1 Samuel 2:26 Commentary: Growing in Favor with God and People

The narrative of 1 Samuel 2 takes place during the late period of the Judges, a time of spiritual and moral chaos in Israel. The sanctuary at Shiloh housed the Ark of the Covenant, with Eli serving as both priest and judge. Yet his sons Hophni and Phinehas abused their priestly office, stealing meat from offerings and committing sexual immorality with women who served at the tabernacle entrance (vv. 13, 17, 22). Eli’s half-hearted rebuke (vv. 23, 25) exposes a household in spiritual freefall.

Into this setting Samuel enters, a boy dedicated to the Lord from birth (1 Samuel 1). He ministered before the Lord, wearing a linen ephod (v. 18). His mother Hannah visited annually, bringing him a new coat (v. 19). Now verse 26 presents his growth using three Hebrew terms: הֹלֵךְ (going/continuing), גָּדֵל (growing up), and the adjective טוֹב (good/pleasing). The participial form of the first two verbs emphasizes ongoing progression. The word טוֹב (tov) echoes the creation narrative (Genesis 1) where God repeatedly calls his work “good.” Here it signals moral and relational excellence in Samuel’s entire person.

Samuel’s public favor was especially striking because the people had come to loathe the offerings due to the sins of Eli’s sons (v. 17). That the boy could be “good” before both Yahweh and men shows God working through a faithful remnant. The verse also functions structurally: it closes the report on Eli’s corruption and prepares for the judgment that follows (vv. 27, 36). At the same time, it looks forward to the ultimate faithful youth, Jesus, whose growth is described in Luke 2:52 in nearly identical language.

The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for 1 Samuel 2:26. The Hebrew Masoretic Text is consistent, and the Septuagint agrees in substance. Lange’s Commentary discusses variants in surrounding verses (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:11) but not in verse 26.

Early Christian writers read Samuel’s growth typologically, seeing in him a foreshadowing of Christ, especially through the parallel in Luke 2:52. The patristic era emphasized his moral excellence as a model for Christian youth. During the Reformation, commentators such as Matthew Henry and the Geneva Bible used the verse to urge parents to raise children in the fear of the Lord and to highlight God’s work in raising faithful leaders even in corrupt times. Modern scholarship focuses on the literary function of the verse within the narrative of 1 Samuel 2, particularly its role as a hinge between the judgment on Eli’s house and the rise of Samuel as a faithful prophet.

Three-point outline

1. Growth as Process. Samuel was “going and growing”, the Hebrew participles emphasize a steady, ongoing walk, not a single dramatic moment. Spiritual maturity takes time, daily choices, and ordinary faithfulness in small duties.
2. Favor from Two Audiences. He was good “with Yahweh and with men.” Authentic godliness does not alienate people; it builds trust and earns respect even from those who may not share the same faith. This challenges the idea that pleasing God means being disliked by the world.
3. Contrast that Highlights Grace. While Eli’s sons sank deeper into corruption, Samuel rose. The contrast shows that God raises up his own faithful remnant even in the darkest times. Grace does not depend on the environment but on the God who calls.

Five-point outline

1. God Works in the Ordinary. Samuel is a child, not a warrior or a trained priest, yet God uses him in his sanctuary. God often begins his greatest work in unassuming circumstances.
2. Growth is Visible and Observable. The Hebrew verb forms stress that his progress was not hidden; people could see him maturing in stature, character, and devotion. Faith that grows is faith that can be seen.
3. Divine and Human Approval Together. Being good in God’s sight and in people’s sight are not opposed. They can coincide, as they did for Samuel and later for Jesus. The goal is to serve God in such a way that others also benefit and commend.
4. The Dark Backdrop Makes the Light Shine. Without the sin of Eli’s sons, Samuel’s faithfulness might not be as striking. God often uses evil as a foil to magnify his goodness and his servants’ witness.
5. Christ the Fulfillment. Luke 2:52 repeats the pattern in Jesus, he increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Jesus is the ultimate Samuel: the faithful servant who perfectly pleased God and reconciled humanity.

Illustration hooks

• A student in a rough school environment who consistently tells the truth, does their homework, and treats even the disruptive kids with respect. Over time they earn the trust of teachers and the respect of classmates, becoming a quiet influence for good, like Samuel among corrupt priests.
• A young employee in a workplace that tolerates cutting corners. By doing honest work and treating everyone fairly, they gradually become the person entrusted with the most responsibility. Their integrity is noted both by the boss and by coworkers.
• A parent who faithfully brings their child to church year after year, providing a new coat of encouragement each season, as Hannah did. They watch the child grow into a person of integrity who is loved both at home and in the community.

Questions your congregation is asking

• “How can I know if I am growing in favor with God? Is it just a feeling I get in worship, or are there concrete signs like a deeper love for others?”
• “Is it possible to be good with God if the people around me don’t see it? Or does genuine faith always show up in relationships?”
• “How do I raise children who grow in favor with God and people, especially when the culture around them is as corrupt as Eli’s sons?”

This verse invites small groups to reflect on the nature of spiritual growth. The Hebrew grammar shows that Samuel’s development was not a one-time event but an ongoing process. His goodness was recognized by God and people alike, a rare unity in a time of corruption. As you discuss, consider how this pattern connects to Jesus and what it means for your own growth in Christ.

Discussion questions

1. What does the text say about Samuel’s growth? List the Hebrew verbs and discuss why the author used ongoing action forms.
2. Why is it significant that Samuel was “good” both with God and with men? Does this surprise you, given the usual tension between pleasing God and pleasing people?
3. How does the corruption of Eli’s sons (vv. 12, 25) highlight the meaning of this verse?
4. What does the phrase “favor with God” mean practically? How do you see evidence of it in someone’s life?
5. Samuel’s favor with people came during a time when the public despised the priesthood. What does that suggest about integrity under pressure?
6. Luke 2:52 applies the same language to Jesus. Why do you think Luke drew on this verse? What does it say about Jesus’ full humanity?
7. Where in your own life do you see growth that is “good”, pleasing to God and beneficial to others? Where do you need more growth?