Samuel Week 1 — From Hannah’s Prayer to Saul’s Collapse | 1 Samuel Explained

Samuel Week 1 — From Hannah’s Prayer to Saul’s Collapse | 1 Samuel Explained

From Modern Mind, Ancient Book by Roger Ferguson, Host and Biblical Scholar

May 15, 2026 · 1h 1m · Season 3 · Episode 64

About this episode

This episode explores the beginnings of the Books of Samuel, focusing on Hannah's prayer, the rise of Samuel, and the tragic collapse of Saul.

Send us Fan Mail The Books of Samuel begin not with a throne, but with a barren woman praying. In this Week 1 study, we explore 1 Samuel 1–15 and the rise of Samuel, the corruption of Eli’s priesthood, the Ark narrative, Israel’s demand for a king, and Saul’s tragic collapse. This session examines: * Hannah’s theology of reversal * The return of prophetic authority * Why Israel wanted a king “like the nations” * Saul’s rise and failure * Covenant obedience vs outward religion * Ancient Near...

People in this episode

Host: Roger Ferguson

Topics covered

  • Hannah's Prayer
  • Rise of Samuel
  • Corruption of Eli's priesthood
  • Israel's demand for a king
  • Saul's collapse
  • Covenant obedience
  • Prophetic authority

Keywords

  • Hannah
  • Samuel
  • Saul
  • Eli
  • Israel
  • king
  • covenant
  • prophetic authority
  • 1 Samuel
  • theology

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: 1 Samuel

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