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1130 BCE
Hannah's Prayer
Elkanah's family is at Shiloh for the Passover celebration. Hannah goes to the temple to pray. Eli the High Priest thinks she is drunk because her mouth is moving, but no words are coming out. Hannah assures him that she is not, but just in great distress. Eli responds by blessing her and prophecying that she would have a son. -
1129 BCE
Birth
Samuel is born to Elkanah and Hannah, just as Eli had prophecied. -
Period: 1125 BCE to 1099 BCE
Temple Life
Samuel lives in the temple and serves Eli and his sons. He is Eli's errand boy and takes care of the menial details of temple life. Hannah comes to visit Samuel once a year. Every year she brings him a new coat. -
1120 BCE
God's Voice
God speaks to Samuel as he is sleeping in the Holy of Holies. Samuel runs to Eli three times thinking it is his voice. Final Eli realizes it is God talking and tells Samuel to listen. Samuel receives a message saying that Eli's family will be destroyed. Samuel continues to hear God's voice. -
1119 BCE
Samson's Birth
Samson is born to Manoah and his wife. He will grow up to become one of the most memorable judges of the Bible. God gives him incredible strength and he defeats many Philistines. -
1099 BCE
Eli Dies
The Israelites go to battle against the Philistines. Eli's sons take the Ark into battle. When the Israelites lose the Philistines capture the Ark. When Eli hears the news he falls over backward and dies. Samuel leaves the temple and becomes a judge shortly after.
