Study Questions

God Sees the Intent of the Heart

May 17, 2026

1 Samuel 2:12-36

Study Questions

1.    Read 1 Samuel 2:11-12. Who was Eli and what do we learn about his sons? What disturbs you about this?

2.    Read 1 Samuel 2:13-17. Describe how the sons of Eli sinned against God by desecrating the priestly office (see verse 22 as well). What does this teach you about the relationship between obeying God’s Word and resting in the grace of Jesus’ atonement?

3.    Read 1 Samuel 2:27-31. What was the Lord’s response to Eli and the responsibility entrusted to him as a priest and also as a father? What parental lessons can you learn from this passage?

4.    Identify the theme in verse 30 of this chapter.

5.    What was the outcome of the wickedness of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phineas? Read 1 Samuel 2:32-36. Describe how and why these men treated the Lord with such contempt. (See also Hebrews 6:4-6.)

6.    Contrast this account with what the Scripture wants us to see in Samuel’s life. Read verses 11, 18-20, 26, 30, and 34-36. What do we learn about young Samuel’s heart? How are you allowing God to grow you quietly in this season—even if no one sees it yet?

7.    Do you see any significance of a. how the Lord brought forth a son through Hannah to b. that of the Lord bringing forth His son through Mary? Explain. What hope does this give you?