INTERNET BIBLE STUDIES I Samuel Lesson 2
Contact: David Parham 940-322-4343

Website: Internet Bible Studies

I Samuel Menu

e-mail: davidparham@internetbible.net

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ball23A0.gif (3556 bytes)

 

I Samuel Chapter 02

Memory verses for this week:  Phil 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

Introduction:  We continue our study on Samuel this week.   In last week’s lesson, we studied about the story of Hannah.   She was the wife of Elkanah, and was barren.   She poured out her heart to the Lord concerning the matter, and God granted her request and gave her a son.   She brought the young man Samuel to the house of the Lord to be consecrated unto the Lord.

 

I.                     Hannah’s Prophetic Prayer

1 Sam 2:1  And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

1 Sam 2:2  There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 

In our earlier study of Chapter 1, we found that Hannah was a woman of prayer.   The prayer that Hannah uttered on this occasion concerning the dedication of Samuel to the Lord was prophetic.   God through the Holy Spirit moved this woman to speak eternal truths.   She begins by praising the Lord who exalts her horn (meaning power) and enlarges her over her enemies.   She praised the Lord for being most holy and the solid rock of Israel.

Perhaps one of the errors we make when we pray is our failure to glorify and praise the Lord.   So many times in my own prayers I am quick to start listing off all the things that I want for myself and my family.  But we need to remember to praise the Lord for all He has done for us. 

Psa 106:1  Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psa 106:2  Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can show forth all his praise?

Psa 106:3  Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.

Psa 106:4  Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;

Psa 106:5  That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.

When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, he gave them the model prayer which has become known as the Lord’s Prayer.  But this is truly the model prayer.  Note that the Lord is praised first in this prayer. 

Mat 6:9  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Mat 6:10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 

We need to acknowledge the greatness of God, and be most concerned that God’s will be done in earth as it is in heaven.   That was Jesus’ number one goal during his earthly ministry… to do the very will of the Father.

 

1 Sam 2:3  Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

1 Sam 2:4  The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

1 Sam 2:5  They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

1 Sam 2:6  The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

1 Sam 2:7  The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

1 Sam 2:8  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them.

1 Sam 2:9  He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

1 Sam 2:10  The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

 

In verse 3, there is good advice for all, but it appears that Hannah could be addressing Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah directly.   She rebukes her for her pride and arrogance, and reminds her that the Lord weights the actions and has knowledge of all men and women.   These words were to encourage us to not hurt those who are less fortunate, as Hannah had been in child bearing.  She notes in the following verses about the power God exerts over the mighty of the earth.   He makes strong men to stumble, and yet girds the stumbling with strength.  It is the Lord who holds the destinies of all men in His hand.    In verse 6, she speaks of God’s saving power and of how He shall exalt His people to inherit thrones of glory.  It is the Lord who is the power behind the earth.   God will keep the feet of His saints, but the wicked will he deliver to darkness.     Two of my favorite verses in the bible are over in Psalms 37.

Psa 37:23  The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Psa 37:24  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

What an encouragement to know that God orders our steps and is there to pick us up when we fall.   We will have our failures in this life, but God will help us and lift us up with his loving and caring hand.

1 Sam 2:11  And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest. 

At the end of Hannah’s words, there is a reference of Armageddon and the final judgment.   This will usher in the everlasting kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.   She says “For the Lord shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.”  It says Elkanah went to Ramah to his own house, and the child Samuel did minister unto the Lord before Eli the priest.

 

II.  Eli's Evil Sons

 

1 Sam 2:12  Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

1 Sam 2:13  And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;

1 Sam 2:14  And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh, unto all the Israelites that came thither.

1 Sam 2:15  Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

1 Sam 2:16  And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.

1 Sam 2:17  Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.

While Eli was a good man who ministered unto the Lord, he had two sons that were wicked and the bible says they knew not the Lord.    Remember that people of high religious positions are not always of the Lord.   Bro. Bryant made mention of how that many will claim to have done great things for the Lord at the Great White Throne Judgment, but not a single saved person will be there.   Only the Lost stand at the Great White Throne Judgment.    Note the words Jesus will use:

Mat 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 7:22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Mat 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 

Eli had many great attributes, but failing to rebuke his sons was one of his greatest mistakes.   It very sad for God’s people to have a leader that does not know the Lord.   I’m afraid from the actions of many pastors today, their deeds make it known that they don’t truly know the Lord.   If they did, they would lead the people in the way of righteousness.    So many today are following traditions of men and preaching a social gospel.   As in Eli’s day, God is angry with those that fail to serve Him properly.    I’m sure this situation may have been a concern to Hannah.   She had left her only son in the hands of the elderly priest Eli who had done a poor job in raising his own two sons.     These verses give us a pretty clear picture of Eli’s sons.  They ignored the provision of the law relative to the sacrifices and offerings.   They took their portion before the fat was removed.   This violated the rules God gave concerning the priest’s portion.

 

Lev 3:1  And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.

Lev 3:2  And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

Lev 3:3  And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

Lev 3:4  And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.

Lev 3:5  And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Lev 3:6  And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD be of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.

Lev 3:7  If he offer a lamb for his offering, then shall he offer it before the LORD.

Lev 3:8  And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons shall sprinkle the blood thereof round about upon the altar.

Lev 3:9  And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

Lev 3:10  And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.

Lev 3:11  And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Lev 3:12  And if his offering be a goat, then he shall offer it before the LORD.

Lev 3:13  And he shall lay his hand upon the head of it, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle the blood thereof upon the altar round about.

Lev 3:14  And he shall offer thereof his offering, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

Lev 3:15  And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.

Lev 3:16  And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat is the LORD'S.

It says that the fat was the Lord’s.   Why did they not follow the rules?  It was because they were doing it their way, and didn’t care.   It says they knew not the Lord.   When anyone protested, they would threaten them and take it by force.    Verse 17 says ‘their sins were very great before the Lord.’

 

III.  The Child Samuel in the Tabernacle

1 Sam 2:18  But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.

1 Sam 2:19  Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.

1 Sam 2:20  And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home.

Samuel is dressed like a priest wearing a linen ephod.   He served there in the tabernacle at Shiloh with Eli.   Each year, Hannah would make him a little coat and bring it to him when she and Elkanah came up to offer their yearly sacrifice.    You know Hannah had to be proud of her son.   Dedicating him wholly to the service of the Lord had to be hard, but you know how great a way God used Samuel in His service.   Eli prayed and blessed Elkanah and Hannah.  The Lord heard Eli’s prayer and it says the Lord blessed them.  

 

VI.  Hannah is Blessed with More Children

1 Sam 2:21  And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD. 

After being barren for a long time, God now opens her womb and she has 3 sons and two daughters.   She is now blessed with a whole family.   And Hannah was also blessed by Samuel who grew before the Lord.   He grew physically, but the greater meaning is his growth spiritually.

 

VII.   Wickedness of Eli’s Sons

1 Sam 2:22  Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

1 Sam 2:23  And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.

1 Sam 2:24  Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord's people to transgress.

1 Sam 2:25  If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

1 Sam 2:26  And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.

Eli was old, but he was aware of the wickedness of his sons.   People of Israel came and told Eli what the boys were doing about the offerings.   No doubt many protested against what was going on.   Others told him about the how they committed fornication and defiled the women who had devoted their lives to the service of the tabernacle.    These two boys, Hophni and Phinehas, had used force to take the meat offerings improperly, and may well have forced the women to commit the sinful acts with them.   Eli tells the boys that the report against them was not good.   He suggests that there is a judge to decide matters between men, but who would intercede between man when he sins against God.   The priests were to be there to intercede for the people, but these priests were wicked and not acquainted with the real Intercessor.    Samuel did not appear to properly bring these young men into line, and it costs him dearly.    We as parents have a responsibility to teach our children, and to correct them when they fail.    If we do not do this, we have failed the Lord and our children.

 

VIII.  The prophecy Against Eli's Family

1 Sam 2:27  And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?

1 Sam 2:28  And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?

1 Sam 2:29  Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?

1 Sam 2:30  Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

1 Sam 2:31  Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.

1 Sam 2:32  And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever.

Eli is confronted by a man of God.   He warns him that he should straighten things out.    He is accused in verse 29 of honoring his sons above the Lord.   He says that if he wants the blessings of the Lord, things would have to change.    Because of the evil, the man of God pronounces doom to the house of Eli.   God had chosen him to walk after the Lord, but because they had despised the things of the Lord, God could no longer bless them.   The day was soon coming when God would bring judgment to Eli’s house.  When we are rebuked, we need to take it patiently and learn from it.   It is never fun to be rebuked, but it says in Proverbs that a wise man can learn from it.

Prov 9:8  Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

Prov 9:9  Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

Prov 9:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Prov 9:11  For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

Prov 9:12  If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

 

1 Sam 2:33  And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.

1 Sam 2:34  And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.

1 Sam 2:35  And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.

1 Sam 2:36  And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.

The Lord tells Eli what is going to come to pass.   When God pronounces judgment, you can mark it down, it is going to come to pass.    One day, both sons would die.   And from that day, God would raise up a faithful priest who would do things God’s way.   As you know, this soon came to pass just as God had said.

 

Internet Bible Studies are prepared and distributed free of charge.  The lessons may not be sold without consent.   If you have questions or wish to discuss the lessons, or possibly need help in finding Jesus Christ as your Personal Lord and Savior, contact David Parham at 940-322-4343.

Prov 4:18  But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 

e-mail at:   davidparham@internetbible.net

Website:   http://www.internetbible.net

 

Practice Random Acts of Kindness.  Each act spreads, and many will be blessed.