 1 Samuel 1 - 15 = Questions and Answers |
| Q. What tribe is Samuel from? | A. 1 Samuel 1:1 = Ephraim (Joseph's son) |
| Q. Did his father, Elkanah, have more than one wife? | A. 1 Samuel 1:2 = Yes. Peninnah is listed 2nd, as was traditional to list anything first to last. |
| Q. Who was Elkanah's first wife then? | A. 1 Samuel 1:1 = Hannah. |
| Q. Did Elkanah's family worship God rightly? | A. I Samuel 1:3 = Yes. |
| Q. Where was the Tabernacle at this time? | A. 1 Samuel 1:3 = At Shiloh, in Ephraim. |
| Q. Is there another Phinehas mentioned besides Eleazar's priest-son? | A. 1 Samuel 1:3 = Yes. One of Eli, the priest's sons was named Phinehas also. |
| Q. Who was Eli's other son? | A. 1 Samuel 1:3 = Hophni. |
| Q. What made Hannah's life especially miserable besides being barren? | A. 1 Samuel 1:7 = Peninnah taunted Hannah as they traveled to the Tabernacle because she couldn't have children. |
| Q. Did Elkanah understand her trouble? | A. 1 Samuel 1:8 = No. He was offended that Hannah didn't see him as being as good as ten sons. He didn't understand the barren womb. (And he had children through a 2nd wife so what's to sympathize with?) |
| Q. Did Elkanah at least try? | A. 1 Samuel 1:5 = Yes. He would give Hannah a special portion of the sascrifice because he loved her very much and she had no children. |
| Q. Did Hannah ever become content? | A. 1 Samuel 1:10 = No. She wept bitterly, was in deep anguish and begged God for a child. |
| Q. Did Hannah make a vow? | A. 1 Samuel 1:11 = Yes. If she was granted a child, to give him to God, never cutting his hair as a sign of his dedication. |
| Q. When Hannah made that vow, was anyone around to hear it? | A. 1 Samuel 1:12 = Hannah prayed silently, but with great passion, so much that Eli thought she was drunk. |
| Q. Did Hannah explain herself to Eli? | A. Yes, but she never mentioned her prayer for a son. |
| Q. Did Eli believe her? | A. I Samuel 1:17 = Yes. Eli blessed Hannah because of her passionate prayer. |
| Q. Did Hannah feel better afterwards? | A. 1 Samuel 1:18 = Yes. Hannah was no longer sad and began to eat again. |
| Q. What does "Samuel" mean? | A. 1 Samuel 1:20 = "Asked of God" or "Heard of God" (footnote). |
| Q. When is the next time Hannah traveled with the family to Shiloh to worship at the Tabernacle? | A. 1 Samuel 1:24 = Several years later. |
| Q. Why so long? | A. 1 Samuell 1:22 = Hannah determined to keep Samuel until he was weaned, then when she took him to the Tabernacle with the family, she'd leave him there permanently. |
| Q. Did Elkanah think she'd keep her promise? |
A. 1 Samuel 1:23 = He blessed Hannah with words of courage to keep her promise. Note: Elkanah gave words of hope and courage to Hannah, though she would have a very hard time with that oath. It is easier to be negative about something someone else believes in. Why not speak words of encouragement and blessing instead? May God help you to do it! |
| Q. How did Hannah view Peninnah? |
A. 1 Samuel 2:1 = As her enemy. Note: Who's enemy are you? The only enemy we want to be is that of hell's. |
| Q. Did Hannah's faith increase with her miracle child? | A. 1 Samuel 2:1-10 = Yes. Hannah prayed a prayer of praise to God that made it in the bible! |
| Q. Was the prayer of Hannah filled with insight? |
A. 1 Samuel 2:1-10 = Yes. 1). God gives and takes away at will, so don't be smug 2). God cares that we are mocked for things we cannot control and brings vengeance on our behalf 3). When God does a miracle in our lives, our faith increases vividly and we know there is no one like Him. 4). It is no little thing to act like we are better than our brother. God will deal with you eventually. 5). Power is temporary 6). Strength is temporary 7). Abundance is temporary 8). A fertile woman is temporary (because kids grow up and leave and then what have you got?) 9). Only God controls life and death 10). God controls greatness and poverty 11). God is in control over the whole world 12). God protects His own 13). No one succeeds by strengh alone 14). God thunders judgement from heaven on those who dare rebel against Him. 15). God gives might to kings 16). God gives might to His anointed ones. Note: Wow! Hannah had a lot of time with young Samuel, but she really shines here! We should all give God the glory for who He is -- in detail -- and remember to thank Him for intervening in our lives. Before you move on to the next event of your life -- give thanks! |
| Q. When did Hannah give Samuel to God for service in the temple? | A. 1 Samuel 2:11 = Right after her prayer of praise! |
| Q. Were circumstances ideal for Samuel? | A. 1 Samuel 2:12 = No way. Eli's sons were scoundrels, having no respect for the Lord or for their duties as priests. |
| Q. What did Phinehas and Hophni do that was particularly abhorrent? | A. 1 Samuel 2:13-15 = The sacrifices were stolen from the families who offered them. They even took the fat raw. All the fat belonged to the Lord. Serious sins here! |
| Q. Did Samuel see his parents after his service in the temple commenced? | A. 1 Samuel 2:19 = Yes. Once a year at the regular time of worship in Shiloh, his parents came to Shiloh to the Tabernacle to worship and offer their sacrifices as usual. |
| Q. Was Eli happy about having Samuel there? | A. 1 Samuel 2:20 = Yes. He blessed Elkanah and Hannah with prayers of a houseful of children for Hannah to replace Samuel with. |
| Q. Did she get her children? | A. 1 Samuel 2:21 = Yes. Hannah had three more sons and two daughters! |
| Q. Was Eli aware of what his sons were up to? | A. 1 Samuel 2:22 = Yes. |
| Q. What might have Eli rationalized as a good excuse for not carrying out justice on Hophni and Phinehas? |
A. 1 Samuel 2:22 = Eli was very old. Note: Don't be lenient with your kids just because you haven't the energy you used to! |
| Q. What did Eli do instead of disciplining his sons? | A. 1 Samuel 2:23 = He told them he knew what they were up to and that he feared for their lives because of it. |
| Q. Did they listen? |
A. 1 Samuel 2:25 = No. While he scolded, God was planning their deaths. Note: Take heed and thoroughly teach your children to fear God! |
| Q. How did these goings-on affect Samuel? |
A. 1 Samuel 2:26 = It didn't. God was with Samuel; he grew in favor with the people anyway. Note: Can this be possible? Priests all out of favor with God (even Eli disobeyed God in not carrying out justice according to the Law of Moses) and God watching out for His own? Hannah was an excellent godly mother. You see this fact in her prayer. What we teach our children in those formative years makes all the difference in the world. Parents, how hard are you working on teaching your kids of God's awesomeness as in Hannah's prayer? |
| Q. Did Eli benefit from the sins of his sons? | A. 1 Samuel 2:29 = Yes. Eli feasted on the stolen meat and became fat too. |
| Q. How did God see that sin? | A. 1 Samuel 2:29 = As Eli honoring his sons more than God. |
| Q. Were these sins brought to Eli's attention? | A. 1 Samuel 2:27 = Yes. God sent a prophet to him with the message, laying out the sins of Eli's family, but pointing only to Eli as being ultimately responsible. |
| Q. Did Eli think he'd escape judgement? | A. 1 Samuel 2:25 = Yes. He didn't think that he could get in trouble because he didn't carry out justice with his sons, nor did he participate in stealing the sacrificial food. But Eli ate it and got fat like his sons. He didn't see his disobedience to the Law of Moses as disobedience to God. |
| Q. How would God deal with Eli and his family? |
A. 1 Samuel 2:31 = 1). They would have the priesthood taken away from them 2). All his descendants would die young 3). They would always be poor and envious of the other Israelites 4). All left alive would live in sadness and grief and their children would die violently 5). Hophni and Phinehas would die the same day. |
| Q. Who would take Eli's family's place as priests? |
A. 1 Samuel 2:35 = 1). A faithful priest 2). An obedient priest 3) who would have many children/priests 4). Thy'd be blessed 5). Priests to God's anointed kings 6). With Eli's descendants bowing before them, begging for money and food and pleading for jobs, any jobs among the priests so they'll have enough to eat. |
| Q. What contributed to this fading away of belief in God in Israel? | A. 1 Samuel 3:1 = Up to this point, Israel just didn't acknowledge God. They had trouble focusing during Moses' time -- Moses saw their weakness-- and so did Joshua. They slipped further into the idol worship of Abraham's father--which they hadn't ever given up completely-- and as with such serious distractions, were occupied with their bad habits. It is no small thing that 1 Samuel 3:1 says, "Now in those days, messages from the Lord were very rare and visions were quite uncommon." Israel rarely spoke to God! But God provided a child, Samuel, and started all over again. Isn't God great? |
| Q. Hannah dedicated Samuel to God's service. Where did Samuel sleep? | A. 1 Samuel 3:3 = Near the Ark of God in the Tabernacle. |
| Q. Was that where Samuel was sleeping when God first audibly spoke to him? | A. 1 Samuel 3:3 = Yes. God awoke Samuel there. |
| Q. What did God sound like? |
A. 1 Samuel 3:5 = Samuel thought Eli called him. He heard the Lord 3 times and went to Eli. Note: Our kids should be so enthusiastic to get out of bed and come! I will be so happy when I can transfer them to God because they finally recognize His voice! And know how to respond! |
| Q. What did God tell Samuel at this first interaction? | A. 1 Samuel 3:11 = That He wsa about to do a shocking thing in Israel. He prepared Samuel for Eli and sons' fate. |
| Q. Did God explain why it would come to pass? | A. 1 Samuel 3:13 = Yes. The sons were blaspheming God and their father wouldn't discipline them. |
| Q. What does God think of people who seem remorseful, but continue in the same sin? | A. 1 Samuel 3:13-14 = Their sacrifices and offerings don't count. God says they choose to sin. |
| Q. So people aren't stuck in a sin, they actually make the choice to do it? |
A. 1 Samuel 3:12-14 = Yes. God warned Eli, instructed him to deal with his sons and Eli chose not to. Note: We can convince ourselves that our sins trap us, immobilizing us from the life God wants us to live in all its fullness. We even have fancy, complex explanations that we nurse ourselves on. When you stand before God, they will all fall away and you will face yourself. Wouldn't you rather face your sin and repent here on earth than wait until it shames you in heaven? |
| Q. What did Samuel think of God's judgement message on Eli and family? | A. 1 Samuel 3:15 = Samuel was afraid to tell Eli of God's message. |
| Q. But he did tell Eli everything. How did Eli react? |
A. 1 Samuel 3:18 = With complacency. Note: Never mistake complacency with inner peace! Obey God's word in every area of your life. |
| Q. What is a good rule of thumb when speaking? | A. 1 Samuel 3:19 = When God is present, everything you say is wise and helpful. Ask yourself, before you're tempted to joke around or criticize another, this question: Is this wise and helpful? God is enthusiastic to dispense wisdom on His prophets on behalf of the people. And the people recognize it when it comes from God. Wisdom is self-less. |
| Q. How did God pass on wisdom to Samuel as he grew up? | A. 1 Samuel 3:21 = God continued to appear at Shiloh, gave messages to Samuel and he, in turn, passed them on to Jacob/Israel. |
| Q. When did Israel, again, war with the Philistines? | A. 1 Samuel 4:1 = During Samuel's time in the Temple. |
| Q. Who last warred with the Philstines? | A. Judges 17 = Samson. He wiped out all the Philistine leaders too. |
| Q. Wow! Did victory happen this way this time too? | A. 1 Samuel 4:2 = No way. Israel lost 4,000 soldiers to the Philistines this time. |
| Q. How did the Philistines interpret Israel's victories of the past? | A. 1 Samuel 4:7 = The Philistines thought that when the Ark of the Covenant went before them, Israel's multiple gods entered the camp. |
| Q. Weren't the Philistines afraid those same gods would rescue Israel again? |
A. 1 Samuel 4:9 = No. It rather motivated the Philistines to fight harder because these Israeli gods would make them Israel's slaves as they had made Israel their slaves. Note: Have you noticed that at times, non-believers have more conviction about God's wrath than we do? At the same time, we have to give them the right perspective of God as loving them, without condition, and based on Jesus' work of the cross. It's not what sins we commit that condemns us to hell, It's only rejection of Jesus that does it. All else is sin, nailed there on the cross 2000 years ago, which includes future sin too. Reject Jesus, reject forgiveness of sin. Accept Jesus, accept forgiveness of sin. A gospel so simple, a child can understand it. |
| Q. Did the Philistines raised vigor on their point help them to overcome the Israelites? | A. 1 Samuel 4:10 = Yes. They killed 30,000 Israeli soldiers. The rest fled. |
| Q. What happened to the Ark of the Covenant? | A. 1 Samuel 4:11 = It was captured. Phinehas and Hophni were killed. |
| Q. Was Eli anxious about this war? | A. 1 Samuel 4:13 = Yes. He worried for the safety of the Ark. |
| Q. How old was Eli at this time? | A. 1 Samuel 4:15 = 98 years old and nearly blind. |
| Q. How did Eli react to the news of his sons being killed, Israel's defeat and the Ark being captured? | A. 1 Samuel 4:18 = He fell over backwards, broke his neck and died. |
| Q. How long did Eli lead Israel? | A. 1 Samuel 4:18 = 40 years. |
| Q. What happened to Phinehas' wife? | A. 1 Samuel 4:19-20 = Upon hearing all the news, she went into labor and died soon after a son was born. |
| Q. Was she happy about her new son? | A. 1 Samuel 4:21 = No. She saw only Israel going down because the Ark was now gone. The child was named "Israel's glory is gone." |
| Q. How does that translate to a name? | A. 1 Sam 4:21 = Ichabod. |
| Q. Would the Ark survive in Philistine land? | A. 1 Samuel 5:1-3 = Yes! The Philistines placed it in their temple of Dagon and the next morning, Dagon had fallen face down before the Ark of the Lord. |
| Q. Did they get the message? |
A. 1 Samuel 5:4-5 = No. They set it up again, but the next morning, Dagon's hands and head were broken off and lying in the doorway. Note: Talk about missing all the signs! |
| Q. What happened next? | A. 1 Samuel 5:6 = The Lord afflicted the people of Ashdod and the nearby villages with tumors. |
| Q. Did they understand then? |
A. 1 Samuel 5:7 = Yes! They realized that the Ark wasn't theirs because they won a war; that Israel's God (singular) was against them; that they would surely die if they didn't act now. Note: Notice how they recognize Israeli's God now! Awesome! |
| Q. Did the Philistines still try to keep the Ark? | A. 1 Samuel 5:8 = Yes. They moved it to Gath, but the plague began again. |
| Q. What did the Philistines do then? | A. 1 Samuel 5:10 = They moved the Ark to Ekron. They eventually asked that it be returned to Israel. |
| Q. How long was the Ark in Philistine territory? | A. 1 Samuel 6:1 = Seven months. |
| Q. How did they handle the problem? | A. 1 Samuel 6:2 = They called in their priests and diviners who told them to send it back to Israel with a guilt offering, which would stop the plagues, if it was God, indeed, who brought on the plagues they were now suffering from. |
| Q. What did the Philistines consider good guilt offerings? | A. 1 Samuel 6:4 = Five golden tumors and five golden rats, just like those that had ravaged their land. |
| Q. And their purpose in sending these offerings? | A. 1 Samuel 6:5 = An attempt to show God honor as the God of Israel. |
| Q. What other advice did these diviners and priests give to the Philistines? | A. 1 Samuel 6:6 = They referred to Israelite history and how Egypt was punished for going stubbornly against God's plagues. The Philistines did not desire to repeat Egypt's mistake. |
| Q. How would the Ark be given back to Israel? | A. 1 Samuel 6:7 = On a cart, led by 2 cows, who had just given birth. The cows would go back to Israel, specifically, to Beth-Shemeth -- as a sign to the Philistines, that the Lord God of Israel did bring on the plagues. If it went elsewhere, the plagues would be just a coincidence. |
| Q. Did the Philistines watch the cows take off with the Ark? | A. 1 Samuel 6:12 = Yes. And the cows mooed all the way back to Beth-shemeth! |
| Q. The Israelites working the fields saw, rejoiced, sacrificed the cows and were overjoyed. Was this event witnessed by the Philistines? |
A. 1 Samuel 6:16 = Yes. The five Philistine rulers watched from the border of Beth-shemesh, then returned home. Note: We are on display before our non-believing communities, but not to show off God. Rather, to show them God. The Philistines didn't draw near to God, but turned back, having seen His power. We are able to show our communites our awesome God in the mission work we do, both locally and internationally. They are watching! |
| Q. How did the foreign rulers show Israel that they acknowledged Israel's God? |
A. 1 Samuel 6:17-18 = They made gifts for offerings to Israel's God: 1). Five golden tumors came to Israel as a guilt offering from the Philistines, to include Ashdod, Gaza, Askelon, Gath and Ekron. 2). Five golden rats represented the five Philistine cities and their surrounding villages, which were controlled by the five rulers. |
| Q. Did Israel make a memorial for that day when the Philistines returned the Ark? | A. 1 Samuel 6:18 = Yes. Where the Philistines left the Ark was set on a large rock at Beth-shemesh. It stands as a reminder of that day. |
| Q. How did the Israelites treat the Ark? |
A. 1 Samuel 6:19 = The Israelites from Beth-shemesh didn't understand what the Ark represented, though they mourned its loss and rejoiced at its return. Seventy Israelites died that day because they looked into the Ark. Note: To know God is very different than knowing about God. Read His Word and it will keep you from trouble. If these unfortunate Israelites had been attending the annuel sacred holidays, where the Word (The Law and the Prophets) was read to every resident of Israel, children and foreigners included, they would have avoided death. The survivors panicked and didn't understand how to proceed. |
| Q. What did they finally do? | A. 1 Samuel 6:21 = They sent for the men from the last place the Ark rested; in Kiriath-jearim, who took it back. |
| Q. Where did they take it? | A. 1 Samuel 7:1 = To the hillside home of Abinadab. His son, Eleazar, would take charge of the Ark. |
| Q. Was the Ark safe there? | A. 1 Samuel 7:2 = It was there for twenty years, but the people felt abandoned by God and mourned. |
| Q. Why did God hide Himself? | A. 1 Samuel 7:1 = The Israelites still had idols and worshipped Ashtoreth and Baal too. |
| Q. Who pointed this out to Israel? | A. 1 Samuel 7:1 = Samuel. |
| Q. Did Israel respond to Samuel? |
A. 1 Samuel 7:4 = Yes. Samuel had long gained their trust. Note: Don't expect people to accept your words of wisdom in big things, if you haven't gained their trust in your clean testimony and wisdom in little things. |
| Q. What did Israel do to rectify their situation of feeling isolated from God? |
A. 1 Samuel 7:4 = 1). They destroyed their false idols and worshipped only God. 2). They went to Mizpah with Samuel, who prayed for them there. Note: What a model of repentance! It is good to have others pray and repent on our behalf. We need to fast and make ourselves accountable to good leaders to keep us honest. Lesson: We approach God on His terms, always and forever. Those who declare that God is not there are actually approaching God on their own terms. |
| Q. What else happened at Mizpah? | A. 1 Samuel 7:7 = They had their first test. The Philistine rulers heard they were all there and went to fight against Israel. |
| Q. Even after that great show of power of the Ark??? | A. Yes! |
| Q. What did the Israelites do? |
A. 1 Samuel 7:7 = They were scared to death, but asked Samuel to pray for their deliverance. |
| Q. And Samuel acted as priest? | A. 1 Samuel 7:9 = Yes. He offered a whole unblemished lamb to God and asked for deliverance. God answered. |
| Q. How did God answer? | A. 1 Samuel 7:10 = While the lamb was still burning, the Philistines arrived. God spoke with a mighty voice of thunder from heaven. |
| Q. Did the Philistines comprehend God's voice? |
A. 1 Samuel 7:10 = No. The Philistines were thrown into confusion so much that the Israelites were able to defeat them. They even chased and slaughtered the runaways. Note: Notice how a time of testing comes quickly after a declaration of renewed faith -- or new faith. It seems that God wants to confirm to us His role as Redeemers through our personal testing/redemption experience. It is good to mark these salvation days. |
| Q. Did the Israelites mark this day of deliverance? | A. 1 Samuel 7:12 = Yes. With a stone put between Mizpah and Jeshanah. Samuel named it Ebenezer (the stone of help), declaring, "Up to this point, the Lord has helped us!" |
| Q. What happened to the Philistines? | A. 1 Samuel 7:13 = God's powerful hand was raised against them throughout Samuel's lifetime. |
| Q. How does this prove true? | A. 1 Samuel 7:14 = All territories the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored and there was peace between Israel and the Amorites. |
| Q. How did Samuel carry out his duties as 13th judge of Israel? | A. 1 Samuel 7:16 = Each year, he traveled around, setting up his court first at Bethel, then at Gilgal, then at Mizpah. He judged Israel in each of these places. (v. 17 ). Then he returned home to Ramah, and judged there too. |
| Q. Was there an altar in Israel? | A. 1 Samuel 7:17 = Yes. Samuel built an altar to the Lord at Ramah. |
| Q. Did Samuel ever marry? | A. Samuel did have sons, so yes. |
| Q. Did Samuel's sons do anything special? | A. 1 Samuel 8:2 = Two of Samuel's sons, Joel and Abijah, were apointed as judges over Israel by their father. Samuel was getting old by this time. |
| Q. What were Joel and Abijah like? |
A. 1 Samuel 8:3 = Greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice. Note: How can this happen? Good and godly men and women have children who must make the same decision to follow God as their parents do. The hardest lesson we need to learn is to leave them in God's capable hands and not let their selfish lifestyles and choices interfere with our own work in the kingdom of God. Can you remember that your kids' dullness of the things of God is also your testing? Grow in faith, loyalty and trust in God, and never underestimate God's ability to change hearts, and all the other lives He affects in every nation and life on earth. Don't let errant adult childrens' actions make you ashamed to enter God's presence. God loves you because, and because of the cross and Jesus' blood shed 2000 years ago. Not because of the success of your kids or your parenting methods. |
| Q. Were the people worried about the future because of the way Samuel's sons turned out? |
A. 1 Samuel 8:4-5 = Yes. Because Samuel's sons were evil, they asked Samuel to appoint a king. Note: They acknowledge Samuel as being a man of God. Even so, because his sons were not right with God, they reasoned that a king would be better. I wonder if this was their way of preventing being in subjection to eveil sons. Exchanging one evil for another is no answer. They should have asked Samuel to pray for the answer to the problem at hand and not presented him with their own answer. Note: Now, how many times have you acted in this way today? Presenting God with an answer of your own instead of seeking His answer? |
| Q. How did God reply? | A. 1 Samuel 8:6 = He was upset and prayed about this frustration. Samuel knew a human king was no answer. |
| Q. How did God reply? | A. 1 Samuel 8:7 = God saw it for what it was: rejection of God as Israel's supernatural king. An old problem. |
| Q. How does one display his rejection of God as king? | A. 1 Samuel 8:8 = In idolatry. Rejection of God is equated with idolatry by God Himself. |
| Q. Did God bring up the state of Samuel's sons? | A. 1 Samuel 8:8 = No. God sympathized with Samuel's frustration with the people, then told him to do as they asked, warning them about how kings treat their people. |
| Q. How do kings treat their people? |
A. 1 Samuel 8:11 = 1). Kings draft sons into their armies and make them run berfore their chariots 2). where they are divided into slaves and commanders of troops 3). Kings force labor in the fields and in making their weapons and chariot equipment 4). while their daughters are taken from them and forced to make perfumes and made to cook for them 5). Kings take the best of the land for their servants 5). Kings tax their people 10% for paying their officers and attendants 5).Kings take their own slaves, female and male 7). Kings take the first of the people's cattle and donkeys for their own use 8). Kings demand 10% of the people's flocks and 9). People will be the kings' slaves, too, in time. 10). After that, the people will beg God to deliver them and God won't. |
| Q. How does God know this is true of kings? | A. History! All kings, to date, acted this way. God just reminded Israel of it. |
| Q. Did the people come to their senses about wanting a king? |
A. 1 Samuel 8:19 = Nope. They said it was worth it! Note: They weren't thinking of the consequences. Being like the pagan nations was utmost in their minds. Talk about peer pressure and conformity! |
| Q. Waht good did they imagine would come of having a king? |
A. 1 Samuel 8:20 = 1). The king would govern them and 2). He would lead them into battle. Visibly! Note: This visible king stuff is the whole of all they witnessed of the pagan nations. God revealed everything to the world, wholesome and profitable, and Israel ignored this fact. |
| Q. What kind of family was Israel given to be their royal family? |
A. 1 Samuel 9:1 = 1). Rich 2). Influential 3). Saul, who was the most handsome and tallest man in Israel. |
| Q. What tribe was Saul from? | A. 1 Samuel 9:1 = Benjamin. (Remember that Benjamin's mother, Rachel, died giving him birth and his name means pain). |
| Q. Under what circumstances did Samuel meet Saul? | A. 1 Samuel 9:3 = When Saul and a servant were looking for 3 lost donkeys that wandered away from their territory, God pointed Saul out to Samuel. |
| Q. Was Saul enthusiastic about being God's anointed king? |
A. 1 Samuel 9:21 = No. Samuel convinced him but Saul was still faint-hearted about telling his family. (10:16) He had turned into a prophet and many witnessed him prophesying amongst the other known prophets. He was first anointed to be king. When WSamuel blessed the tribe of Benjamin and Saul was proclaimed king, he was found hiding in the baggage. Note: How enthusiastic is our king, Jesus! What a contrast! |
| Q. How did Saul know how to act as king? |
A. 1 Samuel 10:25 = Samuel wrote it down on a scroll and placed it before the Lord. Note: The duties of the king are in the Book of Moses. God foresaw this event. |
| Q. What other help did Saul receive? | A. 1 Samuel 10:26 = God touched the hearts of a band of men, who became Saul's constant companions. |
| Q. Did the people accept Saul as king? | A. 1 Samuel 10:24 = Yes. But there were wicked men who doubted and rejected him (v.27). |
| Q. What did Saul do about it? | A. 1 Samuel 10:27 = Nothing. He ignored them. |
| Q. Did Saul take to his duties as king right away? | A. 1 Samuel 11:5 = No. He continued farming until trouble came to Israel. |
| Q. What trouble did come to Israel demanding Saul's attention? | A. 1 Samuel 11:1 = A month after Saul's anointing as king of Israel, a pagan king, Nahash of Ammon, led his army against the Israelite city of Jabesh-gilead. The citizens didn't want to fight and asked for a treaty instead. |
| Q. How did Nahash respond to their request? | A. 1 Samuel 11:2 = He agreed under the condition that they be made a disgrace before all Israel -- Nahash would gouge out every person's right eye. |
| Q. What did the Jabesh-gilead folks think of that? | A. 1 Samuel 11:2 = They asked for 7 days to gather troops to fight. If non came, they'd agree to have their eyes gouged out. |
| Q. What happened when Saul heard of this? | A. 1 Samuel 11:6 = He acted like an anointed king! The Spirit of God came mightily upon Saul and he became very angry. |
| Q. Why? | A. 1 Samuel 11:7 = Because Israel did not immediately go to its brother in trouble. Saul brought them together, though he threatened death to those who refused to fight Nahash. |
| Q. Did Israel beat Nahash under Saul's leadership? | A. 1 Samuel 11:11 = Yes. |
| Q. Was Saul convinced finally? | A. 1 Samuel 11:15 = Yes. He and Israel were happy. |
| Q. Did Samuel want to reaffirm Saul as king after this time, now that everyone was enthusiastic about the new government? |
A. 1 Samuel 11:14 = Yes. WSamuel led the people back to Gilgal and not only did they crown Saul as king, Samuel reminded them of their history and warned Saul and the people to obey God in every way. If not, God's hand would be heavy upon them. Note: It is important that we have good leaders. Their decisions affect everybody. |
| Q. What point did Samuel stress at this time? | A. 1 Samuel 12:17 = How wicked the Israelites were to ask for a king in the first place. |
| Q. How did Samuel confirm this truth? | A. 1 Samuel 12:17 = He asked God to confirm this truth by bringing rain and thunder all day in this dry season. |
| Q. How did the people respond when confirmation came? | A. 1 Samuel 12:18 = They were terrified of both Samuel and God and asked Samuel to pray to God for them because they realized they had added to the sins of Israel in asking for a king. |
| Q. What was God's desire for Israel now? | A. 1 Samuel 12:20 = That they worship God with all their hearts from here on and forsake their useless idols. |
| Q. Would God abandon them? | A. 1 Samuel 12:22 = No way. |
| Q. Why? | A. 1 Samuel 12:22 = That would dishonor God's great name. Israel was His special nation. |
| Q. What about Samuel? Would he stop praying for them? | A. 1 Samuel 12:23 = No. It would be sin to him. Samuel would continue teaching them what was good and right. |
| Q. What did God want from Israel? | A. 1 Samuel 12 = Holy fear and sincere worship. |
| Q. How would Israel accomplish a right fear of God and a sincere worship? | A. 1 Samuel 12:24 = By thinking of all the wonderful things God had done for them. |
| Q. This is an attitude or perspective, right? | A. Yes! |
| Q. So if I choose to think or reflect on facts concerning God and His people, this will bring about a proper fear of God and a sincere worship? | A. Yes! And the opposite is also true. If I choose to ignore God and pretend He doesn't exist, it will bring about a zero-acknowledgment of God and only fake worship. If you have a minimal knowledge of God, it will produce a minimal fear of God and shallow worship. Spend lots of time in God's Word, learn His stories, His interventions, His power, and it will be natural to develop a healthy fear of God and worship follows that. |
| Q. How old was Saul when he became king? | A. 1 Samuel 13:1 = Saul was 30 years old when he became king. |
| Q. How long did Saul's reign last? | A. 1 Samuel 13:1 = 42 years. |
| Q. When do we begin hearing of Saul's deeds? | A. 1 Samuel 13:3 = When his son, Jonathan, was grown. Things were about to get sour. |
| Q. What happened? | A. 1 Samuel 13:2 = Saul amassed an army of 3,000. He took 2,000 to Micmash with him and 1,000 went to Bethel with Jonathan. Israel was going up against the Philistines. |
| Q. Who began fighting? | A. 1 Samuel 13:3 = Jonathan attacked and defeated the garrison of the Philistines at Geba. |
| Q. This was a big deal? | A. 1 Samuel 13:3 = Yes. Israel was under subjection to the Philistines, who quickly gathered to fight them. Israel gathered their whole army at Gilgal under Saul. But they were overwhelmed with the show of the might of their enemy and fled. |
| Q. And Saul stayed? | A. 1 Samuel 13:7 = Yes. Samuel told him to wait 7 days and he would join him (to offer a sacrifice before battle). |
| Q. What happened? | A. 1 Samuel 13:8 = Samuel was late. |
| Q. Waht did Saul do? | A. 1 Samuel 13:9 = Samuel's job. He sacrificed the burnt offering himself. |
| Q. What did Saul reveal about himself through this action? | A. 1 Samuel 13:14 = That Saul was not a man after God's own heart at all. |
| Q. Did God anticipate Saul's sin? |
A. 1 Samuel 13:14 = Yes. By the time Samuel arrived, God had already chosen Saul's replacement as king. Note: God is always one step ahead of us. |
| Q. During Saul's time, what weapons did the Israelites wield against their enemies? | A. 1 Samuel 13:22 = Only Saul and Jonathan had swords and spears. The Philistines did not allow Israelites to have blacksmiths for fear of their making weapons like these. They did have axes, picks, plowshares and sideles, which they paid the Philistines dearly to sharpen. |
| Q. So Israel was at a disadvantage going up against its enemies? | A. Yes. |
| Q. Did Jonathan love God? |
A. 1 Samuel 14:10 = Yes. He believed the stories of God's power. If God helped his ancestors, He would help him too. Note: What an interesting approach to handling an enemy. Or anybody. Heaven meets earth in crisis. I want God to be central in all my decisions in dealings with things and events, crises and people on this earth. Will I ask Him to confirm His will in any situation? |
| Q. How did God deliver Prince Jonathan and Israel? | A. 1 Samuel 14:15 = Their enemies suddenly panicked and then an earthquake broke out, which brought terror to Israel's enemies. They dispersed (v.16). |
| Q. What did Saul think when he saw the Philistines disperse? | A. 1 Samuel 14:17 = He wanted to know who was missing from the camp. |
| Q. Who was missing? | A. 1 Samuel 14:17 = Jonathan and his armor-bearer. |
| Q. What did Saul do? | A. 1 Samuel 14:20 = He quickly rushed out to the battle. |
| Q. Who partook in the battle before Saul arrived? | A. 1 Samuel 14:20 = Only the Philistines, Jonathan and his armor bearer. Philistines were killing each other. What a sight! |
| Q. Who joined the battle after Saul and his army? |
A. 1 Samuel 14:21-22 = The Hebrews who had revolted and joined the Philistine army changed back to Israel's side. Note: God watches out for His own. Do you have a prodigal son or daughter? God knows how to get their attention. Whether they actively fight God or hide in the hills, God knows how to draw them backto Himself. What a great story! |
| Q. What significant thing is said about that day? | A. 1 Samuel 14:23 = "So the Lord saved Israel that day..." and He did. Even the prodigals were brought home! |
| Q. What was wrong about Saul in his command of Israel's army? | A. 1 Samuel 14:24 = He didn't understand God's Word in the Books of Moses and the prophets. He twisted them. God made a useful system of curses and blessings and Saul, as king, forced people to make an oath not to eat, etc., until there was total victory. In truth, only by choice could a person take an oath, which is not even recommended by God. Oaths only brought trouble. Yet in choosing a king, Saul's fallen nature made him a BULLY! The difference is that the people knew it. They answered to God and refused to slay Jonathan because of God having used Jonathan so mightily and Saul backed off. Aren't you glad God is almighty? What kind of reputation do you hold amongst those around you? If a wagging finger taunts you, will people know better of your integrity and character and so immediately reject the lie? |
| Q. Did Saul experience success, even after Samuel revealed to him God's will to take the kingdom away from his family? | A. 1 Samuel 14:47-48 = Yes. Saul fought all his enemies victoriously. Saul freed Israel from all those who had plundered them. |
| Q. Did Jonathan have siblings? | A. 1 Samuel 14:49-51 = Yes. SAul married oonce and had, all together, 3 sons and 2 daughters. Jonathan's brothers were Ishbosheth and Malkishua. His sisters were Merab and Michal. |
| Q. What was Saul's wife's name? | A. 1 Samuel 14:50 = Ahinoam, daughter of Ahimaaz. |
| Q. Who were in Saul's extended family? |
A. 1 Samuel 14:50 = See family tree: Abiel was Saul's grandfather. Through him came Kish, Saul's father, and Ner, 2 sons. So Ner was Saul's uncle. Ner had a son named Abner. This was Saul's cousin. Saul made Abner commander of Israel's army. |
| Q. Did Saul ever rest from war? | A. 1 Samuel 14:52 = No. He fought constantly with the Philistines. |
| Q. What happened as a result? | A. 1 Samuel 14:52 = Saul drafted brave and strong young men whenever the opportunity arose. |
| Q. Did God say that would happen? | A. Yes! It was in the warning about Israel's insistence of having a king. |
| Q. Did God continue to use Saul, though his destiny lay in uncertainty? | A. 1 Samuel 15:3 = Yes. Samuel heard from God and God would use Saul and his army to settle accounts with the Amalekites. |
| Q. What did the Amalekites do to Israel? | A. 1 Samuel 15:2 = They opposed Israel in plain sight of God's miraculous exodus. |
| Q. What would happen to the Amalekites? | A. 1 Samuel 15:3 = They were supposed to be completely slaughtered, cattle and all, but Saul spared their king and only destroyed what he deemed unworthy of value to him. |
| Q. Was Saul getting really that arrogant? |
A. 1 Samuel 15:12 = Yes. He set up a monument to himself in Carmel and even to Samuel's face, he declared himself in total obedience to God. Note: Take heed! It is not that hard to be very, very sure of yourself, and yet, be very, very wrong! Yet God's requirement for our obedience is marked by a simple, unharried life, in which we are devoted completely to lives lived HIS way. Are you smilingly sinful? Get back in God's favore right away! Repent of your sin and determine not to go there again. Ask the Holy Spirit to baptize you with fire. He, the Holy Spirit, knows how to keep you on track. I am so thankful to be alive in a time that the Holy Spirit helps us to stay on track! |
| Q. How did Saul rationalize not killing all the Amalekites, their cattle and possessions? | A. 1 Samuel 15:20-21 = Saul considered what God said and decided he knew better than God with how to use the spoils. Saul always thought He could worship God in his own creative way, like Cain. |
| Q. What did God see Saul's deeds as? |
A. 1 Samuel 15:22-23 = Disobedience springing from rebellion, springing from stubborness, springing from rejecting God. Note: Sin is subtle as the snake in the garden. Consider the above list reversed: If you don't reject God, you aren't being stubborn, you don't rebvel and disobey. Obedience springing up from the heart is a joyful place to be, not a slavish drudgery. Imagine nodding in agreement with God in every aspect of your life -- admitting that He, indeed, knows best! |
| Q. Yet Saul begged Samuel to worship the Lord with him now. What was Saul's attitude? | A. 1 Samuel 15:24 = Saul finally admitted disobeying Samuel and the Lord's command. Saul blamed it on the people. He also sought honor for the war before the people in having Samuel accompany him to worship. But Saul did not repent. There was no change of heart. |
| Q. Was anybody sorry for Saul? | A. 1 Samuel 15:35 = Yes. Samuel mourned for Saul and God was sorry for having made him king over Israel. |