The Birth of Samuel
Open Your Bible
1 Samuel 1:1-2:36, Jeremiah 7:12-14, Luke 1:46-55
BY Amanda Bible Williams
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:36, Jeremiah 7:12-14, Luke 1:46-55
I listen to film soundtracks while I work because they somehow help me feel connected to the world of words where I spend my days. The sweeping scores are fuel for my fingers on the keyboard, providing a level of focus and intensity I’m not sure I could achieve in silence.
In the same way that music brings words to life on my computer screen, the books of 1 & 2 Samuel lend new vibrancy to my reading of Scripture. These ancient words were breathed out by God and remain “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Even so, I forget. I can read the words yet fail to see the story.
This is the story of an eternal King and His eternal kingdom. The epic battles and legendary tales found in 1 & 2 Samuel wake me up to a reality that’s as true for me as it was for David: our God reigns.
The books of 1 & 2 Samuel tell the stories of Samuel, Saul, and David—three broken heroes used by God to establish a kingdom for His people. Samuel was the revered last judge, Saul the impressive first king of Israel, and David the flawed poet-warrior. But beyond the page-turning adventure of kings and battles and political gamesmanship, these books tell the story of a greater King. The life of David, his defeat of Goliath, and the epic victories of his mighty men all point to the coming of Christ—the true and forever-reigning King.
And where does it all begin? With the desperate prayers of a heartbroken woman named Hannah.
“Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the Lord and wept with many tears. Making a vow, she pleaded, ‘Lord of Armies, if you will take notice of your servant’s affliction, remember and not forget me, and give your servant a son, I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life…’” (1 Samuel 1:10-11).
I read Hannah’s story and I see myself—not because our struggle is the same, but because our hearts are. Like Hannah, I long for what this imperfect life on earth does not give. Like Hannah, I want to be known and remembered by my God. And while all my prayers to Him are not answered with a “yes,” they are heard and I am known. I am remembered. Just like Hannah.
“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
my horn is lifted up by the Lord.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation” (1 Samuel 2:1).
First Samuel begins with a beautiful picture of a heart bowed in earnest before the Lord of all creation, asking for what only He can give. And while all the stories in this study will not be quite so tender, they all point to the same reality. The Lord of Hannah—and Samuel, and Saul, and David, and Israel—is the Lord of you and me. He reigns throughout all generations.
I pray our five weeks in 1 & 2 Samuel bring this truth to life for us as we read, ushering us into the knowledge of the truer kingdom and truest King. In Jesus, God has given us the only King who can satisfy our desire for protection, provision, and peace—a King whose throne cannot be defeated.
Our King and His kingdom are forever. Thanks be to God.
151 thoughts on "The Birth of Samuel"
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So GOOD! I love how faithful Hannah was in her season of waiting. It still blows my mind that her faith was so deep that once she had Samuel she gave him back to the Lord! I love that He is my God too!!
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This a little crazy, but I feel I should tell the story anyways. I’m 22 weeks pregnant. The other night, around 2am, I woke up from a dream! This dream was so so vivid. In part of the dream, i randomly saw 1st Samuel 16 carved into some stairs me, my husband, and first born daughter were coming down. Now I don’t really know the significance of 1st Samuel 16. After reading it, I’m not sure why that specifically was what I saw in the dream. But I knew when I woke up, that I loved the name Samuel for this baby boy in my belly. My first thought after reading it was “well Samuel is such a sweet name!” This whole pregnancy we haven’t been able to decide on a name for this baby. We knew we wanted it to be something meaningful, but have had no clue what.
Anyways, after reading 1st Samuel 16 at 2am… I fell back asleep and woke up the next morning unable to get Samuel off of my mind. So I started digging into who Samuel was in the Bible. Then got online to look for studies on Samuel, and came across this study! So here’s to learning about the name we feel God would have us call this baby boy. I don’t know why he’s placed this specific name on my heart, but I know it’s what He’s telling me to name our son. I can’t wait to learn more about Samuel.
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I love your story, Sydney, and I pray that your Samuel was born happy and healthy. I, myself have a sweet Samuel. We call him Sam. I did not realize the meaning of his name when he was born 7 years ago. I just knew that I loved using family names and that this little baby was an answered prayer! We named ours after my late Uncle Sam. But reading the story of Hannah and seeing what the name means…it means so much more! I did pray for my Samuel! I wanted a 3rd child so dearly and a boy as well. We have 2 daughters and then our surprise, Sam! And he is a hoot and oh, so sweet. Loves Jesus and our church! I pray blessings on your family and I also pray that your Samuel does much for the Lord!
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I want to be known and remembered by God
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I really love this!
Hope everyone is having a great day
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Praying for you, Jayde! I was in such a similar situation in the past year. Hang in there, He is faithful and loves you and sees your pain!! Praying for a softened heart and that He gives you strength to endure and light to get out of the tunnel!
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❤️
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Like Hannah,my husband told me that he did not mind that I could not have children and that I still had him so that should be okay. I was utterly offended and realized at that point that, until you experience this type of feelings of inadequacy, you have no idea how to comfort me. I’m looking for true healing from above in these readings.
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It was halfway through the study of 1 and 2 Samuel when I found this devotion. And it has challenge and help me so much with my walk in Christ. For a few years now it’s a struggle for me to read and study the Bible everyday. The desire is there but the flesh is weak. :( However, I thank and praise the Lord because He gave me friends that has that desire to grow more in Him through the study of His Word so we started a Bible study on the book of Proverbs. Two weeks ago it struck me on our Bible study how the wisest King Solomon who wrote the book of Proverbs is the son of David and Batsheeba. The same David and Batsheeba who sinned against the Lord! It reminded me of God’s faithfullness and though we have sin greatly against Him, God don’t see us for that sin if we repent it to Him just like David. Though there are consequences, God will still use the circumstances around us to bring glory to His name!
All I can say is this has been a blessing. I look forward everyday to see what God has in store for me through this devotional. Thanks so much.
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wow… I am so glad I found this, God has me going through an online bible study called ” Uninvited” deals with rejection, and today, the teacher Lysa, spoke on this very verse, and she also shared about the rejection that David initially had.. he was rejected by his own family.. over looked because of his age..and this speaks loudly today into my own pain.. the fear of being overlooked, forgotten, and not remembered. But hallelujah, I am NOT forgotten. Thank you for sharing your insights!
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