Understanding the Scriptures
1 Samuel 2
| Exalted (v. 1) | Lifted high, increased | |
| Arrogancy (v. 3) | Pride | |
| Weighed (v. 3) | Judged | |
| Girded (v. 4) | Clothed, covered | |
| Ceased (v. 5) | Stopped | |
| Barren (v. 5) | Unable to bear children | |
| Waxed feeble (v. 5) | Become weak | |
| Pillars (v. 8) | Posts (Note: This is poetic language. The people did not think and the Bible does not teach that the earth literally sits on posts.) | |
| Keep the feet (v. 9) | Protect and care for | |
| Prevail (v. 9) | Overcome | |
| Adversaries (v. 10) | Enemies | |
| Anointed (vv. 10, 35) | Chosen | |
| Sons of Belial (v. 12) | Worthless, wicked men | |
| Fleshhook (vv. 13–14) | Tool with which priests could reach the sacrifice and remove pieces of the meat | |
| Abhorred (v. 17) | Hated | |
| Girded (v. 18) | Clothed | |
| Ephod (vv. 18, 28) | Part of the attire of a high priest (see Bible Dictionary, “ephod,” p. 666) | |
| Seed (v. 20) | Children | |
| Lay (v. 22) | Have sexual relations | |
| Intreat (v. 25) | Plead for mercy | |
| Habitation (vv. 29, 32) | House | |
| Despise (v. 30) | Look down upon | |
| Esteemed (v. 30) | Valued | |
| Cut off thine arm (v. 31) | Punish by taking away your strength. Arm is symbolic of strength. | |
| Consume thine eyes (v. 33) | Be constantly on one’s mind | |
| In the flower of their age (v. 33) | A young age | |
| I will build him a sure house (v. 35) | I will give him continued posterity. | |
| Crouch to him (v. 36) | Bow down |
1 Samuel 2:12–17, 22—The Sins of Eli’s Sons
According to the law of Moses, the priests were to receive certain portions of the sacrifice to eat, but they were only to receive it after the fat was burned on the altar, and they were to receive no additional pieces. When Eli’s sons took what did not belong to them and took it before they should have, they were robbing God of His offering and cheating the people. Notice that because of Eli’s sons’ actions, the people disliked offering sacrifices (see 1 Samuel 2:17). To make things worse, verse 22 says they committed fornication with women who came to the temple.
Studying the Scriptures
Do two of the following activities (A–D) as you study 1 Samuel 2.
A Song for the Lord
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1.
Choose what you think would be a good title for Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel 2:1–10.
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2.
Choose something Hannah said about the Lord in this song that impresses you, and explain why.
Applying the Story Today
After reading 1 Samuel 2:12–17, explain what you think modern Aaronic Priesthood holders could learn from this story. Especially consider what verse 17 says.
Be a Prosecuting Attorney
You have been assigned to bring Eli and his sons to justice. Read 1 Samuel 3:13 and list the crimes you would charge them with and the evidence you have that they are guilty.
The Duties of Parents
Read Mosiah 4:14–15; Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–31; 93:40–43 and list what the Lord commands parents to teach their children.
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