Topic 1: Samuel and the Establishment of the Monarchy
1. Background: Samuel the Last Judge
Samuel was born to Elkanah and Hannah at Ramah in answer to Hannah's prayer (1 Samuel 1). He was dedicated to God and raised in the sanctuary at Shiloh under the priest Eli. God called him as a boy (1 Samuel 3). He served Israel as:
- Judge: settled disputes and led the people.
- Prophet: spoke God's messages to Israel.
- Priest: offered sacrifices and interceded for the people.
2. Why Israel Demanded a King (1 Samuel 8)
- Samuel was old and his sons Joel and Abijah were corrupt (took bribes, perverted justice).
- The people wanted to be like other nations.
- They wanted a leader to lead them in war against enemies such as the Philistines.
- They had grown tired of the unstable rule of the judges.
Samuel's Warning
God told Samuel that the people had rejected God Himself as their king. Samuel warned that a king would:
- Draft their sons into the army and forced labour.
- Take their daughters as cooks and perfumers.
- Take the best fields and a tenth of their produce.
- Make the people his servants.
3. The Anointing of Saul
- Saul, son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, was privately anointed by Samuel (1 Samuel 9-10).
- He was publicly chosen at Mizpah by lot.
- His kingship was confirmed at Gilgal after he defeated the Ammonites at Jabesh Gilead (1 Samuel 11).
4. Saul's Disobedience and Rejection
- Unlawful sacrifice at Gilgal (1 Samuel 13:8-14): Saul did not wait for Samuel and offered the burnt offering himself.
- Sparing Agag (1 Samuel 15): God commanded Saul to destroy the Amalekites, but he spared King Agag and the best livestock, claiming they were for sacrifice.
- Consulting a medium (1 Samuel 28): Saul sought guidance from the witch of Endor.
Samuel declared that obedience is better than sacrifice. God rejected Saul as king and Samuel anointed David (1 Samuel 16). Saul later died on Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31).
5. Lessons for Christians Today
- Obedience to God matters more than religious rituals.
- Leaders must be humble and accountable to God.
- Pride and jealousy lead to downfall.
- God chooses leaders by character, not outward appearance.
- Peer pressure and the wish to copy others can lead people away from God's plan.