Study together · The Cast

Eli

An old priest who taught a boy to hear God but could not restrain his own sons.

The story

1. Misjudging Hannah 1 Sam 1:12-17

   He thinks she is drunk, then blesses her.

2. Raising Samuel 1 Sam 2:11, 18-21

   The boy Samuel serves the LORD under him.

3. Worthless sons 1 Sam 2:12-36

   His sons abuse their office; he rebukes them weakly and is warned.

4. Speak, LORD 1 Sam 3:1-18

   He teaches Samuel to answer God's call and accepts the hard word.

5. The ark is taken 1 Sam 4:12-18

   Hearing the ark is captured, he falls from his seat and dies.

Key verses

“It is the LORD. Let him do what seems good to him.” 1 Samuel 3:18 (ESV)

Read together: 1 Sam 1:12-17 · 1 Sam 2:11, 18-21 · 1 Sam 2:12-36 · 1 Sam 3:1-18 · 1 Sam 4:12-18

Questions to sit with

1. Eli helped Samuel hear God, but avoided a hard conversation at home. Where are you avoiding a conversation you need to have?
2. Who taught you to say, “Speak, LORD, for your servant hears”? Who could you teach?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.