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In this episode of Reading Through the Bible Together, we’re reading 1 Samuel 1–5, where God begins a new chapter in Israel’s story through prayer, judgment, and the rise of a prophet.

The story begins with Hannah, a woman in deep anguish who pours out her heart to the Lord. God answers her prayer with the birth of Samuel, and she gives him back to God in gratitude. Her song in chapter 2 sets the tone for the whole book: God humbles the proud, lifts up the lowly, and overturns human expectations.

Meanwhile, the priesthood is corrupt. Eli’s sons abuse their position and treat the Lord’s offerings with contempt. God raises up the boy Samuel as a prophet while announcing judgment on Eli’s house.

Then Israel goes to war with the Philistines and makes a tragic mistake. They treat the ark of the covenant like a good-luck charm instead of honoring the God it represents. The result is disaster. The ark is captured, Eli dies, and the haunting conclusion rings out: “The glory has departed from Israel.”

These chapters remind us that God cannot be manipulated. Religious symbols cannot replace real faith. Yet even in judgment, God is raising up a faithful voice in Samuel.

If you haven’t read 1 Samuel 1–5 yet, pause and do that now, then come back and let’s read it together.

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