1 Samuel 1

Today’s reading in our daily plan is 1 Samuel 1. Take a moment to pray, asking God to speak to you from this passage. Then read, using the following notes and questions to help you get everything out of the passage.

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

The book of 1 Samuel begins in the days when the judges still ruled Israel. Israel had been ruled by judges for over 200 years. Samuel was the last of those judges.
The people of Israel weren’t content to have God as their king. They begged him, through the judges, to let them have a human king so they could be like the other nations around them. God allows this, and these books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel cover the transitional period between the rule of the judges and the rule of the kings.
In chapter one, we read about a man named Elkanah who had two wives. Although many great Old Testament leaders had more than one wife, this was not God’s original intention for marriage (see Genesis 2:24). With polygamy came serious family problems as in this story.
One of his wives, Hannah, could not have children. Hannah prays that God would remember her and give her a son. She vows that if God gives her a son, she would dedicate him to lifelong service to God.
God answers Hannah’s prayer and gives her a son, Samuel. When Samuel was probably three years old – the customary age for weaning – Hannah took her son and left him at the tabernacle, keeping her promise.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

Loving and following God does not spare us from struggles. Hannah was unable to conceive children. In her day, a childless woman was considered a failure and a social embarrassment for her husband. But God was still present and working in Hannah’s life despite her struggles.
In the midst of your struggle, turn to God. Hannah had good reason to feel discouraged and bitter. Besides not being able to have children, she had to share her husband with a woman who ridiculed her. And her husband, Elkanah, would have been better off keeping his mouth shut (verse 8). But instead of retaliating or giving up hope, Hannah prayed. She brought her problem before God. And her prayer opened the way for God to work (verses 19-20).
Be careful what you promise in prayer because God may take you up on it. Hannah so desperately wanted a child she was willing to bargain with God. If you give me a child, I’ll dedicate him to lifelong ministry. God answers the prayer, and Hannah keeps her promise.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

Who is someone in your life who is struggling right now? Someone who could use your love and help. While you may not know what to say to them, your presence is probably the best gift you could give. Instead of worrying about what to say, the best thing to do is simply to listen. Your presence could help them remain strong in their faith and confident in God’s work in their lives. Call them today and set up a time to get together.
When you experience confusion, disappointment, or sadness, it can be difficult to pray. But coming to God is the best thing we can do. He is not surprised by our struggles and is never offended by our honesty. Hannah held nothing back. Through tears she shares her misery and grief with God. Pray about your struggle today. Be honest. Perhaps, like Hannah, your prayers will open the way for God to work.
While we should not barter with God, there are prayers that have promises attached. Have you followed through on promises you have made to God in the past? God keeps His promises, and He expects you to keep your promises.