Search The Scriptures —Study 2 — 1 Samuel 2:1-11

Study 2 From the Book of 1 Samuel is: 1 Samuel 2:1-11

This Old Testament 'Magnificat' (cf. Lk. 1:46-55) possesses an astonishing range of ideas concerning the Character of God, His dealings with all sorts of men even to the ends of the earth, and the coming of His anointed king.

1. Compare the exaltation of verse 1 with the dejection of 1:6-10. What or who should be the object of our joy? Cf. Pss. 9:1, 2; 5:11, 12; 1 Pet. 1:8.
2. What does Hannah say about (a) God's Character, and (b) the way in which time and again He reverses the lot of men? What will be the final end as described in verses 9, 10? What warning and what encouragement do you take from these truths? Cf. Ps. 2:11, 12.

LINK TO THE VERSES LISTED

Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — 1 Samuel 1Study 1

Study 1 From the Book of 1 Samuel is: 1 Samuel 1

1. Verses 1-6. List the phrases describing Hannah's distress. Do you find her retaliating against her rival? How did she dispel her grief? Cf. Pss. 62:8; 142:1-3; 1 Pet. 2:23.

2. Account for the change of verse 18b. How can a similar experience be mine? Cf. Mk. 11:24; Jn. 4:50; 1 Jn. 5:15.
3. With verses 26-28 compare Ps. 116:12-14; Ec. 5:4, 5. Do you find all the encouragement you ought in the faithfulness and unforgetfulness of the Lord?

LINKTO THE VERSES LISTED

Search The Scriptures —Study 0 — Introduction to 1 Samuel

Study 0 From the Book of 1 Samuel is the Introduction to the Book

The two books of Samuel formed a single work known as “Samuel” in the Hebrew Canon. The Septuagint translators made the division. They grouped 1 and 2 Samuel with the two books of Kings to form the four 'Books of the Kingdoms'. The story is that of the development of the nation from the state described at the end of Judges to the established monarchy under David and the events of David's reign.

The chief religious theme is that Israel are the people of God, who alone is their true Ruler. First, they are rebuked for their decadence and sin by Samuel, who accedes to their demands for a king. But, he warns them fully of the consequences. Saul, the sort of king the people wanted, is anointed at God's command and his history proves the danger to the nation of a self-willed leader. 

Finally, David is appointed and leads the people with the one aim of pursuing the will of God, until in his turn he falls into sin. The incidental events are all evidences of the inherent sinfulness of the natural man and proof of the enabling power of God granted to those who go forward in faith, as Samuel and David did. The underlying history is a continuation of that of the Pentateuch and Judges, with the theme 'a people for my name'

Search The Scriptures —Study 2 — Ruth 3 and 4

Study 2 From the Book of Ruth is: Ruth 3 and 4

With this study we end the small book of Ruth to jump into the book of 1 Samuel tomorrow.

1. How does the whole story show the Lord's loving-kindness to those who trust Him? Cf. La. 3:22-26, 31-33; Na. 1:7; Rom. 8:28.
2. What example are we given in chapter 4 on matters affecting the rights of others?

Note. 3:12. 'Near kinsman': The Hebrew word (goel, meaning 'next of kin') has a technical meaning in Hebrew law. The next of kin had certain duties and privileges, among them being that of redeeming the land or person of a kinsman who had been compelled to sell his land or himself through poverty (cf. Lv.25:25 , 47-49. To draw a portion of a kinsman's mantle over oneself (3:9) was the legal way of claiming protection and redemption. A kinsman-redeemer must be able and willing to redeem and pay the redemption price in full. Cf. 4:4-6; Gal. 3:13, 14.

LINKTO THE VERSES LISTED

Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — Ruth 1 and 2

Study 1 From the Book of Ruth is: Ruth 1 and 2

INTRODUCTION: The general tone shows the setting of the story to be that of the time of the Judges. The book was read at the time of the Feast of Pentecost. The outstanding lesson of the book is the way in which the hand of God is seen guiding the faithful in the details of everyday life, as also in the events through which the way was prepared for the birth of the Son of David (see Mt. 1:5).

1. Put yourself in Ruth's place, and consider the cost of her decision to follow Naomi into the land of Israel. Orpah, too had been a good daughter (1:8), but what differences were there between her attitude and Ruth's? What lessons may Ruth teach us about our following Christ? Cf. Lk. 9:23, 57-62; 14:25-33.

2. Notice how an apparently chance happening (2:3, 20) was overruled by God for blessing. Can you recall similar experiences? Also, in chapter 2 what qualities are outstanding (a) in Boaz, and (b) in Ruth?

LINKTO THE VERSES LISTED

Search The Scriptures —Study 8 — 1 Peter 5

Study 8 From the Book of 1 Peter is: 1 Peter 5

With this lesson, we end the book of 1Peter. Tomorrow we will delve into the very small book of Ruth.

1. Verses 1-4. How is oversight or the shepherd-care of God's flock to be exercised? What characteristics should a good pastor (a) avoid, and (b) exhibit? Note (a) how Peter speaks of himself, and (b) who is the chief Shepherd.
2. Verses 5:14. What according to these verses is 'the true grace of God', and how are we to 'stand fast in it' (verse 12)? In other words, what purpose is God working out for our good, and what must we do to cooperate with Him, and to enjoy the full enrichment of all His grace?

LINKTO THE VERSES LISTED

Search The Scriptures —Study 7 — 1 Peter 4:7-19

Study 7 From the Book of 1 Peter is: 1 Peter 4:7-19

1. Verses 7-11. In what practical activities ought al
   
   l Christians to engage? Make a brief list of them from this passage. In what way do they all start? At what end should they all aim? What is my gift (verse 10), and am I properly exercising it in ministry?
   
2. Verses 12-19. What kinds of suffering should the Christian (a) avoid, and (b) rejoice in? How should the latter kind of suffering be faced, and what good may be expected to issue from enduring it?

Note. Verse 14b: i.e., because God will specially manifest His presence to you and with you Cf. Ex. 40:34.

LINK TO THE VERSES LISTED