Anchor My Faith

God Calls Samuel and Raises a Faithful Servant

Section 1: 1 Samuel 1:1–18 – Hannah’s Prayer for a Son

Overview:
The book of 1 Samuel opens with the story of Hannah, a godly woman deeply distressed because she is unable to have children. Her rival Peninnah mocks her, intensifying her sorrow. During a visit to the tabernacle at Shiloh, Hannah pours out her heart to the Lord in prayer, vowing that if God gives her a son, she will dedicate him to the Lord all his life. Eli the priest initially misunderstands her grief but then blesses her, assuring her that God will grant her request. Hannah leaves with renewed peace, trusting the Lord with her burden.

Theological Themes:

• God hears and responds to heartfelt prayer.
• Faith and trust in God during suffering.
• Dedication of one’s life and gifts to the Lord.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 1:11 – “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.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does Hannah’s prayer teach us about approaching God in times of distress?
   Answer: It shows that we can bring our deepest sorrows honestly before God, trusting that He hears and cares.
2. Why did Hannah vow to dedicate her son to the Lord?
   Answer: Her vow reflected gratitude and devotion, acknowledging that any child she received would ultimately belong to God.
3. How does Hannah demonstrate faith after praying?
   Answer: She leaves with peace and resumes normal life, trusting God to answer in His timing.

Section 2: 1 Samuel 1:19–28 – Samuel Is Born and Dedicated

Overview:
The Lord remembers Hannah, and she gives birth to a son named Samuel, meaning “heard by God.” After weaning him, Hannah fulfills her vow by bringing Samuel to the tabernacle at Shiloh and dedicating him to lifelong service to the Lord under Eli. Despite the emotional sacrifice, Hannah joyfully keeps her promise, acknowledging that Samuel is a gift from God. This moment marks the beginning of Samuel’s role in God’s unfolding plan for Israel.

Theological Themes:

• God’s faithfulness in answering prayer.
• Faithfulness in fulfilling vows made to God.
• Children as gifts entrusted by God.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 1:27–28 – “For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why is Hannah’s fulfillment of her vow significant?
   Answer: It demonstrates integrity and trust in God, even when obedience required personal sacrifice.
2. What does Samuel’s dedication reveal about God’s plan?
   Answer: God often prepares His servants from childhood for future leadership and service.
3. How can believers today dedicate their lives or families to God?
   Answer: By raising children in faith, using their gifts for God’s purposes, and surrendering their plans to Him.

Section 3: 1 Samuel 2:1–11 – Hannah’s Song of Praise

Overview:
After dedicating Samuel, Hannah offers a powerful prayer of praise to God. Her song celebrates the Lord’s sovereignty, justice, and ability to reverse human circumstances — lifting the humble and bringing down the proud. She recognizes God as the source of strength and salvation. Her prayer foreshadows themes that appear later in Scripture, including God’s concern for the weak and His ultimate rule over the earth.

Theological Themes:

• God’s sovereignty over human circumstances.
• God exalts the humble and humbles the proud.
• Praise as the proper response to God’s faithfulness.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 2:2 – “There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does Hannah’s prayer reveal about her understanding of God?
   Answer: She recognizes God as sovereign, holy, and the ultimate source of justice and strength.
2. How does Hannah’s experience shape her praise?
   Answer: Her personal deliverance deepens her appreciation for God’s power and mercy.
3. Why is praise an important part of the believer’s life?
   Answer: Praise acknowledges God’s goodness and strengthens faith by remembering His works.

Section 4: 1 Samuel 2:12–36 – The Sin of Eli’s Sons

Overview:
In contrast to Samuel’s growing devotion, Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, abuse their priestly roles by taking more sacrifices than permitted and committing immoral acts. Their corruption causes people to despise the offerings of the Lord. A prophet warns Eli that judgment will fall on his household because he failed to restrain his sons. Meanwhile, young Samuel continues to grow in favor with God and people, highlighting the contrast between faithfulness and corruption in leadership.

Theological Themes:

• The danger of corrupt leadership in spiritual roles.
• God’s justice against persistent sin.
• The importance of faithful leadership before God.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 2:30 – “For those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What was wrong with the behavior of Eli’s sons?
   Answer: They dishonored God by abusing their authority and treating sacred offerings with contempt.
2. Why was Eli held responsible for their actions?
   Answer: As their father and priestly leader, he failed to discipline them and protect the holiness of worship.
3. What lesson does this passage teach about leadership?
   Answer: Spiritual leaders must live with integrity because their actions influence the faith of others.

Section 5: 1 Samuel 3:1–21 – God Calls Samuel

Overview:
While serving in the tabernacle, young Samuel hears the Lord calling him during the night. Initially thinking Eli has called him, Samuel runs to the priest until Eli realizes that the Lord is speaking to the boy. Following Eli’s instruction, Samuel responds, “Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.” God reveals that judgment will come upon Eli’s household because of his sons’ wickedness. Samuel faithfully delivers the message to Eli, and from that time forward he is recognized throughout Israel as a true prophet of the Lord.

Theological Themes:

• God calls and equips His servants.
• The importance of listening and responding to God’s voice.
• Faithfulness in delivering God’s message.

Key Verse:
1 Samuel 3:10 – “And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant hears.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why was Samuel initially confused when he heard God’s voice?
   Answer: Because he had not yet experienced direct revelation from the Lord and assumed Eli was calling him.
2. What does Samuel’s response teach about obedience?
   Answer: True servants of God respond with humility and readiness to listen.
3. What significance does Samuel’s calling have for Israel?
   Answer: It marks the beginning of a new prophetic leader who would guide the nation during a critical transition.