commandments, and serve Him faithfully, we can experience His favour and blessings in our lives. Furthermore, our spiritual growth should also be evident in our interactions with others. A life lived with integrity, compassion, and wisdom can earn us favour and influence among people.
In summary, 1 Samuel 2:26 illustrates Samuel’s growth in favour with God and men. It emphasises the importance of spiritual development, which impacts both our relationship with God and our interactions with others. This verse encourages us to seek God’s favour through faithful service and righteous living, leading to blessings and positive relationships.
