1 Samuel & 2 Samuel

Question 1

Why is 1 Samuel an important transition in Israel’s history?

Answer 1

1) FROM a theocracy (a time when Israel was a loosely organized tribal league under the leadership of God)
2) TO a monarchy (a time when Israel had it’s own king).

Question 2

What were two main problems facing Israel at this time?

Answer 2

1) How would they present a unified front against their enemies?
2) Who would govern Israel after Samuel since his sons were not following his ways?

Their answer was to establish a king.

Question 3

When did the books of 1 and 2 Samuel come into their final form?

Answer 3

They came into form sometime after the division of the Kingdom into Northern Israel and Southern Judea around 930BC.

Question 4

What are the books of 1 and 2 Samuel a description of?

Answer 4

The development of the monarchy from the prophets point of view.

Question 5

Name the three main characters of 1st Samuel

Answer 5

Samuel- the last Judge and first prophet
Saul- the first King of Israel
David- the king-elect, anointed but not yet recognized as Saul’s successor

Question 6

1 Samuel 13:14 (BONUS POINTS)

Answer 6

But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.”

Question 7

1 Samuel 15:22 (BONUS POINTS)

Answer 7

But Samuel replied; “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams”

Question 8

1 Samuel 16:7 (BONUS POINTS)

Answer 8

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart”

Question 9

What did Samuel begin to function as?

Answer 9

Samuel begins to function as the last judge.

Question 10

What was one of the motives of the people of Israel?

Answer 10

One of the motives the people of Israel state for wanting a king was that they want to be like other nations.

Question 11

Why is Hannah a hero of the Bible?

Answer 11

Because she had an incredible faith and courage to finish the task she started.

Question 12

From Hannah’s story, what would be some basic principles of how to face suffering as people of faith? (CRITICAL QUESTION)

Answer 12

(CRITICAL QUESTION)

Question 13

Describe principles concerning how to respond to the doctrine of suffering in the light of Hannah’s story. (CRITICAL QUESTION)

Answer 13

(CRITICAL QUESTION)

Question 14

What is God confronting Eli about his sons an example of?

Answer 14

An example in scripture that spiritual leadership carries a greater responsibility.

Question 15

What does the text of the ark narrative focus on?

Answer 15

The power, authority, glory, and holiness of God.

Question 16

What was the motivation of the people for having a King?

Answer 16

They did not want to be unique. They wanted to be just like everyone else.

Question 17

What does scripture show us about the testing of ones faith?

Answer 17

Testing of faith is the norm rather than the exception.

Question 18

What lesson can be learned of God choosing David?

Answer 18

God is neither impressed nor judges by anything outward, but judges solely by what he sees in the heart.

Question 19

What are the 2 key lessons on the story of David and Goliath?

Answer 19

1) Davids motives are questioned by his brothers (17:28) it is not unusual, when you set out to do great things for God, for some of your own brothers and sisters in Christ to condemn you as self seeking.
2) David sees and focuses upon the spiritual reality while others see and focus on the physical reality.

Question 20

Who is Ish-Bosheth?

Answer 20

He was a king for 2 years over Israel (every other tribe but Judea) before the power struggle is over and David rules over all Judea and Israel.

Question 21

4 major points of God’s Covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:1-13)

Answer 21

1) God himself would establish David’s house forever.
2) God would raise up one of David’s sons who would build the temple.
3) God would establish a Father-Son relationship with David’s descendants.
4) While God would discipline David’s descendants, He would never remove his love from David’s line as he had from Saul.

Question 22

Two important aspects of the Davidic Covenant:

Answer 22

1) It is UNCONDITIONAL: God does not place any conditions upon its fulfillment.
2) It is MESSIANIC : These Covenant promises are a reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and also why the Messiah was later called the “Son of David”

Question 23

How did David feel about the covenant God had made with him?

Answer 23

David trusted the covenant God had made with him even to the point of permanently bringing a potential rival (Mephibosheth) into his court.

Question 24

3 lessons we learn from David’s sins:

Answer 24

1) God’s love does not show favoritism.
2) God’s love and favor is never a shield from the consequences of unholy loving. When God’s people (even important leaders in the church) sin, there are consequences for their sin.
3) As God honored the judgement of David when he condemned the man so David was judged by that same standard.

Question 25

What did Davids order to count the fighting men demonstrate?

Answer 25

It may have demonstrated that he trusted in the numbers more than in the power, providence, and goodness of God.