Hannah’s Prayer, Part 6

The texts diverge subtly after the conclusion of Hannah’s prayer: Masoretic Text Septuagint 1 Samuel 2:11 (Tanakh) 1 Samuel 2:11 (NET) 1 Reigns 2:11 (NETS) 1 Kings 2:10e, 11 (Elpenor English) And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house.  And the child did minister unto...

Hannah’s Prayer, Part 5

He will keep the feet of His holy ones, Hannah’s prayer continued, but the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness; for not by strength shall man prevail.[1]  Only the third clause gets any corroboration from the Septuagint.  I’ll examine the first two clauses in...

Hannah’s Prayer, Part 4

Near the end of Part 3 I began to consider whether the Masoretes added—for the pillars of the earth are HaShem’S, and He hath set the world upon them[1]—to Hannah’s prayer.  I suggested that they made the abrupt switch from the Savior/Judge Hannah had praised to the...

Hannah’s Prayer, Part 3

Hannah’s prayer continued: Masoretic Text Septuagint 1 Samuel 2:4, 5 (Tanakh) 1 Samuel 2:4, 5 (NET) 1 Reigns 2:4, 5 (NETS) 1 Kings 2:4, 5 (Elpenor English) The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. The bows of warriors are...

Hannah’s Prayer, Part 2

Hannah’s prayer continued: Masoretic Text Septuagint 1 Samuel 2:3 (Tanakh) 1 Samuel 2:3 (NET) 1 Reigns 2:3 (NETS) 1 Kings 2:3 (Elpenor English) Multiply not exceeding proud talk; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth; for HaShem is a G-d of knowledge, and by Him...

Hannah’s Prayer, Part 1

I want to consider Hannah’s prayer in four English translations, two from the Hebrew of the Masoretic text[1] and two from the Greek of the Septuagint: Masoretic Text Septuagint 1 Samuel 2:1, 2 (Tanakh) 1 Samuel 2:1, 2 (NET) 1 Reigns 2:1, 2 (NETS) 1 Kings 1:28b-2:2...