College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 8 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 8
The people ask for a king. God had long foreseen the day when Israel would have a king. He had told Abraham that kings would come out of his loins (Genesis 17:6). Moses had received instructions from God to pass along to the Israelites to guide them in the selection of a man to rule over them (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). The people of Israel, however, were presumptuous in demanding a king before it was evident in God's good providence to establish a king over them. Their motive was also quite bad inasmuch as they wanted a king over them ... like all the nations (1 Samuel 8:5).
The Lord instructs Samuel. God told Samuel to hearken to the request of the people. He also instructed him to protest solemnly and show them the essential nature of a king.
Samuel describes a king. This passage is a classic description of the nature of a monarch. His demands upon the lives of his subjects are spelled out in large letters. Much of what Samuel predicted was fulfilled in the very first king of Israel. Other succeeding kings only verified what Samuel had said.
The people persist. Regardless of the consequences, the people were insistent in seeking a king. They heard all that Samuel had to say, but they were not diverted from their intentions of changing their society from one that has been described as a theocracy to one that is best known as a monarchy.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
The pull of the world. A great deal of pressure is brought upon individuals, communities, and countries as social custom prevails. What others do matters a great deal to all of us. Style of dress is dictated by what everybody seems to be wearing. Moral standards in non-Christian countries fluctuate with the changing social scene. Christian doctrine may also be interpreted differently according to what seems to be the prevailing opinions. It was this desire to conform that led Israel to ask for a king.
2.
The patience of God. Although God had not instigated this movement towards the monarchy, His great love dictated that the request of the people should be granted. Samuel thought that the people had rejected him from being their judge. God declared that in reality the people were rejecting Him. Still, God did not turn His back upon them and forsake them to flounder in their foolish ways.
CHAPTER 8 IN REVIEW
1.
Whom did Samuel appoint as judges in Israel?
_____
2.
Where did these judges reside?
_____
3.
What were the names of Samuel's sons?
_____
4.
What reason did the people give for asking for a king?
_____
5.
What was the real reason?
_____
6.
What did Samuel say the king would do with Israel's young men?
_____
7.
What did Samuel say the king would do with Israel's young women?
_____
8.
What did Samuel say the king would do with Israel's land?
_____
9.
What portion of their income did Samuel say the people would have
to give to support their king?
_____
10.
When Samuel said the people had rejected him,
whom did God say they had rejected?
_____
JUDGESHIPS OF SAMUEL AND ELI
1 Samuel 1-8
1.
Ramah
Birth of Samuel 1 Samuel 1:1-20
2.
Shiloh
Dedication of Samuel 1 Samuel 1:21 to 1 Samuel 2:11
3-4.
Aphek and Ebenezer
Defeat of Israel by Philistines 1 Samuel 4:1-22
5.
Ashdod
Fall of Dagon 1 Samuel 5:1-7
6.
Gath
Ark there 1 Samuel 5:8-9
7.
Ekron
Ark there 1 Samuel 5:10-12
8.
Beth-shernesh
Ark sent to Israel 1 Samuel 6:1-20
9.
Kiriath-jearim
Ark remains 20 years 1 Samuel 6:21 to 1 Samuel 7:2
10.
Mizpah
Samuel defeats Philistines 1 Samuel 7:3-14
11.
Bethel-Gilgal-Mizpah
Samuel's circuit 1 Samuel 7:15-17
12.
Beersheba
Samuel's sons Judges 8:1-3
13.
Ramah
Israel requests a King 1 Samuel 8:4-22