"To Thee, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in Thee I trust. Make me to know Thy ways, O Lord, teach me Thy paths.  Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, for Thou art the God of my salvation;  for Thee I wait all the day." Psalm 25:1-2, 4-5

 

"Speak, Lord, for Thy servant is listening. " I Sam. 3:9

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I. Read I Samuel 1 - 2:11.
 
A. Briefly describe the household of Elkanah.
 
 
B. In her distress, Hannah "continued praying" (v. 12) and she "poured out her soul before the Lord," (v. 15) What do these phrases tell you about her faith and knowledge of God and His character?
 
 
C. Read Psalm 62.

1. What is David's attitude before the Lord?
 
2. In his need, how does David see God?
 
3. What are you asked to do in vs. 5-8?

 
D. In I Sam. 1:18 we read, "and her face was no longer sad." What brought about the change?
 
 
E. According to vs. 19-28, what was Hannah's response to God's gift of a son?
 
 
F. As you read the beautiful psalm in I Sam. 2:1-11, look at God and His character through Hannah's words of thanks and praise. How do you see Him? (Take time to delight in who He is and to get to know Him more deeply.)
 

II. Read I Samuel 2:12-36
 
A. In the book of Judges we saw that God's chosen people forsook the Lord and "did what was right in their own eyes." What phrases in vs. 12-17 indicate that this sad condition is again among His beloved ones?
 
 
B. See the goodness of our Lord as He responds to Eli's prayer. How did God bless Hannah?
 
 
C. (Challenge) Summarize the warning and prophecy given by "the man of God." (vs. 27-36)
 
 
III. Read I Samuel 3
 
A. Two significant and contrasting facts are given in v. 1. What are they?
 
 
B. 1. Read the beautiful story of God's call to Samuel. (vs. 1-14) What was the boy's response in v. 10?
 
 
2. (Personal) Is this the attitude of your heart also, as you read God's word and live your life before Him? If not, what might you do in order to follow Samuel's example?
 
 
3. What was the main point of the message given to Samuel for Eli?
 
 
C. 1. What beautiful character quality do you see in Eli? (vs. 16-18)
 
 
2. (Personal) How open is your heart to receive any message God would give you? Do you want His very best for you no matter how painful? (See I Peter 1:7; 4:1-2; 12-14 and 5:10)
 
 
D. How did God show His approval of and love for Samuel in v. 19-21?
 
 
Note: In chapters 4-6 we see the fulfillment of the-prophecy given twice to Eli. Read this interesting but sad account of the misuse of God's Holy Ark of the Covenant, its capture by the Philistines, God's miraculous intervention and judgment, the defeat of Israel and the death of Eli and his sons.
 
 
IV. Read I Samuel 7.
 
A. 1. What did God, through Samuel, ask His people to do? (v. 3)
 
 
2. How did the sons of Israel respond?
 
 
3. How was the ensuing battle won?
 
 
B. (Personal)  1. Apply the instructions of v. 3 to your own life and ask Him to show you any obstacles to full compliance with His command. What did He show you?
 
 
          2. What was your response?
 

3. Describe a circumstance where God delivered you out of the hands of your enemies when you walked in obedience. (See Psalm 91)
 

 
V. Review Psalm 62 and list the verses which express God's message to you in these chapters.
 
 

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SUGGESTED HYMN:  Speak, Lord in the Stillness

 Next: Lesson 24: Give Us A King