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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: NOISE (05/03/18)
Seek Peace

The noisy, joyful, festival had finished. Bellowing bulls, bleating goats and lambs were no more. The sacrifices were complete. Thousands promised to meet next year as they exchanged fond farewells creating a loud departure.
Samuel kept waving until his family were only specks in the distance. Getting to know his three brothers and two sisters while playing and laughing together, made warm memories that would help fill lonely times. He returned to his bed in the sanctuary savouring the peace and quiet. Lying there, neatly folded, was a new robe lovingly made by his mother Hannah. He gently stroked it at the same time recalling the prayer of encouragement from his father Elkanah. Although nearly twelve, a tear fell down his cheek. His heart was so full of thanks for all the gifts his family had given him, he picked up his lyre and sang a song of praise to the Lord for His many blessings.

Suddenly, the peace was shattered by loud raucous laughter and ribald joking outside the sanctuary. Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas were returning from one of their sorties among the temple prostitutes. Samuel put his hands over his ears and prayed for them to pass quickly. He avoided the brothers as much as possible. Although Eli had taught his sons, they had lost respect for God and were known for their evil ways. Thankfully they didn't linger. Samuel continued playing the lyre,to sooth his soul.

For about eight years Eli had been instructing Samuel. He proved to be a diligent and quick learning student. Often singing while doing tasks he loved, lighting the lamps, creating a gentle glow. Being an early riser the doors to the tabernacle were always open on time and if he wasn't heard singing or playing an instrument he would be reading the scriptures. He was also a great help to Eli who was losing his sight.
“Thank you for placing me here God.” he would often say in appreciation.
Samuel grew before the Lord and was held in high esteem by many.

Regular Festivals were exciting noisy celebrations as many came to sacrifice, praising, singing and dancing. Samuel was kept very busy assisting Eli when necessary.
Unfortunately, it was an opportunity for Phinehas and Hophni to take greater advantage of their priestly positions. They continually chose for themselves the best portions of meat before it was sacrificed to God. They grew fat and were despised by the Lord who sent a man to tell Eli both his sons would die in one day and a faithful priest would be raised up.

In spite of the wonderful festivals and various activities around the tabernacle, Samuel's favourite time and place was during the night in the peace of the sanctuary. He felt safe and close to God. One night he was aroused from a deep sleep.
“Samuel, Samuel”
Unsure exactly what he heard, thinking it was coming from Eli's chamber, Samuel ran to him.
“Here I am, you called me?”
“No I didn't you can go back to bed.”
Asleep once more he was awoken
“Samuel”
Again he went to Eli.
“You called me?”
“No it was not me. Go and lie down again.”
Yet a third time Samuel was woken.
“Samuel” called the Lord.
“You did call me I am here.” he said to Eli.
This time Eli realized it was God calling so he instructed Samuel
“Go, lie down once more and if He calls you again say Speak Lord your servant hears.”
Samuel did as Eli told him. The Lord told Samuel He was going to judge Eli's house because of the behaviour of Hophni and Phinehas and that no sacrifice would atone for what they had done.
After hearing the message from the Lord, Samuel lay down until it was time to open the doors of the house of the Lord. Although he was afraid, eventually he told Eli what God had said. Eli's response was “Let Him do what seems good.“
In time God's word came to pass. Hophni and Phinehas died in battle. Because the ark of God was captured, Eli fell from shock and died of a broken neck.

Samuel grew in the Lord and eventually became priest, prophet and judge of Israel.

***************
The voice and direction of the Lord can be found in peace and surrender to Him as shown by Samuel. Constant noise and selfish pride can lead to a downfall.
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This article has been read 598 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Linda Lawrence 
05/10/18
The first couple paragraphs really interested me. I think this piece is worth spending some time perfecting.
Leola Ogle
05/10/18
I love the story of the young Samuel. You've done a good job with your story. God bless.
C D Swanson 
05/11/18
Love the entire piece. Wonderful job with the topic and great writing.

Blessings~
Dimple Suit
05/14/18
I enjoyed the way you took Samuel's story and made it your own. Good job!
Kate Amy
05/15/18
I loved the start because we were in Samuel’s head, then it became familiar and then informative. It would be great to see Samuel’s emotions carried throughout, particularly at the end.
I love bible stories brought to life, good choice!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/18/18
You've done a nice job of retelling this story. I liked how you developed the characters. With some tweaking, editing, and a rewrite or two, I could easily see this as part of a book of retelling Bible stories. You have done a great job of writing on topic while still delivering the great message. Congratulations on ranking 8th in your level. The highest rankings can be found on the message boards.