1 Samuel 2: Time for a Prophet

"There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.
"Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.
"The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength.
Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry hunger no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away.
"The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. “For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s; upon them he has set the world.
He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. “It is not by strength that one prevails;  -1 Sam. 2:2-9 NIV

If there was ever a time for a prophet, it was during the time of Eli the priest and his sons.  Not only were the people wicked, but Eli's sons were even more so.  Their sacrilege of the offerings brought by the people to God was reprehensible.  Onto this scene comes Hannah, a barren, tormented woman who trusted God as the above prayer shows.  'The Lord humbles and exalts',  she cries, 'It is not by strength that one prevails.'

God honors Hannah's cries and gives her, her hearts desire in the form of Samuel, who will become as righteous as Eli's sons are unrighteousness.  Samuel's paths are guided by God all his life.  When the people  cry for a king, he is there to anoint both Saul and David.  He lives a long prosperous life while both of Eli's sons meet their fate on the same day that the Ark is stolen, resulting in the death of their father,  Eli, as well.  As Hannah prayed, there is a God who knows.  He knows the hearts of men.  He knows when the hearts of the priests have turned away from him and he knows when it is time for a prophet.