In 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Hannah responds to the gracious provision of God with a song of worship, and adoration, and praise. Why is it so important for us, as Christians, to stop, and to take note of God’s grace in our lives, and to thank Him and worship Him for it?

 

In 1 Samuel 2:12-17, Eli’s sons disregard God’s instructions about proper sacrificial offerings. In 1 Samuel 13:8-14, Saul behaves in a similar manner. Why was it so important for God’s people in Israel to take sacrifices and offerings seriously? And to adhere to God’s instructions concerning them? What is the application of these principles for us, as Christians today?

 

1 Samuel 4-7 tells a story of the ark of the covenant - how the Philistines took it, and then ultimately, how and why it was returned to God’s people. Why was the ark of the covenant so important? Why did God’s people treat it the way that they did, with such respect and fear? What is the application of these principles for us today?

 

In 1 Samuel 8, Israel demands a king. After pleading with them to reconsider, Samuel agrees (1 Samuel 8), and then chooses Saul (1 Samuel 9), and then anoints him as their first king (1 Samuel 10). Why does Israel want a king so badly? Why does Samuel warn them against it? How might we apply this to our lives today?

 

Saul has several mishaps, and mistakes, and blunders during the course of his reign:

  • 1 Samuel 10:20-24
  • 1 Samuel 13:8-13
  • 1 Samuel 14:24-46
  • 1 Samuel 15:1-31

What are we to make of these? What can we learn from them? What is the spiritual application for us?

 

Consider how the text describes Saul (1 Samuel 9:1-2), and how it describes David (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Why do you think that Israel chose Saul as their first king? Why do you think that God chose David as His best king? In what ways does Saul serve as a cautionary tale for us? In what ways does David serve as an example for us?

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