Description
Explore the life, calling, and leadership of Samuel in the November 2026 Sunday School Study Guide and Word Search Puzzles. This month’s lessons follow Samuel’s journey from his call by God to his role as prophet, priest, judge, and king maker. Through passages from 1 and 2 Samuel, learners will examine the importance of hearing and obeying God’s voice, honoring God’s presence, returning to faithful worship, recognizing God’s standards for leadership, and understanding how godly leadership can help unite and strengthen God’s people.
Weekly Key Points
November 1 — The Lord Calls Samuel | 1 Samuel 3:8–20
The month begins with God calling Samuel during a period when the Word of the Lord was described as rare. Eli eventually recognizes that God is calling the child and instructs Samuel to respond, “Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth.” Samuel receives a difficult message concerning Eli’s household but faithfully communicates what God has revealed. The lesson emphasizes hearing God, responding as His servant, faithfully communicating His Word, obedience, and developing a life that reflects God’s calling.
November 8 — The Glory Departs | 1 Samuel 4:12–22
Following Israel’s defeat by the Philistines, the Ark of the Covenant is captured, Hophni and Phinehas are killed, and Eli dies after hearing the news. Phinehas’ wife names her son Ichabod, reflecting that “the glory is departed from Israel.” The lesson focuses on the significance of God’s presence, the consequences of persistent disobedience, the danger of relying on religious symbols without faithful obedience, and the importance of keeping God’s Word in its rightful place.
November 15 — Samuel: God’s Prophet and Judge | 1 Samuel 7:3–11, 15–17
Samuel calls Israel to return wholeheartedly to the Lord, put away false gods, prepare their hearts, and serve God alone. At Mizpah, the people fast, confess their sins, and seek God’s intervention against the Philistines. Samuel intercedes for them, and God responds. The lesson highlights repentance, wholehearted worship, prayer and intercession, surrender, God’s deliverance, and Samuel’s faithful leadership as prophet and judge.
November 22 — Samuel: A King Maker | 1 Samuel 16:4–13
God sends Samuel to the household of Jesse to identify Israel’s next king. While outward appearance initially influences Samuel’s thinking, God reminds him that people look at outward appearances while the Lord looks at the heart. David, Jesse’s youngest son, is ultimately chosen and anointed. Key themes include God’s standards for leadership, looking beyond outward appearances, discerning God’s will, consecration, anointing, and recognizing that God’s choice may differ from human expectations.
November 29 — David’s Coronation and Capture of Jerusalem | 2 Samuel 5:1–12
The final lesson moves from Samuel’s role as king maker to the establishment of David’s kingship. The tribes of Israel unite under David, affirm him as king, and enter into a covenant relationship with him. David captures Jerusalem and establishes the City of David, while recognizing that the Lord has established his kingdom for Israel’s sake. The lesson emphasizes unity, committed leadership and followership, covenant relationships, overcoming opposition, God’s presence in leadership, and using leadership for the benefit of God’s people.
