“It is impossible to fear man and fear God. But fear of man doesn’t always mean fear that they will hurt or harm us, but it is also fear of losing their regard. John 12:43 speaks of those who denied Christ because ‘they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.’ In an era of passive parenting, where people seek to become their children’s friend rather than an authority figure, the sin of Eli is prevalent today. And it is not only with our children. When we fear losing relationships with others more than fearing God, we will refuse to obey his clear commandments. Our minds will invent all sorts of excuses and human wisdom that excuse us of strict obedience to the commands of God…God will be first in our lives, or ultimately he will take them from us. ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”

“Although passive and dim-sighted, Eli blesses Hannah, although probably just to get her to leave. She, however, takes the word of the high priest as a promise from God. Where in her distress she had begun a fast, upon receiving the blessing she eats and her sadness left her.  Such is her trust that the Lord of Hosts can and will accomplish his will, she is at peace even before her situation changes…The object of Hannah’s delight is neither herself—that she has overcome the disgrace of barrenness—nor her son. Instead it is the Lord, who is the source of both her son and her happy circumstance…”