Bible Highlights: 1 Samuel 1-4 March 9, 2015

March 9-13, 2015 Now Samuel was ministering before Jehovah, wearing a linen ephʹod, though he was just a boy. 19 Also, his mother would make for him a little sleeveless coat, and she brought it up to him year after year when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20 And Eʹli blessed El kaʹnah and his wife and said: May Jehovah grant you a child from this wife in place of the one who was lent to Jehovah. And they went back home. ~ 1 Samuel 2:18-20 ~

Bible Highlights: 1 Samuel 1-4 March 9, 2015 *** w98 3/1 p. 16 par. 12 Appreciating Christian Gatherings *** 12 Consider the fine example set by Samuel s family, who regularly participated in arrangements for gathering with fellow worshipers when God s tabernacle was located in Shiloh. Only males were required to make annual visits to festival celebrations. But Samuel s father, Elkanah, took his whole family along as he went up out of his city from year to year to prostrate himself and to sacrifice to Jehovah of armies in Shiloh. (1 Samuel 1:3-5) Samuel s hometown, Ramathaim-zophim, was possibly situated near the coast at modernday Rentis in the foothills of the mountainous region of Ephraim. (1 Samuel 1:1) Thus the journey to Shiloh would have involved a trip of about 20 miles [30 km], a fatiguing trek in those days. This is what Elkanah s family loyally did year by year, as often as [they] went up into the house of Jehovah. 1 Samuel 1:7. TMS REVIEW: *** w07 3/15 p. 15 How Hannah Found Peace *** 1 Samuel 1:3-7, 16-18. Do you see how Hannah set a good example for us? When downhearted, how do you react? Do you isolate yourself and withdraw from association with fellow believers? Hannah did not do that. She made it her custom to be among worshippers of Jehovah. Despite trying circumstances, we should do the same. Psalm 26:12; 122:1; Proverbs 18:1; Hebrews 10:24, 25. What can we learn from all of this? When we pray to Jehovah about our concerns, we can let him know how we feel and make heartfelt requests. If we can do no more to resolve the problem, we should leave the matter in his hands. There is no better course to follow. Proverbs 3:5, 6. After praying fervently, servants of Jehovah are very likely to experience a peace similar to that of Hannah. With respect to prayer, the apostle Paul wrote: Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7) When we throw our burden on Jehovah, we must allow him to take care of it. Then, like Hannah, we no longer need to be self-concerned. Psalm 55:22. *** ia chap. 6 p. 55 par. 12 She Opened Her Heart to God in Prayer *** 1 Sam. 1:9-11 12 Hannah thus set an example for all of God s servants when it comes to prayer. Jehovah kindly invites his people to speak to him openly, without reservation, pouring out their concerns before him as a trusting child would to a loving parent. (Read Psalm 62:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17.) The apostle Peter was inspired to write these comforting words about prayer to Jehovah: Throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you. 1 Pet. 5:7. 16 When we feel loaded down, overwhelmed, or overcome with sadness, we do well to follow Hannah s example and speak openly to the One whom the Bible calls the Hearer of prayer. (Ps. 65:2) If we do so in faith, we too may find that our sadness is replaced by the peace of God that excels all thought. Phil. 4:6, 7. *** w10 7/1 p. 15 She Opened Her Heart to God in Prayer *** 1 Samuel 1:4-8 Whether Elkanah knew the full scope of Peninnah s petty meanness or not, Jehovah God saw it all. His Word reveals the whole picture, thus providing a solemn warning to any who indulge in seemingly minor jealous and hateful acts. On the other hand, the innocent and the peaceable, like Hannah, can find comfort in knowing that the God of justice sets all matters right in his own time and in his own way. (Deuteronomy 32:4) Perhaps Hannah knew as much, for it was to Jehovah that she turned for help.

Bible Highlights: 1 Samuel 1-4 March 9, 2015 *** w05 3/15 p. 22 Highlights From the Book of First Samuel *** Lessons for Us: 1:11, 12, 21-23; 2:19. Hannah s prayerful attitude, her humility, her appreciation for Jehovah s kindness, and her lasting motherly affection are exemplary for all God-fearing women. 1:8. What an example Elkanah set in strengthening others with words (Job 16:5) He first asked depressed Hannah the unaccusing question: Why does your heart feel bad? This encouraged her to talk about her feelings. Then Elkanah reassured her of his affection, saying: Am I not better to you than ten sons? *** w05 3/15 p. 21-p. 22 Highlights From the Book of First Samuel *** Scriptural Questions Answered: 2:10 Why did Hannah pray that Jehovah give strength to his king when there was no human king over Israel? That the Israelites would have a human king was foretold in the Mosaic Law. (Deuteronomy 17:14-18) In his deathbed prophecy, Jacob said: The scepter [a symbol of royal authority] will not turn aside from Judah. (Genesis 49:10) Moreover, concerning Sarah the ancestress of the Israelites Jehovah said: Kings of peoples will come from her. (Genesis 17:16) Hannah, then, was praying about a future king. *** w13 2/15 p. 26 par. 4 Let Nothing Hinder You From Taking Hold of Glory *** 4 Jehovah also entrusts his servants with the glorious treasure of the Christian ministry. (2 Cor. 4:1, 7) And this ministry leads to glory. To those who use their privilege of service to his praise and to the benefit of others, Jehovah promises: Those honoring me I shall honor. (1 Sam. 2:30) Such ones are honored with a good name with Jehovah, and they are likely to be well spoken of by other servants of God. Prov. 11:16; 22:1. *** w12 4/15 p. 13 par. 2 Maintain a Complete Heart Toward Jehovah *** 2 One part of the human body, though, is referred to figuratively in the Bible far more often than any other. It is the one mentioned in a prayer by faithful Hannah: My heart does exult in Jehovah. (1 Sam. 2:1) In fact, Bible writers mention the heart nearly a thousand times, almost always in a figurative sense. It is of utmost importance that we understand what the heart represents because the Bible states that we need to safeguard it. Read Proverbs 4:23. *** w10 4/15 p. 6 par. 14 Young People Strengthen Your Desire to Serve Jehovah *** 14 The third way you can demonstrate that you are serving Jehovah with a willing heart is by your conduct. Jehovah blesses youths who remain morally clean. (Read Psalm 24:3-5.) Young Samuel refused to imitate the immoral conduct of the sons of High Priest Eli. Samuel s fine conduct did not go unnoticed. The Bible record states: All the while the boy Samuel was growing bigger and more likable both from Jehovah s standpoint and from that of men. 1 Sam. 2:26. TMS REVIEW: *** w10 10/1 p. 16 He Continued Growing Up With Jehovah *** Matters reached such a point that Jehovah sent a man of God, an unnamed prophet, to Eli with a strong message of judgment. Jehovah told Eli: You keep honoring your sons more than me. God thus foretold that Eli s wicked sons would die on the same day and that Eli s family would suffer greatly, even losing its privileged position in the priestly class. Did this powerful warning bring about a change in that family? The record reveals no such change of heart. 1 Samuel 2:27 3:1. How did all this corruption affect young Samuel? From time to time in this dark account, we find bright rays of light, good news about Samuel s growth and progress. Recall that at 1 Samuel 2:18, we read that Samuel was faithfully ministering before Jehovah, as a boy. Even at that early age, Samuel centered his life on his

Bible Highlights: 1 Samuel 1-4 March 9, 2015 service to God. In verse 21 of the same chapter, we read something even more heartwarming: The boy Samuel continued growing up with Jehovah. As he grew, his bond with his heavenly Father got stronger. Such a close personal relationship with Jehovah is the surest protection against any form of corruption. *** w05 3/15 p. 21 par. 6 Highlights From the Book of First Samuel *** Scriptural Questions Answered: 3:3 Did Samuel actually sleep in the Most Holy? No, he did not. Samuel was a Levite of the nonpriestly family of the Kohathites. (1 Chronicles 6:33-38) As such, he was not permitted to come in to see the holy things. (Numbers 4:17-20) The only part of the sanctuary that Samuel had access to was the tabernacle courtyard. That is where he must have slept. Apparently, Eli also slept somewhere in the courtyard. The expression where the ark of God was evidently refers to the tabernacle area. *** w05 3/15 p. 22 pars. 4-5 Highlights From the Book of First Samuel *** Lessons for Us: 2:26; 3:5-8, 15, 19. By sticking to our God-assigned work, by taking advantage of spiritual training, and by being polite and respectful, we become more likable both to God and to men. 4:3, 4, 10. Even an object as holy as the ark of the covenant did not prove to be a charm for protection. We must guard ourselves from idols. 1 John 5:21. *** w02 12/15 pp. 8-9 pars. 6-7 Draw Close to God *** 6 Coming to know God intimately was not a new idea in Jesus day. In the Hebrew Scriptures, for example, we read that when Samuel was a boy, he had not yet come to know Jehovah. (1 Samuel 3:7) Did this mean that Samuel knew very little about his God? No. His parents and the priests would surely have taught him much. However, the Hebrew word used in that verse can, according to one scholar, be used for the most intimate acquaintance. Samuel had not yet come to know Jehovah intimately, as he would later when serving as Jehovah s spokesman. As Samuel continued growing up, he truly came to know Jehovah, gaining a close personal relationship with him. 1 Samuel 3:19, 20. 7 Are you taking in knowledge of Jehovah so as to become intimately acquainted with him? To do so, you need to form a longing for the spiritual food that God provides. (1 Peter 2:2) Do not be satisfied with the basics. Seek to take in some of the Bible s deeper teachings. (Hebrews 5:12-14) ***Personal Study / Family Worship suggestion*** see jw.org Read & Listen to the Imitate Their Faith book Chapter 6: She Opened Her Heart to God in Prayer Chapter 7: He Continued Growing Up With Jehovah Chapter 8: He Endured Despite Disappointments Click to Listen

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(Titus 3:1) Continue reminding them to be in subjection and to be obedient to governments and authorities, to be ready for every good work, 10 min: Are You Preparing for the Memorial? Discussion. Briefly review information from page 2 of the March 2013 Our Kingdom Ministry. Include a demonstration showing a publisher welcoming a visitor to the Memorial. *** km 3/13 p. 2 Welcome Them *** Welcome Them 1 No occasion offers us a better opportunity to give a witness than the annual Memorial observance. Consider: This year over ten million visitors are expected to attend the Memorial and hear about the two greatest expressions of love, which were manifested by the ransom. (John 3:16; 15:13) They will learn about the blessings available to them because of Jehovah s gift. (Isa. 65:21-23) However, the speaker is not the only one who will give a witness on this occasion. All in attendance will have the opportunity to give a powerful witness by warmly welcoming the visitors. Rom. 15:7. 2 Rather than just finding your seat and silently waiting for the program to begin, why not take the initiative to introduce yourself to those nearby? Visitors may be nervous and unsure of what to expect. Our warm smile and friendly greeting will go a long way toward putting them at ease. To find out if someone is present as a result of receiving an invitation, you might ask if this is his first time attending one of our meetings or if he knows anyone in the congregation. Perhaps you can invite him to sit with you and share your Bible and songbook. If a Kingdom Hall is being used, it may be possible to give him a brief tour. After the talk, make yourself available to answer his questions. If your congregation must leave quickly to make room for another congregation, you might say: I d like to hear what you thought of the program. Is there a way that I can contact you? Then make arrangements to follow up on the interest. Elders will especially want to be alert to encourage inactive publishers who attend. 3 For many visitors, this will be their first taste of the joy, peace, and unity of the spiritual paradise that we enjoy as Jehovah s people. (Ps. 29:11; Isa. 11:6-9; 65:13, 14) What impression will visitors take away? Much will depend on our taking the initiative to welcome them.