NOTES
The text of the Bible passages studied in the two previous posts can be found if you scroll further down.
Feel free to leave any reflection, idea or thought in the Comments section of each posting...Thank you
Friday, 23 March 2012
Thursday, 22 March 2012
FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL
Continued
CHAPTER 3
Verse 19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. [20] And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the LORD. [21] And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.
CHAPTER 4
[1] And the word of Samuel came to all Israel.
Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines; they encamped at Ebene'zer, and the Philistines encamped at Aphek. [2] The Philistines drew up in line against Israel, and when the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who slew about four thousand men on the field of battle. [3] And when the troops came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, "Why has the LORD put us to rout today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD here from Shiloh, that he may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies." [4] So the people sent to Shiloh, and brought from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, who is enthroned on the cherubim; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phin'ehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
[5] When the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel gave a mighty shout, so that the earth resounded. [6] And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shouting, they said, "What does this great shouting in the camp of the Hebrews mean?" And when they learned that the ark of the LORD had come to the camp,
[7] the Philistines were afraid; for they said, "A god has come into the camp." And they said, "Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before.
[8] Woe to us! Who can deliver us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods who smote the Egyptians with every sort of plague in the wilderness.
[9] Take courage, and acquit yourselves like men, O Philistines, lest you become slaves to the Hebrews as they have been to you; acquit yourselves like men and fight."
[10] So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and they fled, every man to his home; and there was a very great slaughter, for there fell of Israel thirty thousand foot soldiers. [11] And the ark of God was captured; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phin'ehas, were slain.
[12] A man of Benjamin ran from the battle line, and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes rent and with earth upon his head.
[13] When he arrived, Eli was sitting upon his seat by the road watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city and told the news, all the city cried out.
[14] When Eli heard the sound of the outcry, he said, "What is this uproar?" Then the man hastened and came and told Eli.
[15] Now Eli was ninety-eight years old and his eyes were set, so that he could not see.
[16] And the man said to Eli, "I am he who has come from the battle; I fled from the battle today." And he said, "How did it go, my son?"
[17] He who brought the tidings answered and said, "Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has also been a great slaughter among the people; your two sons also, Hophni and Phin'ehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured."
[18] When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell over backward from his seat by the side of the gate; and his neck was broken and he died, for he was an old man, and heavy. He had judged Israel forty years.
[19] Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phin'ehas, was with child, about to give birth. And when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed and gave birth; for her pains came upon her. [20] And about the time of her death the women attending her said to her, "Fear not, for you have borne a son." But she did not answer or give heed.
[21] And she named the child Ich'abod, saying, "The glory has departed from Israel!" because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband.
[22] And she said, "The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured."
[5] When the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel gave a mighty shout, so that the earth resounded. [6] And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shouting, they said, "What does this great shouting in the camp of the Hebrews mean?" And when they learned that the ark of the LORD had come to the camp,
[7] the Philistines were afraid; for they said, "A god has come into the camp." And they said, "Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before.
[8] Woe to us! Who can deliver us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods who smote the Egyptians with every sort of plague in the wilderness.
[9] Take courage, and acquit yourselves like men, O Philistines, lest you become slaves to the Hebrews as they have been to you; acquit yourselves like men and fight."
[10] So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and they fled, every man to his home; and there was a very great slaughter, for there fell of Israel thirty thousand foot soldiers. [11] And the ark of God was captured; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phin'ehas, were slain.
[12] A man of Benjamin ran from the battle line, and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes rent and with earth upon his head.
[13] When he arrived, Eli was sitting upon his seat by the road watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city and told the news, all the city cried out.
[14] When Eli heard the sound of the outcry, he said, "What is this uproar?" Then the man hastened and came and told Eli.
[15] Now Eli was ninety-eight years old and his eyes were set, so that he could not see.
[16] And the man said to Eli, "I am he who has come from the battle; I fled from the battle today." And he said, "How did it go, my son?"
[17] He who brought the tidings answered and said, "Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has also been a great slaughter among the people; your two sons also, Hophni and Phin'ehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured."
[18] When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell over backward from his seat by the side of the gate; and his neck was broken and he died, for he was an old man, and heavy. He had judged Israel forty years.
[19] Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phin'ehas, was with child, about to give birth. And when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed and gave birth; for her pains came upon her. [20] And about the time of her death the women attending her said to her, "Fear not, for you have borne a son." But she did not answer or give heed.
[21] And she named the child Ich'abod, saying, "The glory has departed from Israel!" because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband.
[22] And she said, "The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured."
CHAPTER 5
[1] When the Philistines captured the ark of God, they carried it from Ebene'zer to Ashdod;
[2] then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up beside Dagon. [3] And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and put him back in his place. [4] But when they rose early on the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the LORD, and the head of Dagon and both his hands were lying cut off upon the threshold; only the trunk of Dagon was left to him.
[5] This is why the priests of Dagon and all who enter the house of Dagon do not tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day.
[6] The hand of the LORD was heavy upon the people of Ashdod, and he terrified and afflicted them with tumors, both Ashdod and its territory.
[5] This is why the priests of Dagon and all who enter the house of Dagon do not tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day.
[6] The hand of the LORD was heavy upon the people of Ashdod, and he terrified and afflicted them with tumors, both Ashdod and its territory.
[7] And when the men of Ashdod saw how things were, they said, "The ark of the God of Israel must not remain with us; for his hand is heavy upon us and upon Dagon our god."
[8] So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, "What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?" They answered, "Let the ark of the God of Israel be brought around to Gath." So they brought the ark of the God of Israel there.
[9] But after they had brought it around, the hand of the LORD was against the city, causing a very great panic, and he afflicted the men of the city, both young and old, so that tumors broke out upon them. [10] So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. But when the ark of God came to Ekron, the people of Ekron cried out, "They have brought around to us the ark of the God of Israel to slay us and our people." [11] They sent therefore and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, "Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it return to its own place, that it may not slay us and our people." For there was a deathly panic throughout the whole city. The hand of God was very heavy there; [12] the men who did not die were stricken with tumors, and the cry of the city went up to heaven.
[8] So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, "What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?" They answered, "Let the ark of the God of Israel be brought around to Gath." So they brought the ark of the God of Israel there.
[9] But after they had brought it around, the hand of the LORD was against the city, causing a very great panic, and he afflicted the men of the city, both young and old, so that tumors broke out upon them. [10] So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. But when the ark of God came to Ekron, the people of Ekron cried out, "They have brought around to us the ark of the God of Israel to slay us and our people." [11] They sent therefore and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, "Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it return to its own place, that it may not slay us and our people." For there was a deathly panic throughout the whole city. The hand of God was very heavy there; [12] the men who did not die were stricken with tumors, and the cry of the city went up to heaven.
CHAPTER 6
[1] The ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months.
[2] And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners and said, "What shall we do with the ark of the LORD? Tell us with what we shall send it to its place."
[3] They said, "If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty, but by all means return him a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why his hand does not turn away from you."
[4] And they said, "What is the guilt offering that we shall return to him?" They answered, "Five golden tumors and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines; for the same plague was upon all of you and upon your lords.
[5] So you must make images of your tumors and images of your mice that ravage the land, and give glory to the God of Israel; perhaps he will lighten his hand from off you and your gods and your land. [6] Why should you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? After he had made sport of them, did not they let the people go, and they departed?
[7] Now then, take and prepare a new cart and two milch cows upon which there has never come a yoke, and yoke the cows to the cart, but take their calves home, away from them.
[8] And take the ark of the LORD and place it on the cart, and put in a box at its side the figures of gold, which you are returning to him as a guilt offering. Then send it off, and let it go its way.
[9] And watch; if it goes up on the way to its own land, to Beth-she'mesh, then it is he who has done us this great harm; but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that struck us, it happened to us by chance."
[10] The men did so, and took two milch cows and yoked them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home. [11] And they put the ark of the LORD on the cart, and the box with the golden mice and the images of their tumors. [12] And the cows went straight in the direction of Beth-she'mesh along one highway, lowing as they went; they turned neither to the right nor to the left, and the lords of the Philistines went after them as far as the border of Beth-she'mesh.
[13] Now the people of Beth-she'mesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and when they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, they rejoiced to see it.
[14] The cart came into the field of Joshua of Beth-she'mesh, and stopped there. A great stone was there; and they split up the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD.
[15] And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the box that was beside it, in which were the golden figures, and set them upon the great stone; and the men of Beth-she'mesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices on that day to the LORD.
[16] And when the five lords of the Philistines saw it, they returned that day to Ekron.
[17] These are the golden tumors, which the Philistines returned as a guilt offering to the LORD: one for Ashdod, one for Gaza, one for Ash'kelon, one for Gath, one for Ekron;
[3] They said, "If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty, but by all means return him a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why his hand does not turn away from you."
[4] And they said, "What is the guilt offering that we shall return to him?" They answered, "Five golden tumors and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines; for the same plague was upon all of you and upon your lords.
[5] So you must make images of your tumors and images of your mice that ravage the land, and give glory to the God of Israel; perhaps he will lighten his hand from off you and your gods and your land. [6] Why should you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? After he had made sport of them, did not they let the people go, and they departed?
[7] Now then, take and prepare a new cart and two milch cows upon which there has never come a yoke, and yoke the cows to the cart, but take their calves home, away from them.
[8] And take the ark of the LORD and place it on the cart, and put in a box at its side the figures of gold, which you are returning to him as a guilt offering. Then send it off, and let it go its way.
[9] And watch; if it goes up on the way to its own land, to Beth-she'mesh, then it is he who has done us this great harm; but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that struck us, it happened to us by chance."
[10] The men did so, and took two milch cows and yoked them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home. [11] And they put the ark of the LORD on the cart, and the box with the golden mice and the images of their tumors. [12] And the cows went straight in the direction of Beth-she'mesh along one highway, lowing as they went; they turned neither to the right nor to the left, and the lords of the Philistines went after them as far as the border of Beth-she'mesh.
[13] Now the people of Beth-she'mesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and when they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, they rejoiced to see it.
[14] The cart came into the field of Joshua of Beth-she'mesh, and stopped there. A great stone was there; and they split up the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD.
[15] And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the box that was beside it, in which were the golden figures, and set them upon the great stone; and the men of Beth-she'mesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices on that day to the LORD.
[16] And when the five lords of the Philistines saw it, they returned that day to Ekron.
[17] These are the golden tumors, which the Philistines returned as a guilt offering to the LORD: one for Ashdod, one for Gaza, one for Ash'kelon, one for Gath, one for Ekron;
[18] also the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both fortified cities and unwalled villages. The great stone, beside which they set down the ark of the LORD, is a witness to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth-she'mesh.
[19] And he slew some of the men of Beth-she'mesh, because they looked into the ark of the LORD; he slew seventy men of them, and the people mourned because the LORD had made a great slaughter among the people. [20] Then the men of Beth-she'mesh said, "Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? And to whom shall he go up away from us?"
[21] So they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kir'iath-je'arim, saying, "The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to you."
[19] And he slew some of the men of Beth-she'mesh, because they looked into the ark of the LORD; he slew seventy men of them, and the people mourned because the LORD had made a great slaughter among the people. [20] Then the men of Beth-she'mesh said, "Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? And to whom shall he go up away from us?"
[21] So they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kir'iath-je'arim, saying, "The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to you."
CHAPTER 7
[1] And the men of Kir'iath-je'arim came and took up the ark of the LORD, and brought it to the house of Abin'adab on the hill; and they consecrated his son, Elea'zar, to have charge of the ark of the LORD.
[2] From the day that the ark was lodged at Kir'iath-je'arim, a long time passed, some twenty years, and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
[2] From the day that the ark was lodged at Kir'iath-je'arim, a long time passed, some twenty years, and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Friday, 2 March 2012
FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL
continued
CHAPTER 2 VERSES 18 – 26
If you wish to see the Scripture passage of this study please see the previous posting
continued
CHAPTER 2 VERSES 18 – 26
If you wish to see the Scripture passage of this study please see the previous posting
VERSE 18
Elkanah and Hannah continue to visit their son Samuel. They honour Eli and bring their yearly sacrifice to God at Shiloh. This is significant in that the sins of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas are precisely the dishonouring of the sacrifices brought by the people to God. Hannah and Elkanah would also bring every year a new coat to their son Samuel. Thus even at Shiloh the parents of Samuel would continue to influence him. While their influence would be just once a year the influence of Eli upon his sons would be daily. What a marked contrast though in how their sons turned out in faith. Also in this verse we hear how Samuel even as a child would be ‘in God’s service.’A contrast to the adult Hophni and Phinehas.
VERSE 19
Eli speaks to his two sons and yet he has a lack of influence upon them.They persist in their sins. There is a warning by Eli towards his two sons – that since they are breaking God’s laws they will be punished by God. This warning must be acknowledged and yet he cannot change their ways. Eli’s influence over his two sons was daily and yet he could not influence them at all. See also verse 29 below.
This contrast between Samuel and Eli’s sons will persist as a theme in the Books of Samuel.
The proud are brought down and the lowly raised up.
The proud are brought down and the lowly raised up.
It will be most manifested in the contrast between King Saul and King David. As prophesied by Hannah ( and repeated by Mary ) – God brings down the proud and raises the lowly.
VERSE 20
While Samuel grows in ‘ statue and favour’ the sons of Eli grow in wickedness.
VERSE 27 – 30
VERSE 27
The family of Eli did not appreciate God’s graces. Here a man of God appears to Eli and reminds him of the blessings from God – from the time of Exodus when the Jewish Levi Priesthood was begun until the present time. Had they forgotten their history of blessings ? Did they forget how they were singled out for service to God and the nation ?
VERSE 29
Eli’s guilt lay in his failure to severely rebuke his sons for their sins ( 3:15 ) although he did warn them of God’s judgement ( 2:25 ). Perhaps he should have been stronger in his rebuke ?
Also in later chapters there are further insights. Chapter 3 verse 13 God says to Samuel – ‘I condemn this family for ever since he was aware that his sons have been cursing God and yet has not corrected them.’ Perhaps Eli was weaker in his advice than it appears. That is certainly God’s opinion. How strongly did Eli rebuke his sons ? It appears not so strongly in that Eli even had the power as Jewish Priest to have stopped ( fired ? ) his sons as priests. He did not do this. Also Chapter 4 verse 18 describes Eli as ‘ old and heavy’. It is not a matter of being overweight but how did Eli get so heavy. Perhaps he too ate too much of the meat of the sacrificial offering ?
VERSE 31
God states His judgement:
‘ Those who honour me I will honour in turn; those who despise me will be an object of contempt.’ For many this is a summary of this chapter. God will now cut off Eli’s branch of the tree of Levi. They will no longer be priests of the Lord. Indeed under King Solomon Eli’s descendants will cease to be priests. This is 150 years later. This is when Abiathar, the high priest will be dismissed and defrocked. This was to be the last of the serving priests from Eli’s family as predicted in verse 33, only one will be left.
To be cut off as a Jewish Priest one’s life would suffer both spiritually and materially.
Here is the prophecy that
a. Eli and his sons will die
b. Their lineage of priesthood would be cut off. The ‘ powers ‘ that they enjoyed would be diminished as the Kings of Israel would supplant their ‘power’.
c. Their wealth would disappear.
So much so that they soon will be begging for a scrap of bread.
Thus God’s judgement is definitive and all encompassing.
The faithful priest, prophet and judge Samuel would now arise.
CHAPTER 3
VERSES 1 – 21
VERSE 1
The Hebrew word to describe the age of Samuel now is ‘naar’ or a young teenager. Imagine a young teen that you know ! In those days visions and revelations from God were rare. This makes the following revelation to Samuel even more significant.
VERSE 2
Eli is now growing blind. The physical ‘ growing dim ’ of his eyes was a symbol of his and the nations blindness. But now – here – Samuel was to see and hear.
VERES 3 – 9
Samuel is found sleeping in the sanctuary of the Lord where the Ten Commandments were. This was indeed a privileged position. Samuel then shows his complete and absolute obedience. Three times he responds to the call ( he thinks is Eli but is indeed the Lord calling him ) Others may have been agitated, frustrated or angry if one’s sleep was disrupted three times. But Samuel is selfless and quietly obedient.
Verse 6 states that ‘ As yet, Samuel had no knowledge of God and the word of God had not yet been revealed to him.’ This does not mean that Samuel did not know God yet but rather that Samuel had not yet had any direct communication with God.
The three-fold call also shows us both an urgency and as a biblical number ‘three’ is a complete number. After the three-fold call Samuel answers – ‘Speak Lord for your servant is listening.’
VERSE 17 – 18
From the beginning Samuel is a faithful prophet. Although it is terrible news that Samuel must tell Eli that God has told him and it must have pained him to do so Samuel must and does report the death sentence and the cutting off of the priesthood of Eli and his sons.
VERSE 20
“All Israel knew him from Dan to Beersheba.’ became a proverbial during the united monarchy and described the land of Israel. See Judges 20:1; 2 Samuel 3:10; 17:11; 24:2 and 1 Kings 4:25)
CHAPTER 4
VERSE 1
It was the word of the Lord that Samuel attested to. So much so that Samuel’s word amounted to the Lord’s word
See Samuel 4:1; Jeremiah 1:2; 4 ; 11; 13; Hosea 1:1; Micah 1:1 )
QUESTIONS
1. Why do you think that Samuel had difficulty in discerning God’s voice from Eli’s ?
Has slow and surprising discernment ever happened to you?
2. ‘Speak Lord for you servant is listening.’ is a wonderful spiritual attitude.
What does this mean ? For Samuel ? For you ?
3. Samuel is obedient in ever revealing ‘bad news’ ( to say the least ) to Eli.
Are you ever tempted to hide God’s word from others?
4. What are the obstacles that prevent you from hearing God’s voice ?
First Book of Samuel
CHAPTER 2
VERSE [18] Samuel was ministering before the LORD, a boy girded 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 Elka'nah and his wife, and say, "The LORD give you children by this woman for the loan which she lent to the LORD"; so then they would return to their home. [21] And the LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the LORD. [22] Now Eli was very old, and he heard all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who served 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 a man sins against a man, God will mediate for him; but if a man 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 slay them. [26] Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men. [27] And there came a man of God to Eli, and said to him, "Thus the LORD has said, `I revealed myself to the house of your father when they were in Egypt subject to the house of Pharaoh. [28] And I chose 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; and I gave to the house of your father all my offerings by fire from the people of Israel.
[29] Why then look with greedy eye at my sacrifices and my offerings which I commanded, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves upon 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 for ever'; but now the LORD declares: `Far be it from me; for those who honor me I will honor, 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 which shall be bestowed upon Israel; and there shall not be an old man in your house for ever.
[33] The man of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep out his eyes and grieve his heart; and all the increase of your house shall die by the sword of men.
[34] And this which shall befall your two sons, Hophni and Phin'ehas, 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 for ever. [36] And every one who is left in your house shall come to implore him for a piece of silver or a loaf of bread, and shall say, "Put me, I pray you, in one of the priest's places, that I may eat a morsel of bread."
[29] Why then look with greedy eye at my sacrifices and my offerings which I commanded, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves upon 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 for ever'; but now the LORD declares: `Far be it from me; for those who honor me I will honor, 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 which shall be bestowed upon Israel; and there shall not be an old man in your house for ever.
[33] The man of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep out his eyes and grieve his heart; and all the increase of your house shall die by the sword of men.
[34] And this which shall befall your two sons, Hophni and Phin'ehas, 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 for ever. [36] And every one who is left in your house shall come to implore him for a piece of silver or a loaf of bread, and shall say, "Put me, I pray you, in one of the priest's places, that I may eat a morsel of bread."
1 Samuel Chapter 3
[1] Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. [2] At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place; [3] the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down within the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. [4] Then the LORD called, "Samuel! Samuel!" and he said, "Here I am!" [5] and ran to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call; lie down again." So he went and lay down. [6] And the LORD called again, "Samuel!" And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call, my son; lie down again." [7] Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. [8] And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy. [9] Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, `Speak, LORD, for thy servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place. [10] And the LORD came and stood forth, calling as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for thy servant hears." [11] Then the LORD said to Samuel, "Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel, at which the two ears of every one that hears it will tingle. [12] On that day I will fulfil against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. [13] And I tell him that I am about to punish his house for ever, for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them.
[14] Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering for ever." [15] Samuel lay until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli.
[14] Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering for ever." [15] Samuel lay until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli.
[16] But Eli called Samuel and said, "Samuel, my son." And he said, "Here I am."
[17] And Eli said, "What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you."
[18] So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, "It is the LORD; let him do what seems good to him." [19] And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. [20] And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the LORD. [21] And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.
[17] And Eli said, "What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you."
[18] So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, "It is the LORD; let him do what seems good to him." [19] And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. [20] And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the LORD. [21] And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.
Thursday, 23 February 2012
FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL
continued
CHAPTER 1 VERSES 19 - 28
CHAPTER 2 VERSES 1 - 26
If you wish to scroll down to the theology and reflection
it is following the Scripture passage below
They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elka'nah 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 him of the LORD."
[21] And the man Elka'nah 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, that he may appear in the presence of the LORD, and abide there for ever."
[23] Elka'nah 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 slew 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 which 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 they worshiped the LORD there.
CHAPTER TWO
[1]
Hannah also 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 thy salvation.
[2] "There is none holy like the LORD,
there is none besides thee;
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 gird 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, he also 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 honor.
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 Elka'nah went home to Ramah. And the boy ministered to the LORD, in the presence of Eli the priest.
[12] Now the sons of Eli were worthless men; they had no regard for 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 caldron, or pot; all that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. So 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 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 girded 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 Elka'nah and his wife, and say, "The LORD give you children by this woman for the loan which she lent to the LORD"; so then they would return to their home.
[21] And the LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the LORD.
[22] Now Eli was very old, and he heard all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who served 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 a man sins against a man, God will mediate for him; but if a man 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 slay them.
[26] Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.
THEOLOGY AND REFLECTION
CHAPTER 1 VERSES 19 - 28
CHAPTER 2 VERSES 1 - 11
Hannah and Elikanah are blessed with their son Samuel, their first born .
How did Hannah express her gratitude ?
1. An offering Chapter 1 Verses 21 and 24
Elkamah is the first to offer sacrifice to God and to fulfil his vow. Verse 21
Later after Samuel is weaned Hannah herself
went to God at Shiloh to offer sacrifice.
Hannah's sacrifice of ' a three year old bull,
ephah of flour and a skin of wine' ( verse 24 )
is great indeed. She truly offered her first fruits to God.
She then offers her son Samuel
to Eli entrusting her first born son to the service of God. Verse 26 - 28
2. Hannah's Prayer Chapter 2 Verses 1 - 10
a. Hannah's prayer is in the form of a psalm - thus it is a masterful poem ;
a literary piece of stanzas and great breath.
b. It is a Prayer to God - it is addressed to God. It is full on praise.
There is not one petition here.
c. Hannah's personal prayer / personal psalm is part of Scriptures .
Since it is part of the Bible it becomes no longer personal
but one that all God's people can pray.
This is extremely significant.
d. Since Hannah's personal prayer is part of Scriptures this means
that it was inspired by the Holy Spirit.
All the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit and thus true of this prayer.
e. One's personal prayer always reflects the world and the community of faith.
No prayer is ever isolated in itself just as
no person of prayer is isolated in themselves.
Thus Hannah uses the images and words of her People - the Chosen Ones.
This is why she
- call God ' rock ' ( verse 2 )
See also Deuteronomy 32: 30 - 31 )
- states that God humbles the proud and raises the lowly
As He always did
- states that the barren one shall bear seven fold
Seven the perfect number in the Bible
- proclaims that God's enemies will be scattered
He has done this in Bible to this point
f. The focus is on God.
Hannah's prayer is not about her pain, or her sufferings or even her blessings
but is totally focused on God. It is all about God's purpose.
Hannah has seen it and now proclaims it.
g. Hannah's prayer is prophetic.
Verse 10 - Hannah is the one to speak for the first time in the
Bible of God's Anointed One, the Messiah.
How wonderful that this woman of faith
is the first to prophesy of the Lord's Anointed.
That God will endow His King with strength.
This is in contrast to the conclusion of the Book of Judges
when the people cry out for a king like all of the other nations.
Hannah speaks of the King of Kings.
h. Hannah is obedient. She fulfils her vow.
Contrast this with Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas and their outright disobedience.
i. The theme of Hannah's prayer is quite clear -
that people who are apparently unimportant become important
and those who appear important become unimportant.
This was Hannah's experience. It may our experience too.
CHAPTER 2 VERSES 11 - 26
Verse 11
Hannah's prayer is followed by her action
It is an act of trust, She leaves her only and first born son Samuel
Verse 12 - 17
The faithfulness of Hannah and the faith of Samuel is contrasted
with the sons of Eli - Hophni and Phinehas
As Jewish priests of Yahweh they were allotted portions of the sacrifice.
Since they were of the tribe of Levi ,
the priests of the Lord they were not given any land in the Promised Land
but were allocated part of the people's sacrifices to live on.
There were strict laws of what and how and how much they were to be given.
Yet Eli's sons took far too much and took it at the inappropriate time during the sacrifice.
See Leviticus 7:28 / Numbers 18 : 8 / Deuteronomy 18 : 3 - 4
Verse 18
The faith of Samuel is contrasted with that of Eil's sons Hophni and Phinehas
Samuel serves verse 2:1
Liturgical sins of Eli's sons verses 2:12 - 17
Samuel serves verse 2:18 - 21
Moral sins of Eli's sons verses 2:22- 25
Samuel serves verse 2:26
Prophecy of Judgement upon Eli's sons verses 2: 27 - 36
Samuel serves verse 3:1
Verse 18 also gives us a beautiful scene of Hannah and Elkanah
bringing a new robe each year to their son.
Although they continue to be part of his life and influence him
they ( by the robe ) show their honour.
Verse 21
God, through Eli, blesses Hannah and Elkanah.
Hannah bears 3 sons and 2 daughters thus a total of 6 children.
Do remember that Hannah's prayer was for one son - God has blessed her 6 times over !
QUESTIONS
1. Hannah's Prayer is so beautiful. When did you praise God? How? Do it now !
When did you last praise someone ?
2. Hannah's petition was for one son. God gave her six children.
Has God ever given you more blessings than you even prayed for ? When ?
continued
CHAPTER 1 VERSES 19 - 28
CHAPTER 2 VERSES 1 - 26
If you wish to scroll down to the theology and reflection
it is following the Scripture passage below
They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elka'nah 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 him of the LORD."
[21] And the man Elka'nah 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, that he may appear in the presence of the LORD, and abide there for ever."
[23] Elka'nah 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 slew 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 which 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 they worshiped the LORD there.
CHAPTER TWO
[1]
Hannah also 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 thy salvation.
[2] "There is none holy like the LORD,
there is none besides thee;
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 gird 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, he also 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 honor.
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 Elka'nah went home to Ramah. And the boy ministered to the LORD, in the presence of Eli the priest.
[12] Now the sons of Eli were worthless men; they had no regard for 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 caldron, or pot; all that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. So 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 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 girded 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 Elka'nah and his wife, and say, "The LORD give you children by this woman for the loan which she lent to the LORD"; so then they would return to their home.
[21] And the LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the LORD.
[22] Now Eli was very old, and he heard all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who served 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 a man sins against a man, God will mediate for him; but if a man 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 slay them.
[26] Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.
THEOLOGY AND REFLECTION
CHAPTER 1 VERSES 19 - 28
CHAPTER 2 VERSES 1 - 11
Hannah and Elikanah are blessed with their son Samuel, their first born .
How did Hannah express her gratitude ?
1. An offering Chapter 1 Verses 21 and 24
Elkamah is the first to offer sacrifice to God and to fulfil his vow. Verse 21
Later after Samuel is weaned Hannah herself
went to God at Shiloh to offer sacrifice.
Hannah's sacrifice of ' a three year old bull,
ephah of flour and a skin of wine' ( verse 24 )
is great indeed. She truly offered her first fruits to God.
She then offers her son Samuel
to Eli entrusting her first born son to the service of God. Verse 26 - 28
2. Hannah's Prayer Chapter 2 Verses 1 - 10
a. Hannah's prayer is in the form of a psalm - thus it is a masterful poem ;
a literary piece of stanzas and great breath.
b. It is a Prayer to God - it is addressed to God. It is full on praise.
There is not one petition here.
c. Hannah's personal prayer / personal psalm is part of Scriptures .
Since it is part of the Bible it becomes no longer personal
but one that all God's people can pray.
This is extremely significant.
d. Since Hannah's personal prayer is part of Scriptures this means
that it was inspired by the Holy Spirit.
All the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit and thus true of this prayer.
e. One's personal prayer always reflects the world and the community of faith.
No prayer is ever isolated in itself just as
no person of prayer is isolated in themselves.
Thus Hannah uses the images and words of her People - the Chosen Ones.
This is why she
- call God ' rock ' ( verse 2 )
See also Deuteronomy 32: 30 - 31 )
- states that God humbles the proud and raises the lowly
As He always did
- states that the barren one shall bear seven fold
Seven the perfect number in the Bible
- proclaims that God's enemies will be scattered
He has done this in Bible to this point
f. The focus is on God.
Hannah's prayer is not about her pain, or her sufferings or even her blessings
but is totally focused on God. It is all about God's purpose.
Hannah has seen it and now proclaims it.
g. Hannah's prayer is prophetic.
Verse 10 - Hannah is the one to speak for the first time in the
Bible of God's Anointed One, the Messiah.
How wonderful that this woman of faith
is the first to prophesy of the Lord's Anointed.
That God will endow His King with strength.
This is in contrast to the conclusion of the Book of Judges
when the people cry out for a king like all of the other nations.
Hannah speaks of the King of Kings.
h. Hannah is obedient. She fulfils her vow.
Contrast this with Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas and their outright disobedience.
i. The theme of Hannah's prayer is quite clear -
that people who are apparently unimportant become important
and those who appear important become unimportant.
This was Hannah's experience. It may our experience too.
CHAPTER 2 VERSES 11 - 26
Verse 11
Hannah's prayer is followed by her action
It is an act of trust, She leaves her only and first born son Samuel
Verse 12 - 17
The faithfulness of Hannah and the faith of Samuel is contrasted
with the sons of Eli - Hophni and Phinehas
As Jewish priests of Yahweh they were allotted portions of the sacrifice.
Since they were of the tribe of Levi ,
the priests of the Lord they were not given any land in the Promised Land
but were allocated part of the people's sacrifices to live on.
There were strict laws of what and how and how much they were to be given.
Yet Eli's sons took far too much and took it at the inappropriate time during the sacrifice.
See Leviticus 7:28 / Numbers 18 : 8 / Deuteronomy 18 : 3 - 4
Verse 18
The faith of Samuel is contrasted with that of Eil's sons Hophni and Phinehas
Samuel serves verse 2:1
Liturgical sins of Eli's sons verses 2:12 - 17
Samuel serves verse 2:18 - 21
Moral sins of Eli's sons verses 2:22- 25
Samuel serves verse 2:26
Prophecy of Judgement upon Eli's sons verses 2: 27 - 36
Samuel serves verse 3:1
Verse 18 also gives us a beautiful scene of Hannah and Elkanah
bringing a new robe each year to their son.
Although they continue to be part of his life and influence him
they ( by the robe ) show their honour.
Verse 21
God, through Eli, blesses Hannah and Elkanah.
Hannah bears 3 sons and 2 daughters thus a total of 6 children.
Do remember that Hannah's prayer was for one son - God has blessed her 6 times over !
QUESTIONS
1. Hannah's Prayer is so beautiful. When did you praise God? How? Do it now !
When did you last praise someone ?
2. Hannah's petition was for one son. God gave her six children.
Has God ever given you more blessings than you even prayed for ? When ?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)