Daily Bible Reading “Israel Goes to Battle” (1 Samuel 4:1-11)

Posted on June 7, 2017 by Deborah H. Bateman

Israel Goes to Battle

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 4:1-11. In this Scripture we learn that Israel went to battle against the Philistines. Israel set up camp by Ebenezer and the Philistines made camp in Aphek. Israel was defeated by the Philistines. Four thousand men were killed.

The elders of Israel decided to get the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh and bring it to their camp in hopes that it may save them from their enemies. When the Ark arrived at the camp all of the Israelites shouted. The Philistines wondered what all the noise was about. When they realized that the Ark of the LORD had arrived at the camp they were afraid.

When the Philistines gathered their wits they went to battle against the Israelites again. Thirty thousand men of Israel were killed. The Ark of God was taken and both of Eli’s sons were killed. What a terrible time for the people of Israel.

Psalm 78:59-62 tells us that the people of Israel made God angry with their sin and disobedience. He was so upset with them that He even forsook the Ark of the Covenant. Can you imagine?

Sometimes things happen in our lives and we don’t understand why God allows them to happen. Surely the people of Israel who were left wondered what in the world was going on. Sometimes we question why God allows things to happen in our lives. Maybe we need to search our hearts.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 4:1-11

1 And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek.
2 And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.
3 And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.
4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
5 And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.
6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.
7 And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.
8 Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.
9 Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.
10 And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.
11 And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.

Things to think about:

Why did the Israelites want to bring the Ark of the Covenant with them?

What was the Philistines reaction when they first heard the Ark of the Covenant was in the camp of the Israelites?

What would make God allow the Ark of the Covenant to be taken?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 1 Samuel our hearts are broken for what the people of Israel suffered. Help us as we read this story to realize that there are consequences for our sins. Forgive us, LORD, where we have failed You. Help us to walk in unison with You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

– This is an excerpt from our new release The Book of 1 Samuel: Prophets, Priests, and Kings

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

The Book of 1 Samuel: Prophets, Priests, and Kings

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

The Book of 1 Samuel: Prophets, Priests, and Kings by Deborah H. Bateman is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of 1 Samuel. This is the 31st book in the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book of 1 Samuel is found in the Old Testament of the Bible.

The Book of 1 Samuel not only discusses the life and call of Samuel as prophet but also includes events that happened during his lifetime. The people of Israel insisted on having a king and even though Samuel tried to warn them of the dangers of appointing a king, they insisted. So God chose Saul to be their king. A good portion of the book includes the events during the reign of King Saul including the ongoing rivalry between King Saul and David.

The Book of 1 Samuel: Prophets, Priests, and Kings contains 71 Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson consists of a commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer to go along with the lesson. This Bible study is great as a personal daily devotional or a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B01H1B7DSM

Get your copy now!

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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Eli Surrenders to God’s Will” (1 Samuel 3:12-21)

Posted on June 6, 2017 by Deborah H. Bateman

Eli Surrenders to God’s Will

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 3:12-21.
The LORD spoke to Samuel and said He was going to perform all the things against Eli and his family which Eli had been warned about. God was going to bring judgment upon Eli’s family because of his son’s rebellion, which Eli didn’t restrain.

The LORD said that the sins of Eli’s family couldn’t be purged with sacrifice or offering. Can you imagine how Samuel felt when the LORD revealed His plans?

Samuel rose early the next morning and opened the doors to the house of the LORD. Samuel was afraid to tell Eli what the LORD revealed to him. Eli called Samuel and asked him what the LORD told him.

Even though Samuel was afraid, Eli left him no choice but to tell him what the LORD said. So Samuel told Eli everything. I’m sure Eli was distraught and concerned for his family, but he surrendered his will to the LORD by saying, “Let the LORD’S will be done.”

As Samuel grew, the LORD was with him and everyone in Israel knew that he was destined to be a prophet. Samuel had a close relationship with the LORD. The LORD revealed himself to Samuel again in Shiloh.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 3:12-21

12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.
16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I.
17 And he said, What is the thing that the LORD hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.
18 And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.
19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.
21 And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

Things to think about:

How did Samuel feel when the LORD told him of His plans?

How did Eli coax Samuel into telling him the truth?

What was Eli’s response to what the LORD told Samuel?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in 1 Samuel. Our hearts are saddened as we hear of the fate of Eli’s family. Please guard our families from sin. Help us to live lives according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

– This is an excerpt from our new release The Book of 1 Samuel: Prophets, Priests, and Kings

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

The Book of 1 Samuel: Prophets, Priests, and Kings

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B01H1B7DSM

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox
at: http://DeborahHBateman.com/subscribe

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “The LORD Speaks to Samuel” (1 Samuel 3:1-11)

Posted on June 5, 2017 by Deborah H. Bateman

The LORD Speaks to Samuel

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 3:1-11. Samuel ministered to the LORD along with Eli. In that day the word of the LORD was precious. One night when Eli and Samuel went to bed Samuel heard a voice calling his name. He thought it was Eli, so he went to Eli and said, “Here am I.” Eli told Samuel that he didn’t call him and told him to go lay back down.

Samuel heard the voice calling him a second time and went back to Eli saying, “Here am I.” Eli told him that he didn’t call him. The third time this happened Eli realized that it may have been the LORD calling out to Samuel so he told Samuel to go lay back down and if the voice called out to him again to answer it saying, “Speak LORD, for thy servant heareth.”

Samuel was still a child. He didn’t know the LORD. But, Samuel lay back down and sure enough the LORD came and spoke to him again and Samuel answered Him as Eli had instructed. The LORD warned Samuel that He was going to do something major in Israel. He told Samuel that the ears of everyone who heard about it would tingle. Has the LORD ever spoke to you in the night?

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 3:1-11

1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
6 And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.
8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
11 And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.

Things to think about:

Can you imagine being a child and hearing a voice call your name in the night and not knowing who was calling? How do you think you would have felt?

Why do you think it took Eli three times to realize it was God calling Samuel?

What was Samuel’s response to Eli’s instruction?

What was the LORD’s message?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank you for this story in the book of 1 Samuel where we learn that You spoke to Samuel, even as a child. Help us to listen for Your voice. Help us to answer the call as Samuel did. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

– This is an excerpt from our new release The Book of 1 Samuel: Prophets, Priests, and Kings

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Featured Book:

The Book of 1 Samuel: Prophets, Priests, and Kings

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B01H1B7DSM

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
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Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “The LORD Blessed Hannah” (1 Samuel 2:11-21)

Posted on June 1, 2017 by Deborah H. Bateman

The LORD Blessed Hannah

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 2:11-21. In this Scripture, we learn that Elkanah and the rest of the family returned to their home in Ramah, but they left Samuel with Eli, the priest, so he could minister to the LORD. The sons of Eli were wicked. They didn’t know the LORD.

One of the customs of the priest during this time was that when men offered sacrifices they would cook them. When the sacrifice was done they would take a three-pronged utensil, dip into the pot and whatever they retrieved would be given to the priest. This custom was followed in Shiloh for all the Israelites who came to bring sacrifices.

The sacrifices were to be willingly given as an act of obedience to the LORD, but Eli’s sons threatened people into offering sacrifices. Then, they would choose the pieces of meat they wanted first before the rest was boiled for sacrifice. These young men committed a great sin before the LORD. They caused contempt among the people making them despise the offering of the LORD.

Samuel was only a child, yet he ministered to the LORD. He wore a linen garment. His mother would also make him a coat and bring it to him each year when they came to bring their sacrifice.

Eli, the priest, prayed to the LORD and asked Him to bless Elkanah and Hannah with more children because of the sacrifice they made by allowing Samuel to serve the LORD. The LORD blessed Elkanah and Hannah with three more sons and two daughters.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 2:11-21

11 And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.
12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
13 And the priests’ custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.
15 Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.
16 And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.
17 Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.
18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
19 Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.
20 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home.
21 And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.

Things to think about:

What was the problem with Eli’s sons?

Can you imagine leaving your child and only seeing him once a year? How hard do you think this was for Hannah?

Why did God bless Hannah and Elkanah?

In what way did God bless Hannah and Elkanah?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this story about Samuel and the sacrifice his parents made by dedicating him to Your service. We thank You that we can see You blessed them for their obedience. Help us to use their example as inspiration to do Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

– This is an excerpt from our new release The Book of 1 Samuel: Prophets, Priests, and Kings

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Featured Book:

The Book of 1 Samuel: Prophets, Priests, and Kings

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B01H1B7DSM

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox
at: http://DeborahHBateman.com/subscribe

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Song of Hannah” (1 Samuel 2:1-10)

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Deborah H. Bateman

Song of Hannah

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 2:1-10. In this Scripture, we find a prayer which was made into a song called the Song of Hannah. It is a song of praise to the LORD.

In chapter one, we learned that Hannah was one of the wives of Elkanah, his other wife had children, but Hannah hadn’t been blessed with children. She was very upset about her barrenness so she poured her heart out to God and promised Him if He would give her a son she would dedicate him to God. God heard Hannah’s cry, answered her prayer and gave her a son, whom she called Samuel.

Once Hannah weaned Samuel she took him to the temple and left him there to grow up and learn about God. Even though it was hard, Hannah kept her promise since she promised God she would dedicate Samuel to Him.

This prayer the dedication Hannah said when she took Samuel to the temple. Hannah rejoiced in the LORD and in His salvation, her strength (horn) was in the LORD. When we talk about salvation we mean our past sins have been forgiven. We are being sanctified daily from the sins of the flesh and we will be glorified in the future.

Hannah acknowledges there is no one as holy as the LORD. There is no rock like God. Let’s look at some other places in the Bible where God is called, “the rock.” Psalm 95:1 says, “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” In Psalm 78:35, we read, “And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.”

Hannah reminds us not to boast and be proud because knowledge comes from the LORD, and He knows the intent of our actions. She tells us strong men will be broken down, and the weak will be made strong. The ones who were full work for bread and the ones who were hungry were filled. The one who was barren had children, and the one who had many children was feeble. This was probably directed at the other wife because there was strife between them since Hannah hadn’t been able to have children up to this point.

As you read through this Scripture notice when you see the word LORD what Hannah says about Him. She talks about His power and how He has the power to both give life and take it. She says the LORD makes the rich and the poor. He expects those of us who have more to help those who are less fortunate. God created the world and put it all together.

In verse 10 Hannah talks about things that will happen in the future such as God’s adversaries being destroyed and God judging the world. Then she talks about God giving His strength to the king and He will exalt Him. This king she is talking about is Jesus Christ.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 2:1-10

1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.
9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

Things to think about:

What does Hannah mean when she says God is our rock?

Have you accepted the King of Kings as your Savior? If so, describe your experience.

Hannah says the LORD is the God of knowledge, do you ask Him for wisdom? In what instances has He given you wisdom?

How do you praise God for the blessings He has given you?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this song of prayer and thanksgiving Hannah sang to You to praise You and thank You for answering her prayer. In this Scripture, we are reminded of Your power and strength. We’re also reminded that You are in control. You are our rock and our redeemer. Help us to always remember to pray to You as You said in Your Word that You would give us the desires of our hearts, as You did Hannah. Help us to remember to always praise You and give thanks to You for answering our prayers, as Hannah did. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

– This is an excerpt from our new release The Book of 1 Samuel: Prophets, Priests, and Kings

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