"By Him Actions Are Weighed" (2)

by T.W. Fullerton, Melbourne | Category: General | Jul 1975

The actions of human beings are motivated by many considerations. The underlying factors may be completely unknown to others. But a principle which should be continuously remembered by those who serve the Lord Christ, and who know that they will-stand before His judgement-seat is that which is contained in the prayer of Hannah as recorded in 1 Samuel 2:3. "The LORD is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed". The story of Hannah is one of human longing. Disappointment and grief were experienced throughout the earlier years of her married life; but eventually she learned that the God of Israel was the Hearer and Answerer of prayer, and He satisfied the longing of her heart. All that Hannah passed through in her innermost being is not revealed. In chapter 1 we are told that her rival Peninnah provoked her sore to make her fret.

In Hannah's prayer she reveals the fact that the keen barbs of provocation had entered into her soul. We have no doubt that Peninnah was aware of Hannah's petitions being continually poured out before the Lord in the home, and that they were apparently unheard. Her grief in having no child was further cause for provocation from her rival. As she went up to Shiloh, she determined to persist in her petition before the Lord. Surely He will hear her there as in bitterness of soul, in the precincts of His house, she cries unto Him. But the "last straw" seems to be added to her grief as Eli, the priest, observes her lips moving in silent supplication and assumes that she was drunken. He reveals his thoughts as he tells her to put away her wine from her. It is possibly a new experience for him, in the dark days which had fallen upon Israel, to find a daughter of Israel pouring out her soul before the Lord. He acknowledges his error, and comforts her with the words, "Go in peace; and the God of Israel grant thy petition that thou hast asked of Him". It appears evident that from this moment she knew that her prayer had been answered; "her countenance was no more sad". In chapter 2 as she sums up her sorrows, and their climax of triumph, she exultantly exclaims, "My heart exulteth in the LORD ... I rejoice in Thy salvation ... Talk no more exceeding proudly... For the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed". Her prayers and actions had been very incorrectly weighed by both Peninnah and Eli. It is He that searcheth the hearts who alone can rightly weigh the actions of human' beings.

In this very simple Old Testament narrative is the very human story of one who poured out her soul before the Lord, irrespective of what others said or thought. In it there is encouragement for all who would follow in the footsteps of this woman of faith and prayer:

Trust thou in God, though all around deride;

Trust thou in God when good or ill betide.

"By Him actions are weighed".

T.W. Fullerton, Melbourne | Jul 1975
General