Lunch Time Bible Study Study of 1 Samuel 1 Samuel 8:1‐22 November 17, 2015 “Now then obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall
reign over them” (1 Samuel 8:9)
I. Samuel and Sons (vv.1-4)
a. History has a way of repeating itself, Joel (Yahweh is God) and Abijah (My father is Yahweh),
operated in unethical ways similar to that of Hophni and Phinehas
b. Based on tradition, hereditary succession was expected (e.g. if my dad is a priest – I will be a
priests)
c. It appears that Joel and Abijah had some judicial responsibilities that allowed the people to
determine they were not to be trusted
II. “Like Other Nations”?
a. In verses 5 and 20 the Israelites demand a king to rule over them so they can be like other
nations
b. The unethical behavior of Joel and Abijah, coupled with the fact that Samuel was aging, gave
the tribal leaders good reason to request a king
c. Other practical reasons for wanting a king:
1. The tribes were spread across the land and were vulnerable to attack
2. They were not unified under territorial or civil policies
3. The tribes had no permanent army to defend them
d. These reason sound reasonable, but what about God?
1. Did the people forget that God saved them from Pharaoh and protected them in the
wilderness?
2. God proved that He could call the right person to lead His people
3. It was God who said that Israel was His special people (Deuteronomy 7:6)
4. They wanted a king to fight their battles instead of God
e. Other nations did not know the great I Am, other nations did not have a God like Jehovah
III. Samuel Warns the People
a. Samuel submits to the request of a people who were not submitted
b. Israel’s request for a king is just another example of their ongoing rejection of God since
leaving Egypt
c. Although his heart was not in agreement, Samuel does not argue – instead he prays, which is
a tribute to his reliance on God
d. Surprisingly, God says, give them what they desire. Why would God allow this?
e. According to the biblical record, the institution of kingship will be more of a curse than a
blessing
f. The ways of the king (vv.11-17)
1. Power to conscript men for service; power to conscript men to serve in the military
2. Power to conscript women to serve the palace; power to confiscate choice private land
3. Power to tax agriculture and livestock; power to confiscate slaves and animals for royal use
4. Power to conscript anyone for royal service
g. A king was not God’s desire, but a gift of His grace to a stubborn and stiff-necked people
IV. Practical Application
a. When we want to do it our way instead of God’s way, we primarily focus on what we want
b. The amazing thing about this chapter is God’s flexibility, grace, and generosity
Unity Christian Church International
Terry D. Henderson, Pastor
www.unitycci.org
Lunch Time Bible Study Study of 1 Samuel 1 Samuel 8:1‐22 November 17, 2015 c. The people reject God’s plan A, and He agrees to go along with their plan B – now that’s
grace
d. Are you on plan A or plan B?
Unity Christian Church International
Terry D. Henderson, Pastor
www.unitycci.org