1 Samuel 1
Leaders Prep Section
Watch this video, read these notes, and send the pre-written email (below) to your group 2-3 days before you meet.
Notes
Much of the story of God and his people involves the idea of commitment…and that even extends to parents committing their children. Whether formal rituals have a specific impact or not, it seems God is always looking for, and ready to use, people who commit to being part of what he’s doing.
Group Guide Starts Here
Context of scripture
Israel has moved from a nation of nomads to a nation of settlers. No longer preoccupied with survival and war, they largely left God behind during the time of the judges and much has unraveled. Samuel will be the final judge.
Read 1 Samuel 1: 1-8
Ephraim, both a tribe and a region, was remarkably fertile and the climate was excellent for growing “choice fruits.” (Deut: 33: 13-14) That, plus an affluent husband and his nagging second wife is the backdrop for this woman who is barren.
Have you known someone, or been someone unable to have a child?
Does it impact women more…and is there anything a man can say that helps?
Read 1 Samuel 1: 9-11
The vow to be a Nazirite was one of the most significant vows one could make, identifying someone who would be completely used by God. Samson was a Nazirite.
Have you ever made a vow to God…and did you keep it?
Read 1 Samuel 1: 12-18
Shiloh was located almost exactly in the center of Israel and was the primary location of all worship for three centuries. Both the Ark of the Covenant and Tabernacle were there.
Today, it’s common for Christians to talk about their individual, personal relationship with God. However, back then people more commonly interacted through intermediaries: God talked to Joshua and Joshua led the people; God worked through judges and judges freed people; and God accepted sacrifices from priests who ceremonially handled the people’s sacrifices. In other words, regular people were more familiar with the presence of intermediaries and formalities when it came to interacting with God.
Notice that Hannah was depressed and didn’t eat when she was stressed and mocked over being barren. Nothing made it better. But when Eli the high priest speaks to her – bringing a certain formality with a blessing – she goes out and eats and feels better about everything.
How do you feel about “formalities of worship?” Do they make you feel better?
Read 1 Samuel 1: 19-28
Even today, some churches encourage parents to dedicate their children to God through some kind of ceremony.
Were you dedicated or baptized as a child? Does knowing this make an impact on you?
Have you ever done (or would do) something like this for your child?
Note to leader: At the end, either have someone read 1 Samuel 2: 1-11 out loud (highly recommend), or tell the guys to read it on their own. It’s a poem (prayer) from Hannah that sets the stage for the rest of Samuel.