[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 31
"The king is dead..."
This final chapter can be divided into two sections...
1# A day of disgrace and defeat [1 Sam.31:1-10]
What does 1 Samuel 14:47-48 tell us and what's happened from then until now?
This first section can be split into three mini sectors...
Saul lost his army [Read 1 Sam.31:1]
What's happening in this verse?
What was missing in this battle?
Saul lost his life [Read 1 Sam.31:2-7]
What do we see happening here?
Why does Saul want his armour bearer to kill him?
What do we see going on here?
Saul lost his honour [Read 1 Sam.31:8-10]
How do we see the Philistines benefiting from this victory?
How do we see the Philistines humiliating Saul and Israel?
As Jews, how was this bad?
2# An hour of daring and devotion [Read 1 Sam.31:11-13]
What do we see in 1 Samuel 11:1-11 and how is this relevant for this story?
What do these men from Jabesh Gilead do?
They didn't respect the man but they did respect the office. How?
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
1 Samuel 30
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 30
David and the Amalekites
This chapter can be split into two sections...
1# Delivering the captives [1 Sam.30:1-20]
And this can be divided into three mini sectors...
Distress [Read 1 Sam.30:1-6a]
Why did God “allow” Ziklag to be raided?
What information did the Amalekites have and how did this affect their decision?
How would David and the 600 feel when they returned to Ziklag?
We’re told that the men wore themselves out weeping and that David was “greatly distressed”... the Hebrew word literally means that he was pressed into a tight corner, the way a potter presses clay into a mould. What do you get from this?
Encouragement [Read 1 Sam.30:6b-15]
Different people react in different ways to the same circumstances. How do we see this in this passage?
What does David do next and why?
[Activity]> Read Psalm 103:3-10. What do you get from this?
What happens next?
How could that have affected David and the rest of the men?
Next we meet a dying Egyptian slave. What do we learn from him?
Victory [Read 1 Sam.30:16-20]
How do we see the Amalekites acting and why?
What does David and the 400 do?
[Activity]> Look back at all that God has done for David during this dark time of his life...
How have you experienced this?
2# Dividing the spoils [Read 1 Sam.30: 21-31]
What do we see happening in the first few verses and why?
How does David respond? How Does he deal with this situation?
Why does David do this?
In verse 26 what does David do and why?
Even though Ziklag had been burned down by the Amalekites, David and his men go back there. Why?
1 Samuel 30
David and the Amalekites
This chapter can be split into two sections...
1# Delivering the captives [1 Sam.30:1-20]
And this can be divided into three mini sectors...
Distress [Read 1 Sam.30:1-6a]
Why did God “allow” Ziklag to be raided?
What information did the Amalekites have and how did this affect their decision?
How would David and the 600 feel when they returned to Ziklag?
We’re told that the men wore themselves out weeping and that David was “greatly distressed”... the Hebrew word literally means that he was pressed into a tight corner, the way a potter presses clay into a mould. What do you get from this?
Encouragement [Read 1 Sam.30:6b-15]
Different people react in different ways to the same circumstances. How do we see this in this passage?
What does David do next and why?
[Activity]> Read Psalm 103:3-10. What do you get from this?
What happens next?
How could that have affected David and the rest of the men?
Next we meet a dying Egyptian slave. What do we learn from him?
Victory [Read 1 Sam.30:16-20]
How do we see the Amalekites acting and why?
What does David and the 400 do?
[Activity]> Look back at all that God has done for David during this dark time of his life...
How have you experienced this?
2# Dividing the spoils [Read 1 Sam.30: 21-31]
What do we see happening in the first few verses and why?
How does David respond? How Does he deal with this situation?
Why does David do this?
In verse 26 what does David do and why?
Even though Ziklag had been burned down by the Amalekites, David and his men go back there. Why?
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
1 Samuel 27-29
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 27-29
Living with the enemy...
In his later years, David heard God say, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye. Do not be like the horse or the mule.” (Psalm 32:8-9) What do you get from these lines?
Departing from the land [Read 1 Sam.27:1-3]
David had been a fugitive for seven years by now. What is his decision?
Why was the choice difficult for him?
Read Psalm 13:1-2. This was written about this season of David’s life. What do you get from this?
How does this play out in your life and experiences?
Deceiving the enemy [1 Sam.27:4-29:11]
Here we’ll see David telling lies, deceiving and making stuff up. Can you think of other examples of when he’s done this sort of thing before?
His request for a city [Read 1 Sam.27:4-7]
Why does king Achish welcome David?
Why doesn’t David want to stay in Gath?
His reports of the raids [Read 1 Sam.27:8-12]
What did king Achish think was happening and what was actually happening?
Why does Achish believe David?
What do you think happened when word of what David was doing got back to Israel?
His responsibility in the battle [Read 1 Sam.28:1-2 / 29:1-11]
The Philistines are now ready to attack Israel. So what do they do?
If you were the Philistine kings, what are the reasons for and against having David and his men fight with you?
What could David mean when he says in verse 2, “Then you will see for yourself what your servant can do”?
What are the concerns put forward by the commanders of the Philistine army about David fighting with them?
Read 1 Samuel 14:21. How is this relevant?
So, what do they suggest doing with David instead?
The king, the witch and the wardrobe [Read 1 Sam.28: 3-25]
In the first few verses what does Saul do? Why?
So, what’s Saul’s next move?
Next, what does Saul do?
How does this woman respond?
Next we see that this woman “contacts” Samuel. What do you think about this?
What do you make of verse 19?
1 Samuel 27-29
Living with the enemy...
In his later years, David heard God say, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye. Do not be like the horse or the mule.” (Psalm 32:8-9) What do you get from these lines?
Departing from the land [Read 1 Sam.27:1-3]
David had been a fugitive for seven years by now. What is his decision?
Why was the choice difficult for him?
Read Psalm 13:1-2. This was written about this season of David’s life. What do you get from this?
How does this play out in your life and experiences?
Deceiving the enemy [1 Sam.27:4-29:11]
Here we’ll see David telling lies, deceiving and making stuff up. Can you think of other examples of when he’s done this sort of thing before?
His request for a city [Read 1 Sam.27:4-7]
Why does king Achish welcome David?
Why doesn’t David want to stay in Gath?
His reports of the raids [Read 1 Sam.27:8-12]
What did king Achish think was happening and what was actually happening?
Why does Achish believe David?
What do you think happened when word of what David was doing got back to Israel?
His responsibility in the battle [Read 1 Sam.28:1-2 / 29:1-11]
The Philistines are now ready to attack Israel. So what do they do?
If you were the Philistine kings, what are the reasons for and against having David and his men fight with you?
What could David mean when he says in verse 2, “Then you will see for yourself what your servant can do”?
What are the concerns put forward by the commanders of the Philistine army about David fighting with them?
Read 1 Samuel 14:21. How is this relevant?
So, what do they suggest doing with David instead?
The king, the witch and the wardrobe [Read 1 Sam.28: 3-25]
In the first few verses what does Saul do? Why?
So, what’s Saul’s next move?
Next, what does Saul do?
How does this woman respond?
Next we see that this woman “contacts” Samuel. What do you think about this?
What do you make of verse 19?
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
1 Samuel 26
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 26
A wise woman and a foolish king... [part two]
David spares the king [1 Sam. 26:1-25]
Some scholars have tried to say that this event is just a re-telling of the story back in chapter 24... but what are the differences?
Again, this chapter can be divided into four mini sectors...
Treachery [Read 1 Sam. 26:1-4]
Read 1 Chron. 2:42. What do you learn about the Ziphites? What should this mean?
What do we see the Ziphites do instead?
What does 1 Samuel 23:19 and Psalm 54 tell us?
What does Saul do and why?
But what do we see David has done?
Audacity [Read 1 Sam. 26: 5-12]
Why did David go down to Saul’s camp?
What do David and Abishai find when they enter the camp?
What does Abishai say and how is this similar to chapter 24?
What does David do?
What do they do instead?
David saw this as another opportunity to prove he didn’t want to kill Saul. On the flipside, how could Abishai and David’s men have seen this situation?
Why didn’t David see it this way?
Mockery [Read 1 Sam. 26:13-16]
Why did David and Abishai go across to another hill?
What does David do?
Why doesn’t David identify himself?
Again, what is the spear and water jug [or lack of] proof of?
Dishonesty [Read 1 Sam. 26:17-25]
What does Saul do?
What is David’s question and argument?
What does Saul do? How does he respond to David?
But how does David reply?
[Activity] > Artist impressions...
1 Samuel 26
A wise woman and a foolish king... [part two]
David spares the king [1 Sam. 26:1-25]
Some scholars have tried to say that this event is just a re-telling of the story back in chapter 24... but what are the differences?
Again, this chapter can be divided into four mini sectors...
Treachery [Read 1 Sam. 26:1-4]
Read 1 Chron. 2:42. What do you learn about the Ziphites? What should this mean?
What do we see the Ziphites do instead?
What does 1 Samuel 23:19 and Psalm 54 tell us?
What does Saul do and why?
But what do we see David has done?
Audacity [Read 1 Sam. 26: 5-12]
Why did David go down to Saul’s camp?
What do David and Abishai find when they enter the camp?
What does Abishai say and how is this similar to chapter 24?
What does David do?
What do they do instead?
David saw this as another opportunity to prove he didn’t want to kill Saul. On the flipside, how could Abishai and David’s men have seen this situation?
Why didn’t David see it this way?
Mockery [Read 1 Sam. 26:13-16]
Why did David and Abishai go across to another hill?
What does David do?
Why doesn’t David identify himself?
Again, what is the spear and water jug [or lack of] proof of?
Dishonesty [Read 1 Sam. 26:17-25]
What does Saul do?
What is David’s question and argument?
What does Saul do? How does he respond to David?
But how does David reply?
[Activity] > Artist impressions...
Thursday, 2 June 2011
1 Samuel 25
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 25
A wise woman and a foolish king...[part one]
These next two chapters record four events that reveal David’s involvement with four different kinds of people...
David loses a friend [Read 1 Sam.25:1]
What are we told in this first verse and what do we get from it?
The people didn’t always obey Samuel when he was alive, but they were careful to honour him once he had died. Why?
We see that David didn’t go to Samuel’s funeral. Why not?
What things in their relationship, while Samuel was alive, meant that David didn’t need to go to his funeral?
So, David moved to Paran desert, which was over 100 miles south of the “stronghold” where he had been camped. Why move that far?
David discovers an enemy [Read 1 Sam.25:2-13]
Here we see a second meeting. The first was in 1 Sam 23:24. What happened then and what should this mean for now in chapter 25?
But what does Nabal do?
We’re told that Nabal is from the family line of Caleb. What should this mean?
But the name “Caleb” also means “a dog.” What meaning could we get from this?
How does Nabal react to David’s message?
How does David react to this message back from Nabal?
David takes a wife [1 Sam.25:14-44]
When God saw that David was about to act rashly and stupidly... He steps in and changes things. He arranges for a wise and brave woman to stop him...
Abigail’s plan [Read 1 Sam.25:14-19]
This messenger doesn’t go to Nabal... he goes to Abigail. Why?
In that day and culture, the parents arranged marriages. What was the pros and cons for each side of this marriage between Nabal & Abigail?
What would have been the outcome if David had been successful in his revenge mission?
Abigail sorts out all the provisions & food & gifts for David and his men without Nabal’s knowledge or permission. What does this tell us?
Abigail’s humble apology [Read 1 Sam.25: 20-35]
Abigail just “happened” to meet David and his 600 men before they got to Nabal. What does this tell us?
What does Abigail do when she meets David?
By focusing on David & God, instead of David & Nabal, what did Abigail accomplish?
Abigail only had one request. What was it?
What could she have meant by this?
How we receive criticism, reproof, counsel and advice is a test of our relationship to God and our willingness to live by His word. How do you see this in this story? How have you experienced this in your life?
Abigail’s unexpected marriage [Read 1 Sam.25: 36-44]
When Abigail got back to Nabal and found him drunk and partying. What could she have done?What did she do and what happened?
What did David do next and why?
What results came from marrying Abigail?
So, David is married to Michal, Ahinoam and now Abigail! What’s happened? What are his other wives doing?
1 Samuel 25
A wise woman and a foolish king...[part one]
These next two chapters record four events that reveal David’s involvement with four different kinds of people...
David loses a friend [Read 1 Sam.25:1]
What are we told in this first verse and what do we get from it?
The people didn’t always obey Samuel when he was alive, but they were careful to honour him once he had died. Why?
We see that David didn’t go to Samuel’s funeral. Why not?
What things in their relationship, while Samuel was alive, meant that David didn’t need to go to his funeral?
So, David moved to Paran desert, which was over 100 miles south of the “stronghold” where he had been camped. Why move that far?
David discovers an enemy [Read 1 Sam.25:2-13]
Here we see a second meeting. The first was in 1 Sam 23:24. What happened then and what should this mean for now in chapter 25?
But what does Nabal do?
We’re told that Nabal is from the family line of Caleb. What should this mean?
But the name “Caleb” also means “a dog.” What meaning could we get from this?
How does Nabal react to David’s message?
How does David react to this message back from Nabal?
David takes a wife [1 Sam.25:14-44]
When God saw that David was about to act rashly and stupidly... He steps in and changes things. He arranges for a wise and brave woman to stop him...
Abigail’s plan [Read 1 Sam.25:14-19]
This messenger doesn’t go to Nabal... he goes to Abigail. Why?
In that day and culture, the parents arranged marriages. What was the pros and cons for each side of this marriage between Nabal & Abigail?
What would have been the outcome if David had been successful in his revenge mission?
Abigail sorts out all the provisions & food & gifts for David and his men without Nabal’s knowledge or permission. What does this tell us?
Abigail’s humble apology [Read 1 Sam.25: 20-35]
Abigail just “happened” to meet David and his 600 men before they got to Nabal. What does this tell us?
What does Abigail do when she meets David?
By focusing on David & God, instead of David & Nabal, what did Abigail accomplish?
Abigail only had one request. What was it?
What could she have meant by this?
How we receive criticism, reproof, counsel and advice is a test of our relationship to God and our willingness to live by His word. How do you see this in this story? How have you experienced this in your life?
Abigail’s unexpected marriage [Read 1 Sam.25: 36-44]
When Abigail got back to Nabal and found him drunk and partying. What could she have done?What did she do and what happened?
What did David do next and why?
What results came from marrying Abigail?
So, David is married to Michal, Ahinoam and now Abigail! What’s happened? What are his other wives doing?
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
1 Samuel 24
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 24
David delivers Saul from death...
This week’s story can be split into four mini sections...
David had prayed in Psalm 54 that the Lord would vindicate him and give him opportunity to prove to Saul that he wasn’t an outlaw or trying to kill him and take his throne.
God answered David’s prayer when Saul and his troops came to find him at EnGedi...
David’s temptation [Read 1 Sam. 24:1-4]
There were hundreds of caves around this area, but Saul “just happened” to chose this one to have a pee. What do you get from this?
What does Deut. 23:12-14 tell us?
So, if Saul is relieving himself, what does this mean?
How might David and his men be feeling at this point?
How are they feeling?
[Activity]> The men are sure that this is God’s way of fulfilling His promise to “give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish”... but when in 1 Samuel did God promise this?
The main question asked of David and the 600 was, “How does the Lord want us to use this occasion?” What was the possible “answers” to this question?
What did David do and why?
David’s conviction [Read 1 Sam. 24:5-7]
What does David remind his men?
David’s actions bothered him. They sent out three messages, what were they?
David’s vindication [1 Sam. 24: 8-15]
What does David call Saul and what does he do?
Why does he say/do this?
How does David use the piece of cut-off robe?
What is David talking about in verse 12?
What does the proverb that David quotes mean and how have you experienced this?
David’s affirmation [Read 1 Sam. 24: 16-22]
How does Saul respond to David?
In Saul’s speech, he acknowledges 3 levels of life... Divine / Human / Demonic. What do these “levels” look like and how do our characters fit into them?
Even though Saul had been chasing David, trying to kill him, spreading rumours about him and executing anyone who helps him... what do we see Saul admitting in this passage?
In this “humble” speech, what do we see is Saul’s main concern?
What does he finish by asking David to do?
Who does this remind you of?
Why is this such a concern?
1 Samuel 24
David delivers Saul from death...
This week’s story can be split into four mini sections...
David had prayed in Psalm 54 that the Lord would vindicate him and give him opportunity to prove to Saul that he wasn’t an outlaw or trying to kill him and take his throne.
God answered David’s prayer when Saul and his troops came to find him at EnGedi...
David’s temptation [Read 1 Sam. 24:1-4]
There were hundreds of caves around this area, but Saul “just happened” to chose this one to have a pee. What do you get from this?
What does Deut. 23:12-14 tell us?
So, if Saul is relieving himself, what does this mean?
How might David and his men be feeling at this point?
How are they feeling?
[Activity]> The men are sure that this is God’s way of fulfilling His promise to “give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish”... but when in 1 Samuel did God promise this?
The main question asked of David and the 600 was, “How does the Lord want us to use this occasion?” What was the possible “answers” to this question?
What did David do and why?
David’s conviction [Read 1 Sam. 24:5-7]
What does David remind his men?
David’s actions bothered him. They sent out three messages, what were they?
David’s vindication [1 Sam. 24: 8-15]
What does David call Saul and what does he do?
Why does he say/do this?
How does David use the piece of cut-off robe?
What is David talking about in verse 12?
What does the proverb that David quotes mean and how have you experienced this?
David’s affirmation [Read 1 Sam. 24: 16-22]
How does Saul respond to David?
In Saul’s speech, he acknowledges 3 levels of life... Divine / Human / Demonic. What do these “levels” look like and how do our characters fit into them?
Even though Saul had been chasing David, trying to kill him, spreading rumours about him and executing anyone who helps him... what do we see Saul admitting in this passage?
In this “humble” speech, what do we see is Saul’s main concern?
What does he finish by asking David to do?
Who does this remind you of?
Why is this such a concern?
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
1 Samuel 23
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 23
“David the deliverer...”
David delivers Keilah from the Philistines [Read 1 Sam 23:1-6]
Keliah was a border town in Judah, about 12 miles away from the Philistine city of Gath and 10 miles from the forest of Hereth (where David was camping)...
What did being this close to the enemy mean for Keilah?
What does this vulnerability of attack for Keilah tell us about king Saul?
So, apparently David has got spies too... and they tell him about this trouble in Keilah. What could David have done? What does he do?
How do you make decisions and take actions in your life?
Once David found out what God wanted them to do, he took it to his men. How did they respond?
So, who or what was creating the problem here?
What has been your experience of “impossible” situations? How have you dealt with them?
David delivers himself and his men from Saul [1 Sam 23:7-29]
This second half of our story can be split into two mini sections...
Now that David was an outlaw, on the run with a price on his head, he needed to be careful. What dangers were about for David?
From Keilah to the wilderness of Ziph [Read 1 Sam 23: 7-18]
Here we see that David has spies too. What do they tell him?
Again, how could David have reacted to this news? How does he react?
What was David’s main worry?
Why might they do this?
Where does David go next? Who does he meet?
Why does Jonathan want to renew their covenant and go over their promises to each other again?
From Ziph to the wilderness of Maon [Read 1 Sam 23:19-29]
What do we see the Ziphites doing?
What does Saul do next?
What do we see David doing?
But, Saul followed David and these two armies met at “the rock” a mountain... one on one side and one on the other... chasing and running from each other on opposite sides...
They were getting closer to catching David, gaining ground. How? What happened next?
What happens next?
What does this show us?
To commemorate this event, the Jews called this place “Sela Hammahlekoth” = “the rock of parting” or closer to the original Hebrew = “a smooth rock” or “a slippery rock” = “the rock of slipping away.” What do you get from this?
[Activity]> These events in David’s life were what inspired him to write Psalm 54. Read and think about this story and how in light of what you know now... what stands out to you?
1 Samuel 23
“David the deliverer...”
David delivers Keilah from the Philistines [Read 1 Sam 23:1-6]
Keliah was a border town in Judah, about 12 miles away from the Philistine city of Gath and 10 miles from the forest of Hereth (where David was camping)...
What did being this close to the enemy mean for Keilah?
What does this vulnerability of attack for Keilah tell us about king Saul?
So, apparently David has got spies too... and they tell him about this trouble in Keilah. What could David have done? What does he do?
How do you make decisions and take actions in your life?
Once David found out what God wanted them to do, he took it to his men. How did they respond?
So, who or what was creating the problem here?
What has been your experience of “impossible” situations? How have you dealt with them?
David delivers himself and his men from Saul [1 Sam 23:7-29]
This second half of our story can be split into two mini sections...
Now that David was an outlaw, on the run with a price on his head, he needed to be careful. What dangers were about for David?
From Keilah to the wilderness of Ziph [Read 1 Sam 23: 7-18]
Here we see that David has spies too. What do they tell him?
Again, how could David have reacted to this news? How does he react?
What was David’s main worry?
Why might they do this?
Where does David go next? Who does he meet?
Why does Jonathan want to renew their covenant and go over their promises to each other again?
From Ziph to the wilderness of Maon [Read 1 Sam 23:19-29]
What do we see the Ziphites doing?
What does Saul do next?
What do we see David doing?
But, Saul followed David and these two armies met at “the rock” a mountain... one on one side and one on the other... chasing and running from each other on opposite sides...
They were getting closer to catching David, gaining ground. How? What happened next?
What happens next?
What does this show us?
To commemorate this event, the Jews called this place “Sela Hammahlekoth” = “the rock of parting” or closer to the original Hebrew = “a smooth rock” or “a slippery rock” = “the rock of slipping away.” What do you get from this?
[Activity]> These events in David’s life were what inspired him to write Psalm 54. Read and think about this story and how in light of what you know now... what stands out to you?
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
1 Samuel 22:6-23
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 22:6-23
Now, three weeks in we meet our fourth main character. We briefly bumped into him last week...
4# Doeg _ a deceitful servant [1 Sam 22:6-23]
Why does Doeg get a “bit part” in the last chapter before he’s properly introduced in this chapter?
This chapter can be broken into four mini sections...
The kings anger [Read 1 Sam 22:6-10]
King Saul seems to be a creature of habit. Why?
What is Saul’s tactic to keep his soldiers on his side?
What is Saul’s state of mind here?
What does Doeg tell Saul? Is it all true?
So, if this was a lie, why would Doeg say it?
The illegal trial [Read 1 Sam 22:11-15]
How does Saul respond to this information?
What does Saul call Ahimelek? Why? What does this arc back to?
The name “Ahimelek” means “brother of the king.” How do Saul’s actions marry up to that?
What should Saul have done with this audience with the High Priest?
What are the charges in this “trial”?
How does Ahimelek respond to these accusations?
The unjust sentence [Read 1 Sam 22:16-19]
There was no evidence that Ahimelek was guilty, but what does Saul do?
His soldiers wont obey this command. Why not?
Even if Ahimelek was guilty, what does Deut 24:16 tell us?
Back near the beginning of this book we saw that Israel asked for a king “like the other nations” and that’s exactly what they got! What does this mean?
What does Doeg do?
Doeg goes above and beyond Saul’s orders. How?
Although this unjust trial and illegal sentence is shocking, what do we see by reading 1 Sam 2:27-36 / 4:10-18?
The protected priest [Read 1 Sam 22:20-23]
What happens next?
Why does he go to David?
Now, what do we see going on in this cave of 400?
Next, we see David taking blame and responsibility. How?
1 Samuel 22:6-23
Now, three weeks in we meet our fourth main character. We briefly bumped into him last week...
4# Doeg _ a deceitful servant [1 Sam 22:6-23]
Why does Doeg get a “bit part” in the last chapter before he’s properly introduced in this chapter?
This chapter can be broken into four mini sections...
The kings anger [Read 1 Sam 22:6-10]
King Saul seems to be a creature of habit. Why?
What is Saul’s tactic to keep his soldiers on his side?
What is Saul’s state of mind here?
What does Doeg tell Saul? Is it all true?
So, if this was a lie, why would Doeg say it?
The illegal trial [Read 1 Sam 22:11-15]
How does Saul respond to this information?
What does Saul call Ahimelek? Why? What does this arc back to?
The name “Ahimelek” means “brother of the king.” How do Saul’s actions marry up to that?
What should Saul have done with this audience with the High Priest?
What are the charges in this “trial”?
How does Ahimelek respond to these accusations?
The unjust sentence [Read 1 Sam 22:16-19]
There was no evidence that Ahimelek was guilty, but what does Saul do?
His soldiers wont obey this command. Why not?
Even if Ahimelek was guilty, what does Deut 24:16 tell us?
Back near the beginning of this book we saw that Israel asked for a king “like the other nations” and that’s exactly what they got! What does this mean?
What does Doeg do?
Doeg goes above and beyond Saul’s orders. How?
Although this unjust trial and illegal sentence is shocking, what do we see by reading 1 Sam 2:27-36 / 4:10-18?
The protected priest [Read 1 Sam 22:20-23]
What happens next?
Why does he go to David?
Now, what do we see going on in this cave of 400?
Next, we see David taking blame and responsibility. How?
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
1 Samuel 21:1 - 22:5
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 21:1 – 22:5
After looking at the first two characters last time, we will observe our third...
3# David _ A hopeful exile [1 Sam 21:1-22:5]
When David ran away it marked the beginning of an exile that would last 10 years. What did this mean to David?
Psalms 7, 11-13, 16-18, 22, 25, 31, 34-35, 52-54, 56-59, 63-64, 142-143, are all reflections of these fugitive years. What does this tell us?
David goes to Nob [Read 1 Sam 21:1-9]
This town was where the Tabernacle was located. What do you get from this?
Why did David’s “aloneness” frighten Ahimelek?
How are the different ways we could read into David’s reply in verse 2?
David took the “sacred loaves” from the Tabernacle; this food was reserved for the priests. If the correct offerings would have been made, the Tabernacle would have been full of food for David. What does this tell us?
What does Ahimelek’s response in verse 4 tell us?
Why is Goliath’s sword here?!
Now David has bread and a sword. What does this tell us?
This is the first time we meet our fourth main character, Doeg. Who is he and why is he here?
David knew Doeg, what did this mean?
From Nob to Gath [Read 1 Sam 21:10-15]
So, David runs the 23 miles to the Philistine city of Gath. What is the significance of this?
Why does David go there?
Now David is with this king, Achish of Gath. What does he do?
[Activity]> Read Psalms 56 and 34, as these are the two Psalms David wrote about this situation. What stuff stands out to you more now you know the history and context behind why they were written?
From Gath to the cave of Adullum [Read 1 Sam 22:1-2]
This cave of Adullum was about 15 miles from Bethlehem. What could this mean to David?
Here, David was in “friendly” territory. How do we know this?
If all David’s family was with him, that meant his brothers were there too. What did this ultimately mean?
[Activity]> Psalms 57 and 142 are both written about David’s time in the cave of Adullum. Again, what stuff stands out to you more now you understand the history and context of these two Psalms?
From Adullum to Moab [Read 1 Sam 22:3-4a]
What’s happening here?
Read Gen. 19:30-38 / Deut. 23:3-6 / Ruth 4:18-22. What do these passages teach you?
From Adullum to the “stronghold” [Read 1 Sam 22:4b]
The “stronghold” or “fortress” was another natural hiding place. Why did David move again?
From the “stronghold” to Hereth [Read 1 Sam 22:5]
What does Gad do?
How do we see prophet, priest and king in this story? And why is that important?
1 Samuel 21:1 – 22:5
After looking at the first two characters last time, we will observe our third...
3# David _ A hopeful exile [1 Sam 21:1-22:5]
When David ran away it marked the beginning of an exile that would last 10 years. What did this mean to David?
Psalms 7, 11-13, 16-18, 22, 25, 31, 34-35, 52-54, 56-59, 63-64, 142-143, are all reflections of these fugitive years. What does this tell us?
David goes to Nob [Read 1 Sam 21:1-9]
This town was where the Tabernacle was located. What do you get from this?
Why did David’s “aloneness” frighten Ahimelek?
How are the different ways we could read into David’s reply in verse 2?
David took the “sacred loaves” from the Tabernacle; this food was reserved for the priests. If the correct offerings would have been made, the Tabernacle would have been full of food for David. What does this tell us?
What does Ahimelek’s response in verse 4 tell us?
Why is Goliath’s sword here?!
Now David has bread and a sword. What does this tell us?
This is the first time we meet our fourth main character, Doeg. Who is he and why is he here?
David knew Doeg, what did this mean?
From Nob to Gath [Read 1 Sam 21:10-15]
So, David runs the 23 miles to the Philistine city of Gath. What is the significance of this?
Why does David go there?
Now David is with this king, Achish of Gath. What does he do?
[Activity]> Read Psalms 56 and 34, as these are the two Psalms David wrote about this situation. What stuff stands out to you more now you know the history and context behind why they were written?
From Gath to the cave of Adullum [Read 1 Sam 22:1-2]
This cave of Adullum was about 15 miles from Bethlehem. What could this mean to David?
Here, David was in “friendly” territory. How do we know this?
If all David’s family was with him, that meant his brothers were there too. What did this ultimately mean?
[Activity]> Psalms 57 and 142 are both written about David’s time in the cave of Adullum. Again, what stuff stands out to you more now you understand the history and context of these two Psalms?
From Adullum to Moab [Read 1 Sam 22:3-4a]
What’s happening here?
Read Gen. 19:30-38 / Deut. 23:3-6 / Ruth 4:18-22. What do these passages teach you?
From Adullum to the “stronghold” [Read 1 Sam 22:4b]
The “stronghold” or “fortress” was another natural hiding place. Why did David move again?
From the “stronghold” to Hereth [Read 1 Sam 22:5]
What does Gad do?
How do we see prophet, priest and king in this story? And why is that important?
Thursday, 28 April 2011
1 Samuel 20
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 20
David in exile...
The next three chapters are a drama that involves four people: Jonathan, Saul, David and Doeg...
1# Jonathan_a faithful friend [1 Sam. 20: 1-23]
What is the tensions that Jonathan lives in?
This half of the chapter can be split into two sections...
Conferring [Read 1 Sam. 20: 1-10/18-23]
David meets up with Jonathan and wastes no time in questioning him. What does he ask and why?
How does Jonathan reply to this? What do you think about it?
How much evidence did Jonathan need?! Why might he not be seeing this?
What is David’s plan?
Why might Saul be mad about David’s absence?
How would Jonathan get the message to David? What was Jonathan’s strange plan?
Covenanting [Read 1 Sam. 20: 11-17]
Jonathan goes out of his way to help David, including risking his life. Why?
Why does Jonathan feel the need to reaffirm their covenant?
2# Saul_a spiteful king [1 Sam. 20: 24-42]
This second half of the chapter can be broken up into three mini sections...
David’s absence [Read 1 Sam. 20: 24-29]
What’s this “unclean” business about? Read Lev. 7:20-21.
What happened the next day?
What do you make of this “son of Jesse” comment?
Saul’s anger [Read 1 Sam. 20: 30-34]
Why does Saul blow up like this? Why does Saul take it out on Jonathan?
What’s going on with Saul’s “perverse and rebellious woman” speech?
Jonathan’s alarm [Read 1 Sam. 20: 35-42]
What does Jonathan do and what does he shout?
Who are these words for?
Even though this isn’t their last meeting, what do we see happening?
1 Samuel 20
David in exile...
The next three chapters are a drama that involves four people: Jonathan, Saul, David and Doeg...
1# Jonathan_a faithful friend [1 Sam. 20: 1-23]
What is the tensions that Jonathan lives in?
This half of the chapter can be split into two sections...
Conferring [Read 1 Sam. 20: 1-10/18-23]
David meets up with Jonathan and wastes no time in questioning him. What does he ask and why?
How does Jonathan reply to this? What do you think about it?
How much evidence did Jonathan need?! Why might he not be seeing this?
What is David’s plan?
Why might Saul be mad about David’s absence?
How would Jonathan get the message to David? What was Jonathan’s strange plan?
Covenanting [Read 1 Sam. 20: 11-17]
Jonathan goes out of his way to help David, including risking his life. Why?
Why does Jonathan feel the need to reaffirm their covenant?
2# Saul_a spiteful king [1 Sam. 20: 24-42]
This second half of the chapter can be broken up into three mini sections...
David’s absence [Read 1 Sam. 20: 24-29]
What’s this “unclean” business about? Read Lev. 7:20-21.
What happened the next day?
What do you make of this “son of Jesse” comment?
Saul’s anger [Read 1 Sam. 20: 30-34]
Why does Saul blow up like this? Why does Saul take it out on Jonathan?
What’s going on with Saul’s “perverse and rebellious woman” speech?
Jonathan’s alarm [Read 1 Sam. 20: 35-42]
What does Jonathan do and what does he shout?
Who are these words for?
Even though this isn’t their last meeting, what do we see happening?
Saturday, 9 April 2011
1 Samuel 19
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 19
A jealous king...(part two)
Following on from last time, we continue to see the ramblings of a mental jealous king...
Saul looks for an opportunity to have David killed [1 Samuel 19:1-17]
Saul has become so angry and obsessed that he’s not even trying to be sneaky anymore...
Jonathan’s intervention [Read 19:1-10]
How has Saul’s plan changed from the last chapter to this one?
Surely Saul knew that Jonathan would pass the message on to David?
What could Jonathan have done? What does he do?
Jonathan presented Saul with two arguments. What were they?
What was the one thing Jonathan didn’t mention and why?
What did David do next and what happened to Saul?
After another failed attempt at pinning David to the wall with his spear, what did David do?
Michal’s deception [Read 19:11-17]
Saul knew that he’d go home first, so what did Saul do?
Put yourself in Michal’s sandals... what’s the tension here?
How do we see that Michal is like her dad?
What was the plan?
Why was there an idol in David’s house?
[Activity] > Read Psalm 59. This Psalm came out of this experience. Can you see any evidences of this?
What was Michal’s excuse when she was found out in the morning?
Saul himself goes to kill David [1 Samuel 19:18-24]
Where did David run?
How did Saul find out where David was?
What happened when Saul sent soldiers there?
God turned warriors into worshipers. Can you think of any other examples where this happened?
After three groups of soldiers failed... What happens next?
And what happens to Saul?
What was significant about Saul taking off his robes?
What does this tell us as a warning?
Can you think of other examples?
1 Samuel 19
A jealous king...(part two)
Following on from last time, we continue to see the ramblings of a mental jealous king...
Saul looks for an opportunity to have David killed [1 Samuel 19:1-17]
Saul has become so angry and obsessed that he’s not even trying to be sneaky anymore...
Jonathan’s intervention [Read 19:1-10]
How has Saul’s plan changed from the last chapter to this one?
Surely Saul knew that Jonathan would pass the message on to David?
What could Jonathan have done? What does he do?
Jonathan presented Saul with two arguments. What were they?
What was the one thing Jonathan didn’t mention and why?
What did David do next and what happened to Saul?
After another failed attempt at pinning David to the wall with his spear, what did David do?
Michal’s deception [Read 19:11-17]
Saul knew that he’d go home first, so what did Saul do?
Put yourself in Michal’s sandals... what’s the tension here?
How do we see that Michal is like her dad?
What was the plan?
Why was there an idol in David’s house?
[Activity] > Read Psalm 59. This Psalm came out of this experience. Can you see any evidences of this?
What was Michal’s excuse when she was found out in the morning?
Saul himself goes to kill David [1 Samuel 19:18-24]
Where did David run?
How did Saul find out where David was?
What happened when Saul sent soldiers there?
God turned warriors into worshipers. Can you think of any other examples where this happened?
After three groups of soldiers failed... What happens next?
And what happens to Saul?
What was significant about Saul taking off his robes?
What does this tell us as a warning?
Can you think of other examples?
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
1 Samuel 18
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 18
A Jealous king... [Part one]
David didn’t create problems with Saul... he just revealed them. How?
This chapter can be split into two main sections...
Saul wants David killed [1 Samuel 18:1-12]
At one time, Saul loved David, but what’s going on now?
While Saul was guarding his throne, God was preparing David for that throne...
Love [Read 18:1-4]
We’ve had this false idea of Jonathan and David being these two cheeky teenagers... but Jonathan would have to have been 20 years old to even fight in the army and he’s had 2 huge victories and he was in charge of 1/3 of the entire army. In fact, David was about 18 and Jonathan could have been anywhere between 25-28 years older than David. How does this change your views of their relationship?
Jonathan was Saul’s oldest son. What did this mean?
What was the significance of Jonathan giving David his robe, tunic, sword, bow and belt?
Popularity [Read 18:5-7]
How is Proverbs 27:21 relevant here in this part of the story?
Envy & Anger [Read 18:8-11]
How do David and Saul react to this song about them?
Envy is a dangerous enemy to us. What does Proverbs 14:30 say? How does this link to this story?
Envy easily leads to anger. How is this shown in this section of the story?
Fear [Read 18:12]
How does Saul’s fear play out? What’s happening?
Saul plots to have David killed [1 Samuel 18:13-30]
As we look at the second half of this chapter, we see that Saul’s plot is broken up into 3 mini sections...
Saul sends David into battle [Read 18:13-16]
So, what was Saul’s plan?
But what actually happened?
Saul demands an impossible feat [Read 18:17-27]
What do we see Saul doing with his daughters?
When Saul learned that David and Michal were in love, he was very happy. Why?
What was Saul’s plan?
So, what was the price for Michal’s hand in marriage?
What do we see happens?
Saul is even more afraid [Read 18:28-30]
David never considered Saul his enemy. How did Saul feel about David?
Not only did David do well, but what else are we told here?
Read Romans 8:31. How is this relevant?
1 Samuel 18
A Jealous king... [Part one]
David didn’t create problems with Saul... he just revealed them. How?
This chapter can be split into two main sections...
Saul wants David killed [1 Samuel 18:1-12]
At one time, Saul loved David, but what’s going on now?
While Saul was guarding his throne, God was preparing David for that throne...
Love [Read 18:1-4]
We’ve had this false idea of Jonathan and David being these two cheeky teenagers... but Jonathan would have to have been 20 years old to even fight in the army and he’s had 2 huge victories and he was in charge of 1/3 of the entire army. In fact, David was about 18 and Jonathan could have been anywhere between 25-28 years older than David. How does this change your views of their relationship?
Jonathan was Saul’s oldest son. What did this mean?
What was the significance of Jonathan giving David his robe, tunic, sword, bow and belt?
Popularity [Read 18:5-7]
How is Proverbs 27:21 relevant here in this part of the story?
Envy & Anger [Read 18:8-11]
How do David and Saul react to this song about them?
Envy is a dangerous enemy to us. What does Proverbs 14:30 say? How does this link to this story?
Envy easily leads to anger. How is this shown in this section of the story?
Fear [Read 18:12]
How does Saul’s fear play out? What’s happening?
Saul plots to have David killed [1 Samuel 18:13-30]
As we look at the second half of this chapter, we see that Saul’s plot is broken up into 3 mini sections...
Saul sends David into battle [Read 18:13-16]
So, what was Saul’s plan?
But what actually happened?
Saul demands an impossible feat [Read 18:17-27]
What do we see Saul doing with his daughters?
When Saul learned that David and Michal were in love, he was very happy. Why?
What was Saul’s plan?
So, what was the price for Michal’s hand in marriage?
What do we see happens?
Saul is even more afraid [Read 18:28-30]
David never considered Saul his enemy. How did Saul feel about David?
Not only did David do well, but what else are we told here?
Read Romans 8:31. How is this relevant?
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
1 Samuel 17 part 2
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 17
David and Goliath...Part two
God enabled David [17:40-58]
This victory can be split into four sections. The Lord’s victory. David’s victory. Israel’s victory. Not Saul’s victory.
First, it was The Lord’s victory [Read 17:40-47]
What are some of the ways that you’ve heard this story used and what is the main principle application for this story?
How did David really view this battle?
What was the weapon David used?
Second, it was David’s victory [Read 17: 48-51a]
This was one of many examples that God used to prepare David. Where had he come from and where was he headed?
What did David do once Goliath was down and why?
Third, this became Israel’s victory [Read 17: 51b-54]
After Goliath was killed, what did the Israelite army do?
What would this do to morale?
Fourth, it was Not Saul’s victory [Read 17: 55-58]
What has Saul done in the past in previous battles?
What was the main results of this story
1 Samuel 17
David and Goliath...Part two
God enabled David [17:40-58]
This victory can be split into four sections. The Lord’s victory. David’s victory. Israel’s victory. Not Saul’s victory.
First, it was The Lord’s victory [Read 17:40-47]
What are some of the ways that you’ve heard this story used and what is the main principle application for this story?
How did David really view this battle?
What was the weapon David used?
Second, it was David’s victory [Read 17: 48-51a]
This was one of many examples that God used to prepare David. Where had he come from and where was he headed?
What did David do once Goliath was down and why?
Third, this became Israel’s victory [Read 17: 51b-54]
After Goliath was killed, what did the Israelite army do?
What would this do to morale?
Fourth, it was Not Saul’s victory [Read 17: 55-58]
What has Saul done in the past in previous battles?
What was the main results of this story
Thursday, 24 March 2011
1 Samuel 17 part one
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 17: 1-39
David and Goliath...Part one.
God guided David > [Read 17: 1-27]
David didn’t stay in Saul’s camp permanently, but he went back and forth between the camp and home. Why?
Other people came and went as they pleased, but David was lead by God. Why is this important?
How is Goliath described? Why do you think we need this much description about Goliath?
Jesse just happened to send David with food for his brothers on that day. Why did he do this?
What was the challenge offered by Goliath? What are the pros and cons for the Israelites?
How does David respond to Goliath’s speech?
How might the Israelite soldiers respond to hearing David’s words?
God encouraged David > [Read 17: 28-39]
Whenever you step out in faith to fight, there is always someone around to discourage you. How was this evident in David’s story? How have you seen this in your experiences?
David’s brothers had seen David get anointed by Samuel. So why are they acting like this towards him?
So, David’s brothers weren’t very encouraging... How did King Saul react?
Saul and David’s brothers were walking by sight. What does this mean?
David had already experienced the power of God in his life. How?
By Saul suggesting that David wear his armour and take his weapons, what is Saul showing us?
In spite of criticism and despite of discouragement and bad advice, David trusted God and God rewarded his faith. How can we apply this to our lives in 2011?
1 Samuel 17: 1-39
David and Goliath...Part one.
God guided David > [Read 17: 1-27]
David didn’t stay in Saul’s camp permanently, but he went back and forth between the camp and home. Why?
Other people came and went as they pleased, but David was lead by God. Why is this important?
How is Goliath described? Why do you think we need this much description about Goliath?
Jesse just happened to send David with food for his brothers on that day. Why did he do this?
What was the challenge offered by Goliath? What are the pros and cons for the Israelites?
How does David respond to Goliath’s speech?
How might the Israelite soldiers respond to hearing David’s words?
God encouraged David > [Read 17: 28-39]
Whenever you step out in faith to fight, there is always someone around to discourage you. How was this evident in David’s story? How have you seen this in your experiences?
David’s brothers had seen David get anointed by Samuel. So why are they acting like this towards him?
So, David’s brothers weren’t very encouraging... How did King Saul react?
Saul and David’s brothers were walking by sight. What does this mean?
David had already experienced the power of God in his life. How?
By Saul suggesting that David wear his armour and take his weapons, what is Saul showing us?
In spite of criticism and despite of discouragement and bad advice, David trusted God and God rewarded his faith. How can we apply this to our lives in 2011?
Thursday, 17 March 2011
1 Samuel 16
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 16
There’s time to mourn and there’s time for action...
Why did Samuel mourn over Saul for so long?
God chose David > [Read 16:1-13]
In verses 1-3 what are Samuel’s concerns with God’s order and how does he react?
If the people of Israel had a vote, it’s probably safe to say that they wouldn’t have picked David... but he was God’s first choice. What does this tell us?
So, let’s look at some of the facts about this unusual choice of king...
Where is David from? What is the significance of this place?
Why did the people of Bethlehem react in this way to the arrival of Samuel in their town?
Jesse and his family were especially invited to join in the sacrifice. How might they be feeling?
What were Jesse’s sons like?
[Activity] > Draw Jesse’s sons...
David’s job was shepherd. What does this tell us?
Jesse lined up his sons for this very special sacrifice ceremony with the high priest... but he left David in the fields with the sheep. Why?
How does David’s current job help with his future job?
Jesus is called “the Good Shepherd” and leaders in the church are referred to as “shepherds.” Can you think of characteristics from shepherding that relate across to these?
What are we told about David’s appearance?
David was the 8th son and in the bible the number 8 often represented new beginnings. How was this significant in this story?
Then we see that Samuel anoints David. What does this mean/represent?
What might Jesse and the other brothers be thinking/feeling?
It’s thought that Samuel told David the real meaning behind his anointing in secret. Why?
God prepared David > [Read 16: 14-23]
What do we learn about Saul’s attendants?
Even though David is probably Israel’s best known and loved king, famous for his epic battles and his team of “mighty men”... what is it that first brings him into contact with this kingly way of living?
1 Samuel 16
There’s time to mourn and there’s time for action...
Why did Samuel mourn over Saul for so long?
God chose David > [Read 16:1-13]
In verses 1-3 what are Samuel’s concerns with God’s order and how does he react?
If the people of Israel had a vote, it’s probably safe to say that they wouldn’t have picked David... but he was God’s first choice. What does this tell us?
So, let’s look at some of the facts about this unusual choice of king...
Where is David from? What is the significance of this place?
Why did the people of Bethlehem react in this way to the arrival of Samuel in their town?
Jesse and his family were especially invited to join in the sacrifice. How might they be feeling?
What were Jesse’s sons like?
[Activity] > Draw Jesse’s sons...
David’s job was shepherd. What does this tell us?
Jesse lined up his sons for this very special sacrifice ceremony with the high priest... but he left David in the fields with the sheep. Why?
How does David’s current job help with his future job?
Jesus is called “the Good Shepherd” and leaders in the church are referred to as “shepherds.” Can you think of characteristics from shepherding that relate across to these?
What are we told about David’s appearance?
David was the 8th son and in the bible the number 8 often represented new beginnings. How was this significant in this story?
Then we see that Samuel anoints David. What does this mean/represent?
What might Jesse and the other brothers be thinking/feeling?
It’s thought that Samuel told David the real meaning behind his anointing in secret. Why?
God prepared David > [Read 16: 14-23]
What do we learn about Saul’s attendants?
Even though David is probably Israel’s best known and loved king, famous for his epic battles and his team of “mighty men”... what is it that first brings him into contact with this kingly way of living?
Thursday, 3 March 2011
1 Samuel 15
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 15
This chapter is pivotal to the story of Saul. God gives him another opportunity to prove himself... but he failed again!
Saul had a habit of substituting saying for doing, and of making excuses instead of confessing sins. Can you think of other examples of this from the bible or from your own experiences?
Saul was more concerned with looking good in front of people than being good in front of God. Let’s look at his story...
Disobeying God [Read 15:1-11]
Up until this point, Israel was dealing with the Philistines. But now we see that it’s the Amalekites. Who were the Amalekites? [Read Gen. 36:12,15-16 / Ex. 17:8-16 / Num. 24:20 / Heb. 12:14-17 / Deut. 25:17-19]
Saul and Samuel’s conversation. How would Saul feel? How would Samuel feel?
What do we think about God’s command to wipe out an entire nation?
Saul’s wish to protect the Kenites was admirable... But what did Saul fail to do?
Even though God told Saul to destroy everyone and everything, what do we see actually happened?
Read Isaiah 5:20. How can we link this to our story?
How does Samuel find out about what Saul has been up to?
Verse 8 tells us that Saul spared the life of Agag, the Amalekite king. Why?
Saul was supposed to serve God... What does that look like? How did Saul fail to do this?
In verse 11 we see that it says that God “regret” the fact that He’d made Saul king... but taken literally from the Hebrew, that word isn’t “regret”... it’s “repent.” What do we think about this?
Saul lies to Samuel [Read 15:12-15]
What monuments have you set up in your own honour?
Why was Saul staying away from Samuel?
Saul then blatantly lied, to 3 people. How?
Verse 15 gives us some insight into what’s going on inside Saul’s head. What is it?
Saul argues with Samuel [Read 15:16-23]
Again, we see lies, blaming & excuses from Saul. How?
“To obey is better than sacrifice.” Explain what this means in the story and in our context too.
Was Samuel making a statement about the Jewish sacrificial system?
Saul is rejected by God [Read 15:24-29]
Next we see Saul changing his approach. This “I have sinned” could look like a confession & repentance... but it’s not. Why?
Why does Saul grab at Samuel’s robe?
Saul is rejected by Samuel [Read 15: 30-35]
Again, verse 30 lets us in on what motivates king Saul. What is it?
Even though we see that Samuel has severed ties with Saul, next he goes to worship with him. Why?
After this mysterious final worship gathering, Samuel made it quite clear how he felt. What are his actions and how do they tell us this?
1 Samuel 15
This chapter is pivotal to the story of Saul. God gives him another opportunity to prove himself... but he failed again!
Saul had a habit of substituting saying for doing, and of making excuses instead of confessing sins. Can you think of other examples of this from the bible or from your own experiences?
Saul was more concerned with looking good in front of people than being good in front of God. Let’s look at his story...
Disobeying God [Read 15:1-11]
Up until this point, Israel was dealing with the Philistines. But now we see that it’s the Amalekites. Who were the Amalekites? [Read Gen. 36:12,15-16 / Ex. 17:8-16 / Num. 24:20 / Heb. 12:14-17 / Deut. 25:17-19]
Saul and Samuel’s conversation. How would Saul feel? How would Samuel feel?
What do we think about God’s command to wipe out an entire nation?
Saul’s wish to protect the Kenites was admirable... But what did Saul fail to do?
Even though God told Saul to destroy everyone and everything, what do we see actually happened?
Read Isaiah 5:20. How can we link this to our story?
How does Samuel find out about what Saul has been up to?
Verse 8 tells us that Saul spared the life of Agag, the Amalekite king. Why?
Saul was supposed to serve God... What does that look like? How did Saul fail to do this?
In verse 11 we see that it says that God “regret” the fact that He’d made Saul king... but taken literally from the Hebrew, that word isn’t “regret”... it’s “repent.” What do we think about this?
Saul lies to Samuel [Read 15:12-15]
What monuments have you set up in your own honour?
Why was Saul staying away from Samuel?
Saul then blatantly lied, to 3 people. How?
Verse 15 gives us some insight into what’s going on inside Saul’s head. What is it?
Saul argues with Samuel [Read 15:16-23]
Again, we see lies, blaming & excuses from Saul. How?
“To obey is better than sacrifice.” Explain what this means in the story and in our context too.
Was Samuel making a statement about the Jewish sacrificial system?
Saul is rejected by God [Read 15:24-29]
Next we see Saul changing his approach. This “I have sinned” could look like a confession & repentance... but it’s not. Why?
Why does Saul grab at Samuel’s robe?
Saul is rejected by Samuel [Read 15: 30-35]
Again, verse 30 lets us in on what motivates king Saul. What is it?
Even though we see that Samuel has severed ties with Saul, next he goes to worship with him. Why?
After this mysterious final worship gathering, Samuel made it quite clear how he felt. What are his actions and how do they tell us this?
Thursday, 24 February 2011
1 Samuel 14:24-52
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 14: 24-52
In the past, we’ve seen how stupid actions brought trouble... now we’ll see how stupid words bring trouble...
Read Matt. 12:34. What do you get from this?
A Foolish Vow > [Read 1 Samuel 14:24-35]
In verse 24, what do Saul’s words reveal about his heart?
Why did Saul impose this vow on the Israelites?
With this mass fasting and the presence of the ark, what did Saul think would happen?
But Jonathan and his armour-bearer already had victories over the Philistines twice, without all that. What does this show?
No sensible commander would deprive his army of food and energy whilst fighting... if this command was from God, how would we know?
What do verses 24, 28 and 31 tell us about the state of the Israelite soldiers?
When dealing with the Lord, we can have confidence or presumption. How?
Next we see Jonathan and his armour-bearer join the troops and Jon eats some honey. Why didn’t one of the soldiers warn him earlier?
Not only did Saul’s foolish vow cause his soldiers to be weak and unable to pursue the Philistines, but it also gave them an abnormal craving for food. How does this play out?
A Foolish Judgement > [Read 1 Samuel 14: 36-52]
So, by now we would assume that Saul had realised the mistakes he’d made by delaying at Gibeah and imposing the foolish vow. So what does he do now?
What does the priest, Ahijah, think?
So, Saul knew that Jonathan was missing when he made his vow. What could this tell us?
What do we see happening in verse 39 and why?
Why all this whittling down with the ephod?
Why do we get this weird family tree thing at the end of the chapter?
1 Samuel 14: 24-52
In the past, we’ve seen how stupid actions brought trouble... now we’ll see how stupid words bring trouble...
Read Matt. 12:34. What do you get from this?
A Foolish Vow > [Read 1 Samuel 14:24-35]
In verse 24, what do Saul’s words reveal about his heart?
Why did Saul impose this vow on the Israelites?
With this mass fasting and the presence of the ark, what did Saul think would happen?
But Jonathan and his armour-bearer already had victories over the Philistines twice, without all that. What does this show?
No sensible commander would deprive his army of food and energy whilst fighting... if this command was from God, how would we know?
What do verses 24, 28 and 31 tell us about the state of the Israelite soldiers?
When dealing with the Lord, we can have confidence or presumption. How?
Next we see Jonathan and his armour-bearer join the troops and Jon eats some honey. Why didn’t one of the soldiers warn him earlier?
Not only did Saul’s foolish vow cause his soldiers to be weak and unable to pursue the Philistines, but it also gave them an abnormal craving for food. How does this play out?
A Foolish Judgement > [Read 1 Samuel 14: 36-52]
So, by now we would assume that Saul had realised the mistakes he’d made by delaying at Gibeah and imposing the foolish vow. So what does he do now?
What does the priest, Ahijah, think?
So, Saul knew that Jonathan was missing when he made his vow. What could this tell us?
What do we see happening in verse 39 and why?
Why all this whittling down with the ephod?
Why do we get this weird family tree thing at the end of the chapter?
Thursday, 17 February 2011
1 Sam 14: 1-23
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 14: 1-23
It’s not fun or enjoyable seeing the character of King Saul drop lower and lower. He started with such promise; young, strong, handsome and loyal... but it seems all that fame, money and power has gone to his head. Already we’ve seen him demonstrate his unbelief and impatience (ch13) and now it just gets worse!
Thank goodness for Jonathan...
Most of this chapter tells us about Jonathan, Saul’s oldest son. What do we already know about him from last week?
First we see that Jonathan initiates the attack...
[Read 1 Sam 14:1-15]
Jonathan decided to go and “see” the Philistine outpost. Why?
Then we see that Jonathan didn’t tell his dad where he was going. Why?
Saul was chilling under a pomegranate tree with his 600 men while Jonathan was crossing the enemy lines with one man. What does this tell us?
Again we see Saul with a priest and an ephod, but what’s going on? What does this tell us about Saul?
Read Lev. 26:7-8 and Deut. 28:7. How do these verses relate to this story as Jonathan and his armour-bearer are coming up to the Philistine outpost?
What is Jonathan’s plan once they’re inside the Philistine’s territory?
How do the Philistines respond to them?
[Activity] > Can you think of other examples where people chosen and called by God are treated this way?
By not taking Jonathan and his armour-bearer seriously what happened?
Saul watches the battle...
[Read 1 Sam 14: 16-19]
What could the Israelite lookouts and King Saul be thinking as they saw the Philistines retreating?
This was the second time that Jonathan had gone off and acted on his own. How might Saul be feeling?
Saul had a priest with an ephod and called for the ark. What could Saul have been doing? What did he actually do?
What were the motives behind Saul’s actions?
Israel enters the battle...
[Read 1 Sam 14: 20-23]
As Israel begins to pursue the “confused” Philistines, what do we see happen?
What does this tell us about these types of soldiers?
How could Saul have dealt with these soldiers? What does he do instead and why?
Saul is confusing. One day he will rush in like a horse... and then the next day he will hold back like a mule. Why?
Who won this battle?
Saul and his army chased the Philistines all the way to Beth Aven (15 miles) and by the time they caught up with them, they did win, but not the sort of victory they would have wanted...
1 Samuel 14: 1-23
It’s not fun or enjoyable seeing the character of King Saul drop lower and lower. He started with such promise; young, strong, handsome and loyal... but it seems all that fame, money and power has gone to his head. Already we’ve seen him demonstrate his unbelief and impatience (ch13) and now it just gets worse!
Thank goodness for Jonathan...
Most of this chapter tells us about Jonathan, Saul’s oldest son. What do we already know about him from last week?
First we see that Jonathan initiates the attack...
[Read 1 Sam 14:1-15]
Jonathan decided to go and “see” the Philistine outpost. Why?
Then we see that Jonathan didn’t tell his dad where he was going. Why?
Saul was chilling under a pomegranate tree with his 600 men while Jonathan was crossing the enemy lines with one man. What does this tell us?
Again we see Saul with a priest and an ephod, but what’s going on? What does this tell us about Saul?
Read Lev. 26:7-8 and Deut. 28:7. How do these verses relate to this story as Jonathan and his armour-bearer are coming up to the Philistine outpost?
What is Jonathan’s plan once they’re inside the Philistine’s territory?
How do the Philistines respond to them?
[Activity] > Can you think of other examples where people chosen and called by God are treated this way?
By not taking Jonathan and his armour-bearer seriously what happened?
Saul watches the battle...
[Read 1 Sam 14: 16-19]
What could the Israelite lookouts and King Saul be thinking as they saw the Philistines retreating?
This was the second time that Jonathan had gone off and acted on his own. How might Saul be feeling?
Saul had a priest with an ephod and called for the ark. What could Saul have been doing? What did he actually do?
What were the motives behind Saul’s actions?
Israel enters the battle...
[Read 1 Sam 14: 20-23]
As Israel begins to pursue the “confused” Philistines, what do we see happen?
What does this tell us about these types of soldiers?
How could Saul have dealt with these soldiers? What does he do instead and why?
Saul is confusing. One day he will rush in like a horse... and then the next day he will hold back like a mule. Why?
Who won this battle?
Saul and his army chased the Philistines all the way to Beth Aven (15 miles) and by the time they caught up with them, they did win, but not the sort of victory they would have wanted...
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
1 Samuel 13
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 13
“Why Saul?...Why?”
Here we see the start of the decline of king Saul... in just one chapter we’ll see; pride, unbelief & impatience, deception & lies, and foolishness...
PRIDE > [Read 13: 1-4]
Saul had reigned for 2 years when he set up his army. Over 300,000 men had “volunteered.” But here we see that Saul only chose 3,000 men and then divided them between him and Jonathan. Why?
What did this “gathering of an Israel army” do to the surrounding nations?
Here is the first time we’re introduced to Jonathan. What sort of stuff are we told about him?
What does attacking a Philistine outpost show us?
Even though Jonathan seems to have accomplished quite a big task... it gets hardly mentioned. Why?
In verse 3, King Saul calls the Israelite army “Hebrews” instead of “Men of Israel.” Why? What’s the significance of this?
UNBELIEF & IMPATIENCE > [Read 13: 5-9]
The Philistines camped at Micmash (less than 20 miles away from the Israelite army) and the obviously outnumbered the Israelites. What did the Israelites do?
Samuel told Saul that he had to wait for him for 7 days. How might Saul have been feeling?
Why did Samuel take so long to meet him?
Read James 1: 1-18. How does this passage relate to this story?
So, in the last chapter, we saw King Saul lead his 300,000 strong army to victory... but now his army is just 600 men. What did Saul need to learn from this?
Saul didn’t want to go into battle without first making an offering to God. What could this tell us?
Later we’ll see that Samuel reminds Saul that God is looking for obedience, not sacrifice. What does this mean in this story? What does this mean in our lives?
If Saul had just waited a few more minutes, everything would have been ok, but his impatience cost him dearly. How can this individual impatience be connected to Israel as a nation? And how can we relate to this?
DECEPTION & LIES > [Read 13: 10-12]
Saul’s first lie was in his way of greeting Samuel. How? How are we guilty of this?
Saul’s second lie was with his blame and excuse making. How? How are we guilty of this?
Saul’s third lie was this “compelled to offer the burnt offering.” How? How are we guilty of this?
Saul is very good at making excuses... but not too good at anything else! He’s quick to blame others... but doesn’t like being blamed himself. This is our human condition and it spans right back to Adam & Eve. How?
FOOLISHNESS > [ Read 13: 13-14]
How is Saul showing his foolishness?
After this sin of Saul, Samuel announces God’s judgement. What was it?
Now that their ruler had failed, we see how this mighty army of Israel was actually very insecure...
A Dwindling Army > [Read 13: 15-16]
Saul’s army had gone from over 300,000 to 3,000, and was now just 600. The Philistine army was “like sand on the seashore.” This scenario is similar to Gideon’s... but what are the differences?
[Read 13: 17-18, 23] < A Threatened Army
The Philistines sent “raiding parties” to the north, south, east and west... the Israelites were completely surrounded. What lesson was God trying to teach them? What can we learn from this?
A Deprived Army > [Read 13: 19-22]
It was bad enough that Saul didn’t have much of an army... but now we see they lacked equipment too! How can we see comparisons between this and the church today? But, read Eph. 6: 10-17. What does this tell us?
1 Samuel 13
“Why Saul?...Why?”
Here we see the start of the decline of king Saul... in just one chapter we’ll see; pride, unbelief & impatience, deception & lies, and foolishness...
PRIDE > [Read 13: 1-4]
Saul had reigned for 2 years when he set up his army. Over 300,000 men had “volunteered.” But here we see that Saul only chose 3,000 men and then divided them between him and Jonathan. Why?
What did this “gathering of an Israel army” do to the surrounding nations?
Here is the first time we’re introduced to Jonathan. What sort of stuff are we told about him?
What does attacking a Philistine outpost show us?
Even though Jonathan seems to have accomplished quite a big task... it gets hardly mentioned. Why?
In verse 3, King Saul calls the Israelite army “Hebrews” instead of “Men of Israel.” Why? What’s the significance of this?
UNBELIEF & IMPATIENCE > [Read 13: 5-9]
The Philistines camped at Micmash (less than 20 miles away from the Israelite army) and the obviously outnumbered the Israelites. What did the Israelites do?
Samuel told Saul that he had to wait for him for 7 days. How might Saul have been feeling?
Why did Samuel take so long to meet him?
Read James 1: 1-18. How does this passage relate to this story?
So, in the last chapter, we saw King Saul lead his 300,000 strong army to victory... but now his army is just 600 men. What did Saul need to learn from this?
Saul didn’t want to go into battle without first making an offering to God. What could this tell us?
Later we’ll see that Samuel reminds Saul that God is looking for obedience, not sacrifice. What does this mean in this story? What does this mean in our lives?
If Saul had just waited a few more minutes, everything would have been ok, but his impatience cost him dearly. How can this individual impatience be connected to Israel as a nation? And how can we relate to this?
DECEPTION & LIES > [Read 13: 10-12]
Saul’s first lie was in his way of greeting Samuel. How? How are we guilty of this?
Saul’s second lie was with his blame and excuse making. How? How are we guilty of this?
Saul’s third lie was this “compelled to offer the burnt offering.” How? How are we guilty of this?
Saul is very good at making excuses... but not too good at anything else! He’s quick to blame others... but doesn’t like being blamed himself. This is our human condition and it spans right back to Adam & Eve. How?
FOOLISHNESS > [ Read 13: 13-14]
How is Saul showing his foolishness?
After this sin of Saul, Samuel announces God’s judgement. What was it?
Now that their ruler had failed, we see how this mighty army of Israel was actually very insecure...
A Dwindling Army > [Read 13: 15-16]
Saul’s army had gone from over 300,000 to 3,000, and was now just 600. The Philistine army was “like sand on the seashore.” This scenario is similar to Gideon’s... but what are the differences?
[Read 13: 17-18, 23] < A Threatened Army
The Philistines sent “raiding parties” to the north, south, east and west... the Israelites were completely surrounded. What lesson was God trying to teach them? What can we learn from this?
A Deprived Army > [Read 13: 19-22]
It was bad enough that Saul didn’t have much of an army... but now we see they lacked equipment too! How can we see comparisons between this and the church today? But, read Eph. 6: 10-17. What does this tell us?
Thursday, 27 January 2011
1 Samuel 11
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 11
“Serving the Lord”
[Read 1 Samuel 11]
Looking back, what was the main reasons for Israel wanting a king?
Who were the Ammonites? [Read Gen. 19: 30-38] And what could this mean in this story?
Nahash means “Snake”. What can we get from this?
Nahish did offer them a negotiation option... what was it and what does this tell us?
How would you feel if you lived in Jabesh Gilead?
What did the elders of Jabesh Gilead do?
Verse 4 tells us in a round-about way that the messengers of Jabesh Gilead didn’t go straight to king Saul and Samuel. Why?
When Saul heard the news, what did he do and why?
[Activity] > Draw scene(s) or storyboards of your favourite bits from this chapter...
How did God help Saul when he was recruiting men for this battle?
What could they have been fearful of?
In verse 10, why did the elders of Jabesh Gilead tell the Ammonites that they would surrender tomorrow?
[Read Judges 7: 16 & 19] What stands out to you between this passage and the passage we’re looking at today? What does this tell us?
Samuel was new at this king business and completely inexperienced at being a leader... let alone a leader of 330,000 men at war! But God gave them the victory. What does this tell us about the will of God?
This story shows us how Saul gained authority and stature. How? And why is this important?
After the victory, what did Saul and the Israelites do next?
What is the significance of this place?
At Mizpah they accepted God’s king... but at Gilgal they confirmed Saul as king. What’s the differences?
1 Samuel 11
“Serving the Lord”
[Read 1 Samuel 11]
Looking back, what was the main reasons for Israel wanting a king?
Who were the Ammonites? [Read Gen. 19: 30-38] And what could this mean in this story?
Nahash means “Snake”. What can we get from this?
Nahish did offer them a negotiation option... what was it and what does this tell us?
How would you feel if you lived in Jabesh Gilead?
What did the elders of Jabesh Gilead do?
Verse 4 tells us in a round-about way that the messengers of Jabesh Gilead didn’t go straight to king Saul and Samuel. Why?
When Saul heard the news, what did he do and why?
[Activity] > Draw scene(s) or storyboards of your favourite bits from this chapter...
How did God help Saul when he was recruiting men for this battle?
What could they have been fearful of?
In verse 10, why did the elders of Jabesh Gilead tell the Ammonites that they would surrender tomorrow?
[Read Judges 7: 16 & 19] What stands out to you between this passage and the passage we’re looking at today? What does this tell us?
Samuel was new at this king business and completely inexperienced at being a leader... let alone a leader of 330,000 men at war! But God gave them the victory. What does this tell us about the will of God?
This story shows us how Saul gained authority and stature. How? And why is this important?
After the victory, what did Saul and the Israelites do next?
What is the significance of this place?
At Mizpah they accepted God’s king... but at Gilgal they confirmed Saul as king. What’s the differences?
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
1 Samuel 10
[ MEST ] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 10
“Israel gets their king”
[Read 1 Samuel 10]
Once Saul was anointed with oil by the priest Samuel, Saul was officially the first king of Israel...
How could Saul be sure that God had chosen him?
Why were these aspects of the prophecy so specific?
So, let’s deal with each of these three signs in more detail...
First, the donkeys. Later we’ll see that Saul is a control freak... what was God saying to him through this element of the story?
Secondly, the three men going to Bethel. What does this encounter tell us?
What was the significance of these guys giving stuff to Saul?
Thirdly, spiritual power. What is the importance of this scene?
In verse 9 we’re told that God changed Saul’s heart. What could this mean?
We could read into this that God gave Saul the Holy Spirit at this time. How is this gift of the Holy Spirit in the OT different to the gift of the Holy Spirit to anyone since Jesus?
What does the reaction of Saul’s friends tell us in verse 11?
Next we see Saul go back home and not tell anyone what happened. Why?
What should Saul have learned from the last few days?
So, Saul had been already chosen by God and informed and anointed as king by Samuel. So why does God get Samuel to call everyone to Mizpah and go through all that whittling down, if they already knew it was Saul?
Even when they got down through the tribe of Benjamin, then down through the clan of Matri, then down through the family of Kish, until we get to Saul... but Saul’s not there. Why?
1 Samuel 10
“Israel gets their king”
[Read 1 Samuel 10]
Once Saul was anointed with oil by the priest Samuel, Saul was officially the first king of Israel...
How could Saul be sure that God had chosen him?
Why were these aspects of the prophecy so specific?
So, let’s deal with each of these three signs in more detail...
First, the donkeys. Later we’ll see that Saul is a control freak... what was God saying to him through this element of the story?
Secondly, the three men going to Bethel. What does this encounter tell us?
What was the significance of these guys giving stuff to Saul?
Thirdly, spiritual power. What is the importance of this scene?
In verse 9 we’re told that God changed Saul’s heart. What could this mean?
We could read into this that God gave Saul the Holy Spirit at this time. How is this gift of the Holy Spirit in the OT different to the gift of the Holy Spirit to anyone since Jesus?
What does the reaction of Saul’s friends tell us in verse 11?
Next we see Saul go back home and not tell anyone what happened. Why?
What should Saul have learned from the last few days?
So, Saul had been already chosen by God and informed and anointed as king by Samuel. So why does God get Samuel to call everyone to Mizpah and go through all that whittling down, if they already knew it was Saul?
Even when they got down through the tribe of Benjamin, then down through the clan of Matri, then down through the family of Kish, until we get to Saul... but Saul’s not there. Why?
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
1 Samuel 10
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 10
Why is it important that we're told how handsome Saul is and how he's tall?
Verses 3 - 5 tell us about Saul looking for his dad's donkeys. What does this tell us?
Saul lived in Gibeah, only about 5 miles away from Ramah, where Samuel lived. How had Saul not heard about this "seer", this prophet Samuel?
An insignificant event brought Samuel and Saul together. What was it? Can you think of other examples? What does this tell us?
Even though Samuel wasn't happy with the people's request and God's reply, what do we see in verses 15 & 16?
As he's approached by Samuel, what might Saul be thinking?
Next we see Saul using a protest that we've seen before. What was it?
[Activity] > Find other examples of this kind of excuse-making and back-pedalling by other characters "chosen" in the bible. And find other examples of where God uses "nobodies."
In verse 27, how might Saul have been feeling?
1 Samuel 10
Why is it important that we're told how handsome Saul is and how he's tall?
Verses 3 - 5 tell us about Saul looking for his dad's donkeys. What does this tell us?
Saul lived in Gibeah, only about 5 miles away from Ramah, where Samuel lived. How had Saul not heard about this "seer", this prophet Samuel?
An insignificant event brought Samuel and Saul together. What was it? Can you think of other examples? What does this tell us?
Even though Samuel wasn't happy with the people's request and God's reply, what do we see in verses 15 & 16?
As he's approached by Samuel, what might Saul be thinking?
Next we see Saul using a protest that we've seen before. What was it?
[Activity] > Find other examples of this kind of excuse-making and back-pedalling by other characters "chosen" in the bible. And find other examples of where God uses "nobodies."
In verse 27, how might Saul have been feeling?
Thursday, 6 January 2011
1 Samuel 8
[MEST] 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 8
"Asking for a king... Praying for a king"
[Read 1 Samuel 8]
About 20 - 25 years have passed between the end of chapter 7 and the beginning of chapter 8. Yet nothing is recorded. What could this mean?
Samuel has grown old... the people and leaders around him have changed. Many of the people from his youth (last few chapters) have died. What do we get from this?
What was Samuel's reaction? How did he feel?
[Activity]> Israel wants a king. Why? List the pros and cons...
By the Israelites asking for a king, what were they really saying?
Verses 11 - 17 gives a description of what a king will do. How can this be related to other false gods? And how does this contrast with the heavenly King?
In Genesis 17:6 / 17:16 / 35:11 / 49:10 / Deut 17:14-20 you can see that God had every intention of giving Israel a king. So what was the problem?
God had planned for David to be king, but it wasn't time. So instead they get Saul. What does this tell us?
"The greatest judgment that God can give us is to let us have our own way." What does this statement mean? Do you agree with it?
By the time we get to king Solomon, the people are complaining about how much tax and stuff they were having to pay to keep Solomon in all his riches. What does this tell us?
1 Samuel 8
"Asking for a king... Praying for a king"
[Read 1 Samuel 8]
About 20 - 25 years have passed between the end of chapter 7 and the beginning of chapter 8. Yet nothing is recorded. What could this mean?
Samuel has grown old... the people and leaders around him have changed. Many of the people from his youth (last few chapters) have died. What do we get from this?
What was Samuel's reaction? How did he feel?
[Activity]> Israel wants a king. Why? List the pros and cons...
By the Israelites asking for a king, what were they really saying?
Verses 11 - 17 gives a description of what a king will do. How can this be related to other false gods? And how does this contrast with the heavenly King?
In Genesis 17:6 / 17:16 / 35:11 / 49:10 / Deut 17:14-20 you can see that God had every intention of giving Israel a king. So what was the problem?
God had planned for David to be king, but it wasn't time. So instead they get Saul. What does this tell us?
"The greatest judgment that God can give us is to let us have our own way." What does this statement mean? Do you agree with it?
By the time we get to king Solomon, the people are complaining about how much tax and stuff they were having to pay to keep Solomon in all his riches. What does this tell us?
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