Read Mark Learn Bible Studies

CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE VERSION

Lesson 6

Journey Through God’s Word

 God Chooses a King

Read 1 Samuel 7 – 8

1. Describe the political/spiritual climate of Israel in these chapters.

2. a) Why did Israel ask for a king (see 8:4-5, 19-20)?

b) Why did God express displeasure with this request when He had made provision for a king in the Law? See also Leviticus 20:24.

3. Read and compare Deuteronomy 17:14-20 and 1 Samuel 8:10-18.

a) What requirements did God give for future kings in the law?

b) What did Samuel warn the reality of having a king would be like?

4. List significant events from each chapter that show Saul’s progression from humility to presumption, from Spirit empowerment to rejection by God. Include references.

5. In 1 Samuel 13:14 and 15:22-23, a) what judgment is given to Saul?

b) What kind of king does God want in Saul’s place?

6. What do you think the relationship is between being a man after God’s own heart and keeping God’s word? See Psalm 119:10-11 for help.

7. Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13. a) Why is David an unlikely candidate for the crown?

b) What standard is God using? See verse 7.

8. Describe David’s anointing in verses 12 and 13.

9. How is Saul’s state now contrasted with that of David? See verses 14-23.

10. God, who looks at the heart, saw something pleasing in David when He chose him to shepherd his people. List phrases (and references) from these chapters that demonstrate David’s love and zeal for God.

11. What else do you learn about this man of God from these chapters?

12. What God-pleasing qualities do you see in David that you could seek God to accomplish in your life? Remember, He “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

13. Give phrases with references that show:

a) God’s expectation for David as king

b) David’s victories

c) God’s blessing on David

d) David’s heart for God

14. What do we learn from the following passages about Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s covenant with David?

a) Matthew 1:1

b) Acts 2:29-36

c) Revelation 22:16

15. Give phrases with references from David’s address to his people that display:

a) God’s choice of Solomon

b) The necessity of keeping God’s word

c) God’s oversight of the temple project

d) The people’s participation the temple project

16. Note: David bases his praise not on his own feelings, which are subject to change, but on the greatness of God’s unchanging character. What great things does David ascribe to God in his prayer of praise in 29:10-19?

17. How does this revelation of God’s character increase your understanding of His nature and His involvement in your life?

18. What attributes have you known firsthand and can give God special praise for?

19. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:12, Hebrews 12:28 and James 2:5. What is it that God wants to see evidenced in our hearts as we live as subjects of the King?

20. How does your understanding of Jesus as King transform your attitude and actions in your circumstances of today?