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The Life and Times of Samuel, Saul, and David

The Life and Times of Samuel, Saul, and David. Lesson #4: Give Us a King! I Sm. 8: - 9:27 “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

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The Life and Times of Samuel, Saul, and David

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  1. The Life and Times of Samuel, Saul, and David Lesson #4: Give Us a King! I Sm. 8: - 9:27 “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”(I Corinthians 10:11)

  2. Introduction • Israel has a history of sin and rebellion, yet God is merciful and knows the future. • Some people want to know “What have you done for me lately?” • God made provisions for a king in His law before it was requested. • Why did Israel demand a king? • Key reasons include: the age of Samuel, wickedness of Samuel’s sons, and to be like other nations. • REAL REASON: Self-will. • Youth and inexperience may have lead to corruption. “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” • Samuel’s sons were delegated authority from Samuel. • His sons were dishonest, took bribes, and perverted justice (Dt. 16:18-22). • The people expressed dissatisfaction and rejection of Samuel’s leadership. • Rejecting the system of judges is a rejection of God’s rule and leadership. They rejected God’s arrangement and wanted to improve upon His arrangement. • Samuel turns to God for guidance. • God grants the request for a king. • The people are warned about the labors and troubles of a king. • God directed Samuel to select Saul to be Israel’s first king. • Saul was tall and handsome, of the tribe of Benjamin, and Son of wealthy Kish

  3. Discussion Questions • Why do you think Samuel's sons were corrupt? (I Sm. 7:15-17; 8:1) • Perhaps he was never home due to constant travel. • Samuel’s sons seemed to be like Eli’s sons who were selfish and rebellious. • Why didn’t God destroy Samuel as He did Eli? • Maybe he didn’t realize it or was blind to it. • Maybe He raised them right and they made their own choices because, “they turned aside.” (8:3) • Lesson to Learn:Good children are not always good just because their parents are good. (Hb. 12:14-17; 11:20, 32, 4; Jude 11) • Examples: Issac’s sons (Jacob/Esau), Samuel’s sons, David’s sons (Absalom/Solomon), Adam and Eve’s sons (Cain/Abel). • Parents are responsible/accountable for raising their children right, then they become responsible/accountable for their own decisions.

  4. Discussion Questions • In what ways did Samuel's sons disregard the law of God and refused to walk in the steps of their father? (I Sm. 8:3; 2:18-21, 26; 3:19; Dt. 16:18-19) • Samuel’s sons took bribes, were dishonest, and perverted justice, yet Samuel had favor with God and man. • God provides instructions and laws regarding appointed leaders and delegated authority (Dt. 16:18-19). • The statement, “Like father, like son” is not always true. • Lesson to Learn:Public office and power brings temptations of dishonesty, bribery and perversion. (Mt. 28:11-15; Lk. 14:19; Ga. 1:7-9; Tit. 3:10-11; I Tm. 3:6-7; 5:19-20; 6:9-10) • Modern politicians take bribes in return for favoritism (i.e. PAC’s, campaign funds, bad checks, etc.). • Jesus knows what politics is all about (i.e. trial). • In general, politicians are known for making excuses, casting blame on others, being deceptive, etc. • Religious leaders may pervert the truth into false doctrines. • In general, promoting youth and inexperience leads to temptations and corruption (i.e. Enron, preachers, elders, deacons, etc.).

  5. Discussion Questions • How did the people express their dissatisfaction to Samuel? (I Sm. 8:4-5) What was the real motive of Israel's demand for a king? (I Sm. 8:5, 8; Ps. 118:8-9; Jud. 8:22-24) • Israel provided three reasons: Samuel’s age, wicked sons, and to be like the other nations. • Real Motive: Be like the other nations. They were more confident in man’s way. It was self-will. (Ps. 118:8-9) • Israel could have suggested removal of Samuel’s sons, but it seems they may have been thinking about this for some time (Jud. 8:22-23). • Lesson to Learn:Self-will is when we want to do something regardless of God's warnings and instructions. (Jh. 1:13; Ga. 5:20; II Pt. 2:1; Ac. 15:5; I Co. 11:19; II Th. 1:7-9) • The battle of the wills: God and man. • Heresy is a “strong self-willed opinion” (Vines). A heresy causes divisions and leads to false doctrine. • Our real motives will be reflected in our words and deeds.

  6. Discussion Questions • How was Israel influenced by the nations around them? (I Sm. 8:5, 8; Jud. 2:1-6) • Israel was influenced by what they saw and desired to imitate others. • Israel imitated others by worshipping idols, and their government. • Philosophy: Keep up with the world (i.e. modern, progressive, innovative). Being like other religious groups. • Lesson To Learn: Influence of the world can corrupt the church. (I Co. 5:1-13; Josh. 7:1-26; Mt. 13:22; Jm. 4:4; I Jh. 2:15-17; Col. 3:5; II Co. 2:11; I Co. 10:12; II Co. 4:16-18; Mt. 13:15; II Pt. 3:10-13; Re. 2:12-29; 3:14-22) • Tolerating sin make a church impure and corrupt (I Co. 5; Jos. 7). • Indifference and worldliness destroys church influence. • Satan presents temptation/devices to sin through three avenues: lusts of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. • Cares and pleasures of the world slowly choke us to death. We can’t be a friend of the world and God. • We must set our minds on things above. We must realize the earth and all the works will be destroyed. We must see the big picture!

  7. Discussion Questions • Why did God make provisions in the old law for a king? (Dt. 17:14-20; 26:19) • God knew the time would come (Dt. 17:14). • Jesus, our King, was the son of king David. An important link in the chain. • God’s divine regulations were violated (i.e. King Solomon – I Ki. 11:1-13). • Israel was still required to be set apart from all the other nations.

  8. Discussion Questions • How did Samuel respond to the demand? How did the Lord respond? (I Sm. 8:6-9) • Samuel was displeased and prayed to God. • Samuel realized the people rejected God, and was displeased with the people’s rejection of God’s arrangement. • Samuel knew how God felt. Do we know how God feels? (Ge. 39:9) • God instructed Samuel to heed the request and warn Israel. Rebellion was not new to Israel. • Lesson To Learn:We should take our problems to God in prayer and depend upon His guidance. (I Pt. 5:7; Ph. 4:4-7; Ps. 105:1-5; I Tm. 2:2; Mk. 14:38; Jm. 1:5) • We should cast ALL of our cares on Jesus. He really cares!!! • Christians have nothing to worry about. • We must pray for ALL people. • We must watch and pray. We must ask for wisdom and guidance from God. We need wisdom!!!

  9. Discussion Questions • What are the troubles and labors of a king? (I Sm. 8:10-18) • Sons will be enlisted to serve in the military. Military leaders will be appointed. • Decisions will be made about who will plow, make swords and weapons. • Daughters will be enlisted to serve as cooks. Servants will be taken. • Taxes will be collected. • Our government may use a draft, collects taxes, conduct military activities, etc.). It’s better than anarchy (Jud. 17:6) or wild, wild, west. • Briefly describe the family, appearance and character of Saul. (I Sm. 9:1-2, 21; 10:23-24; 13:13; 15:19) • Family was of the tribe of Benjamin (smallest, wealthy, powerful). • Saul’s appearance was handsome, tall and young. • Saul’s character appeared as humble in the beginning and turned to pride, self-will and rebellion (9:21; 10:22; 13:13). • Saul seemed capable from a human viewpoint (9:2; 10:22-23), but he failed to measure up to God’s standard because of worldliness and self-will (13:13; 15:19).

  10. Discussion Questions – Final Thoughts • How did God guide Samuel in selecting Saul as king (I Sm. 9:3-17)? • Samuel was told Saul would come to him seeking help in finding his lost donkeys. • God told Samuel that Saul was to be selected. • How did Samuel react to the man that was to replace him as the leader? (I Sm. 9:19-27) • Even though Saul was young and inexperienced, Samuel honored the man who was to be his replacement (9:22). • Samuel was not resentful, bitter, hateful, etc. He did not question God’s decision or instructions.

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