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Step By Step: Old Testament 2 Lesson 2: Saul & the Monarchy. Rev. Christopher J. Respass Antioch Bible Institute Fall 2012. Saul & The Monarchy. The Establishment of the Monarchy (1 Sam. 8:1-9) A. Although Israel had been led by charismatic leaders, the nation had always been a THEOCRACY .
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Step By Step: Old Testament 2Lesson 2: Saul & the Monarchy • Rev. Christopher J. RespassAntioch Bible InstituteFall 2012
Saul & The Monarchy • The Establishment of the Monarchy (1 Sam. 8:1-9) • A. Although Israel had been led by charismatic leaders, the nation had always been a THEOCRACY. • B. Samuel was old and his sons lacked personal and professional integrity (v.3)
Saul & The Monarchy • C. The elders of Israel asked Samuel to appoint a king over them so that Israel might be like other nations (v.5) • D. Samuel felt this request was a rejection of his leadership, but it was actually a rejection of God as king (v.7). Samuel was only experiencing what God had been experiencing since he led the people out of Egypt (v.8).
Saul & The Monarchy • Samuel’s Solemn Warning Against Kings • (1 Samuel 8:10-18) • A. He will draft your husbands and sons into his army (v.11). • B. He will require your men to work his grounds and make weapons of war (v.12). • C. He will put your daughters to work for his purposes (e.g., bakers, perfumers, etc.).
Saul & The Monarchy • D. He will take your best land for his use (v.14). • E. He will tax you 10% of your grain and 10% of your flocks (v.15, 17). • F. You will become the king’s slaves. • But the people still wanted a king • (1 Samuel 8:19-20)
Excursus: What Happens When you Listen to “the People” • Christian leaders (and leaders in general) have to manage a number of emotions and desires. For many, the desire to be accepted and well-liked is an extremely powerful motivator. It often leads some leaders to compromise their personal integrity or convictions in favor of pleasing the people who clamor for their way. If a leader forgets that his authority is “delegated authority,” he may lose sight of the true object(s) of his allegiance. In the case of a Christian leader, specifically, yielding to the pressure of people-pleasing and ignoring one’s allegiance to God is often destructive—for the leader and his constituents.
Excursus: What Happens When you Listen to “the People” • Here are some examples of how listening to “the people” can put you in direct conflict with God: • 1. Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:1-19, see v.17). • 2. Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1-4, see, Gen. 1:28) • 3. The Golden Calf (Exod. 32, see. Exod. 20:1-6) • 4. Israel Wants a King (1 Sam. 8) • Do NOT listen to “the People,” listen to God!
Saul & The Monarchy • Saul as King • A. Saul, the Man. Saul, a Benjamite, was taller and better-looking than everyone else (1 Sam. 9:1-2). Early in his monarchy, he was humble (1 Sam. 9:21). • B. Saul is Anointed. God chose Saul to be king over Israel and Samuel anointed Saul as King (1 Sam. 10:1). • C. Saul Falls. Saul oversteps his boundary (1 Sam. 13:8-14). • D. Samuel Rejected. God rejects Samuel as king (1 Sam. 15:1-24).
Saul & The Monarchy • Saul’s Great Demise • A. Disobeyed Samuel and violated God’s law (1 Sam. 13). • B. Made a foolish vow (1 Sam.14:24-45). • C. Disobeyed God a second time (1 Sam. 15). • D. Allowed his jealousy of David to control and consume him (1 Sam. 16-31).
Saul & The Monarchy • E. Violated his own law concerning witches and mediums (1 Sam. 28). • F. Committed suicide while fighting the Philistines (1 Sam. 31:1-6).
Saul & The Monarchy • Questions • What are some important characteristics of a godly leader? • Who should the Christian balance living “in this world” (subject to man) but not being “of this world” (allegiance to God)? • How can jealousy compromise your leadership?