Chronological Plan for April 7, 1 Sam 1-3

Today's readings are 1 Sam 1-3. Tomorrow's are 1 Samuel 4-8. 

We've seen Israel, led by Moses and Joshua, move from Egypt into the Promised Land. Once settled there, God gave them judges to watch over them while they established homes and cities. As the new nation grows and matures, God will give them a more sophisticated system of governors and leaders. 1 Samuel oversees the establishment of a monarchy. Samuel functions a prophet/priest/judge all the while becoming the man God will use to transition His people from judges to a king.  

God consistently gives Israel one man, a figure who will lead them into a better way. Frequently that man is born to a previously barren mother. Not only does God designate the leader, He brings life to the leader as well. 

1 Samuel starts out with what is becoming a familiar story: A barren woman is charged with and gives birth by the power of God and the Holy Spirit. She loves her son but dedicates him to the Lord. This woman, Hannah, sings a beautiful song of thanks and dedication the the Lord. These events are roughly parallel to Luke ch 1. The Jews are not yet able to see it, but God is setting a pattern that will validate His Son once He arrives. 

The young man grows up with Eli, the priest watching over him. Eli is a good man but his sons are not. Samuel receives a call from the Lord in a similar style to how Moses received his. God speaks directly to him in a prophetic word to be delivered to Eli. Even though the word is tragic for the priest, Eli acknowledges that it is from God and young Samuel, already learning to be a priest, begins to develop a reputation as a prophet from God.  

Events are centered around Shiloh, the town where the tabernacle was set up prior to dividing up Canaan among the tribes.