In the Bible, the book of Psalms always comes to mind when we think of Old Testament songs of praise. However there are many songs of praise scattered all through the Bible. One of my favorite Old Testament praise songs that isn't in Psalms is known as "Hannah's Song". It is found in I Samuel 2. The background to it is basically that a God-fearing woman named Hannah (who was married to Elkanah) was barren, and prayed that if God would give her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord's service. God honored her request and she and Elkanah had a son, named Samuel. They brought Samuel to the house of the Lord in Shiloh and dedicated him to the Lord's service under Eli, the priest. Rejoicing in thanksgiving to her Lord God, Hannah then prayed this beautiful "song" to the Lord:
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“My heart exults in the Lord;
My horn is exalted in the Lord,
My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies,
Because I rejoice in Your salvation.
There is no one holy like the Lord,
Indeed, there is no one besides You,
Nor is there any rock like our God.
Boast no more so very proudly,
Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;
For the Lord is a God of knowledge,
And with Him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are shattered,
But the feeble gird on strength.
Those who were full hire themselves out for bread,
But those who were hungry cease to hunger.
Even the barren gives birth to seven,
But she who has many children languishes.
The Lord kills and makes alive;
He brings down to Sheol and raises up.
The Lord makes poor and rich;
He brings low, He also exalts.
He raises the poor from the dust,
He lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with nobles,
And inherit a seat of honor;
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
And He set the world on them.
He keeps the feet of His godly ones,
But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness;
For not by might shall a man prevail.
Those who contend with the Lord will be shattered;
Against them He will thunder in the heavens,
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
And He will give strength to His king,
And will exalt the horn of His anointed.”
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Absolutely beautiful song, Hannah. Thank you..
By the way, do you see those last two lines containing the terms "His King" and "His anointed"? Guess who this is talking about. These terms are looking prophetically into the future when the anointed one will come. In Hebrew, the word for God's anointed one is messiah. Hannah believed that one day the anointed one of God would come, and God would give Him strength and great glory (that's what "exalt the horn of His Anointed" means). Many centuries after she prayed this song of praise, the Messiah did come.We know Him by his name today. The name above every name- Jesus.
Blessings,
George
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