Chapter 3 – Listening to God – A Scripture Story

Notes for Test

Vocabulary Words

 

Shrine at Shiloh – A shrine was a sacred place where Jewish pilgrims came to pray.  Jewish tradition tells us the Ark contained the Commandments which were once kept at the shrine at Shiloh.    

 

Judges of Israel – The leaders of the Israelites before they had kings. They were wise men and women. 

 

Ark of the Covenant – The decorated chest in which the Israelites kept the stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written.  This ark was a sign that God was always with the Israelites.  It reminded them to keep their part of the Covenant and to obey God’s laws. 

 

Vocation – A call from God to do a special work. 

 

Samuel – He anointed Saul to be the first king of Israel.  He was also one of the judges of Israel. 

 

NOTES

 

Samuel – The name Samuel means “one who hears God.”  Samuel’s mother wanted a child.  She prayed to God to give her one.  God answered her prayers.  When he was a little boy she took him to the Shrine at Shiloh to serve God.  Eli was the head priest who also lived at the shrine. 

 

God Speaks to Samuel – Samuel lived at the shrine.  He used to sleep next to Ark of the Covenant.  The Ark of the Covenant is where the Ten Commandments were kept.  One night he heard someone call his name.  He ran to Eli and asked him what he wanted.  Eli sent him back to bed.  This happened again and Eli sent him back to bed again.  When it happened the third time, Eli told him to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

 

Ark of the Covenant - After serving God for many years, Samuel was called by God to become the last of the judges of Israel.  As a judge, Samuel’s job was to help the people to follow God’s word and covenant.  The people prayed to God to send them a king, so God had Samuel anoint Saul to be their first king of the Israelites.   

 

Vocation – Priests work with the bishop to lead and serve the people of a parish.  They lead the people in worship, they preach the Gospel, and they teach people to live the Gospel as Jesus taught.