Read: 1 Samuel 1:3
Meditation: This one verse helps to set the stage for Eli and
his sons. He is introduced to us but does not have much of an
introduction. Looking at other verses we know that he became a judge at
age 58 and would rule Israel for 40 years. We also know that his rule
was after Samson, but we can not put a definite date to his rule.
Prayer Starter: Lord, I know that You are in charge of all
things. Eli had a purpose in Your kingdom, but failed in certain areas
of his life. Forgive me when I fail You. Amen. 
Read: 1 Samuel 2:22-25
Meditation: Eli's sons take advantage of their position as priests
and do what is wicked in the sight of the Lord. We see Eli's concern and his
first act for correction, but Hophni and Phinehas do not listen to their
father. In the end God would put them to death for their sins in a very
dramatic way.
Prayer Starter: Lord, Your word shows us that You take sin very
seriously. Forgive me for all my sins, those against others and those that
are against You. Amen.
Read: 1 Samuel 2:27-36
Meditation: Even though Eli seems to correct his sons, God sees
what Eli does not do. Eli should have removed his sons from the Priesthood
and had them stoned to death for their wrong deeds. Eli chooses not to do
what God's Law commands and dooms his family heritage. How often do we
choose someone over God is the lesson we need to learn from these readings
today.
Prayer Starter: Lord, help me to have You first in my life. Help
me to always choose You as first in my life.
Read: 1 Samuel 3:11-18
Meditation: Samuel receives a message from God about Eli and his
family. That message is not pleasant. No amount of sacrifice will blot out
the sins of Eli's sons and Eli's inaction.
Eli has brought God's judgment on his family and Samuel is told why this
will happen. It will be good for Samuel to pay attention so that he does not
follow Eli's example.
Prayer Starter: Lord, how often we see those that need correction,
but fail. Forgive me Lord. Amen.
Read: 1 Samuel 4
Meditation: Samuel continues to grow strong in the Word of the
Lord. However we see the end to Eli and his sons. The Lord is not with them
in battle and Hophni and Phinehas are killed. The Ark is captured by the
Philistines, and this news so distresses Eli he falls off his chair and
dies. Phinehas' wife who is pregnant goes into labor and the baby is born,
but she dies. Ichabod is left without his mother, father, or grandfather.
God's curse on the family has started.
Prayer Starter: Lord, what a wonderful God You are to forgive the
sins of those who repent. But Your judgment is swift and sure.
Amen.
Read: 1 Samuel 5 & 6
Meditation:
The Ark has been captured by the Philistines, but they soon learn
it is not the prize they thought it to be. They are struck by God with a
plague, and suffer greatly. They know that the God of Israel is working
against them and their god Dagon, but fail to see that the God of Israel
is the true God. They soon send the Ark back to the people of Israel to
rid themselves of this plague.
Prayer Starter: Lord, how often You show the people that You
are the true God, but they do not change their ways. Lord help all
people to come to You as the true God of all creation. Amen.
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