SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
1 Samuel 8:1 through 15:35

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.” (1 Samuel 9:17)

BACKGROUND

This portion of Scripture marks another great turning point in the history of the Children of Israel. After they possessed the Promised Land by the power of God under the leadership of Joshua, they lived for approximately 400 years governed by judges. God was their King and Supreme Commander. However, growing apostasy and involvement with other nations caused them to forget God’s covenant and desire an earthly king to “be like all the nations” and to fight their battles. The tribes of Israel had apparently forgotten that God called them to be a separate and unique people that would follow Him. In return, they would never be forsaken by the Lord.

Samuel explained to the people the negative consequences of having a king. However, they still cried out, “We will have a king over us.” Samuel rehearsed these words to the Lord, who then authorized Samuel to anoint them a king. The Lord led Samuel to Saul, a Benjamite.

Saul was not crowned in a coronation that would be typical of a political act to establish him as a ruler. Samuel anointed him with oil, which was a religious act that made the king a representative of God to the people. The anointing oil was made specifically of myrrh, olive oil, and other costly spices.

The Philistines were Israel’s chief enemy during Saul’s reign. Israel’s army was at a distinct disadvantage because they had no weapons and no ability to make any. The Philistines carefully guarded their technology in making iron and blacksmithing.

Even though Israel was not in a position to defeat anyone, through God’s help, they were able to rout the Philistines and achieve a victory without swords.

This portion of text gives the account of the end of Samuel’s ministry and the turbulent transition to a completely unfamiliar form of government for the tribes of Israel.

SUGGESTED RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

1. What were the reasons given by the elders of Israel for wanting a king (1 Samuel 8:4-5)? Were these claims legitimate? Why or why not?
   
   They said that Samuel was old, that his sons were corrupt, and that they wanted to be like other nations. Bring out through discussion that none of these were legitimate reasons for abandoning the Lord’s plan. Age did not stop God from using Abraham. God used Moses to “go against the flow” and to bring God’s people out of Egypt to be a separate or unique nation. Discuss with your class that there are no legitimate reasons to go outside of God’s plan.
   
2. What was God’s reaction to the people’s request? 1 Samuel 8:7-9
   
   God granted their request, but He told Samuel to show them what having a king would mean. God gave them the desires of their heart, though that was not His will (1 Samuel 8:7). Discuss with your class the difference between God’s permissive and perfect will.
   
3. Samuel expressed to Saul that “all the desire of Israel” was on him, speaking about his upcoming responsibility. What was Saul’s response, and what does it show about his attitude? 1 Samuel 9:21
   
   Saul responded that he was a Benjamite, of the smallest tribe, and of the least of all the families in the tribe. Compare this verse to 1 Samuel 9:1-2. The conclusion can be made that Saul’s response was one of humility and grace. Judging by the response, it appeared that he would be a good king. Saul is also described as “a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he.” The implication is that Saul was a promising choice from a human perspective.
   
4. What three prophesies did Samuel make regarding the signs that would happen on Saul’s journey home (1 Samuel 10:2-6)? What can we learn from them for our lives today?
   
   The first prophecy was that someone would tell Saul that his initial problem (the missing asses) had been solved. The second prophecy was that he would meet some men and they would give him bread, supplying his need for food. The third prophecy was that the Spirit of the Lord would come upon him, giving him power to deal with his new responsibilities.
   
   There are several possible responses to the second question. One could be that just as God provided for Saul’s material, physical, and spiritual needs, He will provide for us. Saul had nothing to worry about. God had proved that his problems would be solved, his needs would be provided for, and the necessary strength would be there when needed. Interestingly, the three prophecies dealt with his past, his present, and his future.
   
5. Saul was anointed king three times: privately by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 10:1), in public at Mizpeh (1 Samuel 10:17-24), and after his first victory as the leader of the tribes in battle against the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11:15). At the second coronation, Saul “hid himself among the stuff” (1 Samuel 10:22). Was this an appropriate action? Why or why not?
   
   It is easy to look at this and think that Saul was showing humility, however, discussion should focus on our need to answer God’s call in spite of our own feelings of fear or lack of ability. Sometimes situations arise that could overwhelm us, but when we place our trust and faith in God, we realize that through His strength we can accomplish what He needs. The answer of whether or not it is right to hide from God’s call is found in the motive of why we are hiding. If fear and insecurity are controlling our effectiveness for God, we need to determine to step out in faith and trust that God will be the strength we need.
   
6. In 1 Samuel 12:3-5, Samuel asked if there was anyone who was accusing him of any misdeeds. In his high offices as prophet and judge, he would have faced opportunities to become corrupt. What can we do to make sure that we are not corrupted by power at any level?
   
   Allow your class to submit their suggestions for avoiding corruption. Some possible helps could include establishing checks and balances and making oneself accountable to another. Discuss possible pitfalls they may encounter in today’s competitive market as they “climb the corporate ladder.” Ultimately, our personal integrity will come down to maintaining a vibrant relationship with God which will result in the Holy Spirit directing and dictating our actions each day.
   
7. In 1 Samuel 10:8, Samuel tells Saul to wait in Gilgal seven days and Samuel would come and offer a sacrifice. After Saul disobeyed Samuel and offered the sacrifice himself (1 Samuel 13:8-12), who did Saul blame? How does this parallel some people’s actions today?
   
   This instruction was given at the same time as the prophecies that were fulfilled upon Saul’s journey home in chapter 10. He should have trusted that if Samuel were accurate in the first three prophecies, he would not fail regarding the fourth. But Saul went ahead of God’s will. Then he blamed his army and Samuel for his own foolish decision. Today, many people blame someone else for their own problems. You might wish to provide your class with some newspaper headlines that tie to the idea of blaming others for personal choices. Conclude this question by reinforcing that we always need to strive toward taking responsibility for our actions. Ultimately, we will stand before God as individuals, and take the punishment or reward for the choices we made in life.
   
8. Contrast the actions of Jonathan in 1 Samuel 14:6-15 with those of Saul in 1 Samuel 15:2-9. What was done right? What was done wrong?
   
   It should be brought out that the faith of Jonathan and his armor bearer were the keys to the victory. Jonathan inquired of the Lord what to do and when he got the answer, he followed it wholly. Saul was given strict instruction, and although he showed good sense by letting the Kenites go, he failed miserably in following the Lord’s commands and lost the kingdom because of his disobedience.

CONCLUSION

Saul got ahead of God several times by trying to do things in his own way instead of following God’s commands. Let us pray that we have the patience to rely on God for every part of our lives, and let Him lead. His timing is always perfect!