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Lesson No. 10—Everyone Should Read and Study the Whole Bible.

LESSON THEME:—1 SAMUEL

1 Samuel 8:7-22.

  • KEY WORD—”MONARCHY.”

  • KEY VERSE—1 Samuel 8:5.

  • KEY PHRASE—”A KINGDOM FOR GOD.”

Home Readings.

All of First Samuel or:

NAME—The two books of Samuel constitute one story and receive their name from Samuel because he is the prominent figure and author of the first few chapters.

AUTHOR—Samuel of the first 24 chapters, and the prophets Nathan and Gad of the remainder. The writing was concluded soon after Solomon’s death about 940 B. C. Events cover period from 1100-1017 B.C., or 83 years.

PURPOSE—To give the history of Israel under the last two Judges—Eli and Samuel, and under their first king, Saul, and to show why the government was changed to a monarchy.

GREAT CHARACTERS:—

  1. Eli.

  2. Samuel.

  3. Saul.

  4. Jonathan.

  5. David.

Great Men, I. Eli.

The book opens with Eli as both Judge and priest, the first time the offices had been combined in the history of Israel. He Judged the people for 40 years. His sons Hophni and Phinehas, also priests, acted so outrageously, that they excited the deepest disgust. Eli did not sternly rebuke, but only gently chided them for their greed and immorality. He was therefore warned of the downfall of his house, During the next invasion of the Philistines, the Israelites were badly defeated, the Ark of God was captured and his sons both killed. When Eli learned this news, the shock killed him and he died at the age of 98. He was a good man and full of humility and gentleness, but weak and too indulgent.

LESSON—Indulgent parents are cruel to themselves and to their children. National life is grounded on the development of the life of the family, therefore parents should exercise due restraint over their children, and children should submit to the restraint of their parents. This will produce industry, virtue, contentment and success, in the individual life and in the nation. Exodus 20:12.

Great Men II. Samuel.

1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4; 1 Samuel 5; 1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; 1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9;
1 Samuel 10; 1 Samuel 11; 1 Samuel 12; 1 Samuel 13; 1 Samuel 14; 1 Samuel 15; 1 Samuel 16.

Samuel, a descendant of Levi, was born at Ramah in answer to prayer, and was consecrated to God by his mother. He was the last of the judges and first of the prophets. He was upright and fearless in his administration, was founder of the school of the prophets and of the monarchy. He is one of the noblest figures in the Old Testament, whose private and public record was not marred by one unworthy act. Moses under God was founder of the Theocracy Samuel was the founder of the Monarchy.

God had intended that Israel should become a great nation under His own immediate reign, but Israel wanted to be like the nations around them and have an earthly king. The evil conduct of Samuel’s sons, who were deputy judges, encouraged this ambition. Samuel convened the nation at Mizpah. The Ark is returned to Israel after 20 years. Saul is proclaimed king, and Samuel gives an account of his administration and charges the people to fear the Lord.

LESSON—Samuel’s exalted character was due to his being established in religious principles in early life. He became a model of integrity in office. He never enriched himself nor sought the praise of men.

Let us always choose men for public office who have a like standard of honour and justice.

Great Men III. Saul.

1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 1 Samuel 11; 1 Samuel 12; 1 Samuel 13; 1 Samuel 14;
1 Samuel 15; 1 Samuel 16; 1 Samuel 17; 1 Samuel 18; 1 Samuel 19; 1 Samuel 20;
1 Samuel 21; 1 Samuel 22; 1 Samuel 23; 1 Samuel 24; 1 Samuel 25; 1 Samuel 26;
1 Samuel 27; 1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 29; 1 Samuel 30; 1 Samuel 31.

It was prophesied in Deuteronomy 17:14-20, that Israel should have a king. God, however, did not intend him to be an autocratic but a theocratic king, acting always under divine guidance. Saul, to Israel, was a man after Israel’s own heart, so after Samuel had anointed him privately, he was accepted publicly. He was a tall, brave, modest man and made a splendid start. He soon however, manifested much of self-will, for he intruded on the priest’s office and disobediently spared the spoils of the Amalekites, and therefore was rejected of God.

An evil spirit now troubles Saul so that in stubbornness and jealousy he seeks the life of David. In a battle with the Philistines, Saul and his sons were killed. Thus closes under a shadow a life that had a glorious promise.

LESSON—In proportion as a man lives for himself or for God, he becomes weak, sinful and miserable, or strong, holy and happy. Natural qualities must be sanctified for them to be a power for good.

Divine grace when persistently resisted is withdrawn, leaving the soul to be troubled by an evil spirit. When grace is humbly and faithfully received, it is followed by more grace. Think of the end of Saul and be wise! Think of the end of Saul of Tarsus and be happy.

Great Men IV. Jonathan.

1 Samuel 14; 1 Samuel 15; 1 Samuel 16; 1 Samuel 17; 1 Samuel 18; 1 Samuel 19; 1 Samuel 20.

Jonathan was the eldest son of Saul, and his father’s right hand in all his battles. With only an armour-bearer, Jonathan surprised a Philistine outpost at Gibeah which led to complete victory for Israel. However, he came near being put to death by his father for eating before evening against an edict of the king, Jonathan is best known for his devoted friendship with David, which led him, not only to take David’s part against Saul, but also made him willing to surrender his own claim to the throne of Israel. In the battle with the Philistines he fell with his father.

Jonathan was one of the finest spirits who ever lived. So brave and unselfish and such a friend to David, that he is one of the knights of chivalry that we should all imitate. David and Jonathan were one in love of virtue and the fear of God. It is natural for men to set up social ties, but in real friendship there must be a complete union of feeling on all subjects, accompanied by appreciation and affection.

David’s life will be considered in the next lesson.

Questions on the Lesson.

  1. Why did the book receive its name?

  2. Who were the authors, when written, how many years covered?

  3. What the purpose?

  4. Give the key word and key verse.

  5. Name the great characters of the book.

  6. What was Eli’s fault?

  7. Tell how indulgent parents are acting unwisely.

  8. What does parental restraint produce?

  9. How much of the book did you read last week?

  10. Did God intend that Israel should have a king?

  11. In what way was Samuel a model for public men?

  12. Tell what you know about Saul.

  13. What lessons do we learn from life?

  14. Tell what you know about Jonathan.

  15. What must there be in real friend ship?

  16. Why should we imitate him?

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