� Reading 3 - 1 Samuel 1-2

Introduction to 1 Samuel - 1 & 2 Samuel were originally one book. The Septuagint (LXX) was the first to separate them, as the scroll was probably too difficult to handle as one. This book speaks of difficult and desperate times. The judgeship did not end with Samson. Eli and Samuel both serve as judges (1 Sam. 4:18; 7:6, 15, 17). The wild times we saw in Judges continue as well. The nation is in spiritual apostasy, in which all are doing exactly as they, please. Oppression, violence, and brutality are the norm. Something must be done, and this book introduces what the people believe to be the solution: a king. 1 Samuel is easily divided into 3 parts: chs. 1-7 - Samuel, chs. 8-15 - Saul up to his rejection, chs. 16-31 - a decline of Saul, the rise of David. The book teaches God’s control in all events, as He accomplishes His will despite every obstacle, in- including disobedience. It also helps us see that God does not view or value as men do. Reversal of fortune and God unexpected blessing or using the most unexpected person is a key element in Samuel.

1 - Chapter 1 begins with a barren woman (verse 2). Barrenness was practically the worst thing that could happen to a woman, as her husband’s hopes of an heir depended upon her. Often it was interpreted as a sign of divine disfavor. Verse 6 helps us realize that while the Bible does not specifically condemn polygamy in the Old Testament it shows us, again and again, the evils that accrue from this departure from God’s original plan for marriage. As a sign of how wild things were at the Tabernacle Eli doesn’t seem to find it out of the ordinary to find a drunk woman at the Tabernacle (verse 13)! Notice how God answers Hannah’s prayers through entirely natural means (verses 19-20). Jesus’ birth is a miracle, while Samuel’s birth is entirely natural. God can work through natural means! Samuel would be weaned for around two to three years, making him quite small to leave at the Tabernacle (verse 22).

2 - Chapter 2 well illustrates the theme of reversal. Hannah’s song (verses 1-10) makes strong contrasts: weak and strong, full and hungry, barren and fertile, dead and alive, sick and well, poor and rich, humble and exalted. The reader is now given more information about the degradation at the Tabernacle. Verse 16’s technical details about sacrifices may be lost on us but the fat would be God’s part. Hophni and Phinehas are stealing from God! That is the idea in verse 25. Who is the “faithful priest” of verse 35? Some think Samuel, others Zadok, while some see this as a Messianic prophecy of Christ.

Psalm 120

This is the first in the famous Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). These psalms were sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. That means Jesus would have heard these psalms (and sung them) during His journeys to Jerusalem! This psalm is an appropriate starting point for those because it is a lament, calling on God to help (verse 1), and to bring judgment on evil doers (verse 3). It is voiced by those who dwell far away (verse 5), among those who want to attack God’s people (verse 6). Both of the places in verse 5 are far away from each other, so it is a figure of speech where the psalmist says “We might say “From Las Vegas to New York - I’m tired of living with sin all around me.” Take special note of verse 5’s terms “so- journ” and “dwell.” They are pilgrim words. They speak to a heart that is not at home in this world even if one owns a house (or a palace!) here. “I am among the wicked who hate me and I need God’s help,” is the cry of Psalm 120.

3 - This wonderful story is very straightforward. The man is healed and Peter preaches the sermon of Acts 2 again. Verse 19’s expression “times of refreshing” is difficult. It may simply be the refreshing blessings of being in Jesus Christ, or it may refer to the restoration of all things (verse 21), speaking of the New World established by the Messiah. Verse 25 connects Peter’s sermon (and Jesus') to the grand promises made to Abraham in Genesis 12. The Bible’s theme of redemption echoes from cover to cover!