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Apr 09, 2015 / Bible Study / 2 COMMENTS
Today’s Scripture
“As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable” (1 Samuel 3:19).
Samuel Taught by Eli:
Samuel was the last of the Judges, a prophet and priest. His lifelong mission was to be God’s agent during Israel’s transformation to the monarchy. His first assignment was a difficult one – to deliver the bad news to his mentor, Eli, that his priesthood would end and his sons perish.
As we begin the book of I Samuel today, we see hope in Samuel. God has a servant He can trust. With Samuel comes a turning point in Israel’s history and through his life we see we should never underestimate God’s ability to speak to us if we are willing to hear and respond in faith. His mother, Hannah, teaches us, too, to never underestimate the power of prayer in the home and the difference one person can make who is willing to lean on God.
A couple of things that caught my attention today: I love that Eli didn’t even ask what Hannah was praying for, but simply said, “May God grant you what you ask.” A good reminder that we don’t have to know all the details to pray for someone. Unspoken prayers are valid.
And this was the first time I noticed that the Lord actually came and stood before Samuel the third time, after Samuel had said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Thanks for all the background info. That helps so much in putting pieces together historically.
Oh, I love that response by Hannah, too! Such a sweet, simple response of obedience and reflective of a heart at peace.