I Samuel 8-12: King Saul’s Reign Begins
INTRODUCTION.
A. In our first study of I Samuel, we saw the promise and birth of the last judge of Israel, Samuel. Samuel grew while in the service to the Lord. He also replaced Eli when Eli and his sons died.
B. When we closed our study, the ark of the covenant, which had been taken by the Philistines in battle, was finally returned to Israel. We saw the official beginning of Samuel’s service as judge over Israel.
C. With this lesson, we will jump forward several years in the life of Samuel. Samuel now has two sons, both of which are grown. Sadly, like Eli’s two sons, Samuel’s sons were also wicked. As a result, the people of Israel cried for a king.
D. Let us begin our study in I Samuel 8.
I. ISRAEL DEMANDS A KING. (8:1-22)
A. Samuel had two sons, Joel and Abijah, who were wicked. Because of the wickedness of Samuel’s sons, the people of Israel demanded that Samuel appoint a king. God told Samuel to heed the voice of Israel. (8:1-9)
B. Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people. He warned them of the great cost of serving a king. (8:10-18)
C. The people refused to heed the warnings of Samuel. The Lord told Samuel to appoint a king to reign over Israel. (8:18-22)
II. THE LORD CHOOSES SAUL. (9:1 - 10:27)
A. A Benjamite named Kish had a son named Saul. Kish sent Saul to look for their lost donkeys. (9:1-4)
B. Eventually, Saul and the servant came to Zuph. Having heard of a man of God dwelling in the city, Saul and his servant went to the city. (9:5-14)
C. Having been told by God of Saul’s arrival, Samuel went to meet Saul. Samuel told Saul that the lost donkeys had been found. Samuel then took Saul and his servant to a feast and sat them in the place of honor. (9:15-24)
D. The next morning, before sending Saul on his way home, Samuel gave Saul instructions regarding his trip home. (9:25 - 10:8)
E. Just as Samuel had prepared on his return trip home, Saul met a group of prophets. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul and Saul prophecied. (10:9-13)
F. Saul returned home, but did not tell his father about Samuel saying that he would be king. (10:14-16)
G. Samuel called all the people to Mizpah. Samuel anointed Saul king. (10:17-27)
III. ISRAEL RECOGNIZES SAUL’S KINGSHIP. (11:1 - 12:25)
A. Nahash the Ammonite went up against Jabesh Gilead. The men of Jabesh, begin frightened, offered to make a covenant with Nahash. Nahash agreed saying that the men of Jabesh must put out their eyes. The elders of Jabesh requested seven days to see if anyone would come to their aid. (11:1-3)
B. Messengers traveled to Gibeah to find help. When Saul heard the news, the Spirit of God came upon him. Saul called for all the men of Israel to come together. Saul and the Israelites defeated Nahash and the army of the Ammonites. (11:4-11)
C. Samuel called all the people of Gilgal to renew the kingdom. The people made Saul their king in Gilgal. (11:12-15)
D. Samuel addressed the people. He declared that in the years he has served Israel, he had taken nothing from them. They agreed and declared the Lord to be a witness. (12:1-5)
E. Samuel reviewed all the good the Lord had done for Israel. From the raising up of Moses and Aaron to the defeat of Nahash, Samuel gave God the credit. (12:6-12)
F. Samuel warned Israel to follow and obey the Lord. If they did not, then He would punsh them just as he had their fathers. (12:13-15)
G. Samuel identified Israel’s specific wicked deed in asking for a king. He told Israel that, although, they were guilty, they could continue to serve the Lord with all their hearts. If they would do this, then the Lord would not forsake them. (12:16-25)
IV. LESSONS LEARNED:
A. Let us be satisfied with our King, our Leader.
1. Israel demanded an earthly king. (8:1-9)
2. As members of the church, we are citizens of the kingdom over which Christ is king. You should follow Christ, the king, in all things. Be content and satisfied with His leadership.
a. We have been translated or conveyed into His kingdom. (Colossians 1:13)
b. Our citizenship is in Heaven. (Ephesians 2:19; Philippians 3:20)
c. Christ is our King. (I Timothy 1:15-17; 6:13-16)
B. When the Lord has called us for a task, let us not hide when the time comes to do our part.
1. When Samuel called Israel together to proclaim Saul as king, Saul hid among the equipment. (I Samuel 10:17-24)
2. If you are not a Christian, then you need to obey God’s call for you to be saved. (I Thessalonians 2:13-14)
3. If you are a Christian, then are you answering your call to service.
a. In the parable of the talents, Jesus clearly taught that God expects us to serve Him to our fullest capacity. (Matthew 25:14-30) Notice the phrase “unprofitable servant,” as seen in verse 30.
b. What are your strengths? What of your strengths could you develop and improve, i.e. teaching Bible classes, doing good by helping others, praying, encouraging weaker brethren, etc.
C. If you engage in wickedness, you will be swept away.
1. Samuel warned Israel that if they did wickedly, then they would be swept away. (I Samuel 12:15)
2. Christians have two choices. Either fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart or do wickedly and be swept away.
a. In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, we see that the foolish builder was swept away by the storm because his foundation was built upon disobedience. (Matthew 7:21-27)
b. In contrast, the wise man slept with security, knowing that his foundation of obedience could not be moved.
CONCLUSION.
A. As we close this lesson, let us ask ourselves the following questions:
1. Are your satisfied with Christ as your King?
2. Like Saul, are you hiding from God’s call?
a. If you are not a Christian, then what are you waiting for?
b. If you are a Christian, but you are hiding from your service to God, then repent begin serving Him today.
3. Is you foundation in the Lord solid, or are you being swept away by the wickedness of the world?
B. Learn from the lessons of Israel, and set your life right with God today.
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I Samuel 8 - 13: King Saul’s Reign Begins -- April 7, 2002 -- File # 672
by John M. Duvall – Lawton, OK