Psalm 139 and Samuel

Proper 4 5/29–6/4

## Sermon Script: Connecting Psalm 139 and the Birth and Calling of Samuel

**Engage**

Good morning, everyone.

Today, we’re exploring the profound connections between Psalm 139, and the story of Samuel’s conception, birth and calling in 1 Samuel 1, and 1 Samuel 3.

These passages reveal the depth of God’s intimate involvement in our lives from the earliest stages, highlighting His omnipresence, intentionality, and care.

**Tension: The Problem of Feeling Unseen and Uncared For**

Many of us struggle with feeling unseen, unknown, or insignificant.

In a world where we’re often reduced to numbers or overlooked entirely, it’s easy to feel like our lives don’t matter.

But what if I told you that long before you were born, God knew you intimately and had a plan for your life?

This tension—feeling unseen versus being fully known by God—is something both Psalm 139 and the story of Samuel address powerfully.

**Truth: God’s Intimate Knowledge and Care**

Psalm 139 beautifully articulates God’s comprehensive knowledge of us. The psalmist begins with a declaration: "O Lord, you have searched me and known me!" This sets the tone, emphasizing that God knows every detail of our lives—our thoughts, words, and actions. God knew the psalmist before he was born and called him to His purpose.

Psalm 139:1–6 (ESV)

1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

you discern my thoughts from afar.

3 You search out my path and my lying down

and are acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before a word is on my tongue,

behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

5 You hem me in, behind and before,

and lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high; I cannot attain it.

This section highlights that God's knowledge encompasses all aspects of the psalmist’s life. It reflects an intimate relationship where God is deeply familiar with the psalmist’s thoughts and actions. The psalmist acknowledges that such knowledge is "too wonderful" and beyond human comprehension. The idea of God "hemming in" the psalmist indicates a protective and caring presence rather than judgment.

Now, let’s see how this theme plays out in the story of Samuel’s conception and birth In 1 Samuel 1:1-20.

1 Samuel 1:1–20 ESV

There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. 2 He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. 4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. 6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” 9 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” 12 As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. 14 And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” 17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. 19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. 20 And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.”

Hannah, deeply distressed by her barrenness, prays earnestly to the Lord, promising to dedicate her child to Him if her prayer is answered.

God hears her prayer, and she conceives and gives birth to Samuel, whose name means "heard by God."

This story mirrors the themes in Psalm 139: God knew Samuel before he was born, even before his mother was pregnant with him.

Hannah’s earnest prayer and vow reflect her deep faith and desperation.

Her prayer highlights her belief in God’s ability to intervene in her life.

This aligns with the theme in Psalm 139 of God’s intimate involvement and knowledge of our deepest desires and needs.

God’s response to Hannah’s prayer emphasizes His intimate care and intervention.

Samuel’s birth is a direct result of God’s action, illustrating the theme of divine sovereignty and purpose.

Just as the psalmist recognizes God’s role in his formation, Hannah’s story underscores God’s role in granting life and purpose.

Let’s jump back to Psalm 139 verses 13-16.

Psalm 139:13–16 ESV

13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

The psalmist continues in Psalm 139:13-16, reflecting on God’s role in our formation:

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

The psalmist marvels at the intricacy and intentionality of God’s creation.

The passage emphasizes that God’s involvement in human life begins from conception, indicating a deep, personal investment in each individual.

The term "fearfully and wonderfully made" underscores the sacredness and uniqueness of every life.

The psalmist recognizes that even before birth, God had already laid out the course of his life, highlighting divine sovereignty and purpose.

These verses celebrate the preciousness and vastness of God’s thoughts toward the psalmist.

The psalmist is in awe of God’s endless and caring thoughts, which are beyond human comprehension and provide comfort and assurance of God’s continual presence.

The Crater of the universe, our God knew each of use before we were born and he calls us to His purpose.

That is more than our minds can comprehend.

Moving to 1 Samuel 3, we see Samuel’s calling.

1 Samuel 3:1–4:1a ESV

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. 2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. 6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 11 Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. 14 Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” 15 Samuel lay until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. 16 But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” And he said, “Here I am.” 17 And Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.” 18 So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the Lord. Let him do what seems good to him.” 19 And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. 21 And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord. And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines. They encamped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines encamped at Aphek.

The chapter begins by noting that "the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision."

In this context, Samuel hears God calling him during the night, but he initially mistakes the voice for Eli’s.

After Eli eventually realizes that it is God calling, he instructs Samuel to respond with "Speak, Lord, for your servant hears."

Remember, God knew Samuel before he was born and called him to His purpose.

But Samuel is just now getting to know the one who created him.

The rarity of God’s word during that time underscores the significance of God calling Samuel.

This marks a pivotal moment where divine communication is restored through Samuel.

The persistent calling of Samuel highlights God’s intimate knowledge and desire to communicate personally with him.

-Samuel’s eventual recognition and response to God’s call signify the beginning of his prophetic ministry.

This moment illustrates the transition from divine silence to active guidance through a chosen prophet.

Samuel’s willingness to listen and respond reflects the themes of obedience and divine purpose seen in Psalm 139 and 1 Samuel 1.

**Inspiration: Reflect on God’s Intentionality**

Imagine what it would be like if we fully embraced the truth that God knows us intimately and has a purpose for our lives.

How would our perspective change?

How would our sense of worth and significance deepen?

God knew you before you were born and calls you to His purpose.

**Application: Living in Light of God’s Knowledge and Care**

These passages call us to trust in God’s intimate knowledge and care.

They encourage believers to recognize that God knows them deeply and has a specific purpose for their lives, fostering a deeper sense of personal discipleship and obedience to God’s guidance.

We should also support and nurture each member's divine calling within our congregations, fostering a community that reflects God’s intimate care and recognizing His work in every individual.

In the public world outside the church walls, we are called to emphasize integrity and faithfulness in our roles, following Samuel’s example of leadership that relies on God’s guidance and the Psalmists desire to be lead by God.

For those who are suffering or hurting, these passages provide comfort knowing that God is aware of our struggles and has a purpose for us even in difficult times.

These passages also point to Christ as the fulfillment of God’s intimate involvement in humanity, from conception to divine mission, highlighting His role in God’s redemptive history.

These verses challenge those who assume they are saved to examine their relationship with God, emphasizing His intimate knowledge and purpose for genuine faith, and engage skeptics by showing that their lives have purpose and are known intimately by a loving God.

Lastly, they speak to unchurched individuals about the significance of their lives, calling them to recognize God’s intentionality and to respond in faith.

God knew you before you were born and calls you to His purpose.

**Action: Next Steps**

This week, I challenge you to spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal how He sees you and what His plans are for your life.

Reflect on Psalm 139 and the story of Samuel, and consider how these truths apply to your own journey.

Share your reflections with someone else, encouraging them to also recognize God’s intimate involvement in their lives.

Psalm 139 and the story of Samuel’s birth and calling beautifully illustrate God’s intimate involvement in our lives from the earliest moments.

They remind us of His presence everywhere, and the intimacy that he knows each of us.

As well as his intentionality, and care for us.

As we reflect on these truths, let’s embrace God’s knowledge, be open to His guidance, and honor the sacredness of life He has given us.

It is amazing that God knew you before you were born, and he has called you to live a life for His purpose.

### Disciples' Prayer

**Praise**

Let’s pray:

- Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe of you being all knowing and present everywhere.

- As Psalm 139 declares, You have searched us and known us.

- You formed our inward parts and knitted us together in our mother’s womb.

- We praise You for Your intimate knowledge of us, and for the care and love You have shown us from the very beginning.

- You are worthy of all honor and glory.

**Purpose**

- Lord, we seek to align our will with Yours.

- Just as You had a purpose for Samuel’s life even before he was born, we ask that You guide us in fulfilling the purpose You have for each of us.

- Help us to be attentive to Your calling and obedient to Your direction.

- May our lives reflect Your divine intention and bring glory to Your name.

**Provision**

- Father, we acknowledge that every good and perfect gift comes from You.

- As You provided for Hannah in her time of distress, we trust that You will provide for our needs according to Your riches in glory.

- We lay our requests before You, knowing that You care for us and will supply all that we need.

**Pardon**

- Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have doubted Your intimate involvement in our lives.

- Cleanse us from our sins and renew our hearts.

- Just as You forgave and restored Your people throughout history, we ask for Your forgiveness and grace today.

- Help us to extend the same grace to those around us.

**Protection**

- Protect us, O Lord, from the temptations and trials that seek to draw us away from You.

- Just as You called Samuel to be a light in a time of darkness, empower us to stand firm in our faith and to be a beacon of Your truth and love in the world.

- Keep us safe under the shadow of Your wings.

**Praise**

- You are our Creator, our Sustainer, and our Redeemer.

- We are fearfully and wonderfully made, and you know each of us intimately.

-We are grateful for Your continuous presence in our lives.

- May Your name be exalted forever.

In Jesus Name,

- Amen.