1 Samuel 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Samuel 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Samuel served Yahweh in the temple, where God’s word was rare and visions were few (vv. 1-3). One night, God called Samuel, but he mistakenly went to Eli three times, thinking Eli was calling him (vv.

Key verse

“Yahweh said to Samuel, “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.”
1 Samuel 3:11 (WEB)

Outline

1 Samuel 3:1–3 Samuel Ministers in the Temple
1 Samuel 3:4–10 God Calls Samuel
1 Samuel 3:11–14 The Lord's Message to Samuel
1 Samuel 3:15–18 Samuel's Fear and Obedience
1 Samuel 3:19–21 Samuel Established as a Prophet

Discussion questions

In v4, what does Yahweh do to call Samuel at night?
What does Eli say to Samuel in v17 when he asks about Yahweh's message?
In v14, why does God say the iniquity of Eli's house cannot be removed with sacrifice?
In v18, why does Eli respond to Samuel's revelation by saying, 'It is Yahweh'?
When have you felt unprepared to share an important message, like Samuel with Eli?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Samuel 3: 1 Samuel 2, Amos 8, Exodus 3.

Before next time: read 1 Samuel 4.