Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 5, 2016

“Setting the Stage” 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11 Bible Study 06/05/16

The story of Samuel’s birth sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of God’s plan for His people following the period of the Judges. As God’s man, Samuel would bridge the gap between the period of the Judges and the United Kingdom of Israel and anoint its first two kings.

I. The Period in History

-Israel: moral chaos, oppression from the Philistines, corrupt priesthood
-transition from loose confederation to united kingdom
-“God’s greatness is the umbrella over every story.” (Eric Geiger)

II. The People in the Story

-Elkanah: “…a certain man…” and husband
-Hannah: “Grace”, childless wife of Elkanah
-Peninnah: “Red”, child-bearing wife of Elkanah
-Eli: priest at Shiloh
-Hophni and Phinehas: sons of Eli, corrupt priests
-Samuel: “Asked of God”, born to Hannah, man of God

III. The Problem for Hannah

-childless: “…the LORD had closed her womb.” (1:5-6)
-provocation from Peninnah (1:6-8)
-pouring out her soul: repetition of “servant” (1:11)
-the two responses of Eli (1:14, 17)

IV. The Providence of God

-“…and the LORD remembered her.” (1:19)
-“Hannah had a problem she couldn’t solve and a person she couldn’t change.” (Mark Howell)
-The LORD knows you and sees you where you are.
-God’s providence may be perplexing but it is always perfect.
-Life, in its daily “grind,” means more than you think it does. (contrast: Samuel and Eli’s sons)
-Awareness of God’s providence leads to eruption of praise (2:1-11)
-Because the LORD is great and in control, trust Him to be faithful when your circumstances are painful and perplexing.