1 Samuel 1 through 3

1 Samuel 1 through 3

New American Standard Bible

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mcconachie/nasb/1Sam.1 

Elkanah and His Wives

1 Now there was a man from Ramathaim-zophim from the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah and the name of the [a]other Peninnah; and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

3 Now this man would go up from his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of armies in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the Lord there. 4 When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; 5 but to Hannah he would give a double portion, because he loved Hannah, but the Lord had closed her womb. 6 Her rival, moreover, would provoke her bitterly to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 And it happened year after year, as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, that she would provoke her; so she wept and would not eat. 8 Then Elkanah her husband would say to her, “Hannah, why do you weep, and why do you not eat, and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

9 Then Hannah got up after eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the [b]temple of the Lord. 10 She, [c]greatly distressed, prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 11 And she made a vow and said, “Lord of armies, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your bond-servant and remember me, and not forget Your bond-servant, but will give Your bond-servant a [d]son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head.”

12 Now it came about, as she [e]continued praying before the Lord, that Eli was watching her mouth. 13 As for Hannah, she was speaking in her heart, only her lips were quivering, but her voice was not heard. So Eli thought that she was drunk. 14 Then Eli said to her, “How long will you behave like a drunk? Get rid of your wine!” 15 But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman [f]despairing in spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not [g]consider your bond-servant a useless woman, for I have spoken until now out of my great concern and provocation.” 17 Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your request that you have asked of Him.” 18 She said, “Let your bond-servant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went on her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

Samuel Is Born to Hannah

19 Then they got up early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord, and returned again to their house in Ramah. And Elkanah [h]had relations with Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. 20 It came about [i]in due time, after Hannah had conceived, that she gave birth to a son; and she named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him of the Lord.”

21 Then the man Elkanah went up with all his household to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow. 22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “I will not go until the child is weaned; then I will bring him, so that he may appear before the Lord and stay there for life.” 23 Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do [j]what seems best to you. Stay until you have weaned him; only may the Lord confirm His word.” So the woman stayed and nursed her son until she weaned him. 24 Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with a three-year-old bull, one ephah of flour, and a jug of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord in Shiloh, although the child was young. 25 Then they [k]slaughtered the bull, and brought the boy to Eli. 26 And she said, “Pardon me, my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the Lord. 27 For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my request which I asked of Him. 28 So I have also [l]dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is [m]dedicated to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.

Questions and Answers:

1. Question: What are some possible motivations for Hannah's persistent prayers for a child in 1 Samuel, chapter 1?

   Answer: One possible motivation for Hannah's prayers could be her deep desire for a child, as she was barren and longed for the experience of motherhood. Additionally, societal expectations and the cultural significance of having children in that era might have played a role. Furthermore, Hannah's desire to have a child may have been rooted in her faith, as she sought to fulfill her vows and demonstrate devotion to God.

2. Question: How does Eli's response to Hannah's prayers reflect his understanding of her actions?

   Answer: Eli initially misunderstands Hannah's prayers, mistaking her deep emotional state for drunkenness. However, once Hannah clarifies her intentions, Eli recognizes her sincerity and blesses her, saying, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him." (1 Samuel 1:17)

3. Question: In what ways does Hannah's song of praise in 1 Samuel, chapter 2, reflect her transformation and relationship with God?

   Answer: Hannah's song of praise, often referred to as the Song of Hannah or the Magnificat, reveals her deep gratitude for God's faithfulness in granting her a son. It also showcases her understanding of God's sovereignty and power, acknowledging that He exalts the lowly and humbles the proud. This song reflects Hannah's transformed perspective, as she moves from a state of sorrow and longing to one of joy and praise.

Outline of 1 Samuel, Chapter 1:

I. Introduction

   - Elkanah, his two wives: Hannah and Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:1-2)

   - Annual pilgrimage to the tabernacle at Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:3)

II. Hannah's Prayer for a Child (1 Samuel 1:9-18)

   - Hannah's deep distress due to her barrenness (1 Samuel 1:6-7)

   - Hannah's fervent prayer and vow to God (1 Samuel 1:10-11)

   - Eli's initial misunderstanding and subsequent blessing (1 Samuel 1:12-17)

III. The Birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:19-28)

   - God remembers Hannah and grants her a son (1 Samuel 1:19-20)

   - Hannah's fulfillment of her vow, dedicating Samuel to God (1 Samuel 1:24-28)

IV. Hannah's Song of Praise (1 Samuel 2:1-10)

   - Hannah's exultation and thanksgiving to God (1 Samuel 2:1-2)

   - Acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and power (1 Samuel 2:3-10)

New Testament References to 1 Samuel, Chapter 1:

While chapter 1 of 1 Samuel does not have direct references in the New Testament, it lays the foundation for the subsequent events and themes that are significant throughout the Bible. The birth of Samuel and Hannah's faithfulness foreshadow the coming of John the Baptist and the birth of Jesus, both of whom are celebrated in the New Testament. The themes of prayer, faith, and God's faithfulness demonstrated in 1 Samuel, chapter 1, resonate throughout the Scriptures and find fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Questions and Answers:

1. Question: How does Hannah's song of praise in 1 Samuel, chapter 2, reflect a reversal of social norms and expectations? 

   Answer: Hannah's song of praise, known as the Song of Hannah or the Magnificat, celebrates God's power and sovereignty. It highlights how God lifts up the lowly and brings down the mighty, challenging the conventional societal hierarchy. This reversal of social norms signifies God's justice and His concern for the oppressed and marginalized.

2. Question: In 1 Samuel, chapter 2, how does Eli's rebuke to his sons reflect the consequences of their actions and their disregard for God's commands? 

   Answer: Eli's rebuke to his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, emphasizes their sinful behavior and their failure to honor God. Eli confronts them about their abuses as priests and warns them of the severe consequences that will befall their family due to their wickedness. This rebuke demonstrates the accountability individuals face when they disregard God's commands and engage in wickedness.

3. Question: How does the narrative in 1 Samuel, chapter 2, set the stage for the transition of leadership from Eli's family to Samuel and the establishment of a new era in Israel's history? 

   Answer: Chapter 2 reveals the corruption and disobedience within Eli's family, which leads to God's judgment upon them. Samuel, who is already shown to be faithful and dedicated to God, is being raised in the presence of the Lord. Through this narrative, the stage is set for Samuel to assume a significant role as a prophet and judge in Israel, ushering in a new era of leadership and spiritual renewal.

Outline of 1 Samuel, Chapter 2:

I. Hannah's Song of Praise (1 Samuel 2:1-10)

   - Hannah's exultation and thanksgiving to God (1 Samuel 2:1-2)

   - Emphasis on God's power, sovereignty, and justice (1 Samuel 2:3-8)

   - The reversal of social norms and expectations (1 Samuel 2:9-10)

II. Eli's Rebuke to His Sons (1 Samuel 2:12-17)

   - Description of Hophni and Phinehas' corrupt behavior as priests (1 Samuel 2:12-16)

   - Eli's warning of the consequences of their actions (1 Samuel 2:17)

III. Prophecy against Eli's House (1 Samuel 2:22-36)

   - The narration of Eli's sons' continued wickedness (1 Samuel 2:22-25)

   - A prophecy of judgment and the downfall of Eli's family (1 Samuel 2:27-36)

New Testament References to 1 Samuel, Chapter 2:

1. Luke 1:46-55 - Hannah's song of praise in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 is often compared to Mary's Magnificat in the New Testament. Both songs celebrate God's power and His concern for the lowly and humble.

2. Luke 1:69 - In Zechariah's song of praise, known as the Benedictus, he speaks of God raising up a horn of salvation, a phrase that echoes Hannah's words in 1 Samuel 2:1.

3. Acts 3:24 - In Peter's sermon, he references the prophecy against Eli's house in 1 Samuel 2:31, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience and the fulfillment of God's word.

These New Testament references highlight the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, as well as the themes of praise, justice, and God's faithfulness that resonate throughout Scripture.

Questions and Answers:

1. Question: How does Samuel's response to God's call in 1 Samuel, chapter 3, reflect his spiritual receptiveness and obedience?

   Answer: Samuel demonstrates his spiritual receptiveness by mistaking God's voice for Eli's and promptly responding to Eli's call. Once Eli realizes that it is God calling Samuel, he instructs Samuel to respond by saying, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." Samuel's obedience and willingness to listen to God's voice reveal his deep devotion and submission to God's will.

2. Question: What significance does the repetition of Samuel's name in God's call hold in 1 Samuel, chapter 3?

   Answer: The repetition of Samuel's name in God's call signifies a personal and intimate relationship between Samuel and God. It emphasizes that God has specifically chosen Samuel for a unique purpose and that Samuel's response is crucial in the unfolding of God's plan. The repetition of his name grabs Samuel's attention and emphasizes the importance of the message he is about to receive.

3. Question: In what ways does Eli's response to Samuel's revelation from God demonstrate his recognition of God's authority and his acceptance of the consequences for his family's actions?

   Answer: Eli acknowledges the authority of God's message when he instructs Samuel to share everything he has heard, even though the message brings judgment upon Eli's own household. Eli's response reveals his humility and acceptance of the consequences for his family's sins. He recognizes that God's judgment is just and does not attempt to evade or deny it.

Outline of 1 Samuel, Chapter 3:

I. Introduction

   - Samuel's service to the Lord under Eli (1 Samuel 3:1)

   - The lack of divine communication during that time (1 Samuel 3:1)

II. God Calls Samuel (1 Samuel 3:2-10)

   - Samuel hears a voice calling him in the night (1 Samuel 3:4-5)

   - Samuel mistakenly thinks Eli is calling him (1 Samuel 3:5-6)

   - Eli realizes it is God calling Samuel and instructs him how to respond (1 Samuel 3:8-9)

   - God calls Samuel by name and delivers a message of judgment against Eli's house (1 Samuel 3:10)

III. Samuel's Response and Eli's Acceptance (1 Samuel 3:11-18)

   - Samuel listens and responds by saying, "Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10)

   - God reveals the judgment that will come upon Eli's family due to their sins (1 Samuel 3:11-14)

   - Samuel fears sharing the message with Eli, but Eli encourages him to speak the truth (1 Samuel 3:15-18)

IV. Samuel's Growth and the Lord's Presence (1 Samuel 3:19-21)

   - Samuel grows, and the Lord is with him, ensuring that none of his words go unfulfilled (1 Samuel 3:19)

   - Samuel becomes known as a prophet throughout Israel (1 Samuel 3:20-21)

New Testament References to 1 Samuel, Chapter 3:

1. Acts 13:20 - In Paul's sermon, he references Samuel as one of the judges in Israel, highlighting his role in leading the nation before the establishment of the monarchy.

2. Hebrews 11:32 - In the "Hall of Faith" passage, Samuel is mentioned as one of the faithful people who demonstrated great faith and obedience to God.

These New Testament references acknowledge Samuel's important role in Israel's history and his faithfulness to God. They highlight the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and emphasize the significance of Samuel's actions and character.