Brief Notes on I Samuel 1-12

(Originally written in May 28, 2008 in the Journal)

May the Lord look upon me with favor as I faithfully serve Him, swaying neither to the left nor to the right. Lord I am tempted already! How can I make it through August on just bread and water when I am struggling on day two? Was I rash when I vowed to do this? Did I not hear your voice? No, I did. Lord, help me through these temptations. I will be faithful, swerving neither to the left nor the right.

Notes on I Samuel

Chapter 1

There was a man named Elkanah who had two wives, Hannah and Peninah. Hannah was barren, but Peninah had sons. Elkanah loved Hannah more, but Peninah taunted her for being barren. Hannah wept and prayed to the Lord to give her a son and she vowed to dedicated him to the Lord. Eli, the priest, first thinking that Hannah was drunk admonished her, but learning that her prayers were out of deep sorrow blessed her and sent her home. The Lord answered Hannah's prayers and gave her a son named Samuel. Hannah then gave to Eli the priest her son as she had vowed to the Lord.

Chapter 2

"There is no Holy One like the Lord; there is no rock like our God" (I Samuel 2:2, New American Bible).

The sons of Eli were wicked and respected neither the Lord nor the priesthood. The Lord blessed Hannah with three more sons and two daughters. Eli admonished his own sons for being wicked, but they did not listen. Samuel was growing up strong in the Lord. The angel of the Lord appeared to Eli and told him that his family would be doomed for their wickedness and that his two sons would die on the same day.

Chapter 3

One night Samuel was sleeping and heard a voice calling out to him. He ran to Eli but Eli had not called for him. This happened again a second time. The third time this happened Eli realized that the Lord was calling to Samuel and told Samuel to answer the voice of the Lord. The Lord told Samuel that he was going to doom Eli's family. Eli pressed this from Samuel and then said the Lord will do what he judges best on hearing the vision. Samuel became recognized as a prophet on account of the Lord.

Chapter 4

The Philistines defeated Israel in battle so the Israelites decided to take the Ark of the Covenant up to battle. When the ark reached the camp of Israel the warriors shouted so loudly the earth shook. When the Philistines learned of this they became frightened. But, the Philistines defeated the Israelites and captured the ark and Eli's two sons. When Eli learned that the ark was stolen and his two sons were dead he fell back and broke his neck and died. He was 98 years old.

Chapter 5

The Philistines took the ark back to the Temple of Dagon. The next morning the idol of Dagon was lying prone before the ark. The people picked him up and put him back in his proper place, but the next morning the idol was broken and laying before the ark.

The Lord sent plagues to Ashdod (where the ark was) and the people feared it and sent it to Gath. The Lord sent the plague to Gath. The Philistines then moved the ark to Ekron. The people of Ekron wanted to send the ark back because the Lord had dealt severly with them.

Chapter 6

The Philistines put the ark on a cart and hitched it to two cows. The cows then carried it back to Israel.

Chapter 7

Samuel told Israel that if they wished to be free of the Philistines and to serve the Lord they must turn aside from the Baals. Israel did so. The Israelites defeated the Philistines at Mizpah because of the Lord.

Chapter 8

Samuel appointed his sons Joel and Abijah as judges but they perverted justice so the people asked for a king. Samuel was displeased with this but the Lord told him to grant the Israelite's request. Samuel warned them that the king would enslave them, but the people refused to listen to him.

Chapter 9

Kish had some asses who ran away so he sent his son Saul and a servant to find them. When they could not they went to see a man of God to tell them the way. The Lord told Samuel that a man from Benjamin would seek him and that Samuel should appoint him as king. When Samuel saw Saul the Lord told him Saul was to be king. Samuel invited Saul to dinner. Saul was placed at the seat of honor. After dinner, Saul spent the night.

Chapter 10

Samuel then anointed Saul as king. He told him what was to happen and Saul went on his way. All of what Samuel prophesied came true. Samuel then appointed Saul as king in front of all the people.

Chapter 11

Saul summoned 300,000 Israelites to attack Nahash the Ammonite who was besieging Jabesh-Gilead. Saul and his army slaughtered the Ammonites.

Chapter 12

Samuel warned the people against idolatry and meaningless gods. He told them that the Lord would remember the covenant for the sake of His own great name.

Lord, remember me for your name. Remember the marriage vows we said before you. Honor those vows and strengthen our relationship so that you are credited with the victory over sin. Save this marriage so all who meet us will know of your grace and love. I beseech you, do not forsake this marriage. Make it holy and blameless in your sight. By your power it is easily done. Above all do your will but I will continue to pray until you grant me this request.