“For the Lord is a God of knowledge.”
Hannah’s Prayer, 1 Samuel 2:3 (NRSV)
God’s Wisdom Leads To Compassion
The word Hannah used for “knowledge” is דֵּעָה dêʻâh, day-aw’; a feminine noun used only six times in the Hebrew scriptures and associated particularly with God. Hannah was surely thinking of God’s knowledge of her thoughts and feelings as well as those in her household. Though her husband loved her, he did not seem able to understand or have empathy for her pain. Peninah did not show any interest in friendship with Hannah. Even Eli the priest had accused her of being in her cups, mistaking her distraught and fervent prayer for the mumbling of a drunkard.
God alone knew her heart, and indeed the hearts of all people. As she prayed over her son, Hannah spoke of God’s wise understanding which led to God’s wise compassion and favor.
This same wise knowledge belongs to Jesus, the One Who “knew all people,” Who “knew what was in everyone.” Jesus often asked a penetrating question or gave startling insight to the people He met, revealing His divine knowledge of them. For some, this knowledge led to new life. For others, it revealed their settled opposition to God.
Zechariah spoke of God’s wise knowledge shared through the prophets, particularly of the birth of Messiah Who would offer God’s compassion to all people, One Who would bring healing and peace, but Who would be rejected. One day, this same Messiah will be glorified so that every knee will bow and every tongue confess Him Lord.
Christmas Carol
For lo! the days are hastening on,
“It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” Edmund H. Sears (1810-1876)
by prophet seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years
shall come the time foretold
when peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendors fling,
and the whole world send back the song
which now the angels sing.
Prayer
“Search me, O God, and know my heart, try me, and know my thoughts, and see if a grievous way be in me, and lead me in a way age-during” (Psalm 139:23-24, YLT)
“As he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old.”
Zechariah’s Prophecy, Luke 1:70 (NRSV)
