We are looking at 1st Samuel which is a description of life beyond the rule of the judges and the transition to the appointment of Israel’s kings. Samuel was the last judge in Israel.
1 Samuel 1: The Birth of Samuel
1 There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite.
2 He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the LORD.
4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters.
5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb.
6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb.
7 So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat.
8 And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?"
9 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD.
10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly.
11 And she vowed a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head."
12 As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth.
13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman.
14 And Eli said to her, "How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you."
15 But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD.
16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation."
17 Then Eli answered, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him."
18 And she said, "Let your servant find favour in your eyes." Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her.
20 And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, "I have asked for him from the LORD."
Samuel Given to the LORD
21 The man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow.
22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the LORD and dwell there forever."
23 Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only, may the LORD establish his word." So the woman remained and nursed her son until she weaned him.
24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. And the child was young.
25 Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli.
26 And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD.
27 For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him.
28 Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there
1 Samuel 2: Hannah's Prayer
1 And Hannah prayed and said, "My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.
2 "There is none holy like the LORD; there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.
3 Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
4 The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength.
5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.
6 The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7 The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts.
8 He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honour. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and on them he has set the world.
9 "He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail.
10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in heaven. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the power of his anointed."
11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah. And the boy ministered to the LORD in the presence of Eli the priest.
Eli's Worthless Sons
12 Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the LORD.
13 The custom of the priests with the people was that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant would come, while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand,
14 and he would thrust it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or pot. All that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. This is what they did at Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there.
15 Moreover, before the fat was burned, the priest's servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, "Give meat for the priest to roast, for he will not accept boiled meat from you but only raw."
16 And if the man said to him, "Let them burn the fat first, and then take as much as you wish," he would say, "No, you must give it now, and if not, I will take it by force."
17 Thus the sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the LORD, for the men treated the offering of the LORD with contempt.
18 Samuel was ministering before the LORD, a boy clothed with a linen ephod.
19 And his mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.
20 Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, "May the LORD give you children by this woman for the petition she asked of the LORD." So then they would return to their home.
21 Indeed the LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the young man Samuel grew in the presence of the LORD.
Eli Rebukes His Sons
22 Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting.
23 And he said to them, "Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people.
24 No, my sons; it is no good report that I hear the people of the LORD spreading abroad.
25 If someone sins against a man, God will mediate for him, but if someone sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?" But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the LORD to put them to death.
26 Now the young man Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favour with the LORD and also with man.
The LORD Rejects Eli's Household
27 And there came a man of God to Eli and said to him, "Thus the LORD has said, 'Did I indeed reveal myself to the house of your father when they were in Egypt subject to the house of Pharaoh?
28 Did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? I gave to the house of your father all my offerings by fire from the people of Israel.
29 Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded, and honour your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?'
30 Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: 'I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,' but now the LORD declares: 'Far be it from me, for those who honour me I will honour, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
31 Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father's house, so that there will not be an old man in your house.
32 Then in distress you will look with envious eye on all the prosperity that shall be bestowed on Israel, and there shall not be an old man in your house forever.
33 The only one of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep his eyes out to grieve his heart, and all the descendants of your house shall die by the sword of men.
34 And this that shall come upon your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, shall be the sign to you: both of them shall die on the same day.
35 And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever.
36 And everyone who is left in your house shall come to implore him for a piece of silver or a loaf of bread and shall say, "Please put me in one of the priests' places, that I may eat a morsel of bread."'"
Things to think about…
1. 1 Samuel is set in the period of the Judges, before there was a temple at Jerusalem and the Ark of the Covenant was at Shiloh, 1 Sam 1:3. It was here where the festivals and dedications were held. Elkanah has two wives, not uncommon for the day, but was never God’s intended plan and as always in these situations, there is tension in the home as a result, vss 6, 7. Typical husband sadly not understanding the emotional needs of his wife. He says “Am I not worth to you more than 10 sons”, vs 8. We don’t hear her response, probably for good reason. 1Peter 3:7 is a good verse to meditate on in these situations.
2. 1Sam1:1-20. As we know barrenness was a shame in ancient middle eastern culture. Hannah was tormented by Peninnah, the other wife of her husband Elkanah. This was similar to the trouble that was caused in the house of Jacob where Rachael was loved more than Leah, but was barren for a season. Hannah was loved more than Peninnah, but was also barren. Elkanah’s favouritism no doubt caused grief in the home. The Lord visited Hannah and she bore a son Samuel meaning “Name of God”. As Christians we dedicate our children to the Lord. By faith we know He hears. Have you dedicated your children to Christ? How has He answered your prayers? Perhaps you are still waiting for prayers to be answered in this regard. Hannah is an example for us to keep praying and dedicating our children to the Lord.
3. In 1 Sam 1:9 it says Eli was sitting by the doorpost of the temple. This was at Shiloh. The tabernacle was here it this time and so don’t be confused by the wording here. The tabernacle that Moses had made in the wilderness was set up in Shiloh which was a strategic placement giving access to all both north and south in Israel.
4. In 1Sam 1:21-28, it’s one thing to make a vow, it is another to fulfil it. We must let our ‘yes’, be ‘yes’. Imagine how hard it would have been for Hannah to give up her only son. Elkanah her husband asks that the Lord fulfil his word. Our children are on loan to us from the Lord, as Hannah rightly recognises, vs 28. May we be like Hannah and encourage our children to dwell in the presence of the Lord forever.
5. Have a look at 1Sam 2:1-10. This is Hannah’s prayer to the Lord for His faithfulness. Compare this prayer to Mary’s prayer in Luke 1:46-55. Both Samuel and Jesus were dedicated to the Lord’s service. What similarities do you see in these two prayers? These two godly women are an example of faith of devotion to God even above innate personal desires.
6. Have a look at 1Sam 2:26. Christ was described in the same way, Luke 2:52. Samuel was a type of Christ as he interceded for the people of Israel. Christ of course is the “faithful priest” that was prophesied to be raised up, 1Sam 2:35. As ambassadors for Christ how do we fulfil the same role with our fellow Australians?
7. 1Sam 2:12-26 outlines the judgement that was to come upon Eli for not disciplining his godless, immoral sons. Verse 12 is a sad statement “the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the LORD.” Yet they were ministering in the Lord’s name. An unregenerate ministry should never be tolerated. Those who are in spiritual leadership are accountable for the way they live. I am reminded of this constantly. We know an elder is disqualified if his children are not kept in submission to his authority. But these were grown men, not children. Eli was judged and his sons did die on the same day as we will read. The church play’s an important role corporately in helping us all to raise our children in faithfulness to Christ and His Word? Some children are incorrigible of course and even after loving discipline and encouragement, as adults, they follow after their own sinful desires. Eli did not discipline his sons and this resulted in judgment upon him and his sons.
8. Godless priests tragically have been around for millennia, 1 Sam 2:22. The Lord has with great patience endured them, but also in every generation in His wrath deals with them. One day these wicked men will be a plague of the past. Eli rebuked their behaviour but did not remove them from ministry and hence polluted the country with hypocrisy and unbelief. Sadly, he is culpable and young Samuel receives his first word from the Lord regarding Eli and his sons 1Sam 3.
9. There is a prophecy of Christ in 1 Sam 2:35 saying “I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever”. Earthly priests and minsters will always fail us, but Christ never will. His ministry and His grace endure forever.
Vision Point for cell groups – Cell groups on break over the school holidays
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Sunday’s sermon “What’s up with Babylon” – reading Jeremiah 51:1-12
1. Babylon was the destroying nation. It was the instrument in the Lord’s hands to judge nations, including Jerusalem. It would be judged. Do you recall how this would happen?
2. Daniel’s writing on the wall was the sign, time was up for the Babylonians. What do you remember of Babylon’s history from the earliest day until the end of the kingdom.
3. Jerusalem would also be judged by the Babylonians. What do you remember of Jerusalem’s history.
4. Jeremiah and the Apostle John have many similar prophecies about the final states of Babylon and Jerusalem. Can you recall what you know of these events and how they will come about?
5. Pray for each other, for those flooded and the Ukraine situation.
Prayer Points
1. Pray for all those who have been affected by another tragic flood event. Many in Ipswich and Brisbane are in great despair at the moment. For some this is the second, even third time round.
2. Sally Gauntlett has been admitted to care. Please pray for Richard and the family through this challenging time.
3. Ross Goltz is in constant pain. Has constant hip and joint pain. Seeking specialist help. Please pray for relief.
4. Families that have just started attending CBC.
5. Ukraine to repel Russia and peace to come.
6. Christ to be seen through us in our community.
7. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
8. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. This flood was not as high as 2011. God had mercy on many…including the Beattys. Please keep praying for Dam releases through the next couple of days.
2. Ukraine seems to be resisting Russia well. Pray for the Lord’s resolve and peace.
3. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
4. Covid restrictions being lifted this Friday – no masks.
Announcements
1. Cell groups back. A new cell group has started at the church for residents around Karalee. Wed 7pm at church.
2. Kidz@Church every Sunday
3. Members Meeting was postponed after many unable to attend church. New date TBA.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for February...
Q. 16. Who should partake of the Lord's Supper? A. Only those who repent of their sins, believe in Christ for salvation and live according to his word.
