Reign of Saul
After 350 years of feeling different, the people wanted to be like the nations around them. God told Samuel, the prophet, to anoint Saul to be their first king. Shortly into his reign, he lost the anointing because he disrespected God. Jealous of David, Saul became a madman driven to take David’s life. Eventually, Saul and his sons were killed in battle.
For your convenience – Bible online
Ch.1 Hannah’s despair, prayer, and joy
Ch.2 God reprimands Eli for allowing his sons’ corrupt behavior
Ch.3 Samuel’s first prophecy
Ch.4 Ark captured-The ark represented God’s presence.
Ch.5 The Ark of God versus Dagon
Ch.6 The Ark sent back in a cart pulled by milk cows Ark returned at Beth Shemesh
Ch.7 Samuel becomes judge and conquers the Philistines
Ch.8 Israel wants a king like the nations around them
Ch.9-12 Saul chosen to be king (note 10:17-24)
Ch.13 Saul’s unlawful sacrifice,
Ch.14 Jonathan and David become best friends
Ch.15 Saul rejected as king (Compare verse 22 with Psalm 51:17 and Isaiah 57:15)
Ch.16 Young David anointed to be king
Ch.17 David vs. Goliath Because of his experiences as a shepherd, David had become very acquainted with his God and knew Him well. He was convinced the God he knew would help him destroy that arrogant boaster. Gath
Ch.18 Saul is jealous and angry with David
Ch.19 Compare with Psalm 59
Ch.20 Jonathan’s loyalty, not to his crazy dad, but to his innocent best friend, David. Note—In our culture kissing is reserved for romance and older female relatives kissing young children. In the Middle East and other cultures, it has always been expected that people of both genders to kiss on both cheeks when greeting a friend or family member, and kiss to say goodbye. Farewells could be very emotional. (see Genesis 29:13)
Ch.21 Compare with Psalm 56
Ch.22 Compare with Psalm 52
Ch.23 Compare with Psalm 31, 54
Ch.24 David does not want to retaliate against Saul (see Psalm 57)
Ch.25 Samuel dies, David prevented from killing out of anger
Ch.26-27 Again David does not harm Saul when he has an opportunity
Ch.28-30 War
Ch.31 Saul and sons die
Questions
Why was Hannah so sad? (1:2)
How did Eli misinterpret Hannah’s praying? (1:13)
How did Hannah express her gratitude to the Lord for giving her a son? (1:28, 2:11)
What did Eli do wrong? (2:29)
Describe Samuel’s experience. (3:1-9)
What was the prophecy? (3:10-14)
Compare 3:19-20 with Deuteronomy 18:20-22. What makes a true prophet?
How did Eli die? (4:18)
What happened to the god of the Philistines when placed by the ark? (5:1-4)
What happened to the Philistines when the ark was in their territory? (5:6)
How did the Philistines know the illnesses they had were because of the ark? (5:6-12)
How long was the ark in Kirjath Jearim? (7:2)
What does “Ebenezer” mean? (7:12)
Who did Israel reject? (8:7)
Who was chosen to be king? (9:15-17; 10:1,6,24)
What did he look like? (9:2; 10:23)
Was it wrong to ask for a king? (12:19)
Why was Saul’s sacrifice wrong? (13:8-13)
What quality was God looking for in a man to be king? (13:14)
What was Saul’s excuse for disobeying God? (15:24)
Why did Samuel anoint David to the future king? (16:1)
What service did David provide for Saul? (16:14-23)
How tall was Goliath? (17:4)—a cubit is about 18 inches
How did David know that God would deliver him? (17:37)
Why was Saul angry with David? (18:8-12)
What did Saul do when he was angry with David? (18:11; 19:10)
What did Saul do when he was angry with Jonathan? (20:33)
How did David disguise himself before Achish? (21:12-15)
Who became David’s followers and how many were there? (22:1-2)
Why did David not kill Saul? (24:6)
How was Saul’s life spared again? (26:7-23)
What was Saul’s sin in chapter 28? (Compare with Deuteronomy 18:9-14).