week of 5/22

Unit 9  Session 5

FOLLOWING THEIR OWN DESIRES

1 SAMUEL 2:12 - 7:1

Faithlessness brings God's righteous judgment without exception.

The story of 1 Samuel opens with a note of hope. God has not forgotten His people, and He is continuing to work out His mission to deliver them, notably through raising up a leader for them. But this theme contrasts with the reality of Israel's leaders at the time - their priests. Eli the priest and his two sons were tasked with overseeing the worship of God at the temple dwelling in Shiloh. In fact, Elkanah and his family took their sacrifices every year to the sons, Hophni and Phinehas. But in contrast to Elkanah and Hannah, these priests were a picture of rebellion. God was about to judge them, and He was raising up Samuel to take their place as the leader in Israel.

Points to consider:

✞   The priest's evil sons are contemptible.

     * What should we learn from God's response to the 

        sin of Eli's sons?

✞   The priest's evil sons are rejected.

     * What are some ways we can honor God?

     * How should believers in Jesus Christ respond to the

      severity of God's consequences for Eli and his sons?

✞   The priest's evil sons are judged.

     * What are some ways our sins impact others?