Ichabod in Shiloh; God is Boss in Ashdod (I Samuel 4:19 – 5:12)

After Eli fell back and died upon hearing of his son's deaths, Eli's daugher-in-law, Phinehas' wife, went into labor and delivered their child.  The women who stood by her congratulated her on having a son, but she did not answer them.  She named the child Ichabod, which means, "The Glory of the Lord has departed." … Continue reading Ichabod in Shiloh; God is Boss in Ashdod (I Samuel 4:19 – 5:12)

God Speaks to Samuel; The Hand of Judgment Falls (1 Samuel 3:1 – 4:11)

Samuel, by now, is moving in the flow of the ministry in the temple.  Because of Israel's sin, there were only rare occurrences of God's Word being shared.  There was no widespread revelation.  In this Godless time, the Lord called to Samuel, and Samuel answered and ran to Eli, thinking he had called him.  This … Continue reading God Speaks to Samuel; The Hand of Judgment Falls (1 Samuel 3:1 – 4:11)

Rejoicing in Blessings and Danger in Corruption (I Samuel 2:1 – 15)

After the birth of Samuel and his being lent to the Lord, Hannah sang a song of praise unto God, outlining how things that seemed desperate or impossible had been reversed by the power of the Lord.  She rejoiced, where she once mourned and travailed before God.  When God comes on the scene and answers … Continue reading Rejoicing in Blessings and Danger in Corruption (I Samuel 2:1 – 15)

From Bitter to Pleasant (Ruth 4:13 – 22; 1 Samuel 1:1 – 7)

Ruth and Boaz were married, and thus Naomi's estate was redeemed.  They had a child, and named him Obed.  Obed would become the grandfather of David the king.  Naomi took the child and became a nurse to him, and her days of bitterness were ended.  She was again called Naomi, which means "pleasant."   The … Continue reading From Bitter to Pleasant (Ruth 4:13 – 22; 1 Samuel 1:1 – 7)