Eli and Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1–7:17)
The story of Eli and Samuel begins with a woman named Hannah, who deeply desired a child. She prayed earnestly to God, promising that if He gave her a son, she would dedicate him to serve the Lord. God heard her prayer, and she gave birth to Samuel. When he was old enough, Hannah brought him to the tabernacle at Shiloh, where the priest Eli cared for him. Samuel grew up serving God from a young age.
Eli was a faithful priest, but his sons were corrupt. They disrespected God’s offerings and took advantage of their position. Though Eli warned them, they refused to change, and God’s judgment was announced against Eli’s family. Meanwhile, Samuel continued to grow in wisdom and favor with both God and people. He was being prepared to lead Israel in a new way.
One night, as Samuel lay sleeping, he heard a voice calling his name. Thinking it was Eli, he ran to him several times until Eli realized it was the Lord speaking. Eli told Samuel to respond, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” God revealed His plans to Samuel, confirming that Eli’s household would face judgment.
As Samuel grew older, God was with him, and all Israel recognized him as a true prophet. Under his guidance, the Israelites turned back to God and repented of worshiping false gods.
Samuel led Israel with justice and faithfulness. Through his leadership, God delivered the people from their enemies and restored peace. The story of Eli and Samuel reminds us that God calls those who listen to His voice and remain faithful to Him.
Samuel and Saul (1 Samuel 8:1–15:35)
As Samuel grew older, the Israelites asked him to appoint a king to rule over them, like the other nations. Though Samuel was disappointed, God told him to listen to the people. They were not rejecting Samuel but rejecting God as their true King. God warned that a human king would bring taxes, forced labor, and hardship, but the people insisted. So God chose Saul, a tall and handsome man from the tribe of Benjamin, to be Israel’s first king.
At first, Saul was humble and hesitant to lead. With Samuel’s guidance, he was anointed with oil and confirmed as king. When enemies threatened Israel, Saul led the people to victory, and the nation celebrated. It seemed that God had blessed Israel’s new beginning under Saul’s leadership.
However, Saul’s heart began to drift from obedience. In one battle, he grew impatient waiting for Samuel and offered a sacrifice himself, disobeying God’s command. Samuel rebuked him, telling him that obedience was more important than outward acts of worship. God began to look for another man who would follow Him wholeheartedly.
Later, God told Saul to destroy the Amalekites completely, but Saul spared their king and the best animals. When Samuel confronted him, Saul made excuses instead of admitting his sin. Samuel declared that God had rejected him as king because he had rejected God’s word.
Samuel grieved deeply for Saul, but God’s plan continued. The story of Samuel and Saul reminds us that true leadership comes from humility and obedience to God—not appearance, power, or pride.
Saul and David (1 Samuel 16:1–31:13)
After God rejected Saul as king, He sent Samuel to anoint a new leader. God chose David, the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd boy from Bethlehem. Unlike Saul, David’s strength came from his heart, not his appearance. God’s Spirit came upon David from that day forward, while Saul’s spirit grew troubled. David was later brought to Saul’s court to play music for him, and his harp soothed the king’s troubled mind.
Soon after, Israel faced the Philistines and their giant warrior, Goliath. While others were afraid, David trusted God and boldly stepped forward. With a sling and one smooth stone, he defeated Goliath, showing that victory comes from faith, not weapons. David’s courage made him famous, and Saul took notice of him.
At first, Saul admired David and made him a commander in his army. But as David’s success grew, Saul became jealous. The people praised David more than Saul, and fear turned to hatred. Saul tried several times to kill David, but God protected him. David fled and lived as a fugitive, even though he had done nothing wrong.
Twice, David had the chance to kill Saul but refused. He said he would not harm the one God had chosen, showing mercy and respect even to his enemy. Saul was moved by David’s kindness but still struggled with jealousy and anger.
Eventually, Saul and his sons died in battle against the Philistines. It was a tragic end for a man who once had great promise. Through Saul and David’s story, we see that God values humility, faith, and obedience over pride and power.