Stones That Speak / “A Stone of Help”

November 17, 2024

1 Samuel 7:1-12

Study Questions

1. Read 1 Samuel 7:1-3. What is the significance of the Ark of the Lord being brought to Abinadab and his son in Kiriath-jearim and not replaced back in the Tebernacle in Shiloh?

2. How long did Samuel preach and instruct the Israelites about the Lord before he saw their repentance? What can we learn from Samuel’s persistence?

3. Reading 1 Samuel 7:4-6, we see the Israelites mourning and repenting of their idolatry. How important is the act of mourning our sin? What is the importance of repentance? What does that look like today?

4. Read 1 Samuel 7:7-12. What motivated the Israelites to plead to God for help? Is that a wrong motivation? Why/why not?

5. What is the significance of Samuel’s burnt offering of the lamb? How does this point us to the atonement of Christ Jesus? See also: Hebrews 9:12;10:11-14; John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:19; Romans 5:10.

6. What is the significance of Samuel erecting a stone after God’s deliverance? What are things that help remind you of how the Lord has helped you? What is the difference between a reminder and a religious relic?

7. What do the following Scriptures teach about God being our helper (Jehovah Ezer)? See also: Psalm 33:20; 46:1; Isaiah 41:10; Hebrews 13:6. How has the Lord been your helper? Where are you seeking the Lord’s help presently?