SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
1 Samuel 1:1 through 7:17

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men.” (1 Samuel 2:26)

BACKGROUND

In the history of Israel, the period of the Judges preceded the birth of Samuel. The Book of Judges tells of thirteen individuals who were appointed to rule and judge Israel. Some of these individuals were good, others were rebellious. This period lasted at least 300 years, and perhaps as long as 400, during which time Israel drifted far from the Lord.

Samuel was born, around 1100 B.C. of Levitical parents (1 Chronicles 6:33-38). Ramah, his birthplace, judicial residence, and place of burial, was about six miles north of Jerusalem (1 Samuel 1:19; 7:17; 25:1).

Hannah was the wife of Elkanah, and though he loved her, she was not able to bear children. This deprived her of more than the joy of being a mother. It also robbed her of her dignity and self-worth, for women were expected to bear children for their husbands. In Old Testament times, a married woman with no children was ashamed before her husband. She was thought to be under a curse from God. Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife who had children, further provoked Hannah. Although Elkanah loved Hannah, and had done all he could to comfort her, he could not seem to understand the depth of her anguish.

Considering the spiritual destitution of the priesthood, and the widespread disobedience of Israel at that time, it is remarkable that Hannah determined to take her burden to the Lord and had confidence that God would answer. It is also noteworthy that Samuel had such openness and sincerity towards God, considering the poor examples of priesthood he was subject to. Certainly Hannah’s influence on him is evident, resulting in a man who was to become one of the purest characters in Israel’s history.

While Samuel was a judge of Israel, he was more than that. He was also a prophet and a priest. He was the “connecting link” between the time of the judges, or tribal period, and the Kingdom, when kings ruled Israel. Samuel would later appoint Israel’s first king, Saul.

QUESTIONS

1. Our lesson opens with Hannah in “bitterness of soul.” What was the result of her “pouring out her soul before the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:15)? Why was she willing to make a vow to the Lord that meant giving up the child she longed to have? 1 Samuel 1:11
   
2. Though it may have been difficult to give her child back to the Lord, Hannah paid her vow. Who benefited by her obedience in this matter?
   
3. According to 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22, what were Eli’s sons Hophni and Phinehas doing that displeased the Lord?
   
4. What was young Samuel’s response to God’s call and what can we learn from his example? 1 Samuel 3:1-10
   
5. In this portion of text, we find the nation of Israel attacked by a familiar enemy, the Philistines. According to 1 Samuel 4:1-11, what was wrong with Israel’s approach? What can we learn from this?
   
6. Hannah, Samuel’s mother, is a great example of God’s blessing extending to others through one person’s obedience. Conversely, what tragic events do we see in 1 Samuel 4, which were a result of the priests’ sins and Israel’s disobedience?
   
7. The Philistines took the Ark of God and tried to humiliate the God of Israel by placing the Ark, which represented God’s presence, before their god Dagon. How did the Lord prove to the Philistines that He was the true God? 1 Samuel 5
   
8. When the Ark arrived in Beth-shemesh (1 Samuel 6:10-21), many people looked inside it and were slain by God. Why do you suppose the punishment was so severe?
   
9. We find a key to Israel’s successful turn-around in 1 Samuel 7:3-6. What did they do, and what was the result?

CONCLUSION

Israel learned what disaster apathy and carelessness can bring, as well as the blessing brought by obedience and reverence to God. We, too, can learn many valuable lessons through these chapters. Godly reverence, prayer, and obedience will make our spiritual lives shine.