THE LORD ANOINTS SAUL AS KING

1 Samuel 8:1-9:27

Key Verse: 9:16

• ISRAEL DEMANDS A KING (8:1-22)

1. Samuel’s sons had a good father. How is it that “his sons walked not his ways”? (1-3) When Samuel grew old, what did all the elders of Israel ask? (4-5)Although the elders used the problem of Samuel’s sons as an excuse, what was their real motive in asking for a king? (20)

2. How did Samuel feel about this, and what did he do? (6) What did God tell him to do? (7-9) How did God deal with his rebellious people?

3. What did God warn about the costs of having a human king? (10-17) What was God’s final warning? (18) In spite of this, what did the people demand and why? (19-20; 12:12) How did Samuel deal with this problem? (21) What was the Lord’s answer? (22) Why would God accept their request for a king when he knew the evil consequences? (Psalm 106:15)

• THE INTRODUCTION AND CHOICE OF THE KING (9:1-27)

4. What kind of person was Saul? (9:1-2) Describe his attitude toward his father, his servant and God’s servant (9:3-10). What does this show about his character? What led him to Samuel? (9:3,6,11-14)

5. What did God reveal about his plan in choosing a king? (9:15-17) What was God’s purpose for the new king? Notice the repetition of “my people.” What can we learn here about God?

6. How did Samuel help Saul accept God’s choosing as Israel’s leader? (9:18-27)