March 19th Bible Study: 1 Samuel 1-3
Read 1 Samuel 1-3**or listen to it here:**1 Samuel 1-3 Audio
📖 Scripture of the Day
1 Samuel 3:9 – “So Eli told Samuel, ‘Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place.”
💡 Reflection: Learning to recognize and respond to God’s voice is key to spiritual growth. Like Samuel, we must have hearts ready to listen.
1 Samuel 1-3 marks the transition from the time of the judges to the leadership of the prophet Samuel. Hannah, a woman struggling with barrenness, fervently prays for a child, and God answers her by giving her Samuel, whom she dedicates to His service. As Samuel grows under the care of Eli, God calls him to be His prophet during a time of spiritual decline. Meanwhile, Eli’s sons dishonor the priesthood, leading to judgment upon Eli’s household. These chapters highlight the power of prayer, the importance of obedience, and God’s faithfulness in raising up leaders for His people.
📚 Overview of 1 Samuel 1-3
🔹 1 Samuel 1 – Hannah’s Prayer and Samuel’s Birth
Hannah prays for a son and vows to dedicate him to the Lord. God grants her request, and she fulfills her promise by giving Samuel to serve in the tabernacle.
🔹 1 Samuel 2 – Eli’s Sons and Hannah’s Song
Hannah praises God for His faithfulness, contrasting the righteousness of Samuel with the wickedness of Eli’s sons, who defile the priesthood.
🔹 1 Samuel 3 – God Calls Samuel
God speaks to young Samuel at night, calling him as His prophet. Samuel learns to listen to God and delivers a message of judgment against Eli’s household.
🔍 Learning to Listen to God
These chapters show how God raises up leaders and answers the cries of His people. From Hannah’s faithful prayers to Samuel’s obedient response, we are reminded to trust in God’s plans, listen for His voice, and remain faithful to His calling.
Bible Study Points and Reflections
- 📖 1 Samuel 1: A Prayer Answered
- 📌 Key Verse: 1 Samuel 1:27 – “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him.”
- 💡 Reflection: Hannah’s persistence in prayer shows the power of faith and surrendering our desires to God.
- ❓ Application: Are you trusting God with your deepest prayers, even when answers seem delayed?
- 📖 1 Samuel 2: A Heart That Honors God
- 📌 Key Verse: 1 Samuel 2:30 – “Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.”
- 💡 Reflection: Eli’s sons misused their priestly role, while Hannah’s song of praise reminds us to revere God.
- ❓ Application: In what ways are you honoring God in your daily life?
- 📖 1 Samuel 3: Learning to Hear God’s Voice
- 📌 Key Verse: 1 Samuel 3:10 – “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
- 💡 Reflection: Samuel’s call teaches us the importance of being ready and willing to hear from God.
- ❓ Application: Are you making space in your life to listen to God’s voice?
✨ Encouragement of the Day
God is always at work, even when we don’t see immediate answers. Like Hannah, trust that He hears your prayers and has a plan for you.
🙏 Call to Action
📖 Journal Prompt: How has God answered a prayer in your life in an unexpected way?
💬 Discussion: When has God called you to something unexpected, and how did you respond? Share in the comments!
🙏 Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in Your timing, listen for Your voice, and follow You in obedience. Strengthen my faith as I seek You daily. Amen.
