Page 48 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook

Study Section 7: Pre-Exilic Historical (Time of Kings)

7.1 Connect.
What is your motivation when you are making decisions? Do you make decisions based on
how others live? What kind of leader are you? Are you a courageous leader? The book of
Judges narrates a part of the dark times of Israel’s history; the last part of the Judges period
and the beginning of the Monarch. It also tells us the wrong motivations of Israelites for
choosing a King, the rise of United Kingdom and the decline of Morality and spirituality among
God’s chosen people. It also narrates the problems of the divided Kingdom which resulted into
God’s people being taken into Exile. It reveals the perfection of God’s choices compared to human
choices. Simply stated God’s choice is the best. Man’s choices without God are futile. Let’s continue
with our survey….

7.2 Objectives

1. The student should be able to discuss what the historical books in the time of the kings are all
about.

2. The student should be able to discuss the important questions such as: what, when, where,
how.

3. The student should be able to discuss the main message and main divisions of each individual
historical book in the time of the kings.

4. The student should be able to discuss the applications from the 6 historical books.

7.3 Lesson

1 SAMUEL
1 Samuel introduces us to the Last Judge of Israel, Samuel. It also
introduces us to the beginning of Israel’s monarchy. (cf. Samuel’s
farewell, 12:1f, divided monarchy, 27:7) The theme(s) of 1 Samuel
include: Prelude to Kingship (1-7), Selection and Rejection of 1st King
(8-15), Rise of a New King (16-31) The main message of 1 Samuel is: The ministry
of Samuel unifies and prepares Israel for kingship, the reign of Saul highlights the
folly of appearance over obedience, and the rise of David illustrates the
providence and protection of God’s righteous leader. Prelude to Kingship (1-7) Selection and Rejection
of 1st Kings (8-15) Rise of New King, Demise of Old (16-31).

Chapter’s 1-3 focus of the rise of Samuel as prophet and judge. Israel needs a political and spiritual
leader to unify them under God. Samuel is God’s answer, Israel’s last judge in a prelude to kingship. His
birth to a barren mother stresses consecration. Hannah asks, YHWH remembers, answers. Since YHWH
gave her a son, she gives him back, praising YHWH as supreme ruler- anti-Baal and One who reverses
human fortunes (1-2). The rise of Samuel is contrasted with the demise of Israel’s spiritual leadership-
Eli. Eli’s sons didn’t know YHWH, defied His law, were rejected by Him, while Samuel served YHWH,
grew in favor with Him, and responded to His calling, being established as His prophet in Israel (2-3).

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