Friday 29 November 2024
Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favour with the Lord and with the people. (v. 26)
Background
We continue to read about the prophet Samuel. He had been given to the Temple as a young child and was brought up by the priest, Eli. Today's reading explains how Samuel, who was not born into the priestly dynasty, became a prophet in place of Eli’s sons who should have taken on the role.
Eli was a parent who feels the pain of not only knowing his children are going down the wrong path but also has to hear reports of what they’re up to from other people.
The women at the entrance of the tent of meeting (v. 22) have sometimes been suggested to have been involved in sex work, but there is no evidence to support this. Indeed it appears this interpretation may have been intended to move thinking away from the possibility that what we are talking about here is abusive. The women probably had a role which supported the Temple work. We don’t know if Eli’s sons were having consensual sex with these women but we do know that their behaviour was regarded as wicked. (v. 23)
Samuel’s behaviour appears to be in direct contrast to that of Eli's sons, and this is clearly noticed by both God and the people. This discernible difference can then justify the change to the normal system of inheritance, as Samuel takes on the role of Temple priest rather than Eli's sons.
To Ponder:
- Eli had to deal with gossip around his children’s behaviour as well as being aware of it himself. Do you think you are ever guilty of adding to a person's pain through gossip? If so how could you be more supportive?
- How can we support young people we know to grow up in a way that is positive?
Bible notes author: Sally Rush
Sally is a Learning & Development Officer in the Methodist Connexional Team.