MEMORY SCRIPTURE
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
(Deuteronomy 6:7)
Samuel’s journey demonstrates God’s work, shaping a leader of faith and integrity for righteous governance over His people.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. Apr. .28: Joseph: Sold As Slave, Saves Nations (Gen. 37:28)
Tue. Apr. 29: Moses: Baby In Basket Leads Millions (Exod. 2:1-10)
Wed. Apr.30: Ruth: Loyal Daughter, Ancestor of Kings (Rth. 1:16-17)
Thur. May 1: David: A Boy Crowned1 King (1 Sam. 16:11-13)
Fri. May 2: Solomon: Wise- Son, Builds God’s Temple (1 Kgs- 6:1)
Sat. May 3: Esther: Orphan Queen Saves Her People (Est. 4:14)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Encourage/help your children to remain in the Lord, separate from the world, in preparation for their future leadership roles.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: 1 SAMUEL 1:9ff; 2:18-36; 3:1-10
We give thanks to God for the previous lesson. We see how God M helped Naomi guide Ruth to walk in the way of the LORD, enabling herto live an exemplary life in her time.
Today, we will consider how Samuel was prepared by his parents and spiritual father, Eli, to be good leader in his generation. AS we study this lesson, we pray that God will grant us wisdom and knowledge to train up our children to fulfil God’s purpose for their lives.
LESSON OUTLINE
- THE PLACE OF HIS PARENTS
- THE FATHERLY ROLE OF ELl
LESSON EXPOSITION
THE PLACE OF HIS PARENTS (1:10ff)
Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord in Shiloh. And the child was young.
(v.24)
a) v. 10-11: Hannah’s prayer to dedicate Samuel to God showed her commitment to raising him to honour God, laying the foundation for his uture leadership. Her response to disappointment taught Samuel to trust in God’s faithfulness which is a vital lesson for leadership.
b) v.20: Her barrenness and subsequent prayer for a child showed her faithfulness and reliance on God’s providence, teaching Samuel that he was a special gift from God, with a special purpose.
c) v. 22: Her intentional dedication of Samuel to God’s service from infancy exemplified her commitment to raising him in the fear and admonition of the Lord. This upbringing shaped Samuel’s character and prepared him to lead with integrity and godliness.
d) vv. 24-28: Samuel’s upbringing in a devoted family gave him a strong spiritual foundation, preparing him for leadership among God, people.
e) vv.27-28: Hannah’sw Vow dedicated Samuel to God’ S service, preparing him for alife of serving God’s people.
f) v. 27: Her recognition of Samuel as a gift from God strengthened his sense of divine purpose, laying the groundwork for his humble leadership.
THE FATHERLY ROLE OF ELI (1:9-18; 2:18-36; 3:1-10)
Therefore Eli said to Samuel, Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, thar you must say, speak, Lord, for your servant hear’ “so Samuel went and la, down in his place.
(3:9)
a) 1:9-18; 2:18-21: Eli’s compassion for Hannah and Samuel’s parents religious devotion nurtured Samuel’s empathy and deep commitment to God from childhood, forming a strong foundation for his leadership journey.
b) 2:22-36: Eli’s care for Samuel nurtured his emotional well-being and leadership confidence amid challenges, highlighting the enduring importance of mentorship during trials
c) V. 18: Early involvement in temple service under Eli’s guidance instilled in Samuel, a deep reverence for God and a sense of purposein his leadership journey.
d) 3:1-10: Eli’s mentorship provided Samuel with spiritual guidance and practical training and prepared him to fulfil his prophetic calling and lead God’s people with wisdom and integrity.
e) v.9: He taught Samuel to listen to God, instilling in him the skill d discernment and enabling him to lead wisely and clearly. His investment in Samuel’s leadership development reflected his dedication to shaping future leaders.
LESSONS DERIVED
- From conception onward Samuel received guidance from his parents preparing him for leadership.
- Thank God for Eli’s influence on Samuel’s life. What legacy will those around you today remember you for in the future?
QUESTIONS
- Why is mentoring children from an early stage significant?
- Discuss the impact of good leaders on their followers’ lives.
