Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Overview of 1 Samuel 1–14 The first book of Samuel records a very significant era in the history of Israel - the transition from a theocracy led by Moses, Joshua and the Judges to a monarchy ruled by kings. This transition was far from God’s ideal plan for Israel but it was the ‘people’s idea’ and God was merciful to relent and even help them crown their first king. In fact the theme of this study is the importance of honoring God and in it are numerous examples of evil consequences for those who failed to do so. Firstly, we find that the priestly line of Aaron, the brother of Moses, was in danger of extinction because his grandson Eli was an indulgent parent. God accused him of honoring his sons more than his God. 'Those who honour me I will honour, but those who despise me will be disdained' (2:30). ‘Honour’ is a word so rich in meaning. It encompasses love, admiration, obedience, respect and even submission. Perhaps we need to include in this list ‘filial piety’ which most Asians can identify as the respectful attitude parents and elders rightfully expect of their children. Later, even Israel’s first king disappointed God. Because Saul did not honour God, Jonathan his brave son had no chance to succeed him as king. As we read and learn, let us prayerfully apply the lessons of 1 Samuel to our lives. Directing Cries of Anguish Upward to God Read 1 Samuel 1:1-28 In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD. 1 Samuel 1:10 In times of deep distress, believers should refrain from wildly screaming out in despair to those around them. God is our Father in Heaven to whom we should immediately direct all our tears. This, Hannah finally learnt to do. Year after year, she had been crying her heart out whenever she was taunted by Peninnah, her husband’s second wife. But this time Hannah had learnt the secret of directing her cries of deep anguish upward to God. Hannah must have focused her cries on God for hours on end in the temple at Shiloh. Eli the priest even thought she was drunk. Socially disgraced and emotionally depressed, she bathed her prayers in tears. She prayed earnestly that if God were to grant her wish for a son, she would give the boy to Him. She was prepared to let her son be in God’s service all the days of his life. God finally gave Hannah a baby. As a mother who finally was able to conceive after so many bitter years, she must have felt the temptation to keep the newborn Samuel for herself. But God-fearing Hannah kept her vow faithfully. She was willing to forgo a mother’s greatest joy, that of seeing her very firstborn grow up. She gave her son, perhaps barely three years of age, to God and affirmed her resolute decision by her emphatic repetition “I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord" (vs 11, 28). In times of life’s deepest anguish, true believers run towards God instead of rejecting and blaming Him. Pray specially for Christians who are in distress, such as the persecuted believers in mostly Asian countries, those who are diagnosed with terminal illnesses like AIDS and cancer.B117