Christ-Light Connections: Hannah and Samuel & Eli and His Wicked Sons

This week’s lessons are filled with parenting themes. Watch the struggles, failures, and blessings of Hannah, Peninnah, Elkanah, Eli, and God the Father himself.

The Christ-Light theme this week is God-fearing parents love their children and train them spiritually.

OT3 1A

Hannah and Samuel — 1 Samuel 1:1-28; 2:11,12; 3:1-21

Context

The previous book, Judges, was a book of chaos and moral decline that showed Israel’s great need for wise and faithful leaders. “Israel had no king, and everyone did as he saw fit (Judges 21:25).” The book of Samuel now traces Israel’s history as they become a united kingdom ruled by a king.

Big Ideas

Elkanah’s Worship Practices (1 Samuel 1:2-18)

Chapter one introduces us to a family faithful to the LORD. Elkanah is a descendant of Aaron from the tribe of Levi. His annual travels to the tabernacle were in obedience to the commands of God, but his family was not required to join him.

Conversation Starters:

• Why do you think Elkanah brought his family with him?
• How did this impact Hannah’s relationship with the LORD?
• What spiritual rhythms and habits are a part of your family? Why are habits important?

Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:4-8)

As we have seen in other Biblical narratives, fertility was highly valued in the Israelite culture. For Peninnah, children gave her status and bragging rights. They were what gave her permission to shame the rival wife, Hannah. It is easy to scoff at Peninnah saying, “How could she be so cruel?” But don’t we do the same anytime we look down on others because we are blessed differently than they? My insecure nature desperately needs to be better than others. In fact, as I write this, it is much easier for me to think about all the other people who struggle sin with this more than I do.

Conversation Starters:

• It is so difficult to confess this sin! But, your transparency will help others be transparent and honest about their sins. How do you (adults) struggle with comparison sins?
• Why did Peninnah do it? Why do you do it?
• How can you help children see themselves in Peninnah’s shoes?

The LORD Closed her Womb (1 Samuel 1:6)

Why did God do this to Hannah? Why is the question we always want to ask God, but we can never know the answer for certain unless the Bible clearly gives it to us. However, in the midst of suffering, we can patiently wait for God to reveal his purpose. When suffering ends, we can reflect on the blessings given to us because of it.

Conversation Starters:

• What blessings came because of Hannah’s suffering?
• What blessings come from our suffering?
• Do we always see blessings come from hardship?

I Will Give him to the LORD (1 Samuel 1:11,28)

As a mother, it is difficult to fathom dropping my young child off to be raised by another. I cling to my children too tightly. What Hannah realized was that Samuel never belonged to her in the first place. He belonged to the LORD.

It is the same for us. Our children don’t actually belong to us. They belong to the LORD. He has entrusted us with their care. (Please don’t be confused by this account. You still need to pick your children up after you drop them off for Sunday School.)

Conversation Starters:

• How do we treat our children as possessions?
• How do we treat a possession that belongs to someone whom we honor, respect, or even fear?

Digging Deeper

The Seeds of Faith resource provides Law and Gospel points as well as helpful application questions.

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OT3 1B

Eli and His Wicked Sons — 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25, 27-36; 4:1-18; 7:15

Context

It has been years since Israel had a strong godly leader who would teach Israel to turn to the LORD. Eli, the High Priest, was no exception. His own children publicly spurned the LORD in the house of worship, and under his watch, the ark of the covenant was used as a mere good luck charm and lost to the Philistines.

Big Ideas

Hophni and Phineas (1 Samuel 2:12-17,22)

As children of the High Priest, Hophni and Phineas were leaders who publicly served in the tabernacle assisting with the sacrifices of the people. The sacrifices of the people were meant to help feed the priests. However, Hophni and Phineas would greedily claim the best parts for themselves. Thus they made a mockery of the sacrificial ritual.

Later on, we read that they were committing adultery with the women who served at the tabernacle. Such unbelief in a leadership position ruined worship for many.

Conversation Starter:

• Have you ever seen a church with leaders who do not have high regard for God’s commands? How does it affect the members? How does it affect the community?

God’s Judgment on Bad Parenting (1 Samuel 2:27-36)

In unbelief, Hophni and Phineas made a mockery of the sacrifices that were brought before the LORD. They were unrepentant and spurned forgiveness. They rejected the atonement made for their sins.

Although we see evidence that Eli has faith in the LORD, this passage makes it clear that God is placing the blame on Eli for the sins of his children. We do not have many details about Eli’s failure, but we do know he ate from the sacrifices that were stolen (1 Samuel 2:29), and he did not use his authority to put a stop to their public sins.

Conversation Starters:

• Although Eli did not actively participate in his sons’ sins, how did he condone them?
• Was it fair for God to judge Eli for the sins of his children?
• Are you surprised that God allowed Eli to be entrusted with the upbringing of Samuel? How does this demonstrate God’s grace toward Eli?

God as Father to Israel (1 Samuel 4:1-18)

Now we see the cooperate effects of generations of poor and ungodly leadership. The Philistines again are threatening the Israelites. Instead of turning directly to the LORD, the source of their strength, they use the ark as a token or good luck charm. Like a father disciplining his children, God allows Israel to be defeated and the ark to be captured. Although this caused Israel great pain, he would not condone their arrogance or their faith in a manmade object.

Go ahead and read chapters five and six. It’s cool and gross and oozing with God’s carefully calculated discipline with undertones of grace for both the Philistines and the Israelites.

Conversation Starters:

• Compare and contrast God the Father and Eli as a father.
• Have you ever thanked someone who disciplined you?

Digging Deeper

The Seeds of Faith resource provides Law and Gospel points as well as helpful application questions.