Political chaos, religious corruption, moral decadence and social upheaval—sound familiar? Such were the times of Samuel the prophet. Yet in a few short years David, the greatest forerunner of Christ, is identified as a man after God’s own heart. This summer, we will look at that transition, and next summer pick up the story of King David and his reign.
The reign in Jerusalem of David and his son, Solomon, marked the pinnacle of Israel’s political, military and religious influence. This, of course, did not happen in a vacuum, but as a result of God’s blessings, largely resulting in a godliness and single-minded devotion of Israel’s leaders.
However, the process of getting to that pinnacle of blessing was not easy, nor could one say it was expected. For hundreds of years, the Israelite people were held in bondage in Egypt (Exodus) before God miraculously freed them. What followed was generations of tribal existence (Joshua), barely functional as a people group, politically scattered and culturally inferior to the surrounding nations. There were, of course, bright moments, but these highlighted the intense failure, moral collapse and subsequent suffering of the people (Judges).
Somehow, out of the chaos arose a mighty Kingdom—mighty, not only in power, but in godliness. Again, the leadership cannot be ignored; as went the king, so goes the kingdom. But as any analysis of David’s character (his political policies, his personal relationships and his family) demonstrates, David was a seriously flawed individual. How might he reign over such a God-committed people?
The threat, fear, and reality of crushing darkness forever surrounds God’s people. That darkness may come in the form of a political enemy, military oppression, social unrest, religious upheaval, but there is a common thread—the embrace of idolatry, godlessness and unrighteousness. Into this failure, this darkness, nonetheless, the Word of God is heard. “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet” (Psalm 119:105). There is no darkness which can prevent the Word coming to His people.
Into the bleak story of Samuel the prophet, Saul the apostate King and the frequently morally bankrupt David, the voice of God resonates with the call to repentance, to forgiveness, to godliness and to life. Into the darkness, Light!
In preparation for worship this week, read I Samuel chapter 1.
- If you can, place this story in the midst of its historical setting. Israel is ruled by judges and that rule is increasingly depraved and ungodly. Scan the final chapters of Judges to get a feel for the cultural environment of the time. How does this background help shape the narrative of this chapter?
- Where is darkness present in this chapter? Where is ungodliness evident? How might such an ungodliness be experienced today?
- What causes Hannah’s distress? What is the source of her trouble? How do her relationships with her husband and Peninnah influence things?
- What did it mean for Hannah to give her son to be raised by Eli? What is admirable about that? What is hard to accept?
- Examine Hannah’s comments in verses 26-28. What does this tell you about Hannah’s faith? What is worthy of respect and replication in your own life? What would you do or say differently?
By Henry Knapp