1 Samuel 1:1-18

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Account of Samuel’s Parents

Printed Version

BACKGROUND NOTES

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

God works through all kinds of situations.

God works through all kinds of people.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Husbands, try to be sensitive to your wives’ feelings.

Don’t be surprised if people misread your actions.

QUESTIONS

What time period does the book of 1 Samuel cover?

What transitional role did Samuel have in the nation of Israel?

Is polygamy condoned in the Bible?

What was the spiritual state of the nation of Israel at this point in history?

What did Hannah vow to do if God would give her a son?

ANSWERS

1 Samuel takes us from the time of the Judges of Israel to the time of the kings.

Samuel is often referred to as the last judge in Israel and the first prophet in Israel.

No. From the beginning, God’s design and direction for marriage was one man and one woman for life. However, polygamy was practiced and allowed in the Old Testament.

The fact that Israel did not fully drive out the Canaanites from the land during the Conquest under Joshua led to the dark days of the Judges. The course of the nation of Israel will be changed when Samuel turns the heart of the people back to the Lord.

She vowed to dedicate him to the service of the Lord.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

Review the unlikely set of circumstances which God worked through to accomplish His purpose in 1 Samuel 1. How have you seen God work through difficult circumstances in your life to bring about good?

Eli misread Hannah’s fervent prayers and accused her of being drunk. Review the two pieces of advice when people misread your actions: Like Hannah, if you get a chance, you explain your actions. Don’t be surprised that this happens.

CHALLENGE

Husbands, think of ways to be especially sensitive to your wives’ feelings this week.

KEY VERSES

“O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and… will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life.” 1 Samuel 1:11

“Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” 1 Samuel 1:17