Note: Today we begin the 14th book of our reading. This book details the transitional of Israel from prophet and priestly rule to rule by judges to rule by a king.
Samuel was a person dedicated to service to the Lord from before his conception based on a promise by his mother, Hannah, to the temple priest Eli. Israel was in a terrible condition where even the sons of Eli who were temple priests were wicked and disdainful of the sacrifices the people brought to the temple. Hophni and Phineas were described as "scoundrels" (2:12) who even defiled the temple with sexual misconduct (2:22). Because Eli did not intervene, and because of the shameful acts of his two sons, Eli's family and generations were cursed by an unnamed prophet in 2:27-26.
At the same time, Samuel had been turned over to Eli to serve him, the temple, and God all the days of his life. God was pleased with Samuel and began speaking to him at a early age (3:4-11). He told him of Hophni's and Phineas' and Eli's death and begin speaking to him on a regular basis. In 3:20-21, the Bible confirms that he was a prophet confirmed by the Lord and respected by the people of Israel.
An interesting digression is detail in chapters 4 and 5 where the Israelites battle the Philistines and lose a large number of warriors. In a fit of desperation, the take the Ark of the Lord into battle with them, and lose even a larger number of men. In addition, Eli's sons are killed, and the Ark is captured and taken away by the Philistines. When Eli hears this, he collapses and dies. The Ark proves to be a curse to the Philistines causing great suffering to every city in which they place it and finally motivating them to return it to Israel. This is like the Word of God which is a curse to the unbeliever, condemning their sin and causing conflict and strife to those who do not accept the Word or accept the salvation of Christ.
May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.
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