ripple effect: vacaville

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-21.

[Stuff we’re skimming over…

* Hannah rocks a prayer that is actually really powerful (kind of reminds me of a psalm of David…only she was around first!) It also goes on to say that Elkanah went home and left Samuel to be raised by and serve with Eli.

* We get an inside look at Eli’s sons, who basically take bigger portions of the meat offerings to God than was right. The tradition was to take a little bit with a fork while it was boiling—these jokers asked for the meat before it was even cooked, taking the fat (which was always to be set apart for God).

* We also find out that Hannah and Elkanah saw Samuel every year; and, when they did, his mom would give him a new robe to wear. Eli blessed Hannah, and she ended up having three more boys and two girls.

* It seems as if Eli’s sons were more than just hungry for food—these guys had sex with the women in front of the tent of meeting. Eli chewed them out, but they didn’t listen. (It says that God wanted to put them to death). It also says that Samuel grew up to be a good guy.

* A “man of God” comes to Eli to tell him that God has made his judgment on Eli and his sons. Because Eli let his sons continue to be priests, his whole family would be cut off from being priests forever. He will also see his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, killed on the same day. He says that they will raise up a new priest. I wonder if it’s the guy that this book is named after?]

1. Interesting phrase, “the word of the Lord was rare in those days.” Do you think it was because His priests weren’t honoring Him, or do you think it was something else?
2. So God calls out to Samuel twice, and both times he thinks it’s Eli calling him. Silly rabbit. Interestingly, it says that Samuel didn’t even know God at this point. I think he will real soon.
3. Quick question…what do you think of the phrase “God told me _________.” It’s used a lot in Christian culture. What do you think people really mean when they say that?
4. OK…so Eli’s a smart guy, and he realized God was speaking to Samuel. That’s good. You know, it should be all old people’s responsibility to help the young folks learn how to “hear God.”
5. Whoah. Imagine being Samuel. He’s kind of like Cinderella. He’s got his new “dad.” He’s got two “wicked stepbrothers.” And God tells him that a) “dad” is going to get judged and b) the “wicked stepbrothers” are going to die. I can see this one coming…would this be news that would make your ears tingle or your palms sweat?
6. Wow. You have to like Eli’s response. He knew it was God, and he accepted the judgment. Would you have tried to “fight” this verdict?
7. What a cool thing to say about Samuel: “none of his words fell to the ground.” God knows I talk a little too much. But, I think I get the gist of what’s being said here. His words were always from God. His words were never said just for the sake of saying something. His words meant something. God, help me and anyone else who’s reading this to seek a life like that. No words hitting the dirt. They all stick to the ears and hearts of those who listen.