An introduction to Samuel
Creation
Adam and Eve – Fall – blessing lost, not fully realised
Tower of Babel
Abraham and God’s promise to him (approx 2000bc)
Moses and the burning bush (approx 1450 BC)
Judges (approx 1380 – 1050BC)
Samuel – approx 1050BC
What is happening immediately prior to 1 Samuel …
Judges 21:25 “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit”.
Hannah Trusts God
Firstly: She prays
1 Sam 2:2, “There is no one holy like the Lord, there is no one besides you, there is no rock like our God”.
Secondly: She obeys
Hannah Knows God
But there is a problem
…. repeated rejection of God.
The very people who should be teaching, rebuking, training and directing God’s people in his service care nothing of YHWH.
God communicates again
God’s word is coming to all Israel.
Well how should we respond to this passage today?
Firstly, God’s character
Secondly, The way God communicates
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through prophets at many time and in various ways but in these last days he has spoken to us by His Son whom he appointed heir of all things and through whom the universe was made. Hebrews 1:1
2 Timothy 3:16
Thirdly, the need for Godly leadership
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5