Welcome!
Today we begin our study in the book of 1 Samuel. If you don’t have your optional Journal yet, I want to encourage you to pull out a notebook and use it to write out your thoughts and reflections on this week’s study.
Inside the journal it teaches you how to use the SOAK method to study the Bible. This is how the method works:
- S – The S stands for Scripture – Read the chapter for the day. Then choose 1-2 verses and write them out word for word. (There is no right or wrong choice – just let the Holy Spirit guide you.)
- O – The O stands for Observation – Look at the verse or verses you wrote out. Write 1 or 2 observations. What stands out to you? What do you learn about the character of God from these verses? Is there a promise, command or teaching?
- A – The A stands for Application – Personalize the verses. What is God saying to you? How can you apply them to your life? Are there any changes you need to make or an action to take?
- K – The K stands for Kneeling in Prayer – Pause, kneel and pray. Confess any sin God has revealed to you today. Praise God for His word. Pray the passage over your own life or someone you love. Ask God to help you live out your applications.
The goal is to SOAK God’s word into your heart everyday and let it transform your life, renew your mind and create a deeper intimacy with God.
Let’s take a look at the book of the Bible we are about to study.
The Book of 1 Samuel Overview
The book of 1 Samuel is about the lives of Samuel, Saul and David. As the book of Judges ends, we find there was no king in Israel and everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes. Israel was at a spiritual low point, as their priesthood and judges were corrupt.
Israel desired to be like the other nations and so they demanded to have a King. So God gave Israel what they wanted and Samuel anointed Saul as King. Through a series of bad choices and disobedience of God’s will, Saul ended up rejected by God. A new king was chosen, David, a man after God’s own heart. After David defeated a giant named Goliath, Saul grew jealous of David and sought to kill him.
While David was on the run from Saul, twice he had the opportunity to take Saul’s life but instead he honored the king. In the end, Saul tragically died while on the battlefield fighting the Philistines.
Author: Unknown; some possible writers are Nathan and Gad
Date: about 930 BC
Key Verse: 1 Samuel 16:7
Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
Outline:
- The days of Samuel before the monarchy (1-7)
- Israel demands a king and the Monarchy begins (8-12)
- The reign and rejection of King Saul (13-15)
- The fall of Saul and the rise of David (16-31)
Here’s This Week’s Bible Reading Plan
Monday – 1 Samuel 1
Tuesday – 1 Samuel 2
Wednesday – 1 Samuel 3
Thursday – 1 Samuel 4
Friday – 1 Samuel 5
The Reflection Questions for the Week
{These questions are included inside the journal . If you do not have the journal, I encourage you to reflect on these questions and answer them in your notebook.}
Chapter 1:
Hannah poured her soul out before the Lord passionately, in silent prayer.
Who or what is on your heart today that needs your fervent prayers? Pause now and silently lay your requests before the Lord.
Chapter 2:
After God answered Hannah’s prayers for a son, she praised God and was full of thanksgiving.
Take a moment and share a praise. What prayer request has God answered for you?
Chapter 3:
God called Samuel three times before Samuel recognized God’s voice.
We must be listening to God, as we read His Word. Share a verse or passage of scripture that means a lot to you because God has clearly spoken to you through it.
Chapter 4:
Israel expected a victory because the ark was with them but their disobedience led to defeat.
God is always with you and wants to give you victory but sin holds us back. Confess here below, any sin that is holding you back today.
Chapter 5:
False gods will always fail before the One True God! One day every knee will bow to Him.
How does this bring you comfort to see the power of your God displayed in 1 Samuel 5?
The Verses of the Day
Monday:
Go in peace.
1 Samuel 1:17
Tuesday:
There is none holy like the Lord:
for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.
1 Samuel 2:2
Wednesday:
Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.
1 Samuel 3:9
Thursday:
As soon as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel gave a mighty shout, so that the earth resounded.
1 Samuel 4:5
Friday:
Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up beside Dagon.
And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the Lord.
1 Samuel 5:2,3
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Please share in the comments:
Are you joining us? Tell a little about yourself. What is your name, where are you from and anything else you would like to share.
If you have any questions – ask below.
I’ll see you back here this Wednesday as we go deeper into God’s Word together.
Hi my name is Jayden and I was never vary good at bible studies. So far I am enjoying this. I am always one for friendly conversations, despite my only being 12.
Hi Jayden,
I’m so glad you are enjoying the Bible Study so far. There is so much time for you to grow as far as studying the Bible. You are doing great to be studying it at all at your age! I know everyone, myself included, has room for improvement in studying God’s word. If there is any way I can help you don’t hesitate to contact me. My email is jmizener86@gmail.com
Oh, I left out that I live in California, and surprisingly it is down in the 50’s so, PRAISE GOD. I think this is one of California’s first cold weathers, actually in winter. It feels like Buffalo down here. But I love this Bible study! I am also homeschooled, which explains me commenting at 11:00 in the morning.
Cool! I live in Ohio, and we just recently had a day or two in the 50’s and were rejoicing at how unusually warm it was. We’ve had it go down into the negatives many times here. Also I got your comment at 2 in the afternoon because of the time difference actually. I go to a small Christian school and I’m graduating in May. If you would like to talk more you can email me at jmizener86@gmail.com.