SECTION 1. THE BIRTH, RISE, PROPHETIC MINISTRY AND JUDGESHIP OF SAMUEL (1-12). This first section of the book covers the life of Samuel from his birth to the setting up of Saul as king in response to the people's request. The first three Chapter s deal with the birth and spiritual growth of Samuel.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE EVENTS THAT LEAD UP TO SAMUEL'S BIRTH (1 SAMUEL 1:1). We should note initially the godliness of both Elkanah and Hannah. The writer's aim is to bring out that they were worthy and godly people. The message is that when God seeks to do a work it is usually to such sources that He looks, and that... [ Continue Reading ]
HANNAH'S PRAYER FOR A SON AND HOW SHE BECAME CONFIDENT THAT YHWH HAD ANSWERED HER PRAYER (1 SAMUEL 1:9). In this passage Hannah prays desperately for a son, and promises YHWH that if He will grant her a son she will give him to YHWH for as long as he lives. And when Eli ‘the Priest' (the High Pries... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY RETURN HOME AND SAMUEL IS BORN, AND WHEN HE IS WEANED HE IS GIVEN TO YHWH (1 SAMUEL 1:21). In accordance with Hannah's faith she bears a son, and will not again go up to the Temple until she can fulfil her vow and present him to YHWH. Then upon his being weaned off his mother's milk she and El... [ Continue Reading ]