1 Samuel 1-12
Overview:
Samuel, Israel’s last, greatest judge, was also a prophet (1 Sam. 3:20) and a priest (9:12–13). In his old age he served as God’s adviser to Israel’s first king, Saul. Samuel anointed Israel’s greatest king, David.
Together the two Books of Samuel cover the history of Israel from the last quarter of the 12th century b.c. to the first quarter of the 10th. They explain Israel’s transition from loosely associated tribes led by local judges to a unified nation led by kings.[1]
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Chapt. 1: Samuel
Ø What is significant in the way God responded (or didn’t respond) to Hannah’s prayers over the years? Application
Ø What can we learn from the interaction between Eli and Hannah? Are things always as they appear to us?
Ø Is there any significance to the fact that we never hear of Peninnah again?
Ø How difficult do you think it was for Hannah to leave Samuel with Eli at such a young age? Application?
Chapt. 2:1-11: Hannah’s Prayer
Ø Compare Hannah’s prayer with that of Mary (Luke 1:46-53).
Ø What can we learn from this prayer?
Ø Is God’s timing perfect?
Chapt. 2:12-36: The Fall of the House of Eli
Ø Perhaps Eli’s greatest failure was in the way he raised his sons. Contrast 1 Sam 2:12, 17 with 2:35. Although Eli appears to have served the Lord with reasonable faithfulness, his sons clearly did not. Application for us?
Ø Does it necessary follow that if a parent is serving the Lord their children will automatically follow? Application?
Ø Was Eli aware of all the ways his sons were sinning? What did he do about it?
Ø Did God break His promise to the house of Eli? Are there ever consequences to sin?
Chapt. 3: God Calls Samuel
Ø Why was Eli so slow to recognize what was happening between Samuel and God? How do you think Eli may have felt about God revealing Himself to Samuel instead of him?
Ø Notice the contrast between 3:9 and 3:17. What do you think Eli’s reaction in 3:18 tells us about him?
Ø What does 1 Sam 3:7 mean? In what sense it is possible for us to be involved in ministry and not know the Lord?
Ø Samuel’s obedience demonstrated his love and devotion to the Lord. How can we judge our own love and devotion to the Lord?
Chapt. 4- Chapt. 7: The Ark Travels
Ø What was fundamentally wrong about the way the Israelites used the Ark of the Covenant when they went into battle against the Philistines? Application for us?
Ø How did God demonstrate His displeasure in what they had done?
Ø Is it possible that God does not answer prayers for deliverance when the situation is a result of disobedience?
Ø How did God demonstrate His displeasure toward the Philistines?
Ø Why didn’t the plagues cause the Philistines to turn to God since they understood He was the origin of their troubles?
Ø What was miraculous about the way the Ark was returned to Israel?
Ø Did the Israelites handle the return of the Ark correctly? Consequences and/or application?
Ø What is an “Ebenezer” and what is the significance in this passage?
Chapt. 8- Chapt. 11: “We Want A King Like The Nations”
Ø How did Samuel do as a father? Any better than Eli? Application?
Ø Did the consequence of Samuel’s failure with his sons cause problems for Israel?
Ø Why did the people want a “king like the nations”? Were they trusting the Lord or looking at the world? Application for us?
Ø Why did God allow Samuel to appoint a king when it was not His will for His people? Application for us?
Ø Did God use Saul to deliver His people? Application?
Ø What happened to Saul as he gained in power with the people? Id that something we have to watch if God uses us?
Chapt. 12: Samuel’s Farewell Speech
Ø Samuel led the people with purity of service and conviction. In the end he helped them understand where they had rejected the Lord by demanding a king.
Ø Instead of gloating over the people for their disobedience Samuel prayed for them and encouraged them. Application for us?
Ø Notice Samuel’s final admonition to the Israelites, what can we learn from this to apply to our walk with Jesus?
[1] Richards, L., & Richards, L. O. (1987). The teacher's commentary (199). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.
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