1 Samuel 2:26

KJV

And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the child {H5288} Samuel {H8050} grew {H1432} on {H1980}, and was in favour {H2896} both with the LORD {H3068}, and also with men {H582}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The child Sh'mu'el kept growing and gaining favor both with ADONAI and with people.

Berean Standard Bible

And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with man.

American Standard Version

And the child Samuel grew on, and increased in favor both with Jehovah, and also with men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Samuel 2:26 succinctly captures the remarkable and continuous development of the young Samuel, portraying his increasing stature and influence. This verse serves as a pivotal point in the narrative, highlighting Samuel's unique spiritual and social growth in stark contrast to the moral decay surrounding him, thereby foreshadowing his divine appointment as a crucial leader and prophet in Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a narrative that underscores a profound spiritual dichotomy. Immediately preceding it are vivid descriptions of the egregious sins of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, whose corrupt practices defiled the tabernacle and brought disrepute to the priesthood (cf. [1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1-samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons")). Their actions are explicitly stated as "knowing not the LORD" ([1 Samuel 2:12](/1-samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12 - Eli's Sons Knew Not the Lord")). In stark contrast, Samuel, dedicated to the Lord by his mother Hannah from birth ([1 Samuel 1:27-28](/1-samuel/1-27 "1 Samuel 1:27-28 - Hannah Dedicates Samuel")), is presented as a beacon of righteousness and growth. This juxtaposition sets the stage for God's impending judgment on Eli's house and the raising up of a faithful priest and prophet in Samuel (cf. [1 Samuel 2:30-36](/1-samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30-36 - Prophecy Against Eli's House")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of 1 Samuel falls within the chaotic era of the Judges, a time characterized by moral decline, spiritual apostasy, and a lack of centralized leadership, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (cf. [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes")). The priesthood, meant to be a moral and spiritual compass, had become corrupt under Eli's sons, reflecting the broader societal decay. In this environment, the emergence of a divinely favored individual like Samuel was not merely significant but absolutely critical for the nation's spiritual renewal and transition from a tribal confederacy to a monarchy. His growth in favor with both God and men indicates a divine preparation for a leadership role that would bridge the gap between the Judges and the Kings, establishing the prophetic office as a powerful force in Israel.
* **Key Themes:** First Samuel 2:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Samuel. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's active hand in raising up faithful servants even amidst widespread corruption. Samuel's growth in favor serves as a counter-narrative to the decline of Eli's house, emphasizing God's commitment to His covenant people and His ability to work through individuals. The verse also underscores the theme of **Righteousness vs. Wickedness**, vividly contrasting Samuel's integrity with the depravity of Eli's sons, thereby illustrating the consequences of obedience versus disobedience. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Holistic Development and Preparation for Leadership**, showing that true leadership, especially in God's service, requires not only spiritual anointing but also moral character and social acceptance, echoing principles found in passages like [Proverbs 3:3-4](/proverbs/3-3 "Proverbs 3:3-4 - Finding Favor with God and Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grew on (Hebrew, _halak_):** The verb `halak` (הָלַךְ) literally means "to walk" or "to go," but in this context, it signifies continuous progression, development, or advancement. The phrase "grew on" implies a steady, ongoing process of maturation, not just physically, but in all aspects of his being. It suggests a consistent, positive trajectory in Samuel's life, setting him apart from the stagnation and decay around him.
* **Favour (Hebrew, _chen_):** The noun `chen` (חֵן) denotes grace, charm, favor, goodwill, or acceptance. When used in relation to God, it speaks of divine grace, blessing, or approval. When used in relation to men, it signifies gaining their esteem, respect, or goodwill. Samuel possessed both, indicating a life that was not only pleasing to God but also respected and accepted by the community, a crucial attribute for a future prophet and judge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the child Samuel grew on":** This opening clause emphasizes Samuel's continuous and progressive development from childhood. It suggests a steady maturation, not just physically, but also intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. This growth is presented as a natural, yet divinely guided, process, preparing him for his future responsibilities.
* **"and was in favour":** This phrase introduces the core concept of the verse—Samuel's increasing acceptance and approval. The use of "was in favour" (a state of being) rather than "found favour" (an action) suggests a sustained and established condition of being well-regarded.
* **"both with the LORD":** This specifies the primary source of Samuel's favor. To be in favor with the LORD means to have God's approval, blessing, and special regard. This indicates Samuel's spiritual integrity, obedience, and dedication, even from a young age, which was recognized and affirmed by God Himself. This divine endorsement was foundational to his calling and authority.
* **"and also with men":** This expands the scope of Samuel's favor to include human approval. It signifies that his character, conduct, and perhaps his humble service earned him respect and goodwill from the community. This dual favor—divine and human—is a hallmark of effective leadership and validates his standing in the eyes of both God and the people he would eventually serve.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is a primary device, as Samuel's virtuous growth is set against the backdrop of the profound wickedness of Eli's sons (1 Samuel 2:12-17), highlighting Samuel as God's chosen alternative. This creates a powerful **Juxtaposition**, emphasizing the moral and spiritual decline of the established priesthood versus the rising integrity of the young prophet-to-be. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at Samuel's future prominence and pivotal role as Israel's last judge and first prophet, who would anoint both Saul and David. Furthermore, it contains a subtle **Parallelism** with the later description of Jesus's childhood development in the New Testament, suggesting a divine pattern for those chosen for significant redemptive roles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Samuel 2:26 speaks profoundly to the nature of divine calling and the character required for God's service. It illustrates that God raises up faithful individuals who demonstrate integrity and obedience, especially in times of spiritual decline. Samuel's dual favor with God and men underscores the biblical principle that genuine spiritual authority is often accompanied by a respected reputation within the community, a testament to a life lived in alignment with God's will. This holistic growth prepares individuals not only for their divine assignments but also for effective influence among God's people.

* [Luke 2:52](/luke/2-52 "Luke 2:52 - Jesus's Growth in Wisdom and Stature")
* [Proverbs 3:3-4](/proverbs/3-3 "Proverbs 3:3-4 - Finding Favor with God and Man")
* [Acts 7:9-10](/acts/7-9 "Acts 7:9-10 - Joseph's Favor with God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Samuel's early life, particularly his growth in favor with both God and men, offers a powerful paradigm for believers today. It challenges us to pursue a life of holistic development—not just physical or intellectual, but profoundly spiritual and relational. Our primary aim should be to live in a manner that garners God's approval, demonstrating integrity, obedience, and a deepening relationship with Him. When we prioritize God's favor, it often naturally extends to earning the respect and goodwill of those around us, not through people-pleasing, but through consistent, godly character. This verse encourages us to be diligent in our spiritual disciplines, humble in our service, and faithful in our walk, knowing that such a life prepares us for whatever purposes God has ordained and allows us to be a beacon of light in a world often marked by moral compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you actively seeking to "grow on" in a way that honors God?**
* **What does it mean practically to be "in favour with the LORD" in your daily life, and how can you cultivate this?**
* **How does your pursuit of God's favor impact your relationships and reputation "with men" in your community or workplace?**
* **Considering the contrast with Eli's sons, what lessons does Samuel's example teach us about integrity and faithfulness in leadership, even from a young age?**

### FAQ
**Why is Samuel's growth in "favor with the LORD and with men" so significant, especially compared to Eli's sons?**

Answer: Samuel's dual favor is profoundly significant because it highlights his unique spiritual integrity and divine anointing in a period of widespread corruption. Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests who "knew not the LORD" ([1 Samuel 2:12](/1-samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons")) and brought contempt upon the sacrifices and the tabernacle. Their actions alienated them from God and earned them disrepute among the people. In stark contrast, Samuel's life demonstrated a genuine relationship with God and a character that earned him respect from the community. This dual favor marked him as God's chosen vessel to restore spiritual leadership in Israel, bridging the gap between the chaotic era of the Judges and the establishment of the monarchy. It signaled that God was raising up a faithful servant who would be a true prophet and judge, unlike the corrupt priesthood.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The description of Samuel's growth in 1 Samuel 2:26 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Samuel "grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men," the Gospel of Luke describes Jesus's childhood with remarkable parallelism: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" ([Luke 2:52](/luke/2-52 "Luke 2:52 - Jesus's Growth in Wisdom and Stature")). This parallel is not coincidental; it reveals a divine pattern for those uniquely chosen by God for redemptive purposes. While Samuel was a faithful servant and a type of Christ, Jesus is the perfect embodiment of this holistic growth and divine favor. He perfectly pleased the Father in every aspect of His life and ministry, always doing "what is pleasing to him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleased the Father")). Moreover, His life of perfect love, compassion, and truth earned Him the admiration of many, even as it provoked the opposition of others (cf. [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28 "Matthew 7:28-29 - The Crowds Amazed at Jesus's Teaching")). Jesus's favor with God culminated in His sacrificial death and resurrection, through which He secured eternal favor and reconciliation for all who believe, embodying the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Samuel's early life points forward to the perfect Son, in whom all favor—divine and human—is fully realized and eternally bestowed.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 2:52

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Luke 2:40

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

1 Samuel 2:21

And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.

Acts 2:47

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Romans 14:18

For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.

Luke 1:80

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

Proverbs 3:3

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: