College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 1 - Introduction
PART ONE
THE JUDGESHIP OF SAMUEL
1 Samuel 1:1 to 1 Samuel 12:25
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 1
Samuel's simple surroundings, The father, Elkanah, was a righteous and pious man. He went to the tabernacle regularly. Samuel's mother, Hannah, was despised by Peninnah, Elkanah's other wife.
The evils of polygamy are clearly seen in this situation. One wife, Hannah, was favored. Since she was childless, she was chided by the other wife, Peninnah. Although Elkanah tried to bestow other favors on Hannah, she was still unhappy with her lot. Unhappiness, jealousy and spite are all displayed.
Hannah's prayer. Samuel's mother was faithful in her attendance at the house of God. She was sincere in her religious practices, and her prayer arose from such anguish of heart that she did not utter audible words. The fact that the high priest saw her lips moving and heard no sound led him to believe that she was inebriated. His coming to this conclusion leaves us to wonder if he were accustomed to seeing people at worship in such a condition.
Samuel's birth. God was faithful in answering Hannah's prayer. Eli, the high priest, had told her that her prayer would be answered. Samuel was a child of prayer.
Samuel presented to the Lord. True to her promise, Hannah brought the child Samuel to God's house and gave him to the Lord. She was faithful in keeping her promise. Her gratitude for her blessings knew no bounds.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Problems call for prayers. Some situations are more than men can cope with by themselves. Men and women of faith never hesitate to take their burdens to the Lord.
2.
Children are gifts from God. Life itself is a gift which God has given to men to be passed on from generation to generation. Since they are given to parents as gifts of God, children ought also to be given back to God and His service in one form or another.
CHAPTER 1 IN REVIEW
1.
What was Samuel's father's name?
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2.
What was Samuel's mother's name?
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3.
Where was Samuel's home?
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4.
Where was the Ark in Samuel's day?
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5.
Who was the high priest?
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6.
What were his sons-' names?
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7.
Of what tribe was Samuel a member?
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8.
In which tribe's land was Samuel's home?
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9.
Who was the other wife of Samuel's father?
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10.
Which wife did Samuel's father love more?
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