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Today's Bible Reading...
April 3 - I Samuel 8-11
Questions:
1. Why did the Elders of the people ask Samuel to appoint a king to govern them?
(8:1-5)
2. What were some of the things Samuel warned that a king would require of them?
(8:10-17)
3. What was Saul's father's name and what tribe was he from? (9:1)
4. What were two characteristics of Saul? (9:2)
5. What did Saul and his young servant go looking for? (9:3)
6. What did God tell Samuel in regard to what Saul was to do as King? (9:16)
7. What did Samuel tell Saul about the lost donkeys even before being asked?
(9:20)
8. Who was the Ammonite king who besieged Jabesh-gilead? (11:1)
9. What did Saul do? (11:5-11)
10. What was Saul's response to those who wished to kill all who had at first
opposed Saul being named king? (11:12-13)
Samuel was a good judge. He saved Israel from the Philistines and led the people
back to God. When Samuel was ready to retire the people did not want another
judge. They wanted a king like the other nations. They thought that a king might
unite them as a nation. Although God did not like their request, God told Samuel
to anoint Saul to be king. Saul was a good military leader, but he constantly
disobeyed God. His power went to his head. God rejected Saul as king.
What can we learn from these verses?
1. The Israelites wanted to run their own nation with a king, army and laws.
They wanted to rule their nation with human strength. They thought that the new
system would make their nation better. Instead their problems only continued
because their problem was disobedience to God.
2. Samuel tried to reason with the people and explained the consequences of
having a king. Always consider the outcome when you make important decisions.
3. The Israelites wanted to be like other nations. God wanted Israel to be
different from other nations. We invite problems when we want to be like
everyone else.
4. When Saul went in search of the donkeys he had no idea he would end up in the
presence of Samuel who would anoint him to be king. Events don't just happen.
They are God-incidents, divine appointments that shape our lives.
5. Saul was angry when he heard the conditions of Nahash's treaty. The Holy
Spirit used Saul's anger to bring justice and freedom. Be an agent of change.
Ask God to help you channel your anger for good.
6. Sometimes God will give us what we want and then we find we don't want what
we get. Be careful what you ask for.
7. Looks can be deceiving. What looks good on the outside might not be as good
on the inside. Saul had all the appealing physical characteristics but on the
inside he was flawed. His kingship turned out to be a disaster.
Prayer: God, please help me to wait on your will. May I trust you to give me
what I need and not try to tell you how to bless me or meet my needs. In the
name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
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