1 Samuel 1-3: The Birth of Samuel and the Call of God
Hannah's Prayer and the Birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 1)
The Barrenness of Hannah Hannah, the wife of Elkanah, was a barren woman who desperately wanted to have children. Every year, Elkanah would take his family to Shiloh to offer sacrifices to the Lord, but Hannah would weep bitterly, feeling the pain of her childlessness.
The Vow to God One day, Hannah made a vow to God, promising that if she had a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord's service. She prayed fervently, and Eli, the priest, saw her lips moving but heard no sound. Thinking she was drunk, Eli rebuked her, but Hannah explained her situation, and Eli blessed her, saying, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him."
The Birth of Samuel Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "heard by God." When Samuel was weaned, Hannah took him to Shiloh, along with a bull, flour, and wine, to fulfill her vow. She presented Samuel to Eli, saying, "As long as he lives, he will be dedicated to the Lord."
The Sin of Eli's Sons (1 Samuel 2)
The Wickedness of Hophni and Phinehas Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were wicked and corrupt. They would take the best parts of the sacrifices for themselves, including the fat, which was reserved for God. They even slept with the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle.
Eli's Failure as a Father Eli knew about his sons' sinful behavior but failed to discipline them. Instead, he merely rebuked them, saying, "If one person sins against another, God may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against the Lord, who can intercede for them?" Eli's failure to correct his sons led to further corruption.
The Call of Samuel (1 Samuel 3)
The Call of God One night, as Samuel was sleeping, he heard a voice calling his name. Thinking it was Eli, he went to him, but Eli said he did not call him. This happened three times, and Eli finally realized that the Lord was calling Samuel.
The Message of God The Lord spoke to Samuel, saying, "See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears it tingle. At that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end." Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the message, but Eli urged him to reveal the truth.
The Consequences of Disobedience Eli's failure to discipline his sons and his own disobedience would lead to the downfall of his family. The message from God was a warning to Eli and his household that their sinful ways would have severe consequences.
