Monday, September 18, 2017

Saul, Israel's First King

Israel’s First King 1 Samuel 8-10


When Samuel was an old man, God’s people said, “We want a king to rule over us.”  Samuel asked God for help.  God told Samuel to warn the people about all the trouble a king could bring.
A king would make the young men join his army, and the people would have to give the best things they owned to support the king.  Samuel warned the people, but they still would not listen.  Then God told Samuel to give them a king.
God led Samuel to a man named Saul.  Samuel poured oil on Saul’s head.  This was a sign that Saul was God’s choice for their new king.  Saul hid because he was shy.
The people found him.  Then Samuel said, “Here is your king.” Everyone cheered and shouted, “Long live the king!”

Discussion Questions

God’s people wanted someone to rule them.  Who did they want? A King
Did Samuel think this was a good idea?  No
Did God tell Samuel to give them a King? Yes
Who was it?  Saul
Samuel put oil on Saul’s head. What did that mean?  It means that Saul was God’s choice for their new king

Prayer

Dear God, 
Thank you for the story of Saul becoming king.  We can always trust you to make the best decisions for us.  Thank you for that gift.  Amen

Memory Verses

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all  your soul and with all your strength.”  Deuteronomy 6:5