Congregation Bible Study for the Week of December 14-20, 2026

Chapter 21: A Boy Who Courageously Announced a Message From Jehovah

In what ways did Samuel show courage?

Comment 1: Samuel showed courage by telling Eli the entire message from Jehovah. It was not easy: he was a boy, while Eli was the high priest and the person under whose supervision he had grown up. In addition, the message announced punishment against Eli’s family. Even so, Samuel did not hide anything. His example shows that being courageous does not mean that we stop feeling afraid, but that we do what Jehovah expects of us even when we are afraid.

Comment 2: He was also courageous in remaining faithful in an environment where serious sins were being committed. Hophni and Phinehas did not respect Jehovah and abused those who brought sacrifices to the tabernacle. Samuel saw that bad example, but he did not imitate it or stop serving God. He kept growing and gaining the affection of Jehovah and of the people. This reminds us that we do not have to act like those around us; we can choose what is right even when others do not.

Comment 3: Samuel’s courage was not limited to that conversation with Eli. The chapter explains that he continued serving faithfully as a prophet and judge for decades. From childhood he learned to be courageous with Jehovah’s help, and he maintained that attitude for the rest of his life. This teaches me that Christian courage is not just a reaction to an exceptional situation. It is also shown when we continue obeying Jehovah year after year and accept the responsibilities we receive.

1. What was Shiloh, the place where the tabernacle was located, like? (w92 11/1 pp. 8-9)

Comment 1: Shiloh was in the mountainous region of Ephraim, about 30 kilometers north of Jerusalem. The reference indicates that the tabernacle was apparently located on a rounded hill. To the south was a valley where large crowds could gather. These details help us picture the setting: Samuel grew up in a place surrounded by hills, where Israelites from different parts of the country came to worship Jehovah.

Joshua 18:1 — Then all the assembly of the Israelites congregated at Shiloh, and they set up the tent of meeting there, as the land was now subdued before them.

Comment 2: Joshua 18:1 explains why Shiloh was so important: the tent of meeting was set up there. Before that, the tabernacle had been at Gilgal, near Jericho, but it was moved to Shiloh during the distribution of the land. So what stood out about that place was not its scenery, but its connection with the worship of Jehovah. For Samuel, living there meant growing up beside Israel’s center of worship and participating in tabernacle service.

Comment 3: The area around Shiloh had more trees than it does today, and there were even forests where wild animals lived. Some hills had olive groves cultivated on terraces. The reference also mentions watchtowers from which farmers or shepherds could observe their fields and flocks. That setting helps us imagine the landscape around Samuel. He may have explored those hills, although we must distinguish that possibility from the facts confirmed by the Bible.

Comment 4: Shiloh was also a place visited by families with children. Elkanah and Hannah went there every year, and it was there that they brought Samuel to serve Jehovah. Therefore, when thinking of the tabernacle, we should not picture only priests and adults. Children were also part of those scenes of worship.

2. What must Samuel’s life at the tabernacle have been like? (ia pp. 60-62 pars. 9-13)

1 Samuel 2:18 — Now Samuel was ministering before Jehovah, wearing a linen ephod, though he was just a boy.

Comment 1: First Samuel 2:18 shows that Samuel was already participating in service to Jehovah as a boy. The reference explains that his linen ephod was a simple sleeveless garment indicating that he assisted the priests. Although he did not belong to the priestly class, he had useful tasks to perform. His life at the tabernacle did not consist simply of watching what others did. From childhood he contributed to Jehovah’s service with work appropriate for him.

Comment 2: His tasks included opening the courtyard doors in the morning and helping Eli, who was already old. Samuel came to love that work. It is pleasing to think that some of his responsibilities were simple and practical, yet they were part of his service to Jehovah. This helps us value tasks that may go unnoticed. What matters is not whether a task gives us prominence, but whether we do it lovingly because it contributes to the worship of our God.

Comment 3: His life must also have included very painful moments. Hophni and Phinehas despised Jehovah’s standards and treated the people’s offerings disrespectfully. The reference invites us to consider how confusing it must have been for Samuel to see such abuses in the place where people sought spiritual comfort. Therefore, we should not idealize his childhood as though it had been free of difficulties. He served in a holy place, but he had to remain faithful amid very bad conduct.

Comment 4: Eli’s sons’ bad conduct was not limited to the offerings. They also had sexual relations with some of the women who served at the entrance of the tabernacle. Samuel had to grow up knowing that those sins were being committed, and the reference indicates that he surely expected Eli to intervene. His experience shows that being close to religious activities does not automatically make a person respect Jehovah. Samuel needed to cultivate his own faithfulness and not adopt those men’s attitudes.

Comment 5: Despite that environment, Samuel enjoyed serving in Jehovah’s house. I find that contrast important: he did not allow Hophni and Phinehas’ conduct to define his relationship with God. They were acting wrongly, but Jehovah still deserved his love and obedience. The lesson for us is that faithfulness should be based on who Jehovah is and on his standards, not on assuming that everyone around us will always act correctly.

3. In what sense does the Bible say that “Samuel did not yet come to know Jehovah” when he was a boy? (1 Sam. 3:7; w02 12/15 p. 8 pars. 5-6)

1 Samuel 3:7 — (Now Samuel had not yet come to know Jehovah, and the word of Jehovah had not yet been revealed to him.)

Comment 1: This does not mean that Samuel knew nothing about Jehovah. He had received instruction from his parents and from the priests. The verse itself clarifies that he had not yet received a message from God. He did not yet know Jehovah in the intimate way he would come to know him when serving as his spokesman.

Comment 2: The reference emphasizes that knowing Jehovah involves more than accumulating information about him. It is a process that can lead to an intimate friendship. Samuel was already serving him, but he still had much to learn about the way Jehovah acted and communicated with his prophets. This distinction helps us understand the passage. A person may know many Bible teachings and still need to keep drawing closer to Jehovah and strengthening his personal relationship with him.

Comment 3: As Samuel grew and served as a prophet, his relationship with Jehovah became closer. He saw how God supported him and how the messages he was commissioned to transmit came true. Thus, the expression does not describe a lack of spiritual interest, but a stage of his growth. This can especially encourage young ones: even if they have learned much at home, they still have the opportunity to know Jehovah better by putting into practice what they learn.

4. How was the prophecy about Eli’s family fulfilled? (it “Eli” I pars. 5-7)

Comment 1: One specific part of the prophecy was that Hophni and Phinehas would die on the same day. That happened in a battle against the Philistines. The Israelites had brought the Ark from Shiloh to the camp, thinking that this would secure victory, but they suffered a great defeat. The Philistines captured the Ark, and Eli’s two sons died. Thus, having the Ark with them did not protect them from the consequences of their conduct or prevent what had been announced from coming true.

Comment 2: Eli also died that day. He was 98 years old, blind, and anxiously waiting for news about the Ark. When the messenger told him that it had been captured, Eli fell backward from his seat, broke his neck, and died. The account shows how serious that day was for his family and for Israel. Jehovah had warned of the consequences, but, as the chapter points out, there is no evidence that Eli finally corrected his sons.

Comment 3: The loss of power by Eli’s family continued afterward. During Saul’s reign, the priests of Nob, who descended from Eli through Ahitub, the son of Phinehas, were killed. Abiathar escaped and continued serving as priest during David’s reign. This detail helps us see that judgment on that family did not end with the death of Hophni and Phinehas. The reference describes a fulfillment that had consequences over time.

1 Kings 2:26-27 — To Abiathar the priest, the king said: “Go to your fields in Anathoth! You deserve to die, but on this day I will not put you to death because you carried the Ark of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah before David my father and because you shared in all the hardships that my father suffered.” So Solomon drove Abiathar out from serving as a priest of Jehovah, to fulfill Jehovah’s word against the house of Eli in Shiloh.

Comment 4: First Kings 2:26, 27 expressly connects Abiathar’s removal with the words Jehovah had spoken against Eli’s family. Abiathar had supported Adonijah’s conspiracy, and Solomon removed him from the priesthood. Thus, Eli’s descendants permanently lost the high priesthood. This outcome confirms that the message communicated by Samuel was fulfilled. Although some consequences took longer to arrive, no religious position could nullify Jehovah’s decision.

… imitate his obedient attitude? (1 Sam. 3:5)

1 Samuel 3:5 — He 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.

Comment 1: Samuel responded immediately when he thought Eli was calling him. The text says that he ran, showing his willingness to attend to him even though it was nighttime. Young ones can imitate that attitude when their parents ask them for help or assign them a task. It is not merely a matter of eventually doing what they are asked after much insistence. Promptness also expresses obedience and consideration for the person who needs our cooperation.

Comment 2: I find it noteworthy that Samuel also obeyed when Eli told him to go back to bed. He did not yet understand what was happening, but he followed that simple instruction. Young ones can learn that they will not always immediately understand every detail of a situation. When their parents give them directions that agree with Jehovah’s standards, they can listen and carry them out willingly. And if they need an explanation, they can ask for one without becoming resistant.

Comment 3: His obedience had a very practical side: he was willing to help someone who was elderly. Samuel did not go because he knew he would receive a special assignment from Jehovah; he thought Eli needed him. This teaches young ones to serve willingly even in everyday matters. Helping at home or responding to a reasonable request from their parents may seem like a small thing, but it allows them to cultivate the same helpful spirit we see in Samuel.

… show good manners and respect as he did? (1 Sam. 3:6-10)

1 Samuel 3:6-10 — Jehovah called once again: “Samuel!” At this Samuel got up 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.” (Now Samuel had not yet come to know Jehovah, and the word of Jehovah had not yet been revealed to him.) So Jehovah called again, a third time: “Samuel!” At that he got up and went to Eli and said: “Here I am, for you called me.” Eli then realized that it was Jehovah who was calling the boy. So Eli said to Samuel: “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you should say, ‘Speak, Jehovah, for your servant is listening.’” And Samuel went and lay down in his place. Jehovah came and stood there, and he called as at the other times: “Samuel, Samuel!” At this Samuel said: “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Comment 1: Samuel continued addressing Eli respectfully each time he went to him. Although the situation happened repeatedly during the night, the account does not record any brusque response from the boy. Young ones can imitate him by being careful about their words and tone when speaking with their parents or older people. Good manners are especially evident when we are tired or confused by a situation. At such times, speaking kindly shows that respect does not depend only on our mood.

Comment 2: Another way to show respect is to listen to and accept an explanation. When Eli realized that Jehovah was calling the boy, he told him how to respond. Samuel paid attention and followed his instructions. Young ones can do the same when they receive Bible-based guidance: let the other person finish, try to understand what is being said, and put it into practice. Listening in this way goes beyond remaining silent; it shows that we value the help being offered.

Comment 3: Samuel showed a particularly respectful attitude toward Jehovah. When he understood who was calling him, he was ready to listen like a servant who wanted to receive instructions. Young ones can cultivate that same humility by paying attention to God’s Word and taking seriously what they learn. We do not expect to receive messages like those Samuel received, but we can show respect for Jehovah by the way we listen to his teaching and respond to it in our life.

… be as responsible as he was? (1 Sam. 3:15)

1 Samuel 3:15 — Samuel lay down until the morning; then he opened the doors of Jehovah’s house. Samuel was afraid to tell Eli of the vision.

Comment 1: After that special night, Samuel opened the doors of Jehovah’s house. He was afraid to tell Eli what he had heard, but he nevertheless attended to his morning task. Young ones can imitate him by fulfilling their responsibilities even when they have worries or are thinking about something else. Samuel’s example teaches that being responsible does not mean working only when everything is easy, but not neglecting what has been entrusted to us.

Comment 2: Samuel had just received a message directly from Jehovah, but that did not cause him to stop opening the tabernacle doors. Such an important experience did not make his regular duties worthless. Young ones can apply this lesson when helping with practical tasks in the congregation. The picture of a teenager taking inventory of cleaning supplies illustrates it well: helping to keep the Kingdom Hall in good condition is also a responsibility that deserves care and consistency.

Comment 3: Opening the doors may not have been a noticeable task, but Samuel carried it out. Young ones can be just as responsible when caring for the details of an assignment, whether at home or at the Kingdom Hall. Doing simple tasks well shows that others can rely on them.

In what situations might young ones need courage to speak? How could Samuel’s example help them?

Comment 1: A young person may need courage when explaining why he or she will not participate in something that goes against Bible standards. Perhaps the young person worries about how classmates will react. Samuel was also afraid of the conversation ahead of him, but he did not allow that to silence him. His example can help a young person speak respectfully and clearly, without being ashamed of wanting to obey Jehovah. There is no need to be defiant; one can be firm while remaining kind.

Comment 2: Courage is also needed to tell parents or a trusted adult about something serious that is happening and ask for help. A young person may fear that the explanation will be uncomfortable or worry others. Samuel did not hide the difficult message he had to communicate. Without equating those situations with a divine revelation, his example encourages us not to hide a problem out of fear. Speaking honestly may be a necessary step to receive help and do what is right.

Comment 3: Participating at a meeting or speaking about one’s beliefs may also require courage from a young person. Perhaps the young person thinks that, because of age, he or she will not express things well. But Jehovah entrusted Samuel with a responsibility when he was still a boy. This shows that youth does not prevent someone from being useful in Jehovah’s service. Preparing and focusing on communicating one simple Bible thought can help a young person act without waiting for nervousness to disappear completely.

In what other ways can you imitate Samuel’s courage?

Comment 1: I can imitate him when I must remain faithful even though I see bad examples. Samuel had people nearby who despised Jehovah’s standards, but he did not use their conduct as an excuse to act the same way. This encourages me to take responsibility for my own decisions. If someone does something wrong, I do not have to follow that person or lose my desire to serve God. My loyalty should be directed to Jehovah, who does not change his standards to accommodate human wrongdoing.

Comment 2: Another way is to tell the truth respectfully when it would be easier to remain silent. Samuel respected Eli, but he did not confuse that respect with hiding Jehovah’s message from him. I too may need courage to acknowledge a mistake or address a matter that I am responsible to handle. His example does not authorize me to speak harshly or express opinions as though they were messages from God. Rather, it teaches me to combine honesty with respect for the other person.

Comment 3: I can imitate his courage by accepting a responsibility in Jehovah’s service even when it intimidates me. Samuel did not choose an easy message or wait until he felt completely confident before communicating it. He carried out what Jehovah had entrusted to him, and he had Jehovah’s support. This encourages me not to reject an appropriate task simply because of insecurity. I can prepare, accept the guidance I receive, and take the necessary steps instead of always allowing fear to decide for me.

What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

Comment 1: It teaches me that Jehovah values children who want to serve him. Samuel did not have Eli’s age or position, but Jehovah chose him to transmit his message. In addition, Jehovah accompanied him as he grew and supported him as a prophet. This helps us view young ones with appreciation. Their obedience, willingness, and efforts to do what is right do not go unnoticed by Jehovah. They do not need to wait until adulthood to begin cultivating a friendship with him.

Comment 2: I learn that Jehovah does not approve of abuse or allow a religious position to justify sin. Hophni and Phinehas were priests, but that did not make their conduct acceptable. Eli also had to answer for failing to take the necessary measures against them. Jehovah saw what was happening and decided to correct the situation. This assures us that injustices are not a matter of indifference to him. His judgment is not based on a person’s prestige, but on conduct and on his righteous standards.

Comment 3: The account teaches me that Jehovah is trustworthy. He supported Samuel and saw to it that the messages he had given him came true. The boy did not have to guarantee the outcome of those words by his own means; his responsibility was to communicate them faithfully. This helps me distinguish between what I am responsible to do and what depends on Jehovah. I can concentrate on obeying him, confident that he always fulfills his word.

How does this account relate to Jehovah’s purpose and the main theme of the Bible?

Comment 1: The account relates to the sanctification of Jehovah’s name. Eli’s sons dishonored him by their conduct and corrupted the worship offered to him. By judging them, Jehovah made clear that he did not approve those actions. Thus, he distinguished between his own standards and the behavior of those who despised them. This fits with the purpose that his name be respected: no one can properly represent Jehovah while persisting in conduct that contradicts what he commands.

Comment 2: It also highlights Jehovah’s right to direct his people and establish how he should be worshipped. Hophni and Phinehas acted according to their own desires, whereas Samuel listened and obeyed. That contrast relates to recognizing Jehovah’s authority, a central issue in the Bible. Samuel showed by his actions that he valued God’s guidance more than personal convenience. We too can demonstrate that we accept his authority by obeying his standards even when doing so requires courage.

Comment 3: The corruption of those priests did not prevent Jehovah from continuing to guide his people. He chose Samuel as a prophet and supported him for many years. This helps us see that his purpose is not frustrated by human unfaithfulness. Jehovah can correct what is wrong and continue providing direction to those who want to listen to him.

What would I like to ask Samuel when he is resurrected?

Comment 1: I would like to ask him what helped him overcome his fear before speaking to Eli. We know that he was afraid and yet told him the entire message, but the account does not explain every thought he had during those hours. Hearing his experience would be very encouraging. In the meantime, we do not need to know those details in order to learn from him: his conduct already teaches us that we can feel afraid and at the same time decide to be loyal to Jehovah.

Comment 2: I would ask him what memories he had of his mother’s visits and what teaching from his parents helped him most as he grew up. The chapter says that Hannah went every year and brought him a new garment, but it does not record their conversations. It would be wonderful to know those details without imagining them as though they were facts. That question also makes me appreciate the good parents can do through their teaching and their constant expressions of love.

Comment 3: I would like to ask him how he deepened his friendship with Jehovah throughout his life. As a child he had not yet received messages from God, and later he served for decades as a prophet and judge. It would be interesting to hear what experiences he remembers from that spiritual growth. Thinking about that conversation encourages me not to be satisfied with what I already know about Jehovah. Like Samuel, I can continue learning from him and strengthening my friendship with him as the years go by.