CHAPTERS 10 – 12 Samuel, Saul & David
“The deeper you go into understanding the Old Testament,
the closer you come to the heart of Jesus.” NT Wright
Definition of Idolatry: “Enshrining your fears and desires
into a religion that leads you to worship a god other than
the one in the Bible.”
Samuel’s Early Life:
 (Pg. 129) Elkanah has two wives named Hannah &
Peninnah. Hannah is childless- a shameful curse in
the ancient world
 Hannah makes a promise to give her child to God if
she can become pregnant. She gives birth to Samuel
and gives him to Eli, the priest in Shiloh.
 Eli’s sons are corrupt. God brings judgment by
allowing the Philistines to invade Shiloh. Eli’s sons
are killed. The Ark is captured. Eli falls to his death
POINT: God showed the nations and Israel that He was
able to protect Israel without human intervention.
Samuel as Judge:
 He convinces the people to cast aside their idols and
worship the Lord.
 They regain their land lost to the Philistines.
 Samuel declares his Son’s Joel & Abijah will succeed
him when he retires. They are corrupt.
The People Ask For A King:
 (pg. 135) “now appoint a king to lead us, such as all
the other nations have”.
October 7, 2012

God’s ideal plan was to use Israel as a witness to
other Nations, to convince them the Lord is the one
and true God.
o First they would live separate, to build faith
and settle the issue of obedience.
o Ultimately they were called to invite others
into their faith. To be inclusive of all people.
POINT: Problem: Desiring a king was an idol for Israel
because they had not learned to trust God.
God Gives Israel A King:
 Samuel facilitates the transition.
 Samuel is the last Judge in Israel
 Samuel shares similarities to John the Baptist
 Warnings to Israel (pg. 135)
o Your sons will serve in the Army
o Have the young men run before his chariots
o Make slave laborers
o Take the best of your fields and vineyards
o Use your property for his personal gain
o Demand a tenth of your harvest and flocks
 Saul Selected as King (pp. 136-138)
 The people acknowledge they sinned by requesting
a king. Samuel gives final warnings (pg. 141)
Saul Is Disqualified For His Disobedience:
 (pg. 142) Saul does not obey Gods instructions.
 The people wanted a King. God knew their real
motives so he gave them the quintessential king.
Saul was strong, handsome, wealthy, distinguished
family. His character flaws rendered him
ineffective to lead people away from idolatry.
October 7, 2012
David Is Selected King:
 Samuel is instructed to select the king from the
house of Jesse. Seven Sons are presented. None
are selected
 David is the youngest, a shepherd. Considered
insignificant by his family and Samuel.
 Samuel anoints David King, however he will wait
many years before he takes the throne.
 David defeats Goliath. Lives with Saul
 Saul tries to kill David. David lives “on the run”
 David waits for God to act on his behalf. He proves
his character and devotion to the Lord.
 Saul is killed in Battle. David begins the process of
becoming King over Israel
Davidic Covenant:
 David establishes Jerusalem as the new capital and
center of worship.
 He moves the Ark to Jerusalem and plans to build a
permanent home (Temple) for the Ark.)
 God’s Promises that a descendant of David will be
on the throne forever (pg. 159)
The Purpose of a King:
 Deuteronomy 17:14 & Genesis 49: 10
 God uses David to give an illustration of life when
God is the King rather than mortals.
 David is a “Type” of Christ foreshadowing Jesus.
 Chapter 12 (pg. 61) We learn David’s Kingdom is
not sustainable. David stays devoted to God while
experiencing the consequences of his failures.
 Psalm 51
October 7, 2012
Small Group Questions
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Chapter 10 tells the story of Hannah and her desire to
have a child. Recall other times in the Biblical story when
God answered a woman’s prayer for a child. What is
significant about these events?
What was Samuel’s role in Israel’s story? What were some
of his strengths and weaknesses? What lessons can you
learn from his life?
You can’t judge a book by its cover. Explain how that
statement applies to Saul and David.
Saul does not follow God’s instructions and God rejects
him as king. David commits terrible sins but God does not
reject him. Why? What are the differences between Saul
and David?
It is God’s desire to reveal His presence, power, and plan
to restore our relationship with Him. How do you see God
doing each of those things in these chapters?
Randy Frazee writes, “God can use our disobedient lives as
effectively as he uses our obedient lives to work out his
plan.” Jim spoke about Plan A and Plan B. Give some
examples from these chapters to support their ideas.
David’s life, even with his failings, still pointed people to
God. How can God use your life―the good and the
bad―to show His love, presence, and grace to the people
around you?
October 7, 2012