What does 1 Samuel 2:26 mean?
"And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men." - 1 Samuel 2:26
The verse 1 Samuel 2:26 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men." This verse is a part of the narrative of the childhood and early years of Samuel, who would go on to become a significant figure in the history of Israel as a prophet and a judge.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. The verse comes from the book of 1 Samuel, which is the story of the transition of Israel from a group of loosely connected tribes to a unified kingdom under the leadership of King David. In the earlier chapters of 1 Samuel, we are introduced to Samuel's mother, Hannah, who was barren and prayed fervently for a child. In answer to her prayers, she conceives and gives birth to Samuel, whom she dedicates to God's service from a young age. In this verse, Samuel is described as growing in favor both with the Lord and with men, indicating the impact of his upbringing and the favor that God has bestowed on him.
The verse carries several themes that are significant in the broader context of the Bible. Firstly, it speaks to the concept of divine favor and grace. Samuel's growth in favor with the Lord is a testament to God's blessing and guidance in his life. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, as characters such as Noah, Abraham, and David are also described as finding favor in the eyes of the Lord.
Furthermore, the verse underscores the importance of character and virtue. Samuel's favor with men suggests that he was not only esteemed in the eyes of God but also respected and well-regarded by those around him. This speaks to the idea that righteousness and wisdom are qualities that are esteemed by both God and humanity. This notion is reflected in other parts of the Bible, such as Proverbs 3:3-4, which implores believers to embody kindness and truth in order to find favor with God and people.
The verse also holds significant symbolism within the broader narrative of the Bible. Samuel's character and role as a prophet and judge in Israel's history are pivotal to the eventual establishment of the Davidic monarchy and the lineage of Jesus Christ. His growth in favor with the Lord foreshadows his future as a devoted servant of God, while his favor with men foreshadows his role as a respected leader and intermediary between God and the people.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 2:26 is a verse that holds deep meaning and significance within the context of the Bible. It speaks to the themes of divine favor, virtue, and the symbolism of Samuel's character in the broader narrative of Israel's history. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of grace, righteousness, and the impact of a life lived in favor with both God and humanity.
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1 Samuel 2:26 - "And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men."
"And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men." - 1 Samuel 2:26
1 Samuel 2:6 - "The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up."
"The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up." - 1 Samuel 2:6
1 Samuel 26:2 - "Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph."
2 Samuel 17:26 - "So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead."
2 Samuel 23:26 - "Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,"
2 Samuel 1:26 - "I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women."
2 Samuel 20:26 - "And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David."
2 Samuel 12:26 - "And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city."
1 Samuel 2:12
1 Samuel 15:26 (KJVA) 26 And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.
1 Samuel 26:4 - "David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed."
1 Samuel 26:1 - "And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?"
2 Samuel 11:26 - "¶ And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband."
1 Samuel 15:26 - "And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel."
1 Samuel 9:26 - "And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad."
2 Samuel 22:26 - "With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright."
2 Samuel 2:6 - "And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing."
1 Samuel 10:26 - "¶ And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched."
1 Samuel 26:22 - "And David answered and said, Behold the king's spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it."
"Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite," - 2 Samuel 23:26
"So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead." - 2 Samuel 17:26
1 Samuel 1:26 - "And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD."
1 Samuel 18:26 - "And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired."
1 Samuel 26:13 - "¶ Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them:"
1 Samuel 26:9 - "And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?"
1 Samuel 20:26 - "Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought, Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean."
"And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David." - 2 Samuel 20:26
1 Samuel 26:3 - "And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness."