Dear Parents,
The book of Samuel covers the period of approximately 1080 to 1040 B.C.
The theme is the balance between the need for a king and the people’s dependence on God.
We begin with the story of Hannah, the wife of Elknah who had no children. Elknah would go each year to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord. While they were there, Hannah poured her heart out to God that He would “remember” her and give her a son, which He does.
Sunday, Aug 29th
1Sam 1: 17
Then Eli (the priest) answered(Hannah), “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have made to him.” (1Sam 1: 17)
- I wonder what a petition is? It's a request we make to God
- I wonder what petition (request) Hannah made to God?
- Do you think God hears our requests?
- Do you have any requests for God today?
Monday, August 30th
1Sam 2: 26
“Now the boy Samuel [Hannah’s son] continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men.” (1Sam 2: 26)
- I wonder what it means to grow in stature? It means to grow in virtue
- I wonder what it means to grow in favor with the Lord? It means to grow in blessing
- What can we do to grow in virtue?
Tuesday, August 31st
1Sam 3: 8-10
“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. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, “Speak Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came and stood forth, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” and Samuel said, “Speak for your servant hears.” (1Sam 3: 8-10)
- What did you hear?
- Who was calling Samuel?
- Did Samuel recognize the Lord calling him right away?
- I wonder how we can hear the Lord when He calls us?
Wednesday, September 1st
1Sam 3:19- 4:1
“And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord. And the word of Samuel came to all Israel.” (1Sam 3:19-4:1)
- What did you hear?
- I wonder what it means that “the Lord was with him”? It means that The Lord was there to guide and help him
- I wonder if the Lord is with us right now? Yes! He is always with us!
- I wonder what a prophet is? A prophet is someone who listens to God and tells the people what he has heard.
Thursday, September 2nd
1Sam 5:1-3
“When the Philistines captured the ark of God, they carried it from Ebenezer to Ashdod; then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up beside Dagon. And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the found before the ark of the Lord.” (1Sam 5:1-3)
- What did you hear?
- Have you heard of the Ark of the Covenant before? The Ark of the Covenant is the holiest object in all of Israel. God’s presence dwells in the ark.
- I wonder who Dagon is? He is the god of the Philistines.
- Why do you suppose that the god of the Philistines, Dagon, was found face down in front of the Ark of the Covenant?
Friday, September 3rd
1Sam 6:1-3
“The ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines seven months. 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.” 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." (1Sam 6:1-3)
- I wonder why the Philistines decided to give the Ark of the Lord back? It was because the Philistines were plagued by illness and mice and thought it was from the hand of the God of Israel.
- I wonder what the “guilt offering” was for? It was a sort of offering of apology with the hope of forgiveness.
Saturday, September 4th
1Sam 6:21-7:2
“So they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriathjearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the Lord. Come down and take it up to you.” And the men of Kiriathjearim came and took up the ark of the Lord, and brought it to the house of Abinadab on the hill; and they consecrated his son, Eleazar, to have charge of the ark of the Lord. From the day that the ark was lodged at Kiriathjearin, a long time passed, some twenty years, and all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.” (1Sam 6:21-7:2)
- What did you hear?
- I wonder how the people felt that the Ark of the Lord had been returned?
- How long did Eleazar (El-ee-az-ar) take care of the Ark of the Lord?