“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’” —1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)
Bible Engagement: United Kingdom/Saul
Book of 1 Samuel—named after God’s prophet Samuel
Author: unknown
Audience: the Israelites possibly during the reign of Solomon
Genre: historical narrative
When: possibly around 950 B.C.
Why: Possibly to continue the story of God’s people, highlighting Samuel, Saul and David
Book of Psalms—Psalm is another word for song; the Hebrew title Tehillim means “hymns” or “praises”
Author: mostly David, but others as well
Audience: the Israelites
Genre: collection of five books of poetry each containing several psalms
When: the collection ranges from around 1400 B.C. to around 400 B.C.
Why: To provide the Israelites poetry to help them to keep their hope in God in good and bad circumstances
Tier 1: 1 Samuel 1; 3 God answers Hannah’s prayer
Tier 2: 1 Samuel 1; 3-4
Tier 3: 1 Samuel 1-4
Tier 1 Questions
How did Samuel begin serving under the priest Eli? (see 1 Samuel 1:27-28)
Why did Samuel not recognize the LORD’s voice at first? (see 1 Sam. 3:1-7)
1 Samuel 3:19-21 says that the Lord
Tiers 2-3 Questions
How did Samuel begin serving under the priest Eli? (see 1 Samuel 1:27-28)
Why did Samuel not recognize the LORD’s voice at first? (see 1 Sam. 3:1-7)
1 Samuel 3:19-21 says that the Lord
- What caused the Philistines to be afraid? (see 1 Sam. 4:5-8)
• Why, then, did the Israelites lose the battle?
- What caused the Philistines to be afraid? (see 1 Sam. 4:5-8)
Application
Note traits of God, humans, and themes from today’s Scripture. How is God challenging you today?
Begin to memorize this week’s Scripture verse. How does it speak to you today?