1. Introduction to the Kings of Israel 04/02

2. 1. What does Samuel warn will happen if the people have a king? Sons- make arms, build chariots, and reap harvests Daughters- make perfumes, cook, bake Take fields, vineyards, olive groves, 1/10 of grain, slaves, and livestock King will make Israelites into slaves 2. Whom does Samuel anoint as the first king? Saul

3. Recounts the stories of… Eli (1-4) – Judge (also contains birth of Samuel) Samuel (5-12) – Judge and Prophet Saul (13-31) – King Describes the transition from the rule of the judges to the monarchic system of government.

4. 1 Samuel Samuel’s career from his birth to his farewell address Saul’s reign as King 2 Samuel David’s rise to power David’s sinfulness

5. Read 1 Sm 1 Rachel- God relieves her of her barrenness Her son also becomes a great leader Foreshadows Samuel as a great leader Mother of Samson She is barren Conceives a Nazirite (one consecrated to God) Read 1 Sm 3 Immediately- “Here I am!” Response similar to that of Abraham Foreshadows a great nation is to be established! Read 1 Sm 8 Israelites break the covenant by asking for a king Not trusting in God’s Kingship God responds by telling Samuel to listen to his people, but warns that there will be advantages and disadvantages to having a human king

6. Sons taken for farming, war, and work Daughters taken for cooking, perfumers Best land and food will be given to those of higher classes Slaves taken for King’s use Be like other nations King to govern King to serve as military leader

7. Different than any other system in the Near East. Kings in Israel were NOT allowed to do whatever they pleased. Kings had to pay attention to: 1. Always subject to a higher power [God] 2. And to the rule of law and morality [Torah], 3. And to the prophets

8. The Israelites’ request for a king was particularly offensive because… Rejecting YHWH as their king. God had just given them victory over the Philistines and they were showing ingratitude.

9. Read 1 Sm 9-10:16 Saul anointed as first king of Israel Saul was appointed by Samuel Saul was from the Tribe of Benjamin, the least of the tribes of Israel How unexpected!

10. Saul was a strong military leader, but was never able to fully unite the 12 tribes and organize them into a recognizable nation.

11. According to Samuel, obedience to God is more significant than sacrifices God wants us to listen! Saul’s authority as King is removed as punishment David is elected to take Saul’s place FINISHED!