This week’s class will focus on the importance of Prayer in Apologetics and Bible study. We will also begin our dive into the book of 1 Samuel with chapters 1-3. Defending our faith and developing a Biblical worldview based on our understanding of God’s Word takes time and practice, and must be part of a lifetime commitment we make to the LORD. It should form our purpose and identity in everyday life as we grow closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, modeling Him to our family, friends and neighbors.

As Christians, it is more important than ever to know what we believe, and why we believe it, and then apply that to who we are on a consistent basis, and this can only be done if we know Jesus and what His Word teaches.

All class sessions include a time for prayer and reflection, a presentation, and a Bible study section. You will find the presentation notes and Bible study questions below. Basic answers to the Bible study will be also be posted below for your review and, or as a leader’s guide.

Presentation Notes

APOLOGETICS BLUEPRINT

Session Two – The Importance of Prayer, and 1 Samuel Chapters 1-3

REVIEW AND DISCUSS

At your table groups, do the following:

Prayer cards: Take a minute and write your name on the index card and add any special prayer request you might have. Exchange cards at the end of the class this evening.

Discuss:

How does Apologetics relate to Bible study?
What is Prolegomena, and why is it important?
Recite the memory verse from Genesis 3:15. Why it is an important foundational verse?

Genesis 3:15 Promise
(begins the Scarlet Thread)

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 (NIV)

From Genesis through Revelation, the Bible is all about Jesus!

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER

A = ADORATION

C = CONFESSION

T = THANKSGIVING

S = SUPPLICATION

Prayer calms our hearts and minds, and helps us focus on our time with God!

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

-Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

The Lord’s Prayer

‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
‘Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Matthew 6:9-13 (NASB)

Bible Study

Each week, we are encouraging you to take some dedicated time and spend it in God’s Word. Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

REFLECT AND PRACTICE

1. Review and discuss this evening’s presentation. Do you have any questions or comments?

Bible Study Practice:

2. Read and discuss chapters 1-3 in the book of 1 Samuel.

Going Deeper Questions

Context: What does it say?

1. Who are the main characters in this narrative? Discuss their relationship to each other and their place in the narrative. (Chapters 1-3)

2. What was the interaction between Hannah and Eli, and how did God use Eli in this situation? (Chapter 1)

3. What did Hannah do with Samuel and why? (Chapter 1)

4. What does Hannah’s prayer say about her high respect and honor for who God is? Give some examples. (Chapter 2) Cross-reference by reading Luke 1:46-56. How does Hannah’s prayer compare to that of Mary’s?

5. What did Eli do right and where did he go wrong, and why? (Chapter 2)

6. Who came to Eli and what prophecy did he give? (Chapter 2:27-36) Cross-reference by reading 1 Kings 2:26-27 for its fulfillment.

7. Why did God call Samuel, and what was Eli’s response? (Chapter 3)

Interpretation: What does it mean?

8. What is God trying to teach the audience from this narrative?

9. Do we see anything in this narrative that points towards Jesus (a picture, foreshadow, model, prophecy etc.). For one example: Reread chapter 2:35 and then cross-reference with Hebrews 4:14-16 and Hebrews 6:19-20.

Application: How can we use what we learned?

10. How important is it for us to be open to God’s calling, and how does Samuel model that? What else can we learn from this narrative?

Discuss any “shelf” questions you might have about chapters 1-3.

BASIC ANSWERS FOR REVIEW AND LEADER’S GUIDE

1 Samuel Chapters 1-3

CONTEXT: What does it say?

Chapter 1:

Eli and Samuel
Samuel’s Birth and Childhood

Elkanah and His Wives

In this first section we read about Elkanah, a man from the tribe of Ephraim, who had two wives. (Note: in this culture, children were important to family function and survival). Hannah whom he loved, could not bear children, but his other wife Peninnah bore him many children. When they journeyed to the House of the LORD, Hannah was praying for a child, but Eli the priest thought she was drunk. When he realized she was not, he prophetically said, “may the God of Israel grant your petition.”

Samuel is born to Hannah

In this next section God does grant Hannah a son, and they named him Samuel (“because I have asked of the LORD”). Hannah weaned Samuel (usually complete around age 3-5), and then took him to the House of the LORD where she dedicated him to the service of the LORD, leaving him in the care of Eli.

1. Who are the main characters in this narrative? Discuss their relationship to each other and their place in the narrative. (Chapters 1-3)

Elkanah: Son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the sonof Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite (he is from the tribe of Ephraim).

Peninnah: Elkanah’s wife who bore him sons and daughters (probably his second wife because Hannah could not bear him any children at that time, and culturally this was critical in order to maintain a living and take care of the family).

Hannah: Elkanah’s wife who was barren until God opened her womb to bear not only Samuel, but other sons and daughters. She was probably his first wife as it says he loved her, but she could not bear children at first.

Samuel: Samuel is the main character of this narrative and book in general. He was Hannah’s first born, and she committed him to the LORD where he served from about age 3-5 onward. Samuel will be a priest, prophet and judge for the Nation of Israel.

Eli: He is the current high priest and judge of Israel, residing in Shilo, the main worship center and location of the Tabernacle of the LORD, for the Nation of Israel.

Hophni: Eli’s son, who was wicked and did evil in the LORD’s sight by stealing sacrificial food from the people.

Phinehas: Eli’s other son, who was wicked and did evil in the LORD’s sight by stealing sacrificial food from the people. His wife will die in childbirth upon hearing about the death of her husband, father-in-law and loss of the Ark of the Covenant.

2. What was the interaction between Hannah and Eli, and how did God use Eli in this situation? (Ch. 1)

Eli the priest, and judge of Israel at the time, was at the House of the LORD where Elkanah and his family would go every year to offer sacrifices and pay his vow. While Hannah was in deep prayer, Eli thought she was drunk. When she told him no, but that she was in deep distress, God used Eli to prophetically pray that God would grant her petition, which gave her comfort and she went on her way. This pray was granted when Hannah conceived and gave birth to Samuel.

3. What did Hannah do with Samuel and why? (Chapter 1)

Hannah took Samuel, after he was weaned (somewhere between ages 3-5), and dedicated him to the service of the LORD, leaving him in the care of Eli. This can be seen as modeling the dedication of the firstborn to the LORD, especially as Samuel was a miracle child from the LORD and an answer to her years of prayer.

Chapter 2:

Hannah’s Song of Thanksgiving

In the first part of this chapter, we read a song, or poem, by Hannah in thanksgiving to the LORD. (This prayer has similarities to Jesus’ Mother Mary’s prayer known as the Magnificat). Hannah gives praise to the LORD, rejoices in all that He has done, and speaks truth concerning those who are against the LORD.

The Sin of Eli’s Sons

The chapter turns here to address Eli’s two sons who were worthless men who did not know the LORD, yet were serving as priests in the House of the LORD. They would outright steal meat from the people’s sacrifice, while lying and making threats if the people did not cooperate with them. Verse 17 says “Thus the sin of the young men was great before the LORD, for the men despised the offering of the LORD.”

Samuel before the LORD as a boy

We then read that Samuel was serving before the LORD as a priest, even at his young age, and that his mother would visit and bring him a new robe. We then read that the LORD blessed Hannah and her husband with three more sons and two daughters. “And the boy Samuel grew before the LORD.”

Eli Rebukes His Sons

In this last section we read more about the wickedness of Eli’s two sons. Eli rebukes them, but does not go any further to discipline them as they basically ignore him. (And we continue to read that Samuel keeps growing in stature and in favor with the LORD and men). Then Eli is visited by “a man of God” who, speaking for God, rebukes Eli because of his sons (and it appears Eli was also getting fat off of their spoils, v. 29). The man of God give Eli a prophecy that his house will not last before the LORD, and that his two sons would die on the same day (this does come true in chapter 4). And God promises to raise up a faithful priest who will have an enduring house and walk before the LORD always.

1. What does Hannah’s prayer say about her high respect and honor for who God is? Give some examples. (Chapter 2) Cross-reference by reading Luke 1:46-56. How does Hannah’s prayer compare to that of Mary’s?

Hannah’s prayer honors God by exulting Him; rejoicing in His salvation (a promise and prophecy of Messiah to come); thanksgiving; warning to others concerning arrogance and pride; His strength and victory of His enemies; His miracles; His ability to resurrect (another prophecy); His care and control over all creation; His eventual judgment of the wicked. And she made an important end-time prophetic statement in v. 10 “And He will give strength to His king, and will exalt the horn of His anointed.”

Read Mary’s prayer in Luke 1:46-56 – there are many of the above similarities in how Mary rejoices in the LORD. LAB: “Like Hannah, Mary glorified God in song for what he was going to do for the world through her. Notice in both songs, God is pictur4ed as a champion of the poor, the oppressed, and the despised.”

2. What did Eli do right and where did he go wrong, and why? (Chapter 2)

Eli appeared to be faithfully serving the LORD as a priest to the people and a judge.

Eli did not follow through on disciplining his sons who were worthless men that did not know the LORD, nor respect His Laws. They stole from the people’s sacrifices and made themselves fat and rich off the people who came to worship and sacrifice. In v. 29 the man of God rebukes him by saying “Why do you kick at My sacrifice and at My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling, and honor your sons above Me, by making yourselves fat with the choicest of every offering of My people Israel?’ Therefore, it appears that Eli benefited from his son’s wickedness, and was unwilling to stop them.

3. Who came to Eli and what prophecy did he give? (Chapter 2:27-36) Cross-reference by reading 1 Kings 2:26-27 for its fulfillment.

A man from God (some say a Christophany, but probably an angel), came to him and prophesied against Eli and his sons saying that they would die together (which they did), and that his house would come to an end, which it did later in 1 Kings 2:26-27:

“26 Then to Abiathar the priest the king said, “Go to Anathoth to your own field, for you deserve to die; but I will not put you to death at this time, because you carried the ark of the Lord God before my father David, and because you were afflicted in everything with which my father was afflicted.” 27 So Solomon dismissed Abiathar from being priest to the Lord, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord, which He had spoken concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.” This is one of many prophecies fulfilled in the Old Testament times itself.

Chapter 3:

The Prophetic Call to Samuel

In this chapter we read about God calling out to Samuel (as there had not been any Word from God in a long time, similar to the intertestamental period of time). Samuel does not understand who is calling him, but with Eli’s guidance he responds correctly to God by saying “here I am”. God gives Samuel a prophetic Word against Eli that confirms what Eli had already been told earlier by the man from God. Eli responds correctly to Samuel’s Word from God by saying in verse 18: “It is the LORD; let Him do what seems good to Him.

1. Why did God call Samuel, and what was Eli’s response? (Chapter 3)

Samuel would be called God’s “Kingmaker” because God had chosen him to replace Eli and to be Israel’s last real judge (although his sons were serve for a short period before Saul’s kingship), and Samuel would be the only one to serve as a judge, priest and prophet all at once. Samuel would eventually crown Saul, and then later David as King over Israel. This is the beginning of the United Kingdom. Eli responded to Samuel’s call and vision by saying, in v. 16-18: “16 Then Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” And he said, “Here I am.” 17 He said, “What is the word that He spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. May God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the words that He spoke to 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.””

INTERPRETATION: What does it mean?

1. What is God trying to teach the audience from this narrative?

We get a model of how to following God in the persons of Elkanah and especially Hannah.
We see Hannah’s faithfulness modeled with her prayer of petition, and later her prayer of thanksgiving.
We see Eli’s faithfulness, as far as his duties were concerned, in raising Samuel up in the LORD’s service; but we learn about his selfishness when it came to reaping from his two sons’ wickedness in stealing food from the people.
We see Samuel’s complete commitment to LORD as a young lad when he responded to, and later followed, all that the LORD asked of him.
We see a people (the Nation of Israel) disobeying God over and over again, and then reaping the consequences of that disobedience.

2. Do we see anything in this narrative that points towards Jesus (a picture, foreshadow, model, prophecy etc.). For one example: Reread chapter 2:35 and then cross-reference with Hebrews 4:14-16 and Hebrews 6:19-20

Jesus will be, and is, the final fulfillment of our great high priest as we see in the Words of God from the man of God in 2:35.
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NASB)
19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:19-20 (NASB)
The boy Samuel, is a picture of the boy Jesus, who perfectly obeys his spiritual father, Eli picturing Jesus’ perfect obedience to God the Father.
Hannah’s prayer foreshadows Mary’s prayer in gratefulness to the LORD for a promise of a Son who would fulfill the calling of God.
The man of God who visits Eli could be a Christophany (preincarnate appearance of Jesus), a human representation of God.

APPLICATION: How can we use what we learned?

How important is it for us to be open to God’s calling, and how does Samuel model that?
What else can we learn from this narrative?

Answer may vary, but might include…
Samuel was obedient to, not only, God’s call, but he listened to his mentor Eli for direction in how to respond to God’s calling.
We can learn where individuals in this narrative went wrong when they went outside the will or commands of God; We can also see how obedience resulted in protection and relationship with God.
Shelf Questions or Comments

Discuss any “SHELF” questions you might have about chapters 1-3.

Answers will vary…

Homework

Read 1 Samuel Chapters 4-8 and write out titles and sub-titles for each section
Write a short summary (3-5 sentences or bullet points) for each chapter or chapter section to help in our weekly table discussion

Going Deeper:

Share your summary and/or answer these questions for each chapter:

Context: What does it say?

Chapter 4:

1. Review: Who were the Philistines; and what is the Ark of the Covenant?

2. What was the reaction by the Philistines, at first, to the Ark of the Covenant; and then what did they end up doing to Israel and the Ark?

3. What was Eli’s reaction to the news that came, and why? How long had Eli judged Israel?

4. What happened to Eli’s daughter-in-law and why? What did she name her son, and why?

Chapter 5:

5. What happened when the Ark was captured and brought in to the house of Dagon? What then happened in Ashdod, Gath and Ekron; and what did they finally decide to do?

Chapter 6:

6. What did the Philistine diviners and priests tell the people to do with the Ark, and why?

7. How did the people of Beth-Shemesh respond when they saw the Ark? Why did God strike down some of the men of Beth-Shemesh (who should have been handling the Ark)? Discuss the importance of understanding God’s perfect and holy character, and why we cannot take God’s commands lightly.

Chapter 7:

8. What did Samuel have the people do, how did they respond, and then what did God do on their behalf? How important is repentance as modeled by the people of Israel here under Samuel?

Chapter 8:

9. Who were the last judges in Israel, why did the people complain about them, and what did they ask for? How did Samuel respond, and then what did God tell Samuel?

10. What warning did Samuel give the people of Israel concerning a king, why, and how did they respond?

Interpretation: What does it mean?

11. What do we learn about God and His character? (Chapters 4-8)

12. What is God trying to teach the audience in this narrative? (Chapters 4-8)

13. Do we see anything in this narrative that points towards Jesus (a picture, foreshadow, model, prophecy etc.). (Chapters 4-8)

Application: How do we use what we learned?

14. What can we learn from the people of Israel (good or bad)?

15. What can we learn from the leaders of Israel (good or bad)?

– Discuss any “shelf” questions you might have about chapters 4-8.

Join us next week as we continue our Apologetics Blueprint Class!

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.

Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15