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Hannah’s Prayer Answered
In 1 Samuel 1:1-28, Hannah longs for a child but cannot have one. She prays earnestly to God, promising that if He gives her a son, she will dedicate him to serve the Lord. God answers her prayer, and she gives birth to Samuel. True to her promise, Hannah takes Samuel to the temple when he is still young, entrusting him to the priest Eli to be raised in God’s service.
God Calls Samuel
In 1 Samuel 3:1-21, young Samuel is serving in the temple under Eli when he hears someone calling his name at night. Thinking it is Eli, he runs to him, but Eli tells him he didn’t call. This happens three times before Eli realizes that God is speaking to Samuel. He tells Samuel to respond, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” When Samuel listens, God gives him an important message about the future of Israel. From that day on, Samuel becomes a prophet, showing that God speaks to those who are willing to listen.
Israel Asks for a King
In 1 Samuel 8:1-5, Samuel is old, and his sons, who have become leaders, are not honest or fair. The Israelites grow unhappy and ask Samuel to give them a king like other nations have. They no longer want to be led by judges and believe a king will make them stronger. This request displeases Samuel because Israel is meant to follow God as their leader. Their desire for a king marks a big change in their history, showing their struggle to trust God’s plan.
Israel Insists on a King
In 1 Samuel 8:6-22, Samuel is upset that the Israelites want a king, but when he prays, God tells him to listen to them. However, God warns that a king will take their sons for his army, their daughters for his service, and their best lands and crops for himself. Despite these warnings, the people refuse to change their minds, insisting they want a king to lead them in battle like other nations. God tells Samuel to give them what they want, even though it means they are rejecting His leadership.
Saul Meets Samuel
In 1 Samuel 9:1-21, a young man named Saul, who is tall and handsome, sets out to find his father’s lost donkeys. Along the way, he and his servant decide to visit the prophet Samuel for guidance. What Saul doesn’t know is that God has already told Samuel that Saul will be Israel’s first king. When Saul arrives, Samuel welcomes him, tells him the donkeys have been found, and hints at his future as leader of Israel. Saul is surprised and feels unworthy, but God has a special plan for him.
Saul Becomes King
In 1 Samuel 10:1-27, Samuel anoints Saul with oil, showing that God has chosen him as Israel’s first king. He tells Saul about signs that will confirm God’s choice, and everything happens just as Samuel said. When Saul returns home, Samuel gathers the people and announces him as king, but Saul hides because he feels unworthy. When they find him, he stands tall among the people, and many accept him as their leader. However, some doubt him. Despite this, God is guiding Saul’s path, showing that He equips those He calls.
Jonathan’s Bold Attack
In 1 Samuel 14:1-23, Jonathan, the son of King Saul, bravely decides to attack a Philistine outpost with only his armor-bearer, trusting that God can win the battle whether they have many soldiers or just a few. God gives them victory, and panic spreads through the Philistine camp. At the same time, Saul and his army see the confusion and join the fight. Even Israelite soldiers who had been hiding come out to help. With God’s help, the Philistines are defeated, showing that faith and courage can lead to great victories.
David Is Chosen as King
In 1 Samuel 16:1-13, God sends Samuel to the house of Jesse to anoint Israel’s next king. Samuel expects to choose one of Jesse’s older, stronger sons, but God tells him not to judge by appearance. Instead, God chooses David, Jesse’s youngest son, who is out tending sheep. When David is brought in, God tells Samuel to anoint him, and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon David. Though he is just a shepherd boy, God sees his heart and has great plans for him.
David Hears Goliath’s Challenge
In 1 Samuel 17:1-31, the Israelites are terrified as the giant warrior Goliath challenges them to a one-on-one fight. For forty days, he mocks them, but no one dares to face him. Young David, visiting his brothers at the battlefield, hears Goliath’s insults and is shocked that no one trusts God enough to fight him. Despite being just a shepherd, David believes that God will give victory. When others doubt him, he boldly declares that with God’s help, he can defeat the giant. His faith and courage set the stage for one of the most famous battles in history.
David Defeats Goliath
In 1 Samuel 17:32-58, David tells King Saul that he will fight Goliath, trusting that God will give him victory. Saul doubts him, but David shares how God helped him defeat lions and bears while protecting his sheep. Refusing to wear heavy armor, David takes only a sling and five stones. As Goliath mocks him, David boldly declares that the battle belongs to God. He slings a stone, striking Goliath in the forehead, and the giant falls. David then uses Goliath’s own sword to finish him. His victory shows that faith in God is more powerful than any weapon or warrior.