SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES LESSON 692: THE BIRTH OF SAMUEL

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “Hannah’s prayer and vow”, we learnt that: Deviation from God’s perfect will in marriage leads to jealousy, strife and other problems. Like Elkanah, husbands should ensure the spiritual development of their family. We should be humble, calm and holy when faced with provocation and negative criticism. Prayer changes situations; the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous avails much. Our prayer should be specific, scriptural, selfless and steadfast. Challenges should not weaken our faith. We should trust God and serve Him faithfully. We should be calm, humble and offer necessary explanation when wrongly rebuked or misunderstood.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 692: THE BIRTH OF SAMUEL MEMORY VERSE: “Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD” (1 Samuel 1:20). TEXT: 1 Samuel 1:19-28. The study of today touches on three points: Divine response to Hannah’s fervent prayer. Deferred return of Hannah to Shiloh. Dedication of Samuel to God.

SUMMARY Divine response to Hannah’s fervent prayer (1 Samuel 1:19-20; Genesis 30:22-23) “...the LORD remembered her”. In response to Hannah’s prayer, God gave her a son. Adversity is common to man but God answers those who call on Him in faith. Deferred return of Hannah to Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:21-28; Deut. 16:16; 31:10-13): Hannah deferred her attendance at the Shiloh retreat so she could cater for Samuel till she had weaned him. Yearly attendance was compulsory for men only. Elkanah approved her decision. He prayed for the establishment of God’s word. Hannah went to Shiloh with Samuel after he was weaned. She testified to Eli: “For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him”. Dedication of Samuel to God (1 Samuel 1:24,28; 2:11): Hannah fulfilled her vow to the Lord: she ‘lent’ Samuel perpetually to God. Believers should lead their children to know God early in life so they can grow in the fear of God.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 What can today’s Christians learn from Hannah’s story? Psalm 34:15-17 Romans 8:31-32 Isaiah 41:14

QUESTION 2 How can believers receive answers to their prayers? Isaiah 1:15-16 Exodus 23:25-26 1 John 5:14-15 Psalm 27:13-14

QUESTION 3 Comment on Hannah’s decision in respect of the Shiloh feasts and the child. 1 Samuel 1:22-23 Deuteronomy 16:16; 31:10-12

QUESTION 4 Explain the change in Hannah’s disposition at her return to Shiloh? 1 Samuel 1:26-28

QUESTION 5 Outline any two reasons to support early encounter of a child with the Lord. Proverbs 22:15, 6 2 Timothy 3:15 Luke 18:15-17

CONCLUSION God never forgets His children. He remembered Rachel, Hannah and others. He will remember you if you pray fervently according to His will. Our personal and family devotion to God should be constant and fervent even in difficult moments. Hannah did not focus on the Eli’s criticism or Peninnah’s provocation; she concentrated on her covenant with God. Avoid distractions: look unto Jesus. Hannah ‘lent’ Samuel to God. He eventually gave her three other sons and two daughters. Consecration to God attracts divine blessings. We should lead our children to give their lives to God when they are young.