🪔 1 Samuel 1

1 Samuel 1 is a real chapter from the Old Testament. It starts, “Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.” That is not a motto invented for a poster. It is the first sentence a family hears when this page is opened at night.

Keep going a little further. The chapter also says, “Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have not been drinking wine or strong drink, but I poured out my soul before Yahweh.” 1 Samuel 1 opens with these words: “Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of…” The line to keep is 1 Samuel 1:17: “Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him.”” Carry the word “answered” from that verse into the rest of the day.

The line worth learning out loud is 1 Samuel 1:17: “Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him.”” If the rest of the chapter feels crowded, hold that one sentence until the room is quiet.

What happens first in 1 Samuel 1? Then try this: Read “Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him.”” once more. What does it show you about God? You do not have to finish every verse. You can close the book after the memory verse and still have read the Bible together.