“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt
you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:6
Lessons from the Life of King Saul
Dear 2015 TYC attendee,
We are very excited for you to embark on your study for TYC 2015. In this year’s study
we will be taking lessons from the life of King Saul. As you begin your studies we simply
wanted to start by offering you a few suggestions that you may find helpful in preparing for this
year’s TYC. It is always a good idea to first read the scriptures which you are going to be
studying. This year’s study will basically cover 1 Samuel so re-reading this book would be a
good place to start. We have also compiled a list of suggested further readings to enhance your
studies. As always we encourage you to work with your youth groups when available. In order
to gain the most depth out of your study and ultimately the entire week begin your studies early.
Waiting till the last minute to complete your workbook will be completing your task but not
doing due diligence to make sure that you are bringing as much scriptural knowledge to the week
as possible. We encourage you to start the workbook now even if you are not yet sure that you
are coming to camp. This will ensure that your workbook is complete if you discover last minute
that you are blessed with the opportunity to attend. We pray that your studies will uplift you and
that we will all assemble together this year at T4C for a wonderful week of discussion and
fellowship, if it is the will of our Heavenly Father.
We pray the peace of God be with you all,
The 2015 TYC Committee
Introduction: Israel Asks For a King
The life of Saul is an interesting and profound study. It feels like it is often overlooked or
only mentioned and studied with relation to King David due to his more influential nature over
Israel’s history. Aspects of Saul’s behavior and the corresponding consequences can be used by
believers to learn valuable life lessons. It seemed like a natural place to begin our study and
discussions of King Saul by contemplating the condition of the children of Israel during the
concluding years of the time period known as the judges. A good example of this is found in the
beginning chapters of 1 Samuel. Suggested reading for this section would be 1 Samuel 1-8 even
though not all of these chapters will be discussed. Many of you will be familiar with the
repeated pattern found in the book of judges. The children of Israel would turn from God and
commit sin. For their transgressions God would bring trials upon them often in the form of
conquering nations whom they would have to serve for a time. After a period of servitude the
people would often cry to the Lord and attempt the process of returning to Him. God would hear
their supplications and raise up a faithful judge to deliver them from the hand of their oppressors.
Salvation would bring Israel back to God at least for a time while their faithful judge was still
living and able to judge them. The beginning chapters of Samuel follow this continued pattern,
and it is here with this pattern in mind we want to commence our study. We know that Samuel
was born to faithful parents in a time of gross darkness for the people of Israel. According to 1
Samuel 2 the sons of Eli were disgusting priests and were causing the people of Israel to abhor
the offerings of God. We are also told that there was no open visions in the beginning of
Samuel’s life which made the word of the Lord precious. (1 Samuel 3:1) A consequence of all
these evil actions was the children of Israel were unable to defeat the Philistines in chapter 4.
We know that the sons of Eli were killed in battle and the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord was
taken by the Philistines. We also know that with the passing of Eli and his Son’s Samuel, he
who had been lent by his mother, was now placed in a position by God to judge Israel. After
having the Ark for seven months and it bringing only plagues upon them and their people the
Philistines returned the Ark and Samuel began the process of judging Israel which brings us to 1
Samuel 7.
Read 1 Samuel 7:1-9.
Question 1: Discuss the change that was coming over many in Israel as a result of Samuel’s call
to repentance, and to put away their idols and false God’s.
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Question 2: Through this reforming action of putting away their idols and false God’s the
children of Israel were now ready to ask Samuel to continually pray for them to the Lord God
asking for salvation out of the hands of the Philistines. What significance does this hold for us as
believers? (See James 5)
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Question 3: Notice that Samuel offers up a burnt offering and cries to the Lord for Israel and he
gives the Philistines into Israel’s hand. What is the difference between their attitudes and actions
that caused them to be able to defeat their enemies when some years earlier under Eli’s sons the
Philistines had the victory and took the Ark?
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What significance does this hold for believers when going through trials?
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It is important to note that just like so many times before in Israel under God’s guidance Samuel
is able to righteously judge Israel but only while he is healthy and able to do so. It is when he
becomes old and is unable to judge that Israel begins to have very sinful acts being committed by
the new judges, Samuel’s son’s, that are placed to judge Israel. Thus, it is under this climate,
after a spiritual reformation in Israel that the children of Israel ask for Samuel to make them a
King over them.
Read 1 Samuel 8.
Question 4: In verse 3 we see Samuel’s sons were taking over as judges but they were corrupt.
If Christ remains away many of us will also be taking over positions of leadership within our
Ecclesia. Discuss the responsibility we have to not “pervert judgment,” and how our decisions
could affect our Ecclesias if we do become corrupt.
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Question 5: What is the significance of 1 Samuel 8: 5-9?
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Question 6: What do you think was their greatest error in asking for a King to rule over them?
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Even though Samuel and God were disappointed in the people desiring a King God was willing
to work with them. He instructs Samuel to tell them what kind of a king they would have, but to
do what they ask and give them a King. 1 Samuel 8: 10-18 shows the type of King that will
reign over them which is in stark contrast to God who is a righteous just King who simply wants
his people to obey him. Yet, even when presented with this evidence the people respond that
they want the security and protection of a human King in 1 Samuel 8: 19,20.
Question 7: Think for a moment about the people’s response to God’s comments about the type
of King that will reign over them in verses 19 and 20. Do we ever respond in such a way in our
lives with a similar answer by choosing the perceived security and defense of worldly things
instead of allowing God to be our Master? YES/NO! If YES then explain how, and what things
we can do to help each other avoid making these kind of decisions.
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After Samuel told the people again what they wanted God told Samuel to listen to them
and make a King for them which brings us to 1 Samuel 9. Here we are introduced to Saul the son
of Kish, the main character of our study this year. It might be interesting to note several things
in the situation we have before us. God, through Moses, had foretold the children that this day
would come. He knew that at some point they would be established in the Promised Land and
want a King to rule over them. Read Deuteronomy 17:14-20 to see the instructions that were
given unto them when this day would come. The King that God would choose, with its ultimate
fulfillment in Jesus Christ, would be righteous and rule justly. He would never let the law depart
from him nor would he have an arrogant attitude puffed up against his brethren. They are
warned by Samuel that the King they would choose would be the complete opposite of these
characteristics and yet they still chose to have a human King. May we never find ourselves
taking this attitude towards our families or Ecclesias. May we never place other things more
important in our lives than Jesus Christ, the son of the living God, heir according to the promises
and soon coming King. What a blessed hope that we share and yet how easily we can let our
fleshly, humanistic thinking, cloud our vision and lose sight of that quickly approaching day.
We are Kings and priests in training so we should always strive to have God’s law in our hearts
and on our tongues in order that we might give an account of the hope that is within us to
everyone we meet.
Section 1: Saul is Chosen
As mentioned in the introduction Samuel had become old and could not judge the people
by himself anymore. He placed his two son’s as judges over Israel, but they did not keep his
upright status as a just judge but rather accepted bribes and perverted judgment. The elders of
Israel gathered themselves and told Samuel to “make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”
After God’s fair warning about how this King was going to treat them we are introduced to Saul
who would be made first King of Israel.
This section will deal with 1 Samuel 9.
Read 1 Samuel 9: 1,2
Question 1: What do these first two verses declare about Saul, and why would the
characteristics and genealogy be important for choosing him to be King?
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Question 2: What is the significance of Saul being of the tribe of Benjamin?
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Brother Robert Roberts points out in “The Ways of Providence” that the first portion of this
chapter, 1 Samuel 9, reveal remarkably how God often works with man. Read 1 Samuel 9: 15,
16 and then read 1 Samuel 9: 4-14.
Question 3: We see that God told Samuel he would send him a man to be King, but what
methods did God use to send Saul? What implications can this have for how God can be
working in our lives? (Address the comfort we can take from this when we endure situations and
trials that we don’t immediately understand)
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Question 4: Saul agrees to go seek the seer when he is unable to initially find his father’s lost
donkey. What does this say about Saul’s character, at least initially?
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Read 1 Samuel 9: 17-21
Saul is caught completely off guard that he would be chosen to be King. In fact all believers
should truly feel this humbled by being grafted into the plan and purpose of God, and should
wonder in true amazement at how God has chosen them to learn the truth. That humility should
then cause a response within us to want to serve God and preach his truth to others.
Question 5: In light of the opening verses in this chapter why do you think Saul responded the
way that he did to Samuel’s comments regarding the “desire of all Israel” being on Saul and his
father’s house?
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Read 1 Samuel 9: 22-24
Question 6: What is the significance of this meal that Samuel and Saul share together?
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What is the significance in the placement of Saul at the meal, and does Christ allude to
this in any way?
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Is there any significance in the portion that had been saved for Saul? (The Sholder)
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Read 1 Samuel 9:25-27
Question 7: Discuss the significance you find with Saul’s departure including time of day,
calling to the top of the house and things spoken by both Saul and Samuel.
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Section 2: Saul Anointed and Appointed King
Despite Samuels’s lifetime work of doing Gods will, establishing schools for prophets,
and essentially keeping the Truth alive, there was no one to take his place. His life was coming to
an end, and there was no preparation made for a natural successor to lead the nation. Samuel’s
two sons, Joel and Abijah, did not turn out to be quite like their father. In fact, there duty as
judges probably accelerated the people’s dissatisfaction, and pushed the nations desire to be
more like the surrounding countries. “Make us a King!”
This section will deal with 1 Samuel chapters 10-12
Helpful reading and resource: Samuel the Seer by Michael Ashton
Question 1: Saul is now anointed and becomes “captain over the Lord’s inheritance.” What are
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As part of the household of Faith, what responsibilities do we have in the ecclesia?
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Question 2: In chapter 10:2, particularly the end of the verse, do you find any correlation
between Saul, and the Life of Jacob (while Joseph is ruling in Egypt)?
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Question 3: What is this meaning of Benjamin? ___________________________________
Saul, being a Benjamite is important. Why would God, through Samuel, be taking him
back near Rachel’s sepulchre in the border of Benjamin? (Hint: Samuel the seer, pg. 110):
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Question 4: Does Genesis 35:11 apply to Saul? If yes, how so?
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Question 5: The Spirit of the Lord would soon rest upon Saul, why would this be necessary?
(Isaiah 11:2)
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Who are some other Bible characters who had the same experience? ________________
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Look at how David describes a deserving ruler of God’s people in 2 Samuel 23 and
compare the attributes he speaks of to some of the people on your previous list.
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Question 6: What might the sharing of the loaves imply in vs 4? (Samuel the Seer pg. 111)
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Question 7: Discuss Saul being given another heart, and why it would be necessary.
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Question 8: Does the proverbial saying, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” ring any echoes
elsewhere in scripture? (Christ)
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We notice, and get a sense of Samuels frustration exhibited in verses 17-19. He tries to remind
the people what God had done on their behalf. Saul is then presented before his people, as their
King.
Question 9: Contrast Saul’s character mentioned in chapter 10:23, and Christ’s character
mentioned throughout scripture. (Isaiah and the gospels.)
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Question 10: What was to be the first thing that a king would do when taking the throne? (Deut.
17:18-20)
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Does Samuel, as opposed to Saul, doing this act imply anything about the future of Saul
and the nation?
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Question 11: How can we be like Saul (vs 27) and brush off persecution?
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Throughout chapter 11, we get a sense that Saul is gaining his peoples trust and making a
positive difference in the nation. The people rose up together and defeated the enemy nation of
Ammon.
Question 12: In vs. 6 we see that in response to the Ammonite threat, Saul is inspired to take
care of the problem. What would this have done to the nations moral?
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Question 13: Saul seems to be a positive example at this point in Israel’s history. How should
we look at this example of Saul, as we see the impact that his actions revealed? (Vs. 13-15)
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Samuel testifies to the people his integrity and dedication as a prophet of the Lord. He reminds
the people what God had done for them, and how God was to be their King, while also warning
them of the result of disobedience to God. Now having asked for a fleshly king God has given
them one in Saul. Along with this, there are rules and stipulations. Among them being to follow
God and keep his commandments and “both you and your king shall live.”
Question 14: What an example of God’s mercy shown to Israel. God was to be their King, and
despite this, they desired a fleshly King, defying God’s precept. As long as they followed God he
would continue to be with them. What were the consequences if they didn’t? Name at least two
other results of disobedience in scripture.
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Question 15: Samuel is a great example of an elder in the ecclesia, and guides Saul in the ways
of God, even through his frustration with the people’s request. What lesson can we take from
this?
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Section 3: The Character of Saul in Action
These three chapters will convey to us the warning that Samuel attempted to provide
Israel, though they chose not to hearken. We find that Saul represents to us the mind of those
who are led captive by the desires of our nature, choosing to fulfill those things which seem right
in our own eyes, but are not according to the will of our God.
This section will deal with 1 Samuel 13-15.
Question 1: Upon who does chapter 13 primarily focus?
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Question 2: What does Saul’s name mean?
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Question 3: Upon who does chapter 14 primarily focus on?
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Question 4: What does Johnathan’s name mean?
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Question 5: Do you feel as if God is trying to reveal to us the characteristics of two kinds of
men?
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Question 6: In chapter 13:3, it is written that Johnathan was the one who smote the garrison, but
verse four tells us that “Israel heard say that SAUL had smitten a garrison.” Do you suppose that
Saul might have taken credit?
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Question 7: Under the leadership of Saul, Saul’s army was confronted by innumerable Philistine
soldiers (vs. 5). What was there reaction when they saw the army before them? Compare this
with the way Joshua led the children of Israel into battle (refer to passages such as Joshua 3:9-10;
5:16). What was the difference? Can you think of other examples of leaders who properly
“prepped” Israel for what was to come? Provide references for these.
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Question 8: Consider those leaders. What was the major difference between their type of
leadership, and that of Saul’s (who was “with them”)?
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Question 9: Did God ever communicate with Saul, other than through Samuel? If so, describe
the communications and any significance it bares.
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Question 10: Considering the reaction of the Israelites, does this tell us anything about the way
that we should deal with our trials? What’s the key to overcoming the trials or temptations that
we are faced with?
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Question 11: Though sometimes we receive things that we want (as Israel received Saul), does
that mean that God must be “on our side?” Can you think of any passages where God gives
people what they want, though it’s not truly what they need?
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Question 12: In verses 9-12, we get a good glimpse into the mind of Saul. What do you think
was his motivation behind the sacrifice? Do you feel as if it’s a lack of patience, faith, ignorance,
or even selfishness? Bear in mind the stipulations of the burnt offering in Leviticus chapter 1.
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Question 13: Does this behavior from Saul reveal the way that God views our service towards
him? Consider Isaiah 1: 4, 5, 10, 11. What other passages deal with this same type of “outward
worship?”
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Question 14: Do we ever exemplify this same attitude in our lives, offering service to God in
hopes of receiving something, being seen of men, or even possibly out of guilt?
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Question 15: Provide references concerning the manner in which we should be serving God.
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Question 16: In chapter 14, one of the first things we’re told about Johnathan is that he had with
him an armour bearer. Can you think of any other passages where armour is talked about?
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Question 17: From a spiritual perspective, what lesson can we take from Johnathan and his
armourbearer?
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Question 18: In verse 4, try and obtain a mental picture of what’s going on, and look up the
definitions of the two sharp rocks. Michmash=Bozez; Gibeah=Senah.
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Question 19: We were last told that Johnathan and his men were stationed in Gibeah (ch. 13:2),
while now Johnathan and his armourbearer [(alone), ch.14:16-17], are now going to the passage
of Michmash where the garrison is located (ch. 13:23). Using the correlated definitions of the
two sharp rocks, can you see the lesson that God has set before us? What does this typify?
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Question 20: On the other hand, we are originally told that Saul was in Michmash (ch. 13:2), but
ended up in Gibeah (ch. 14:2). What does this tell us about the thinking of the flesh, for those
inside the household of faith? (an understanding of the “thorns” in scripture is necessary).
Provide other references where this principle is laid out.
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Question 21: Notice the approach that Johnathan takes to the Philistines (vs. 6-10). How does
this differ from Saul’s approach in chapter 13?
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Question 22: Can you think of any passages/examples that tell us how we should seek help from
God during our battles?
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Question 23: We find again in vs. 24 that Saul is implementing his own “religion”, prohibiting
the children of Israel of eating until HE was avenged of his enemies. We notice that they weren’t
allowed to eat of the honey that was on the ground. What does honey represent in scripture? Can
you think of any instances nowadays where we see people afraid to partake of this “honey”, due
to certain commandments of their ruler?
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Section 4: From Friend to Foe
This section will be looking at 1 Sam 16, 17, 18
1 Sam 16
The character of Saul has been found wanting in 1 Sam 15 by his disobedience of Gods
commands. Saul is told that his lineage will not retain the throne in Israel and the kingdom will
be given to another. 1 Sam 15:28, 1 Sam 16:1. Here we see the pattern that is throughout the
bible of the first being unworthy, rejected, and another being chosen and exalted.
Question 1: Write down as many examples of this that can be found in scripture.
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Not only is Saul losing the throne but he is also being removed from the line of the chosen seed
of promise. Saul has declined so much that Samuel fears Saul will put him to death even when he
has been commanded by God to anoint another.
Character of Saul vs. David
In the following chart we want you to spend time finding similarities and differences between
these two men. Hopefully in our discussions we will have a lot of things to share about the
character traits of these two men. Feel free to get out another piece of paper if we haven’t given
you enough room to write it all down.
Saul
David
Question 3: In section 2, question 5, we saw that the Spirit of God rested upon Saul in 1 Samuel
10:9-10. In 1 Sam 16:14 we are told that the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul...Name
someone else in scripture that had the Holy Spirit taken from them and compare the
circumstances that led to this in Saul’s and those people’s lives. List examples and give verses to
support.
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1 Sam 16:14 ...and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled (or terrified) him. This is a difficult and
trying verse. It is hard for many of us that know the word of God to explain what is taking place
here. Most feel that Saul is struggling with mental illness. The important thing to remember here
is that even when someone has the Holy Spirit they are not forced to do what is right. We would
then have to come to the conclusion that if one had an evil spirit from the Lord this does not
force one to do evil and both are from the Lord.
Question 4: What do you think is happening here? Discuss with others and see what they think
is taking place. Look at 1 Sam 18:10 also.
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Out of Saul's negative state God has directed his anointed to be in a position very close to King
Saul and the royal family of Israel. David brings Saul comfort and refreshment through his
musical talents. It must have been a heavy weight for David to bear knowing that he was the
Lords anointed to succeed Saul on the throne, but he never became proud or boastful and served
Saul to the best of his ability.
Question 5: What lessons can we draw from this in our service of the Lord?
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1 Sam 17
In 1 Sam 17 we have the account of David and Goliath. Possibly one of the most taught lessons
to children except for Daniel and the lion’s den. Both of which show the strength of faith in the
Lord to give us victory in what seem like impossible situations. From this account we see David
exalted in the eyes of all Israel while Saul's reputation begins a steady decline. Saul was told the
kingdom would be given to another but Saul makes no effort to try to redeem himself in the eyes
of God or Israel.
Question 6: Who do you think Israel expected to see standing against Goliath?
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Question 7: Why does Saul say David is unable to go against Goliath?
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Question 8: Even though Saul says to David "the Lord be with thee" what does Saul seem to put
his trust in? What warnings and lessons should we take from this?
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Question 9: David condemns the philistines for trusting in these same things and not in the God
of Israel. What do we learn from this, and have we heard similar language in 1 Samuel to that
David spoke to Goliath?
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Question 10: At the end of chapter 17 there is a strange exchange between Saul and David that
raises many questions. Didn't Saul already know of David? Are these chapters in chronological
order? Discuss your thoughts on what is going on here at the end of this chapter?
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1 Sam 18
In this chapter we see the transition from friend to foe.
Question 11: What are two things that Saul does that show how important David is to him?
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Question 12: What causes a change in how Saul views David?
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Question 13: What emotion best describes Saul in 1 Sam 18:7-9?
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Question 14: Which verse in 1 Sam 18 best describes how far Saul has fallen from seeking the
Lord? No right or wrong answer.
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Question 15: What does Saul decide is the best way to deal with David? Compare this to what
David does in 2 Sam 11.
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Section 5: Chasing David
This section will deal with - 1 Samuel 19-31, 1 Chronicles 10
Question 1: In 1 Sam 19:10 Saul Casts a javelin at David for a second time. Discuss why David
decided to continue playing the harp in the king’s court.
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Question 2: In the story of David’s escape from Saul using the help of Michal (1 Sam 19:13),
discuss why there was an image in the house. What “images” can be found in our homes today?
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Question 3: There is a recurring proverb about Saul: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
(1 Sam 10:11, 12; 19:24) Discuss what significance this holds and why it is in the record of
Saul’s life.
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Question 4: Despite Saul’s ill feelings toward David, he and Jonathan still remain strong friends.
Discuss the significance of the instance where Jonathan gives David a sign through the shooting
of arrows. Why didn’t they just meet and skip the arrow shooting sign? (1 Sam 20:17-42)
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Question 5: In the same account of question 4 discuss how Saul could have thrown a javelin at
his own child. What does this say about his mental state?
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Question 6: While David was on the run from Saul, he was forced to take refuge in the
territories of the enemies of Israel. He even gained the trust of one of the lords of the Philistines.
How was David able to stay faithful despite these circumstances? What lessons can we take from
this that can help us in some of our difficult circumstances? (school, work, ext..)
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Question 7: In the account of Saul having the city of Nob slain for aiding David with the
hallowed bread and the sword of Goliath (1 Sam 22:9-23); discuss the attitude of Saul’s men
towards this command. Did Ahimelech know that David was on the run from Saul?
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Question 8: In 1 Sam 23 David and his men save the inhabitants of Keilah from the Philistines
(vs5) yet they still would have delivered their savior into the hands of the enemy. Discuss the
typology played out in this instance.
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Question 9: In 1 Sam 23:26-27 Saul was on the brink of catching David, discuss the convenient
timing of a messenger coming to Saul.
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Question 10: In the account of David sparing Saul’s life in the cave (1 Sam 24), discuss the
character of David not taking the life of Yahweh’s anointed. What would have David received if
he had taken Saul’s life at that time? Does this relate to any of the temptations Christ received?
Provide scriptural support for your conclusions.
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Question 11: In 1 Sam 26 Saul once again is delivered into David’s hand. Read what David says
in vs 9-11. Discuss the contrast between Saul’s way of living and making decisions compared to
David’s.
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Question 12: When Saul visits the woman with a “familiar spirt” (1 Sam 28) why does he go
against his own commandment (and God’s commandment) and seek her out?
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Question 13: In the same account of question 12, why does Saul even want to speak with
Samuel? Discuss the conversation between Samuel and Saul. What reasons does Samuel give for
Yahweh’s departure from Saul? How does Saul react to this news?
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Question 14: It is pretty spectacular that Samuel was “brought up” from the dead to talk to Saul.
Discuss this scenario and provide thoughts on what happened.
Note: Providing biblical evidence of other accounts where people were temporarily
raised from the dead could shed some light on this discussion.
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Question 15: After Saul and sons were slain (1 Sam 31) why did the men of Jabesh-gilead feel
compelled to take the bodies off the wall and give them a proper burial?
Hint: Look up past dealings between Saul and Jabesh-gilead.
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Question 16: We have additional details given to use about why Saul was slain in the record of 1
Chronicles 10:13-14. List these reasons, and discuss them while relating them to our day and
age.
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Question 17: At this point you have seen how the character of Saul has been changed and
molded throughout much of his life. Mark out and recall important events and moments that
shaped his life. Use this time line to organize some of these events and discuss them.
Saul’s Death
Saul as a Young Man
Events that Shaped the Life of Saul
Note: Answer these questions in your discussion groups at the end of the week!
Question 18: What life lessons can we glean from the life and times of Saul?
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Question 19: What are some things/lessons that you have taken from this week that can help you
to remain faithful as you go back home and resume normal life once again?
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