This book takes place around 1100-1000 BC, when the people of Israel were living in the Promised land but troubled by those around them, living in chaos and confusion.
The scattered tribes of Israel needed a king to deliver them from their enemies, unify them and to rule with stability & security. Whilst 1Samuel records how King David’s throne is established in Israel, it also points to the greater chosen King, Jesus Christ.
We see God affirming Saul as King through private anointing and accompanying providences, and also a public declaration. How much more is Jesus Christ confirmed and publicly declared as King of all!
When Israel asked for a King like the nations, God gave them what they wanted. Saul is introduced as looking impressive but with underlying character faults which will haunt Israel in coming chapters. Thankfully, we are graciously given a King who may be unattractive to the world, but has a character pleasing in God’s sight.
People ask God for many things, but when people reject Him and ask for a replacement, what will God do? In 1Sam8, we see that God will warn them about their request, but ultimately fulfil their desires. This leads to hard lessons for Israel, but great blessing in the coming of Jesus Christ 1000 years…
The ark of God has returned but Israel remain miserable because of their sin. What are they to do? Samuel challenges them about true repentance and offers a way for them to return to God through blood sacrifice.
After their triumphant victory over Israel, the Philistines may have thought the LORD is now with them and happily joins their collection of false gods. This chapter reminds us that God is holy and will not share His glory with another. The living God judges Dagon and all those who falsely worship him. This encourages…
The narrative now pans out to see if Israel is ready for God to speak through the prophet Samuel. Unfortunately, we see that God’s people are not ready. In fact, they are self confident and superficial, ripe for God’s judgement and they beg the question “What shall we do now that God’s glory has departed”?
We are bombarded with messages and signs each day that demand a response. To keep our sanity, we ignore the spam and frivolous advertising. In this chapter we see God speaking to Samuel. This is not a message he can afford to miss. In fact, we see Samuel’s life transformed by the powerful Word of…
In this message, we see the worthless sons of Eli reflecting the people of Israel, Eli’s complicity in their rebellion, but we also witness hope in the form of a humble servant, Samuel.
Hannah prays a song reflecting God’s character of holiness, justice and grace. This is a tune we need to learn as we encounter discouragement, disappointment and injustice in a world hostile towards God’s people.