Samuel's birth and childhood

We begin the 1st book of Samuel which starts with great beginnings and has tragic endings. Samuel was a man of prayer but was not immune to finishing poorly. As you read this chapter, note the transition from theocracy (which means government by officials divinely inspired)to monarchy (nation ruled by a sole official) and also notice the rise of the influence of prophets.

Samuel 1 Chapter 1

A man named Elkanah lived in the hill country of Ephraim and had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children and Hannah did not.

Each year Elkanah and family would travel to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice at the Tabernacle. The priests there at the time were two sons of Eli- Hophni and Phinehas. On the day Elkanah presented his sacrifice, he would give portions to Peninnah and each of her children. But he gave Hannah a special portion because he loved her very much even though she had no children. But year after year Peninnah made fun of Hannah because the Lord had closed her womb, so that Hannah would cry and not eat.

Once in Shiloh, Hannah went to the Tabernacle after supper to pray. Eli the priest was sitting in his customary place. Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed and she made this vow, "O Lord Almighty, if you will look down upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his lifetime and as a sign that he has been dedicated to you, his hair will never be cut."

Eli saw Hannah's lips moving, but heard not her prayer. "Are you drunk, woman?" he demanded.
"No sir," she replied," I am only sad and was pouring my heart out to the Lord. Don't think I am wicked. I have been praying out of great anguish."
Eli told her to cheer up, that maybe God would grant her request. She left the Tabernacle and began to eat and was no longer sad.

Later, Hannah gave birth to a son and named him Samuel. She told everyone that her son came from her prayers to the Lord. The next year when Elkanah and Peninnah went to the Tabernacle, Hannah did not go. She explained that she would wait until the baby was weaned and then she would take him to the Tabernacle and leave him there with the Lord permanently. Elkanah agreed that she would stay home and keep her promise to the Lord.

When Samuel was weaned, Hannah took him to the Tabernacle along with a bull, flour and wine for sacrifice. They took the child to Eli and Hannah said, "Do you remember me, I was here several years ago and I asked the Lord to give me this child and he granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord and he will belong to the Lord his whole life." Then Hannah and her family worshipped there.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Why we ask, did polygamy exist? It was not God's intention (Genesis 2:24) but it was to produce more offspring to help in a man's work and to assure the continuation of a man's family. Numerous children were a symbol of status and wealth. Second, in a society where many young men were killed in battle, polygamy became an accepted way of supporting women who otherwise would have remained unmarried and possibly destitute. Polygamy often caused serious family problems as we see in the story of Hannah and Peninnah.

Three times a year, all Israelite men were required to attend a religious feast held at the Tabernacle in Shiloh: the Passover, the Festival of Harvest and the Festival of Shelters.

Hannah's barrenness was a social embarrassment for her husband, but she knew he loved her. God was working in her life and instead of retaliation or giving up hope, she prayed and brought her problem to God. Hannah gave up what she wanted most- her son. But in a sense she was not really giving him up - but rather returning him to God. It should be noted that she visited him regularly and each year brought him a new robe. In his later years, Samuel lived in his parents hometown.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Many times we feel discouraged like Hannah. This makes it difficult for us to pray in faith when we feel so ineffective. But as Hannah found out, prayer opens the way for God to work. But be careful what you promise in prayer, because God may take you up on it. Bargaining with God can be dangerous, because God keeps his promises and expects you to keep yours.

Hannah's attitude changed after prayer. She prayed honestly. She got support from Eli, and she left her problem with God. Next time you feel discouraged, try Hannah's approach- leave your problems with God and rely on the support of good friends and family.

Hannah returned her son to God as she promised. Do your gifts cost you little on Sunday morning? Or are they a sacrifice for you? Are you giving small tokens or are you presenting him with your entire life? Good questions for soul searching.

Yours in Christ,
Mary


SUCESSFUL HEALING REPORT: Al’s cancer is gone! His tumor, however remains inoperable and he is home living as normal a life as can be expected. Continue to pray for him. Gene’s biopsy proved his tumor was benign and he has been removed from our prayer list. Barb has been moved to a rehab facility to work on her speech etc., keep praying for her.

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Arlene’s nephew David, Lori (who suffered a terrible accident)and her family and my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. And Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke. Also for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: She is 10 weeks old and has her own room at the hospital. The doctors continue to experiment with respirators, but her parents can see progress in her lung activity. They need your prayers so badly. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.