Setting the Stage for What's to Come

Recap: Hannah prayed for years for a son before the Lord gave one to her. She gave Samuel to Eli the priest so he could serve the Lord.

Read verses 1-10: These verses are Hannah's prayer (or song) and would have been tied to the sacrifice she made in regard to Samuel's birth – well, God's answer to prayers more so than the actual answer itself. Some commentators feel that her prayer shows the themes of 1 and 2 Samuel. We see God's sovereignty, and the expected Messiah.
Hannah shares a lot of theology in her prayer. What attributes of God does Hannah rejoice over? Or what things does she praise him for?

• The salvation He gives (v1)
• His holiness (v2)
• His strength (rock- v2)
• His knowledge (v3)
• He is just (v3)
• He is sovereign which means He controls all things and He is omnipotent or all-powerful (v5-9)

Also, verses 4-5 seem specific to Peninnah and Hannah's situation. Verses 9-10 we see a little bit of eschatology, meaning there are  prophetic remarks about what's to happen in the future. As we read Samuel, we will see that they were fulfilled immediately but also will be filled in the end times.

Read verse 11: Elkanah (and although unstated, Hannah) go home, Samuel remains with Eli to minister to the Lord.

Read verse 12a: "worthless men" - From seeing this phrase repeatedly in the book of Judges, we should know this is foreshadowing something bad is about to happen… And it's especially terrible because we know Eli's sons are what? Priests!

Read verses 12b-17: Phineas and Hophni didn't know the Lord and continually broke ruless and really stole what belongs to the Lord. Their sin is causing others to sin because their sacrifices are not being done properly. Their sin of Phineas and Hophni is very great. We don't understand a lot of the meaning behind what's going on with the sacrificial customs, but the fat portion belonged to the Lord, and that's what they're stealing. So this is a huge issue because it's sin being committed against the Lord!!

Read verse 18: Samuel is actually serving… Also it says he's wearing an ephod, which in Exodus 28 we learn that it's a garment worn by priests.

Read verses 19-21: Hannah and Elkanah continue to sacrifice yearly. Hannah brings Samuel a homemade robe each time. Because of this, Eli asks the Lord to bless them with more children, and he does with five more. Again it emphasizes that Samuel continues to grow.

Read verses 22-25: Eli is getting old. He knows that his sons do terrible things (both the stuff with the sacrifices we saw previously and now it also mentions that they sleep with women at the temple). Eli pleads with his sons to repent because their sins are against God, not men. They refused to listen and God is going to put them to death.
Depending on what version you read, it says God desired to put them to death or that he longs to put them to death. Ultimately, God longs for each of us to repent, however sin has consequences and if we refuse to repent, God will punish us for our sins.

Read verse 26: The atrocity of Eli's sons is book-ended by reports of Samuel's growth and favor. It is a huge contrast between how these men who are supposed to be priests are portrayed versus this boy growing up. The wording here is also very reminiscent of the wording used to describe Jesus in Luke 2:52.

Read verses 27-34?: "Man of God" – a human messenger sent by God with this message (paraphrased of course):

• You know me (v27). 
• You know I choose your tribe (v28). 
• Why do you to file me (v29)? 
• Punishment is coming for the defilers (v30-33). 
• Sons die same day (v34). 
• But God will raise up a faithful priest (v35). 
• He will be over Eli's household (v36).

Application:

• Don't let your age hinder you. (1Tim. 4:12) Samuel was a boy and yet the one who was doing the right thing. Just because people are older, it does not mean they are automatically correct or more spiritual. Don't fear serving thinking that there are people more qualified than you because of their age.
• Decisions have consequences. Hophni and Phineas are living is sin and seem like they are getting away with it, but it catches up with them. 
• Repent while you can. Even when your decisions have consequences, God longs to forgive us. (Jer. 18:8-9, 1 John 1:9)

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We are currently going through 1 Samuel in the youth group Sunday School class. These are my lessons turned into posts.