Category: 1 Samuel

  • 1 Samuel 4:12-21: God’s Glory Departed

    In the beginning verses of chapter 4, God’s People took the Ark into battle with the Philistines as a talisman to trap God into helping them against their foes. The Ark was lost, and Eli’s two sons fell in the battle. This tragedy was God’s judgement against Eli and his house, and expressed God’s displeasure…

  • 1 Samuel 4:1-11: The Peril of Trying to Trap God

    Lots of people in life, whether they admit it or not, are practical atheists. But when bad times come, they are quick to pick up religion like a lucky charm in the hopes that God will put them right. Some churches and Christians seem to treat God in the same way, as if God’s will…

  • 1 Samuel 3:1-4:1: The Call of Samuel

    God calls us to repentance and faith, and some to particular lives of ministry for his people. While we may not receive a vision or hear a voice, the call changes our lives as we experience God’s goodness and the call to proclaim Christ until his return.

  • 1 Samuel 2:11-36: Faithful and Unfaithful Servants

    Contrasts are effective because they are so clear. While we are tempted to view life in shades of grey, obedience to God does not fit so easily. You are either faithful to God, or unfaithful. We either obey God, or we sin. We are either faithful servants, or unfaithful.

  • 1 Samuel 2:1-10: Hannah’s Song of God’s Kingdom

    In chapter 2 of 1 Samuel we encounter Hannah’s song of thanks. Hannah’s song is not centred entirely on self, but rather centred on God. Hannah’s song starts with her experience of God’s goodness in her life. It then expands to consider God’s goodness in general, before concluding with God’s ultimate goodness. Hannah’s song reminds…

  • 1 Samuel 1:21-28: Giving Back

    Hannah’s despair led her to prayer, and led her to offer back the child she asked from God were he to grant her wish. God graciously gave her the child she sought, but would Hannah keep her vow or attempt to slide her way out of her obligations? This passage demonstrates that, true to their…

  • 1 Samuel 1:1-20: Comfort for the Hurt

    Sometimes life is not fair. You have many things that people think should make you happy, but not the one thing you desire. The harsh words bear down on you, but the support you receive is not comfort. Where do you turn? Only God can provide comfort, and God shows us that he is the…