Samuel Interactive DVD
My favorite episode from the "Animated Stories from the Old Testament" series, 16 April 2010 Author: Julia Arsenault (ja_kitty_71) from Canada 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 favorite 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 prophize inside 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 (for she is barren), and vows 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 tells 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 a "Oh-I-am-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 thank him and said she know God will honor his words. But of course, Eli has two problems of his own - named Hophni & 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 will never come to the tabernacle to offer sacrifices again! Now in my opinion, I thought : Eli should be ashamed to call those two his sons!...Well anyway, back to the story, inside the tabernacle, Eli was visited by an mysterious old man in a cloak, who informs him that because Eli has allowed his sons to make a mockery of holy things, and that "condemnation is upon this house. I shall raise up a faithful priest. And he shall reign over Israel." Months later, Hannah's prayers were answered - she had a son, whom she named Samuel. She brings her young son to the tabernacle, when he was old enough (7 or 8 years). She tells Eli that his promise has been fulfilled, and so she will fulfill her vow, giving up Samuel to the servant of God. Hannah promises 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 boy. That's all I could tell you folks, you will have to see the film for yourself how it ends - I mean, if I do fill you guys 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-so's for sons. Overall, I really enjoy this short film. --imbd