Tag: Samuel

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Bible Challenge Week 20: The Nation – Saul

Be careful what you wish for!  That saying wasn’t current in 1050 B.C., but it’s the theme of the prophet Samuel’s speech to the people in I Sam. 8:10-18.  You want a king?  Here’s what kings do.

They still want a king, so God gives them one.

And it doesn’t seem like such a bad deal.  The first king of Israel has some kingly qualities, both on the outside and on the inside.  He has no palace or royal guard or many of the fancy trappings that come with a long-standing monarchy.  Still, once the crown is on his head it goes to his head, as power usually does.  We’ll begin to see that process this week.  And we’ll encounter another problem that has puzzled Bible readers ever since.

For the printable download, with scripture references, discussion questions, and activities, click here:

Bible Reading Challenge Week 20: The Nation – Saul

(This is a continuation of a series of posts about the “whole story” of the Bible.  I plan to run one every week, on Tuesdays, with a printable PDF.  The printable includes a brief 2-3 paragraph introduction, Bible passages to read, a key verse, 5-7 thought/discussion questions, and 2-3 activities for the kids.  Here’s the Overview of the entire Bible series.)

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Next: Week 21: The Nation – Failure!

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Bible Challenge, Week 19: The Nation – Samuel

After the chaos of Judges, the LORD is ready to move Israel to a new phase of history.  They’ve exhausted themselves by “every man doing what was right in his own eyes,” and they seem to recognize it.  They need leadership, direction, identity: “Give us a King, so we might be like the other nations!”

Of course, they already have an identity in the Holy One of Israel, but that’s just not immediate enough.  You know?  It’s too abstract, even though they still have the tabernacle and a priest and well-defined rituals.  They still need a person.  And maybe we’re not so different, even now: we need a Person to look to and identify with.  That Person is coming, but first he will be personified in a succession of kings.  And a transitional figure emerges, vital enough to have two books of the Bible named for him . . .

To read more click below for the .pdf with scripture readings, questions, and activities:

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 19: The Nation – Samuel

(This is a continuation of a series of posts about the “whole story” of the Bible.  I plan to run one every week, on Tuesdays, with a printable PDF.  The printable includes a brief 2-3 paragraph introduction, Bible passages to read, a key verse, 5-7 thought/discussion questions, and 2-3 activities for the kids.  Here’s the Overview of the entire Bible series.)

Previous: Week 18: The Nation – Ruth

Next: Week 20: The Nation – Saul