Section Six

Eli and Samuel

The story of Samuel starts in a tale of grief. Hannah (who would later give birth to Samuel) is barren and has to endure years of ridicule. Hannah is troubled and cries - one time her tears are noticed by Eli, a priest. Eli asks what is wrong and prays that Hannah would be granted what she wishes for - a child. Hannah gives birth and brings the young Samuel to Eli in the temple at Shiloh. Samuel is dedicated there. Eli had sons himself, who were expected to take over from Eli but they abused their positions and treated their duties ‘with contempt’. It is noted that as Eli grows old, Samuel grows in God’s favour. Chapter 3 contains a story about how God speaks directly to Samuel (and is noted that God speaking was a rare thing at the time). Samuel does not recognise that it is God who is speaking to him - it took the guidance of Eli for Samuel to realise what was what. It is interesting to note that God spoke to a child but it took an adult for those words to have their intended impact. The end of chapter 3 notes how Samuel grew up and became widely recognised as a prophet.