Samuel

Before ancient Israel had kings, they were led in times of crisis by military leaders known as judges. Samuel the prophet was the last of the judges. 1 and 2 Samuel were originally one book or scroll and describe God’s dealings with Samuel, Saul, David, Bathsheba and Absalom.

Was Hannah an example of personal sacrifice and gratitude? What did she pray after God blessed her?

And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:1-2 KJV)

When Samuel expressed disappointment over Israel’s choice of a king, what did God say to him?

But the Lord told him, “Listen to the people and everything they say to you. They have not rejected you; they have rejected Me as their king.” (1 Samuel 8:7 HCSB)

How did Samuel pass on God’s warning that Kings are not the answer? How often are the words “take” and “his” used to describe a king? Could this indicate the utter selfishness of human governments in general?

And he said, “This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them for his own chariots and to be his horsemen, and some will run before his chariots. He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties, will set some to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and some to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. And he will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants. He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants. And he will take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys, and put them to his work. He will take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants. And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the Lord will not hear you in that day.” (1 Samuel 8:11-18 NKJV)

Samuel told Saul that Israel desired him. Did Saul react with humility? Is this a lesson for all of us to remain humble?

Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?” (1 Samuel 9:21 NIV)

Is neglect of prayer a sin? What would Samuel say?

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. (1 Samuel 12:23 NKJV)

What is the good and right way that Samuel taught?

Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. (1 Samuel 12:24 NASB)

Why was Saul ultimately rejected as king?

But now your kingdom must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart. The Lord has already appointed him to be the leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command. (1 Samuel 13:14 NLT cp. Acts 13:22)

Though David committed terrible sins, he repented and remained a man of God (Psalm 4:7; 9:1; 18:1-3; 23:6; 25:11; 27:1; 31:9; 62:9; 119:34). How many church leaders have been like David, faulty but repentant? David was anointed king three times. Was he anointed the first time as a youth in front of his older brothers?

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him right there in front of his brothers. The Lord’s spirit came over David from that point forward. Then Samuel left and went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:13 CEB)

Was David later anointed king over the southern kingdom of Judah?

The people of Judah met with David at Hebron and poured olive oil on his head to show that he was their new king. Then they told David, “The people from Jabesh in Gilead buried Saul.” (2 Samuel 2:4 CEV)

Perhaps 15 years after the first anointing, was David finally anointed king over all Israel, north and south? Does God often teach us patience to build our faith?

So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. (2 Samuel 5:3 ESV)