YOUTH LESSON 188 BIRTH AND DEDICATION OF SAMUEL
TEXT: 1 Samuel 1:1-28; 2:1-11
MEMORY VERSE:
“Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD” (1 Samuel 1:20).
The book of First Samuel is the beginning of the ministry of prophets and the reign of kings in Israel. The book has great instructions and lessons for youths today. Also, it has characters of youths and their exploits, such as Samuel who was dedicated by his parents to be a prophet in Israel; David, who defeated Goliath; Jonathan’s love for David and his exploits, etc. However, there were also bad examples to avoid. These include Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli, who were sons of Belial because “they knew not the Lord.” We also see Saul, the first king, who backslid, sought after familiar spirits, and died for his transgressions (1 Chronicles 10:13).
Our text focuses on the birth and dedication of Samuel. Hannah, through consecration, commitment, and courage, overcame all tribulations, trials, and troubles. Today, God still answers the prayers of His people. There is nothing too hard for Him. Learn to bring your problems to Him in prayer.
Question 1: What is prayer?
Prayer is communing with God, lifting our hearts to Him for help, crying to Him for assistance, seeking mercy, and making requests with thanksgiving. God’s ability to do all things is manifested when a believer in need faithfully seeks divine help. This leads to miraculous intervention in life’s challenges.
A notable example is Hannah’s case. She was barren, and even the love of her husband could not take away her sorrow. Her rival mocked her because of her condition. Seeking a divine solution, Hannah approached God in prayer. Her barrenness and mockery ended when she called on the God of Israel. Eli’s assurance strengthened her faith:
“Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him” (v. 17).
She went home with a changed countenance and full assurance of answered prayer.
COMFORT THROUGH PRAYER AND DEVOTION TO THE LORD
(1 Samuel 1:1-18; Luke 13:11-17; Hebrews 10:25; Philippians 1:28; Psalms 27:1-3, 13, 14; 31:9-17)
The book opens with Elkanah, an Ephrathite with two wives: Hannah and Peninnah. Hannah, though the first and rightful wife, was barren, which caused her deep distress.
Question 2: Mention some problems facing youths today.
“Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1).
Like adults, youths face various problems, including struggling with sin, academic challenges, frequent illness, family issues, peer pressure, and other concerns. Many are spiritual, caused by the devil and his agents.
Hannah, though sorrowful, was spiritually awake. She worshipped God faithfully even when families in Israel were turning to Baalim and Ashtaroth. Her devotion ensured she did not remain in shame and sorrow.
Hannah was barren because “the LORD had shut up her womb”—not that God caused evil, but that He permitted it for His purpose. Peninnah used this to provoke and ridicule her, causing deep distress. Despite Elkanah’s double portion, Hannah wept and did not eat.
A key lesson: Hannah did not fear her adversary. Fear destroys faith and hinders supplication. David declared:
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).
Question 3: Enumerate the ingredients of effective praying as observed in Hannah’s prayer.
“…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
Key ingredients include:
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A heart free from sin (Psalm 66:18-20).
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Praying according to the will of God. Hannah’s desire was legitimate and scriptural (1 John 5:14-15).
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Fervency of spirit. She prayed with deep desire and her whole heart.
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Perseverance and importunity until the answer comes (Luke 11:8; 18:1; Ephesians 6:18). Hannah refused to take no for an answer.
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Complete surrender to God. She demonstrated devotion by making a vow. A vow is a commitment in response to God’s blessings.
Eli, the high priest, spoke as God’s representative, declaring that God would grant her desire. She received the word in faith and went away rejoicing.
Question 4: Who is our High Priest today?
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest… Jesus the Son of God…” (Hebrews 4:14).
Jesus Christ is our High Priest. He is touched with our infirmities. He never discourages prayer but assures us:
“What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them…” (Mark 11:24).
THE COMMITMENT OF SAMUEL’S PARENTS TO THE LORD
(1 Samuel 1:19-23; Genesis 18:10-14; 25:21; Exodus 23:26; Luke 1:36-37; Deuteronomy 23:21; Luke 2:41-42)
Hannah had visited Shiloh for yearly sacrifices many times. During one visit, she prayed earnestly for a solution to her barrenness. Likewise, youths should use church programs as opportunities to seek God.
Elkanah went yearly to offer sacrifices and vows. God commanded voluntary offerings as acts of worship (Leviticus 1:1-3). Elkanah’s consistency created space for Hannah’s miracle.
Question 5: How can born again boys and girls show appreciation to God for His goodness?
God notices every act of gratitude. Christian youths should thank Him for salvation, provision, protection, preservation, promotion, healing, and deliverance.
Ways to show appreciation:
• Faithful attendance of fellowship meetings and church programs (Exodus 23:15).
• Redeeming vows made to God.
• Rendering service: evangelism, choir ministry, leadership roles in youth and school fellowships.
Elkanah cooperated with Hannah in dedicating Samuel. Youths should learn cooperation with their parents in worship and service.
THE CONSECRATION OF SAMUEL TO THE LORD
(1 Samuel 1:24-28; 2:1-11; Exodus 13:12-13; Genesis 22:2; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Chronicles 29:5)
“When she had weaned him, she took him up… and the child was young” (v. 24).
Hannah kept her vow. She brought Samuel with offerings and fully gave him to the Lord. His consecration was for life:
“Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD… as long as he liveth…” (v. 28).
God commanded that every first male child be consecrated to Him. Hannah’s consecration was both obedience and gratitude.
Although the sons of Eli were corrupt, Hannah still surrendered Samuel completely, trusting God despite the unknowns.
Question 6: What do you understand by consecration?
“I am thine, save me…” (Psalm 119:94).
Consecration means dedication and devotion to the Lord. Every born again youth is obliged to consecrate his or her life to God. Some youths whose parents vowed them to God resist that consecration, causing grief to godly parents.
Youth must live as living sacrifices, submitting to God’s will and surrendering their lives entirely to Him.
Question 7: In what areas are Christian youths expected to be consecrated to the Lord?
Saved youths must consecrate:
• Their bodies – keeping themselves holy and undefiled (1 Corinthians 6:20).
• Their services – engaging in evangelism, edifying the body of Christ, participating in Youth Home Success Fellowship and School Fellowship.
• Their gifts and talents – using them for God’s glory.
“…Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?” (1 Chronicles 29:5).
