Samuel and Saul

Before Samuel was born, he was dedicated to the Lord. He served Eli the High Priest at Shiloh. At a young age God spoke to Samuel telling him things “that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle” about the future of Eli’s sons that he had to tell Eli. Sad as it was of the evil done by Eli’s sons, Samuel’s sons did not walk in his ways. They took bribes and perverted justice. Thus, the Israelites desired a king like the nations around them rejecting God as their king.

Studies during Samuel’s time: 1 Samuel’s Early Life 2 Eli’s Wicked Sons 3 Ark of Covenant Captured 4 Israel’s Desire for a King 5 Saul’s Good Beginning 6 Saul’s Downfall 7 David and Saul 8 David and Jonathan 9 David Flees from Saul 10 Saul Determined to Kill David 11 David and Nabal 12 David’s Opportunity for Revenge 13 Saul’s Final Acts as King

Samuel's Early Life

Setting: A childless woman earnestly prays for a son and made a vow to God to give him to the Lord God.

Text: 1 Samuel 1 - 2:11

Key Point: Faithful in keeping one’s vows and promises.

Eli’s Wicked Sons

Setting: Eli was the priest but failed to discipline his children properly and ignored their sinful ways.

Text: 1 Samuel 2:12 - 4

Key Point: God’s promises of blessings apply only to those who remain faithful.

Ark of Covenant Captured

Setting: Eli's two sons took the Ark of the Covenant into battle with the Philistines rather than have God lead them.

Text: 1 Samuel 5 - 7

Key Point: Righteousness has no place with wickedness or idolatry.

Word Study:

5:9 Tumors – hemorrhoids or boils [emerods – KJV]

Israel's Desire for a King

Setting: The Children of Israel had been in and out of favor with God due to sin, but now Samuel was getting old and his sons did not follow God.

Text: 1 Samuel 8 - 10

Key Point: God said they have not rejected Samuel, but Him as their king.

Saul's Good Beginning

Setting: Samuel had anointed Saul as king. Following a great victory over the Ammonites the people wanted him to be their king.

Text: 1 Samuel 11 - 12

Key Point: Even though you have done all kinds of evil, repent and do not turn away from serving God with all your heart.

Saul's Downfall

Setting: Saul fighting the Philistines grew impatient with God’s servant, Samuel. He did things contrary to God's commands and acted foolishly by disobeying.

Text: 1 Samuel 13 - 15

Key Point: God delights more in obedience rather than praise, worship, sacrifices and burnt offerings.

David and Saul

Setting: Because of Saul's disobedience God rejected him as king and had Samuel anoint David as king.

Text: 1 Samuel 16 - 18

Key Point: God rejects all the disobedient but honors those who honor and obey Him.

Word Study:

16:14 Evil Spirit – “Whether this was a diabolic possession, or a mere mental malady, the learned are not agreed. ... That Saul had fallen into a deep melancholy, there is little doubt; that the Devil might work more effectually on such a state of mind.” (Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1996 by Biblesoft)

David and Jonathan

Setting: Saul on many occasions attempted to kill David even though David had done nothing to Saul, his family or his kingdom.

Text: 1 Samuel 19 - 20

Key Point: Selfish ambition rather than a godly life leads men to do or desire to do sinful act.

David Flees From Saul

Setting: Having been warned by Jonathan, Saul's son, David flees the land of Israel to an enemy country.

Text: 1 Samuel 21 - 22

Key Point: Hatred is so sinful it causes one to turn against God's people and to lead others to do the same.

Saul Determined to Kill David

Setting: David has several opportunities to rid himself of Saul and others who had done wrong to him and his fighting men.

Text: 1 Samuel 23 - 24

Key Point: How can any of God's people harm someone God has appointed?

David and Nabal

Setting: David and his men, while fleeing Saul, were hungry and asked for food from Nabal whom they had protected while in their area.

Text: 1 Samuel 25

Key Point: Don't avenge your enemies; wait upon the Lord who is your protector.

David's Opportunity for Revenge

Setting: Additional opportunities were given to David to kill his enemy.

Text: 1 Samuel 26 - 27

Key Point: Opportunity for sin is always present. It is up to the individual to do what is right in the sight of God rather than pleasing unto man.

Saul's Final Acts as King

Setting: Saul fell from the presence of God because of his disobedience. He then turned in desperation to a witch for help.

Text: 1 Samuel 28 - 31

Key Point: God does not hear the wicked nor help them in time of need, but He is faithful in everything He promises.