Recap: God begins to bring His people back into a healthy relationship with him. He miraculously intervenes through the miracle of the oxen. The joy of welcoming back the ark is mixed with sorrow as the Lord acts in judgement against those taking Him lightly. The people then charge someone with looking after the ark and finally when Samuel the prophet enters into the picture, the people are ready to repent and confess their sins and serve the Lord alone. Their repentance brings them temporal benefits particularly regaining lost territory.
Understanding:
In this chapter, what is the main point?
What did the people request of Samuel?
What was their rationale for doing this?
How did Samuel react to this request?
Did the Lord 'give in'?
What would be the consequences?
How was responsible for the request, the elders or the people? How do you know?
If God had foretold of a king, why do you think He was displeased?
Reflection:
Do you think Samuel failed as a parent? Discuss.
Sometimes do we pray with perseverance and persistence for the wrong things? Has
God ever given you what you asked for and then you were distressed with the
consequences?
Why did God relent here and let the people have their own stubborn way?
How does God in His sovereignty bring good even out of our bad decisions and our
stubbornness and rebellion?
What is the most biblical method of political goverance?
What type of tyranny have you been experiencing in your life? Tyranny of leadership of some type… tyranny of your own sinfulness … tyranny of some form of
addiction … How does God offer deliverance from such tyranny?
Do you see the same parallel application that I do to church government issues?
Sources:: P G Apple Bible Notes 2003, Living Word Library