Immanuel Lutheran Church, Mankato
Fall 1999 Sunday Bible Study
"Old Testament Believers" (Judges-David)
November 14, 1999

SAMUEL

1 Samuel 3,7,8,12,15,16,25

We need spend only a little time talking about the historical background of Samuel, for we have already spent two weeks talking about his mother, Hannah, and his mentor, Eli. It was the time near the end of the Period of the Judges in the early 11^th century BC. Politically, Israel remained divided into tribal territories ruled by numerous judges and oppressed by various enemies. Spiritually, Israel was undergoing a period of sustained decline involving both gross immorality and superstition (cf. 1 Samuel 1:12-14; 2:12-17,22; 4:3-11). In addition, we are told that "the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation" (1 Samuel 3:1). People, in other words, were in general unconcerned about God’s Word, and God was not revealing Himself directly to anyone at the time. God, however, always has His own in every age and raises up individuals to fulfill His will in accordance with His divine purpose. So it was with Samuel!

The key to understanding Samuel’s character is his relationship with and respect for God and His Word. It is that relationship with God and respect for His Word, which can serve as such a good example for us today. God would later reveal through Isaiah, "'Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,' says the LORD. 'But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word'" (66:1-2). Samuel "trembled" before God and in the presence of His Word. Few people in our day do that. Yet such an attitude is truly key to a close and living relationship with God!

Review Samuel's Calling—Read 1 Samuel 3:9-12,15,18-21:

• Note Samuel’s attitude, suggested by Eli but inspired by faith—"Speak, for Your servant hears!" (cf. Hebrews 11:32-33).
  
• Note the courage it takes to speak the truths revealed by God through His Word!
  
• Note Samuel’s ongoing attitude—"Samuel…let none of his words fall to the ground!"
  
• Note how Samuel’s reputation grew as the LORD continued to appear to him.
  

Read 1 Samuel 7:2-14:

• Note Samuel’s role in bringing about a spiritual "reformation" in Israel through the proclamation of God’s Word, his calls for repentance, worship, and prayer.
  
• Note God’s response to Samuel and his repentant people.
  
• Note the physical blessings bestowed upon Israel by God in view of their spiritual "reformation."
  

Read 1 Samuel 7:15-8:3:

• Note Samuel’s faithful service to Israel.
  
• Note the sad situation that developed in connection with Samuel’s sons. What observations might we make, what conclusions might we draw, and what advice might we offer present day kingdom workers from the example of Samuel and his family?
  

Read 1 Samuel 8:4-22:

• Note the reasons given by Israel for their request of a king—the failure of God’s representatives and a personal desire to be like the world! While God’s law applies equally to all people, why is it so important that God’s called servants be especially careful with regard to their personal lives? People often use the sins of others to justify their own sinful choices. Why is this both unscriptural and dangerous?
  
• Note God’s understanding of and reaction to Israel’s request—God understood that Israel was in effect rejecting His leadership, He had Samuel explain the consequences of their request to them, but ultimately He gave Israel what they wanted…to their own judgment (cf. Hosea 13:11). Why is it so important that we regularly compare our personal desires with God’s will to see that they are compatible?
  

Read 1 Samuel 12:1-25:

• Note Samuel exemplary life.
  
• Note Samuel identification of Israel’s underlying sin in asking for a king.
  
• Note Samuel’s verbal and God’s visual warnings against further rebellion.
  
• Note Samuel’s ongoing ministry of the Word and prayer.
  

Read 1 Samuel 15:22-35:

• Note Samuel’s role as God’s representative in bringing God’s Word to Saul. Why must one be fearless when proclaiming God’s Word?
  
• Note his role as divine judge over against Agag.
  
• Note Samuel’s close emotional tie to Saul. Why is proclaiming God’s Word at times so very difficult?
  

Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13:

• Note Samuel’s initial fears.
  
• Note Samuel’s very human tendencies to look at externals, rather than by judging the heart. What tremendous lesson does this incident teach us?
  
• Note Samuel’s decisive actions when prompted by the Spirit.
  

Read 1 Samuel 25:1:

• Note Samuel’s death in the midst of political and spiritual turmoil. Compare the political and spiritual condition of Israel at the time of Samuel’s death with that at the time of his birth. What does such a comparison tell us about the world in which we live? What does it tell us about the attitude with which we should undertake our personal ministries?
  

--Pastor Paul D. Nolting