(2) Bible Study 1 Samuel 1:1-18 (Keith Howard)

The text this week is part of the normal lectionary reading although at Oak Bay we have moved it from its normal place since we will follow the Samuel story until Thanksgiving.

The story is important on a number of levels

1. Not only does this story (1 Samuel  1:1-18) pick up a very important Biblical theme of God attending to those “on the outside” (the poor, the broken, the barren) but politically it lays the foundation for the rise of the monarchy (Saul/David/Solomon) in Israel. Prior to Samuel Israel was basically a tribal society ruled by a variety of chieftains/warlords (judges). As the surrounding political landscape changed the pressure was great upon the people to find a different political structure. The story of Samuel is part of that transition. And the not too subtle message is that God is part of the shift.
2. The image of God highlighted here is of a God that responds to need. This is a powerful theological and spiritual assertion. It is also dangerous because it can be so easily distorted into “Pray and God will answer with what you want.” This is not only theologically slippery but not the experience of many of us.
3. The birth of human life is a powerful assertion and symbol of hope, particularly when everything “reasonable” seems conspired against life and hope. In times of chaos and uncertainty the birth of a child signals both investment in and the possibility of a future.
4. The conversation between Hannah and God takes place at Shiloh, an ancient place of the meeting of God and the people.

Some questions to ponder

1. In the biblical stories dramatic shifts in the larger reality often seem to begin with God moving – or answering a prayer of someone ‘on the outside.’ Have you had a time or do you know of a time when prayer was answered? What is that story?
2. Are there places in your life or the life of our congregation which, like Hannah, cry out for hope and new life?
3. How accurate is it that there are special places where God seems to draw closer to us than at other places? Some say the sanctuary of our congregation is one of those “thin places.” Would you agree with that? Why?
4. We could easily draw some parallels between our social and political situation and that of Hannah/Samuel in that the effectiveness of many of our social and political institutions is deeply questioned by many. Do you think this is a fair comparison? In Samuel’s time the people looked to neighboring countries for a new model, that of the monarchy. Do you have any sense of new models of church, government or other institutions that may be on the horizon?