The rise of the monarchy in Israel begins with the story of Samuel.

We dive deeply into the prayer of Samuel’s mother, Hannah, and unpack its spiritual and prophetic implications. 2 Samuel 2:1 sets the tone for her prayer:

My heart exults in the Lord;
my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.

Key to understanding that verse is knowing that “salvation” is the Hebrew word yeshua—Jesus!

We also discuss the references to spiritual warfare embedded in her prayer, Hannah’s humility and faithfulness, which contrasts with the sins of the sons of Eli.

We also discuss the historic significance of Eli. Samaritans, who consider themselves descendants of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh and the preservers of the true Law given to Moses, believe Eli illegally took a group of Israelites from Shechem to Shiloh. There, he built a second tabernacle and set himself up as high priest

Now, if that was true it would be in the Bible, which never hides bad behavior of the patriarchs or apostles. It’s what the Samaritans believe, however, and it’s at the root of the schism between Jews and Samaritans that continues to this day.