King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Tuesday, April 08, 2025
Chapters: I Samuel 1-3
Message: I Samuel: Samuel Is Born
Hello My Friend,
As we begin the reading of 1 Samuel we learn that God hears the prayers of His people and takes the effectual fervent prayer to heart, He despises the halfhearted offerings of those who have no concern for Him, and His greatest desire is that all of His people become living sacrifices.
[Romans 12:1-3 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.]
The Book of 1 Samuel contains thirty-one chapters, the author is unknown, some of it may be Samuel up until his death, the rest by the prophet Gad or Nathan who was present at the time. The book records the history of three people, Samuel, the last judge of Israel, Saul, the first king, and David, who replaces Saul as king. The timeline for these events took place approximately 1171 BC to 1056 BC. The purpose of the book was to continue to record how God dealt with Israel. What we are to learn from the book is the that being obedient to God is better than sacrifice, [1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.]
1 Samuel, begins with a Levite named Elkanah who was from the town of Ramathaimzophim, [Raw-maw-thah’-yim tso-feem‘], also known as Ramah, it was literally on top of two hills on which watchtowers were built. The two high places of the watchman kept continual guard for the safety of the country. Eli was not only the judge, he was also the high priest. Every year Elkanah would come into Shiloh and bring offerings to God to observe the three annual feasts to the LORD and would bring his family with him.
[1 Samuel 1:1-3 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: 2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.]
This is a Levite, although he seemed to be a devout Jew, had two strikes against him, the first one being that he had two wives as Levites were only supposed to be married to one woman. The second one is that he loved Hannah and although he had children with Peninnah he did not love her as he did Hannah and it was clearly seen, [1 Samuel 1:4-6 And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: 5 But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb. 6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.]
This obviously caused some strife between the two women as Hannah so desperately wanted a child, and every time they were in Shiloh Hannah prayed for God to send her one, but just like every other guy he did not quite understand why she got so upset.
[1 Samuel 1:8-11 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons? 9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD. 10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. 11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.]
Elkanah tried the best he could to cheer Hannah up and I am sure that he was very affectionate with her, but this was definitely something that she did not want to hear at the moment. It is no doubt that this was something that Hannah prayed continuously for, the longer she had no answer the harder it was to keep asking yet she still had some hope. Hope is all we have sometimes, but just as Jesus said, as long as we have faith the size of a mustard seed we can move a mountain, [Matthew 17:20-21 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.]
Even if we have been praying and fasting when the things we long for are delayed or not given we tend to become bitter in our soul, especially when our adversaries are so inclined to keep reminding us of that. From experience I learned that the best thing to do is to pray about it and give it over to God. That is basically what Hannah was doing and as she was praying Eli was watching her, he notices her lips moving, but nothing was coming out of her mouth. He actually thought she was intoxicated.
[1 Samuel 1:13-16 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. 14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. 15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.]
Keep in mind that we are able to pour out our complaints to God, [Psalms 142:2-5 I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. 3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. 4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. 5 I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.]
How encouraging is it to realize that whether or not we receive from God what we are asking Him for He is our refuge. Well, Eli responded and right away with the very encouragement she needed to find peace in her spirit, she left that day not only rejoicing and God did answer her prayer and gave her a son.
[1 Samuel 1:17-20 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. 18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. 19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her. 20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.]
You want to talk about walking on cloud nine, that is how Hannah felt after she left that day. There is actually something quite comforting on the spirit whenever we realize that God has not only heard our prayers, but will grant them. However He may grant them, the important thing to remember is that He has our best interest in mind, [Psalms 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!]
Whenever we do make our requests to God we just need to make sure we understand that He takes into consideration everything that we ask Him for and answers us accordingly. It also does not hurt to let Him know that we are serious about our vow by following through with it. Just as Hannah vowed to give her first born son to God, she followed through and brought him to Eli after he was weaned. Even though she was not fully knowledgeable about the Law she did know to bring an offering to God.
[1 Samuel 1:24-28 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young. 25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD. 27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: 28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.]
Since everything we are given is a gift from God is it not wise to lend it back to Him? Everything that we posses, all the way down to our salvation, is a gift from God, and we would all be wise to make sure that we understand that it is all on loan from Him, [1 Corinthians 10:30-31 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.]
In other words, we need to follow through with our promises to God as He follows through with His promises to us. We cannot take anything to the grave with us, except our salvation, so, we might as well give it all to Him and let me tell you, He will bless us with so much more. Right there, Hannah starts praying out loud this time, praising God for all he had done.
[1 Samuel 2:1-5 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. 2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. 4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. 5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.]
Christ truly is our Rock, and upon Him we stand upon a sure foundation, [2 Timothy 2:19-21 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.]
Did you notice that her prayer was a little personal? There are so many Christians who are blessed with everything they could possibly desire and yet as empty as can be. Hannah acknowledges something else as she is praying, God takes care of His own.
[1 Samuel 2:8-10 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them. 9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.]
From her prayer it sounds like she really did have a rough time with Peninnah, not that she was a child of Belial, but had quite the hatred toward her. This is what happens to those who truly have no honest relationship with God other than their salvation, and until they start seeking what God’s will for their lives they will remain empty, [James 4:13-14 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.]
The second we honestly accept Christ as our Saviour we not only have victory over darkness, He promises to never let go of us, and we become one of His saints, and even believers back then understood this, [John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.]
I always wondered what Eli thought when he was handed Samuel as young boy, after all, he would be responsible for his well being. Nevertheless, he did not question God or complain, he actually worshiped God and took Samuel in as one of his own sons. Now, Eli had two sons of his own, but they were not useful to God at all, in fact, they were as wicked as could be.
[1 Samuel 2:12-16 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. 13 And the priests’ custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand; 14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither. 15 Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw. 16 And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.]
By the Law, these offerings, the portion which legally fell to the priest as his share was the heave-leg and wave-breast. However, they were not only taking it for themselves, they were roasting it on the altar with the fat and eating it, which was supposed to be burned, [Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.]
This was their sin, they were taking the sacrifices that were set apart for God for themselves, eating the fat and forcing the people to bring their offering to them. While they did have their own portion given to them, it was not enough to please them, they served not the God of Israel, but their own bellies and that makes them just as bad as Satan, [Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.]
Samuel on the other hand, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child ministering to Eli in the services he was capable of, and therefore, Eli took him is as one of his own sons, and we learn that Hannah was blessed with five more children, [1 Samuel 2:18-21 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. 19 Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home. 21 And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.]
While Samuel was growing closer to God, Eli’s sons were getting worse, even to the point where they were committing fornication in the Tabernacle, in the presence of God, and no matter what Eli said to them, they still refused to repent, [1 Samuel 2:22-23,25-26 Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. 25 If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them. 26 And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.]
Does this sound familiar? I believe it is similar to what Jesus is described as as a young man, [Luke 2:51-52 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.]
Needless to say, God was not pleased and warned Eli of the judgment He was placing on them, [1 Samuel 2:27-29 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house? 28 And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel? 29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?]
This was another one of those phrases that sounds familiar, [Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.] Anytime one makes a mockery out of the Law, whether it be for their own advantage or ignorantly as is in the case with Saul they are insulting God and He takes it personal. Yet He even gives them an opportunity to repent of their wrongdoing.
[1 Samuel 2:31-32,34-35 Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house. 32 And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever. 34 And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them. 35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.]
Eli knew that what his sons were doing was wrong yet he allowed it because he was reaping the benefits of it and therefore he was the one that God held accountable for his sons sins. And God did indeed raise Himself up a faithful priest, one who did according to His heart and mind, He is a sure house, and walks before His anointed forever, and that man is Jesus Christ Himself, [Hebrews 6:19-20 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.]
Samuel had been ministering to Eli, but he had not been taught the Word of God nor had he known God’s presence yet, but all that was about to change when God spoke to him, although he did not know it was Him, [1 Samuel 3:1-5 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; 3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; 4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.]
Now the reason why this is observed is to show that it was in the night, before morning when God spoke out to Eli. Since he was not use to anyone else calling him and the voice was so clear he automatically assumed it was Eli. I always love reading this part, every time he heard God’s voice he ran to Eli, only for him to tell him to go back to bed. And God did this two more times before Eli figured out that it was God.
[1 Samuel 3:7-10 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. 8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. 9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.]
Right there, God saw Samuel’s faith, and this time, He stood over him. God, speaks to Samuel for the first time and what does He tell him? That Eli’s sons are going to die, [1 Samuel 3:11-14 And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. 12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. 13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. 14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.]
Boy, talk about a shocker, at this point Samuel must have been about twelve or thirteen so I can imagine that he was quite scared to have to tell Eli as you know he would be curious to find out what He spoke to him about. And why do you think that God chose this to be the first thing to say to Samuel? I believe it was so that Eli knew that God really was speaking to Samuel, and that He was serious. Well, the next morning Eli did ask Samuel what God said to him.
[1 Samuel 3:17-21 And he said, What is the thing that the LORD hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee. 18 And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good. 19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD. 21 And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.]
Well, I have learned a long time ago to say that whatever befalls me no matter what I did then it is something that I must endure. The truth is, as long as we are repentant, God will go easier on us, and He would have had mercy on Eli’s sons and their family if they repented. In fact, He would even save Satan if he would let go of his pride and humble himself before Christ. However, we know that that is not going to happen, [2 Corinthians 7:10-11 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [1 Samuel 2:35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.]
Today’s Prayer: God, It is truly amazing that all I have to do to reach You is call out to You. I know what the power of prayer can do, not only did it save me when I received Your Son as my Saviour, it reveals so much when I talk to You believing by faith. Forgive me for not always praying from my heart, and for my doubting prayers, I know there are times that I have hindered You because I never really expected You to give me what I had been asking for. Lord, Here I am, reveal to me the things You have waiting for me as I study Your Word and draw near to Jesus. Lead me and guide me, let me not let one opportunity pass of telling someone the Gospel, and whenever I am tempted by the devil, remind him that I am Your child. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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