God is the Author and Designer of universes. He knows every detail because they were made by Him. There is nothing beyond His understanding. Yet it is not until Hannah’s song, that we find the first use of His name, El Deah, the God of knowledge.
Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the Lord is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed. 1 Samuel 2:3
Hannah, having been blessed with the birth of Samuel after being barren, dedicates her son to God. I find her prayer of praise instructive.
What did God know and why does Hannah celebrate the All-Knowing God? He knew Hannah’s heart and desire. She was seen. He also knew of the shame that would have been part of her life. Barrenness was considered a judgment and she likely endured some whisperings by her neighbors. After years of discouragement, Hannah celebrates that God not only knows her situation but He knows her character and she is vindicated within her community. She warns her neighbors (and me) not to judge because it is God who weighs our actions.
Hannah reminds me to trust God because He alone knows it all. Almighty God knows the heavens above as well as the hairs of my head. He knows my innermost thoughts and heart as well as the beginning and the end. I cannot teach Him anything. I cannot surprise Him – by my goodness or my failures. And I cannot fully understand or know Him, although I am fully known by Him. All I can do is trust Him.
Help me to remember. When I don’t understand – trust Him. If I’m hurting – trust Him. While I’m waiting – trust Him. It’s comforting to be in the hands of Him who knows everything – and loves me.
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
Adonai is the eternal God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not grow tired or weary.
His understanding is unsearchable. Isaiah 40:28
