The story of Samuel is a powerful example. We find him, in Legends of the Jews, already displaying wisdom beyond his years as just a two-year-old. Imagine that for a moment. Two years old!
His mother, Hannah, fulfilling her vow, brought him to Shiloh to dedicate him to the service of God at the Sanctuary. Now, picture the scene: They enter the sanctuary, and right away, young Samuel notices something amiss. They are looking for a priest to perform the ritual slaughter of a sacrificial animal.
But little Samuel, barely out of diapers, pipes up. He instructs the attendants that according to Jewish law, a non-priest is indeed permitted to perform the sacrifice. Can you imagine the audacity? The high priest himself, Eli, appears just as the sacrifice, under Samuel's precocious direction, is being slaughtered by someone who isn't a priest!
Eli, understandably, is furious. He’s about to have the child executed for his boldness, completely disregarding Hannah's desperate prayer for her son's life. "Let him die," Eli declares, "I shall pray for another in his place."
But Hannah, a woman of immense faith and strength, stands firm. She replies, "I lent him to the Lord. Whatever betide, he belongs neither to thee nor to me, but to God." Only then, after Samuel's life is secure, does Hannah offer her prayer of thanksgiving.
Hannah's prayer, as retold in Legends of the Jews, is more than just gratitude. It's a tapestry woven with prophecies about Samuel's future achievements, and a sweeping recitation of Israel's history, from its very beginnings all the way to the coming of the Mashiach (Messiah). What an incredible moment.
And here's a fascinating little aside: Her prayer also brought relief to the Sons of Korah. Remember them? They were swallowed by the earth as punishment for their rebellion against Moses. As we find in the Midrash Rabbah, they were constantly sinking lower and lower into Sheol (the underworld). But when Hannah uttered the words, "God bringeth down to Sheol, and bringeth up," they came to a standstill in their downward course! Talk about far-reaching consequences.
What does this story tell us? Perhaps it's about recognizing potential, even in the most unexpected packages. Or maybe it’s about the power of faith, and a mother’s unwavering dedication. What do you think?