After watching a few episodes on YouTube, I really love ex-Disney animator Richard Rich's version of these Bible stories. I was in a religious mood this April. Anyway, this is my favourite episode (after watching it) from the "Animated Stories from the Old Testament" series. The story is about the youth of the last of the Hebrew Judges and the first of the major prophets who began to prophesize in the Land of Israel, Samuel.
The story starts with Hannah, a woman praying at the entrance of the tabernacle. She was praying for a son (since she is barren) and made a vow that if she had a son, she would give him to the tabernacle and spend his days in God's service. Overhearing Hannah crying was the high priest Eli. Thinking she was drunk, he told her to leave. Of course, Hannah said, "I am not drunk! Or if I am, it is with sorrow. I was pouring out my heart and soul before the Lord." Then she began to weep (again), and Eli, with an "Oh, I'm sorry" expression, comforts Hannah and vaguely tells her, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel will grant you what you desire." Hearing this, Hannah thanked him and said she knew God would honour his words. But of course, Eli has two problems of his own: Hophni and Phineas, his sons. Now those two are butt-nasty! We see them ganging up on an old man like muggers for his sacrificial meat. Infuriated, the old gent vowed he would never come to the tabernacle to offer sacrifices again! In my opinion, Eli should be ashamed to call those two his sons! ... Well, back to the story. Inside the tabernacle, Eli is visited by a mysterious old man in a cloak, who informs him that because Eli has allowed his sons to make a mockery of holy things, "condemnation is upon this house. I will raise a faithful priest. And he shall reign over Israel." Months later, Hannah's prayers were answered-she had a son, whom she named Samuel. When he is seven (or eight) years old, his mother brings him to the tabernacle. She tells Eli that his promise has been fulfilled and that she has given up Samuel to be a servant of God. Hannah promises Samuel to visit once each year, and before she leaves, Samuel tells her that he will serve God all the days of his life. Of course, I am sure it wasn't easy for Hannah to say goodbye to her son. And that's all I could tell you, folks. You will have to see the film for yourself to know how it ends. I mean, if I did fill you guys in on the details, it would be a long review.
And I would agree with Samuel that Eli's a good man; he just doesn't know what to do. I couldn't believe a nice old man could have two so-and-sos for sons. Overall, I really enjoyed this episode.
The story starts with Hannah, a woman praying at the entrance of the tabernacle. She was praying for a son (since she is barren) and made a vow that if she had a son, she would give him to the tabernacle and spend his days in God's service. Overhearing Hannah crying was the high priest Eli. Thinking she was drunk, he told her to leave. Of course, Hannah said, "I am not drunk! Or if I am, it is with sorrow. I was pouring out my heart and soul before the Lord." Then she began to weep (again), and Eli, with an "Oh, I'm sorry" expression, comforts Hannah and vaguely tells her, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel will grant you what you desire." Hearing this, Hannah thanked him and said she knew God would honour his words. But of course, Eli has two problems of his own: Hophni and Phineas, his sons. Now those two are butt-nasty! We see them ganging up on an old man like muggers for his sacrificial meat. Infuriated, the old gent vowed he would never come to the tabernacle to offer sacrifices again! In my opinion, Eli should be ashamed to call those two his sons! ... Well, back to the story. Inside the tabernacle, Eli is visited by a mysterious old man in a cloak, who informs him that because Eli has allowed his sons to make a mockery of holy things, "condemnation is upon this house. I will raise a faithful priest. And he shall reign over Israel." Months later, Hannah's prayers were answered-she had a son, whom she named Samuel. When he is seven (or eight) years old, his mother brings him to the tabernacle. She tells Eli that his promise has been fulfilled and that she has given up Samuel to be a servant of God. Hannah promises Samuel to visit once each year, and before she leaves, Samuel tells her that he will serve God all the days of his life. Of course, I am sure it wasn't easy for Hannah to say goodbye to her son. And that's all I could tell you, folks. You will have to see the film for yourself to know how it ends. I mean, if I did fill you guys in on the details, it would be a long review.
And I would agree with Samuel that Eli's a good man; he just doesn't know what to do. I couldn't believe a nice old man could have two so-and-sos for sons. Overall, I really enjoyed this episode.
