The Epic of First Samuel
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with a prayer of gratitude before moving into a review of 1 Samuel chapters 11 through 13. The teacher highlighted Saul’s early success against the Ammonites, noting the massive army he assembled and his merciful decision not to execute those who had doubted him (1 Samuel 11:12). This high point set the stage for Samuel’s solemn farewell address at Gilgal in chapter 12, where Samuel repeatedly invoked the Lord to remind Israel that their king was divinely appointed and that true authority belongs to God alone. He challenged the people to bring any accusations against him, and they declared his innocence, underscoring his lifelong integrity. The discussion then shifted to the warning Samuel gave in 1 Samuel 8 about the perils of demanding a human king, and the subsequent rebuke of Saul in chapter 13 for his disobedience. The teacher connected these Old Testament patterns to the modern practice of choosing leaders, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment and integrity. The class concluded by recalling the recurring cycle of sin, oppression, crying out, and deliverance seen in the book of Judges, urging participants to learn from history rather than repeat its mistakes.
Key Scriptures
Then Samuel said to Israel, Behold, I have listened to your voice in all that you have said to me, and I have appointed a king over you. Now here is the king walking before you, but I am old and gray, and behold, my sons are with you, and I have walked before you from my youth even to this day. I am here. Bear witness against me before the Lord and his anointed. Have I taken anything from your possession, or have I oppressed you? Witness against me.
Then the people said to Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? Bring the men that we may put them to death. But Saul said, Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has accomplished deliverance in Israel.