This week’s class will focus on the importance of understanding what Christianity is not, and the importance of truth, found in God’s Word, for articulating what the Christian faith is. We will also continue our dive into Bible study with the book of 1 Samuel, chapters 4-8. Defending our faith and developing a Biblical worldview based on our understanding of God’s Word takes time and practice, and must be part of a lifetime commitment we make to the LORD. It should form our purpose and identity in everyday life as we grow closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, modeling Him to our family, friends and neighbors.

As Christians, it is more important than ever to know what we believe, and why we believe it, and then apply that to who we are on a consistent basis, and this can only be done if we know Jesus and what His Word teaches.

All class sessions include a time for prayer and reflection, a presentation, and a Bible study section. You will find the presentation notes and Bible study questions below. Basic answers to the Bible study will be also be posted below for your review and, or as a leader’s guide.

Watch this week’s presentation on this topic:

Watch this presentation by Wes Huff on cultural Christianity:

Presentation Notes

APOLOGETICS BLUEPRINT

Session Three – Cultural Christianity, and 1 Samuel Chapters 4-8

REVIEW AND DISCUSS

At your table groups, do the following:

Prayer cards: Take a minute and write your name on the index card and add any special prayer request you might have. Exchange cards at the end of the class this evening.

Discuss:

What is the importance of prayer in Bible study (from last week)?
What have you learned so far in the book of 1 Samuel?
Recite the memory verse from Genesis 3:15. Why it is an important foundational verse?

Genesis 3:15 Promise
(begins the Scarlet Thread)

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 (NIV)

From Genesis through Revelation, the Bible is all about Jesus!

CULTURAL CHRISTIANITY

Wes Huff (in the video above) discussed the good and the bad within the term cultural Christianity. Let’s look at a few more important take-aways on this topic:

What Christianity is not…

Religious Nostalgia – The notion that “I’ve always been Christian,” or “my family is Christian” or “I was baptized as a baby” or, like Richard Dawkins “I like what Christianity has done for the culture” (ie. Christmas, Easter, Cathedrals, schools etc.) versus other faiths such as Islam.
Disjointed Bible Knowledge – Taking verses out of context; not knowing the big picture of the Bible; misusing the Bible or adding to Scripture to promote a particular agenda, etc..
Generic Theology – Syncretizing and secularizing Christianity; or deconstructing the faith as seen in progressive Christianity; or having a smorgasbord type of faith (a little of this and a little of that); or believing that all road or faiths lead to God.
Alignment with political movements – “Christian Nationalism” or syncretization of the faith with a particular political party, country or group, instead of putting God and His Word first, then voting and voicing opinions based on God’s truth.
Virtue Replacement – An “I’m better than you” attitude using Christianity’s label; or thinking that the other person is evil if they don’t think like you do; shaming, name calling, berating etc…

But, We are all sinners and in need of God’s forgiveness, mercy and grace. We need to be in the business of God first – others second – self last. Humility and love as modeled by Christ that often includes a tough stance on issues in alignment with God and His Word.

The Cure for cultural Christianity:

Know the Bible – truth and answers for the faith are always found there
Pray for truth and guidance from the Holy Spirit
Be in community with other Christians, especially mature Christians if you are young in the faith
Be able to defend what you believe (practice apologetics) – always keeping it Biblically based and Gospel centered (1 Peter 3:15)

Bible Study

Each week, we are encouraging you to take some dedicated time and spend it in God’s Word. Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

REFLECT AND PRACTICE

1. Review and discuss this evening’s presentation. Do you have any questions or comments?

Bible Study Practice:

2. Read and discuss chapters 4-8 in the book of 1 Samuel.

Going Deeper Questions

CONTEXT: What does it say?

Chapter 4:

Review: Who were the Philistines; and what is the Ark of the Covenant?
What was the reaction by the Philistines, at first, to the Ark of the Covenant; and then what did they end up doing to Israel and the Ark?
What was Eli’s reaction to the news that came, and why? How long had Eli judged Israel?
What happened to Eli’s daughter-in-law and why? What did she name her son, and why?

Chapter 5:

What happened when the Ark was captured and brought in to the house of Dagon? What then happened in Ashdod, Gath and Ekron; and what did they finally decide to do?

Chapter 6:

What did the Philistine diviners and priests tell the people to do with the Ark, and why?
How did the people of Beth-Shemesh respond when they saw the Ark? Why did God strike down some of the men of Beth-Shemesh (who should have been handling the Ark)? Discuss the importance of understanding God’s perfect and holy character, and why we cannot take God’s commands lightly.

Chapter 7:

What did Samuel have the people do, how did they respond, and then what did God do on their behalf? How important is repentance as modeled by the people of Israel here under Samuel?

Chapter 8:

Who were the last judges in Israel, why did the people complain about them, and what did they ask for? How did Samuel respond, and then what did God tell Samuel?
What warning did Samuel give the people of Israel concerning a king, why, and how did they respond?

INTERPRETATION: What does it mean?

What is God showing the reader about who He is (His character)? (Chapters 4-8)
What is God teaching the audience from this narrative? (Chapters 4-8)
Do we see anything in this narrative that points towards Jesus (a picture, foreshadow, model, prophecy etc.). (Chapters 4-8)

APPLICATION: How can we use what we learned?

What can we learn from the people of Israel (good or bad)?
What can we learn from the leaders of Israel (good or bad)?

Discuss any “shelf” questions you might have about chapters 4-8.

BASIC ANSWERS FOR REVIEW AND LEADER’S GUIDE FOR 1 SAMUEL CHAPTERS 4-8

CONTEXT: What does it say?

Chapter 4:

War With the Philistines

Philistines Take the Ark in Victory

In this chapter we read about Samuel becoming the Spokesman for God at this time. And, the Israelites went out to battle against the Philistines, but the Philistines defeated them. So, the people went and got the Ark and brought it up to the battle (they were treating it like an idol). The Philistines were fearful of the Ark, but became even more motivated to win as they had heard of the victories (like in Egypt) of Israel because of the Ark of God. And the Philistines defeated Isreal in that battle, killed Eli’s sons and captured the Ark.

The Death of Eli

When Eli was given the news of the death of his sons and the capture of the Ark of the Covenant, he fell over backward and broke his neck and died. Eli was 98 years old and had judged Israel 40 years. At the same time his daughter-in-law also died at the same news as she was giving birth to a boy whom she named ichabod (“The glory has departed from Israel”).

Note: Although God’s presence had left Israel, God would show His might and dominance against all in the next few chapters.

Review: Who were the Philistines; and what is the Ark of the Covenant?

PHILISTINES

From LAB: “The Philistines were descendants of Noah’s son Ham and his son Canaan, whom God had cursed. They had settled along the southeastern Mediterranean coast between Egypt and Gaza.”

From gotquestions.org

The Philistines were an aggressive, warmongering people who occupied territory southwest of Israel between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. The name “Philistine” comes from the Hebrew word Philistia, and the Greek rendering of the name, palaistinei, gives us the modern name “Palestine.” The Philistines are first recorded in Scripture in the Table of Nations, a list of the patriarchal founders of seventy nations descended from Noah (Genesis 10:14). It is thought that the Philistines originated in Caphtor, the Hebrew name for the island of Crete and the whole Aegean region (Amos 9:7; Jeremiah 47:4). For unknown reasons, they migrated from that region to the Mediterranean coast near Gaza. Because of their maritime history, the Philistines are often associated with the “Sea Peoples.” The Bible records that the Philistines had contact with both Abraham and Isaac as early as 2000 B.C. (Genesis 21:32, 34; 26:1, 8).
After Isaac’s involvement with the Philistines (Genesis 26:18), they are next mentioned in passing in the book of Exodus shortly after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea: “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt’” (Exodus 13:17).
The “road through the Philistine country” refers to a route later known as the Via Maris or “the Way of the Sea,” one of three major trade routes in ancient Israel. This coastal road connected the Nile Delta with Canaan and Syria and beyond, into the Mesopotamian region of southwest Asia.
The Old Testament indicates that around the 13th century B.C., during the days of Samuel and Samson, the Philistines moved inland from the coast of Canaan. There, they built their civilization primarily in five cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron (Joshua 13:3). These cities were each governed by a “king” or “lord” (from the Hebrew word seren, also rendered as “tyrant”). These kings apparently formed a coalition of equals. Each king retained autonomous control of his city, such as when Achish, king of Gath, dealt with David (1 Samuel 27:5-7), but they worked in concert in times of national emergency (Judges 16:5).
From the very beginning, the Philistines were either allies or deadly enemies of God’s people. They played a pivotal role in the lives of Samson (Judges 13:1; 14:1), Samuel (1 Samuel 4:1), Saul (1 Samuel 13:4), and David (1 Samuel 17:23).
The Philistines were known for their innovative use of iron, which was superior to the bronze used by the Israelites for weapons and implements. Even as late as the time of Saul (1050 – 1010 B.C), the Israelites were forced to rely on the Philistines to sharpen or repair their iron tools (1 Samuel 13:19-21). With their more advanced armaments and aggressive military policy, the Philistines continually thwarted Israel’s development as a nation. For nearly 200 years, the Philistines harassed and oppressed the Israelites, often invading Israel’s territory. The children of Israel simply could not deal with the Philistines’ overwhelming military might. This only came to an end when Samuel and then David, through the guidance of God, were able to defeat the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:12-14; 2 Samuel 5:22-25).
The Old Testament indicates that the Philistines worshiped three gods: Ashtoreth, Dagon, and Baal-Zebub—each of which had shrines in various cities (Judges 16:23; 1 Samuel 31:10; 2 Kings 1:2). Archaeological findings show that Philistine soldiers carried images of their gods into battle (2 Samuel 5:21). Apparently, they were also a superstitious people who respected the power of Israel’s ark of the covenant (1 Samuel 5:1-12).
The Philistines were infamous for their production and consumption of alcoholic beverages, especially beer. Ancient Philistine ruins contain numerous breweries and wineries, as well as countless beer mugs and other drinking vessels. Samson’s wedding feast, recorded in the book of Judges, illustrates the Philistine practice of holding week-long drinking parties; the Hebrew word misteh, translated “feast” in Judges 14:10, means “drinking feast.”
The Israelites frequently referred to the Philistines as “uncircumcised” (Judges 15:18; 1 Samuel 14:6; 2 Samuel 1:20), meaning, at that time, those who had no relationship with God. They were not God’s chosen people and were to be strictly avoided as a contaminating evil.
Today, the word philistineis used as an epithet to refer to an unrefined, dull person. In truth, the Philistines of history were not unsophisticated or uncultured. They were an advanced seafaring people who, for several generations, were years ahead of Israel.
With the exception of Jeremiah chapter 47, there are very few prophetic references to the Philistines. In the end, the Philistines were assimilated into Canaanite culture. They eventually disappeared from the biblical record and from history altogether, leaving behind the name “Palestine” as a testimony of their existence.

ARK OF THE COVENANT

God made a conditional covenantwith the children of Israel through His servant Moses. He promised good to them and their children for generations if they obeyed Him and His laws, but He always warned of despair, punishment, and dispersion if they were to disobey. As a reminder of His covenant, the Lord had the Israelites make a box, according to His design, to house the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments. This box, or ark, was to be kept in the inner sanctum of the wilderness tabernacle and eventually in the temple when it was built in Jerusalem. This chest is known as the ark of the covenant.
Moses instructed Bezalel, God’s anointed craftsman, to build the ark of the covenant (see Exodus 37:1–9; 25:10–22). The “sacred chest” was to be a rectangular wooden box made from acacia wood, overlaid “inside and out with pure gold,” measuring approximately “45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high” (Exodus 37:1–2, NLT). The chest was fitted with two pairs of gold rings on either side in which permanent poles were inserted for transporting the ark. No one was allowed to touch the ark out of reverence for God’s holiness. The poles were also fashioned with acacia wood and overlaid with gold.
The ark of the covenant was built to contain the two tablets of the law given to Moses by God (Exodus 25:16, 21). These tablets were also known as “the testimony,” and thus, the ark was also called “the ark of the testimony” (see Numbers 4:5, Joshua 4:16, ESV). In the original Hebrew, the word translated as “testimony” refers both to the terms of God’s covenant with Israel as written on the tablets of stone and to the covenant itself. Later, Moses had Aaron place inside the arka jar of manna to remember God’s faithfulness in providing miraculous bread from heaven (Exodus 16:4, 33) and Aaron’s staff that had budded as a warning against rebellion (Numbers 17:1–13; Hebrews 9:4).
A lid called the “mercy seat” or “the place of atonement” was constructed for the box (see Exodus 25:17). The mercy seat was made of pure gold and covered the entire length and width of the chest. Bezalel crafted two cherubim from hammered gold and molded them atop each end of the mercy seat so that the whole lid was one solid piece of gold. The cherubim faced each other and looked down on the mercy seat with their wings spread wide, overshadowing and protecting it.
The real significance of the ark of the covenant involved the mercy seat. The Hebrew word for “mercy seat” meant “cover, appeasement, or place of atonement.” Once a year, the high priest entered the holy of holies where the ark of the covenant was kept, and here he atoned for his sins and the sins of the Israelite people (Leviticus 16:2–16). Seven times, the priest sprinkled the blood of sacrificed bulls and goats onto the mercy seat. This atonement on Yom Kippurappeased God’s wrath and anger for past sins committed.
The lid of the ark of the covenant was termed a “seat” because this sacred place was considered God’s holy throne (see Psalm 99:1). Here, the Lord spoke to Moses from between the winged cherubim (Numbers 7:89). Here, where the sacrificial blood was sprinkled and God’s mercy was dispensed, was the only place in the world where atonement could take place.
The mercy seat on the ark was a symbolic foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice for all sin—the blood of Christ shed on the cross for the remission of sins (Hebrews 7:27; 9:12–14; 1 Peter 1:18–19). The apostle Paul, a former Pharisee and one familiar with the Old Testament, knew this concept quite well when he wrote about Christ being our covering for sin in Romans 3:24–25: “And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.”
Just as there was only one place for atonement of sins in the Old Testament—the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant—so there is also only one place for atonement in the New Testament—the cross of Jesus Christ (1 John 2:2; 1 Peter 3:18). As Christians, we no longer look to the ark but to the Lord Jesus Himself as the One who covers, cleanses, cancels, and atones for our sins (1 John 4:10).
As the Israelites traveled from Mount Sinai to Canaan, the ark of the covenant was to be carried before them through the wilderness as a constant reminder of God’s holy, living presence (Numbers 10:33–36). The ark played a central role in Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:3, 6, 15–16; 4:9; 6:4–16) and the life of God’s people there (Joshua 8:33; Judges 20:26–28).
Eventually, Israel lost sight of the ark’s true significance. In 1 Samuel 4, the nation was battling the Philistines. When the Israelites suffered a loss, rather than deal with the real problem—sin—they fetched the ark and took it into battle. They viewed the ark as little more than a talisman or ceremonial token that would ensure God’s help. As a result, they suffered another defeat, and God allowed the ark to be captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:1–11, 17–22; 5:1–12). But the hand of the Lord was heavy on the Philistines, so they returned the ark (1 Samuel 6:1–3, 10–15, 19; 7:1–2).
Much later, King David had the ark brought to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:1–12, 17), and when his son Solomon completed the temple, the ark and all the tabernacle furnishings were placed inside the temple (1 Kings 8:1–12).
The Bible doesn’t say precisely when the ark of the covenant was lost to history. Some speculate it was destroyed or potentially removed during various raids (see 1 Kings 14:25–28; 2 Kings 14:8–14). The last time the location of the ark is mentioned in Scripture is when King Josiah ordered the caretakers of the ark to return it to the Jerusalem temple (2 Chronicles 35:1–6; cf. 2 Kings 23:21–23). The ark is not cited in the list of temple spoils that Nebuchadrezzar took to Babylon when Jerusalem was sacked (2 Kings 25:13–17; Jeremiah 52:17–23).
The origins of Israel’s ark of the covenant are as mysterious and fascinating as its current whereabouts and final destiny. Archeologists and treasure hunters have sought to find it for centuries. In Revelation 11:19, John sees the ark of the covenant as part of the future heavenly temple. However, this is probably not the same ark Moses built; instead, the heavenly ark is more likely a symbolic representation of God’s holy presence.

What was the reaction by the Philistines, at first, to the Ark of the Covenant; and then what did they end up doing to Israel and the Ark?

At first, the reaction by the Philistines was fear because they had heard about the history of the Ark, and how God had destroyed the Egyptians and others who had fought against Israel (although they did not have the exact story right). But they were also motivated by this, and since they had defeated Israel in a previous battle they were embolden to fight harder, and they ultimately won, killing 4,000 including Eli’s two sons, and they also captured the Ark.

Note: The Israelites appeared to treat the Ark more like an idol and less like God’s specific place of worship and atonement for the people. Therefore, the people suffered defeat, and we are told that the glory departed from them. (This would reference God’s glory and promise of protection).

Additional Note: This defeat probably included the eventual destruction of Shilo, as Eli’s descendants would go to Nob shortly after this.

What was Eli’s reaction to the news that came, and why? How long had Eli judged Israel?

What happened to Eli’s daughter-in-law and why? What did she name her son, and why?

His daughter-in-law, wife of Phinehas, also died at the same news while she was giving birth to a boy whom she named ichabod (“The glory has departed from Israel”).

Note: Although God’s glory/presence had left Israel, God would show His might and dominance against all in the next few chapters.

Chapter 5:

Capture of the Ark Provokes God

In this chapter we read about God’s demonstration of His superiority and domination over all other so-called gods or idols when the Philistines set up the Ark of the Covenant where their god Dagon’s idol was housed. Each morning this idol had either fallen over, and eventually had the hands and head cut off. In addition, we read about God’s heavy hand against the people of Ashdod, Gath (the city of Goliath) and Ekron with deadly tumors (and some think it was bubonic plague because of the mice reference later on). As a result, the leaders of the Philistines made plans to send the Ark away, back to Israel.

Note: Dagon was an ancient deity known from the early bronze age in Mesopotamia and Syria. It was once though he was a “fish” god, but more recently understood as a word derived from a word meaning grain. To capture an enemy’s god showed a complete conquering, but that was not to be in Israel’s case.

What happened when the Ark was captured and brought in to the house of Dagon? What then happened in Ashdod, Gath and Ekron; and what did they finally decide to do?

See summary above.

Chapter 6:

The Ark Returned to Israel

Here we read about the return of the Ark to Israel’s territory, Beth-shemesh. Even though the leaders and diviners of the Philistines didn’t know anything about God or His Laws, they assumed sending a sacrifice along with the return of the Ark would be helpful. They also included the phrase “and give glory to the God of Israel” as they decided to yoke two cows, who had never been yoked before and allow them to determine which way to go (leaving their calves behind, which would be a strong indication that it was of the LORD if they went forward). They did go directly to the field of Joshua in Beth-shemesh, and the people there rejoiced at its return, and sacrificed the cows to the LORD. We also read of the irreverence of some of the people when they wrongly looked upon the Ark, and that God struck them dead. Then they sent the Ark to Kiriath-jerim.

What did the Philistine diviners and priests tell the people to do with the Ark, and why?

See summary notes above.

How did the people of Beth-Shemesh respond when they saw the Ark? Why did God strike down some of the men of Beth-Shemesh (who should have been handling the Ark)? Discuss the importance of understanding God’s perfect and holy character, and why we cannot take God’s commands lightly.

The people of Beth-shemesh rejoiced greatly and sacrificed to the LORD, but they did not seem to understand the proper way to handle the Ark, according to God’s Law which required a certain handling and only by the Levitical Priests.

Note: We read a similar story in 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13, concerning a man named Uzziah whom the LORD struck down for touching the Ark.

From gotquestions.org

God had given Moses and Aaron specific instructions about the Tent of Meeting and the movement of the Ark of the Covenant. “After Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy furnishings and all the holy articles, and when the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites are to come to do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy things or they will die. The Kohathites are to carry those things that are in the Tent of Meeting” (Numbers 4:15). No matter how innocently it was done, touching the ark was in direct violation of God’s law and was to result in death. This was a means of preserving the sense of God’s holiness and the fear of drawing near to Him without appropriate preparation.
Something of God’s presence in the Ark of the Covenant seems to be lost in the church today. In the time of Moses, the people knew the awesomeness of God’s absolute holiness. They had witnessed great miracles when the ark was with them. They respected that God’s ways and thoughts are much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). In truth, the more we try to bring God down to our worldly way of thinking or reasoning, the further away He will seem to us. Those who would draw near to God and have Him draw near to them are those who approach Him in reverence and holy fear.

Chapter 7:

Samuel Judges Israel; Deliverance from the Philistines

In this chapter we read that the Ark is taken to Kiriath-jerim to the house of Abinadab on the hill where they consecrated his son Eleazar (this is most likely the family line of Aaron who were the rightful caretakers of the Ark according to the Law and probably why it was well for those 20 years with the people there). At this point we see Samuel leading the people, acting as both Judge and Priest on their behalf. He commanded them to put away their foreign practices and return to the LORD, and they did (they repented). And Samuel prayed to the LORD on behalf of the people, and because of this the LORD caused defeat amongst the Philistines (in a miraculous way throwing them into confusion), and Israel pursued and defeated them that day. We then read “the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.”

What did Samuel have the people do, how did they respond, and then what did God do on their behalf? Discuss: How important is repentance as modeled by the people of Israel here under Samuel?

After 20 years, In 7:3-4 we see the word “returning” which the act of repentance. Samuel gave Israel three commands: 1) to put away their foreign practices (worshipping other gods in idolatry the Baals and Ashtaroth); 2) Return and direct their hearts to the LORD; 3) Serve God alone – and they did (they repented).
Samuel prayed to the LORD on behalf of the people, and because of this the LORD caused defeat amongst the Philistines (in a miraculous way throwing them into confusion), and Israel pursued and defeated them that day. We then read “the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.”
Discussions may vary but might include the fact that God is always there with open arms to a heart that is truly sorry/repented for their sins against Him. This repentance must have some visible fruits as well, and we see this in the actions of the people of Israel and they returned to the worship of the one true God.

Interesting note: Shilo is never again mentioned in Scripture as it was most likely destroyed at this time (and because of the evil practices of the Priests there under Eli’s sons); and we then see Samuel housed in Ramah from here on with Nob being where the Tabernacle is set up under Saul’s Kingship, and later in Gibeon during David and Solomon’s reign.

Chapter 8:

B. Samuel and Saul

Saul Becomes King of Israel

Israel Demands a King

In the first part of this chapter, we read that when Samuel begins to grow old,the people demanded to have a king like the other nations did, and since Samuel’s sons did not walk in Samuel’s way (most likely they were following in the ways of Eli’s sons) as verse 3 tells us “Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice.” (this points back to the influence of those who raise up the next generation). God tells Samuel that the people were not rejecting him, but rejecting God. God tells Samuel to let them have their way, but to give them a solemn warning.

Warning Concerning a King

Samuel follows God’s command and gives God’s warning to the people, telling them what will happen to them by these “human kings” that would rule, including forced labor, servitude, slavery, forced army service, taxes, forced taking of property, among other hardships that a human king would enforce. But the people refused to listen or obey Samuel, and with God’s permission would grant them this request.

Who were the last judges in Israel, why did the people complain about them, and what did they ask for? How did Samuel respond, and then what did God tell Samuel?

Samuel’s two sons were actually the last judges of Israel but they did not follow in the ways of Samuel, which means they did not follow the LORD. They took bribes and perverted justice, reminiscent of Eli’s wicked sons. The people wanted a king, just like the other nations had. Samuel responded with displeasure and turned to God in prayer. God told Samuel, in verse 7, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.”

What warning did Samuel give the people of Israel concerning a king, why, and how did they respond?

See summary notes under warning above…

Interpretation: What does it mean?

What is God showing the reader about who He is (His character)? (Chapters 4-8)

We see God’s patience with His people; we see His love for Samuel; and we see His righteous justice enacted upon those who do not know Him nor honor Him (as exampled in the treatment of the Ark and in the pagan worship of both the Philistines and even Israel who followed pagan gods and those cultures).
We also see the God’s willingness to accept repentance and give atonement for sins.

What is God teaching the audience from this narrative? (Chapters 4-8)

Without Him they would not be victorious against their enemies (Philistines).
The Ark was not an idol, but had specific commands about how it was to be handled.
God is to be honored and always put first through prayer, and for these people He had given specific directions on how to live, sacrifice and worship Him in their Law.
God was the only King they needed, but again they turned from Him.
God accepts hearts of true repentance and show His love for them (as seen in their victories).
God always has a remanent of true followers as modeled by Samuel.

Do we see anything in this narrative that points towards Jesus (a picture, foreshadow, model, prophecy etc.). (Chapters 4-8)

We see a foreshadowing in the sacrifices for atonement (forgiveness of sins), especially in 7:9 where they sacrificed an eight-day old lamb which points directly to Jesus’ ultimate mission and final sacrifice as a perfect lamb.
The mercy seat on the Ark pictures true atonement that will ultimately and permanently be found in Jesus
Samuel is a picture of Jesus as an intercessor for the people and in his intimate relationship with God.

Application: How can we use what we learned?

What can we learn from the people of Israel (good or bad)?

Good: True repentance when they lamented and turned to God (it may have even been for twenty years) but God responded to them.

Bad: They would again and again turn away from a relationship with God and serve idols.

What can we learn from the leaders of Israel (good or bad)?

Good: Samuel modeled what it meant to be in true relationship with God – Eli did at times, as did Elkanah and Hannah.

Bad: As in the case of the sons of both Eli and Samuel, they did not walk with the LORD nor did they honor His ways. They were corrupt and because of pride they dishonored the people, cheating, stealing and taking bribes.

Discuss any “shelf” questions you might have about chapters 4-8.

Answers here will vary…

Homework

Read 1 Samuel Chapters 9-12 and write out titles and sub-titles for each section
Write a short summary (3-5 sentences or bullet points) for each chapter or chapter section to help in our weekly table discussion

Going Deeper:

Share your summary and/or answer these questions for each chapter:

CONTEXT: What does it say?

Chapter 9:

Who was Saul, where was he from, and what tribe did he belong to?
What happened that caused Saul to meet up with Samuel; how did Samuel treat Saul; and how do we see God’s sovereignty in this narrative?
Going deeper: Why would Saul say he was from the least of the tribes of Israel? (Clue: What happened in Judges chapters 19-21?) What tribe should God’s “King” come from, and why?

Chapter 10:

At the end of chapter 9 Samuel pulls Saul aside to talk to him privately. In this chapter, what does Samuel do to Saul and why?
Samuel gives Saul some specific directions to follow. What does he have Saul do, and why?
How do we see the Holy Spirit working at this time, and why?
When and how is Saul proclaimed King? What are some things we observe in Saul’s character that indicate he was destined for trouble?

Chapter 11:

Review: Research – Who were the Ammonites (what is their history, who did they come from)?
What happened to the people of Jabesh-gilead; how did the Holy Spirit work through Saul to help them (and what military tactic did Saul use)?
How and why was Saul officially confirmed as King, and what happened to the men who did not want Saul to be King?

Chapter 12:

Samuel’s farewell address is reminiscent of both Moses and Joshua. What are some things that he said to the people about himself; their history; their obligation to the LORD; and their future?

Note: Some of this comes from the conditional part of God’s Covenant in the Mosaic Law: Obedience = protection; disobedience = loss of that protection.

INTERPRETATION: What does it mean? (Chapters 9-12)

What is God showing the reader about who He is (His character)?
What is God trying to teach the audience from this narrative?
Do we see anything in this narrative that points towards Jesus (a picture, foreshadow, model, prophecy etc.).

APPLICATION: How can we use what we learned?

Are there things we can apply to our lives that we learn from people in this narrative (good or bad)?

Discuss any “shelf” questions you might have about chapters 9-12.

Join us next week as we continue our Apologetics Blueprint Class!

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.

Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15