...As Samuel grew in age he intended to appoint one of his sons as the king of Israel. His sons however did not follow the ways of their father or God. “They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice” (I Samuel 8:3). The people of Israel desired a king, “a king like all the other nations” (Hindson and Yates, 2012. P.164). The people had grown tired of oppression and felt that “the lack of a strong human leader as the cause and did not realize that the reason for the oppression was a spiritual on-their failure to serve God” (Harbin, 2005, p.219). Saul was not God’s choice for the throne but “he was the people’s choice” (Hindson and Yates, 2012. P.164). Saul’s appointment as king was against the “old theocratic ideal that God alone was King of Israel (I Samuel 8:5). Saul’s reign lasted from 1029-1005BC (Roux and Williams, 2012). Saul had great military talent and garnered God’s support by reuniting the Israelites and crushing the Ammonites. Nearing the final years of Saul’s reign “he was very pre-occupied with David’s increasing fame which severely depressed him” (Roux and Williams, 2012). Saul had even gone so far as to hunt David down in order to kill him. In 1 Samuel 16:14 we see were Saul had lost God’s spirit and He had replaced it with and evil spirit. Saul had begun to suspect everyone around him of plotting against him. After God refused to bless Saul in a battle he did the unthinkable. Saul “consulted a medium at Endor” (Roux...
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...Chris Newman Michael Ritter REL124 16 December 2012 David: Hero, King and Prophet There is no doubt that King David is one of the most outstanding biblical and historical figures, who also inspired artists of all epochs to make him a hero of their work. His role was special as the second King of Israel and as a human ancestor of Jesus Christ. Thus, one can state for sure that this personality is of great importance both for Judaism and Christianity and embodies devotion to God and the idea of authority blessed by God as well. Most of information on David can be found in the Books of Samuel and Ruth. Historically, David was one of eight sons of Jesse, who in his turn descended from Judas. In the Old Testament books, it is mentioned that he was handsome, physically strong, had red hair and was an outstanding musician. He started by helping his father to care about the herd and quite succeeds in doing so. Even at a young age, he demonstrates courage as a shepherd when a lion and bear attack the herd. He conquers in the battle with beasts, for which he gains his first glory. In fact, it should be mentioned, that being a shepherd is more than a narrative element which is mentioned in the Bible. In fact, this role of David is foreshadowing his future position of Israeli ruler. In the scriptures, a shepherd is often a positive idea that implies being in charge of people. Even God has been compared to a shepherd not once like for instance in the following passage: ‘Then he blessed...
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...OBST 592 Exam 3—Study Guide Thanks to Brian & Jung for their notes..I used both to complete this. Maybe it can be of some help for whoever hasn’t gotten a chance to fill it out. If there is something that says “I” it’s referring to Dr. Yates…Jung’s notes were transcribed, so its exactly what Dr. Yates said. If anything is wrong or should be added, please let me know This test will cover the books of Zechariah, Joel, Malachi, Psalms, Proverbs, and Job. Some test questions will cover general knowledge of these books discussed in the class sessions on these books. The best way to prepare for these questions is to study through your notes from the class sessions covering these books. Zechariah: Know the three sections of the book: The night visions: The night visions (Zech 1:1-6:14) 1. The vision of the man among the myrtle trees (1:7-17) a. Angels of God going out to judge the other nations b. God will bring judgment against the nations who feel safe and secure 2. The vision of the four horns and the four craftsmen (1:18-21) a. The nations that harm Israel will be destroyed b. Craftsman will destroy horns 3. The vision of the man with a measuring line (2:1-12) a. Jerusalem will be bigger and better than ever before 4. The vision of the new garments for the high priest (3:1-10) a. Cleansing of the priest and the restoration of Israel’s worship b. Satan appears in this vision 5. The vision of the golden lampstand and the two olive trees (4:1-14) a. Joshua...
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...Dealing with difficult people not only tests our faith in God, but it also puts our witness on display. One biblical figure who responded well to difficult people was David, who triumphed over many offensive characters to become king of Israel. When he was only a teenager, David encountered one of the most intimidating types of difficult people—the bully. Bullies can be found in the workplace, at home, and in schools, and they usually frighten us with their physical strength, authority, or some other advantage. Goliath was a giant Philistine warrior who had terrorized the entire Israelite army with his size and his skill as a fighter. No one dared to meet this bully in combat, until David showed up. Before facing Goliath, David had to deal with a critic, his own brother Eliab, who said: "I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle." (1 Samuel 17:28, NIV) David ignored this critic because what Eliab said was a lie. That's a good lesson for us. Turning his attention back to Goliath, David saw through the giant's taunts. Even as a young shepherd, David understood what it meant to be a servant of God: "All those here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:47, NIV). While we should not respond to bullies by hitting them in the head with a rock, we should remember that our strength is not in ourselves, but in the...
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...The Three Kings Ashton Brown Bibl 105- B20 Liberty University The Three Kings Back in the time of Samuel the people of Israel desired a king. During that time Saul was chosen, but eventually he was rejected. David ended up becoming king after Saul and ultimately did a better job. This essay will discuss why Israel demanded a king, why Saul was rejected, as well as why David was a much better choice than Saul was for king, and after David’s reign what sin Solomon commited to divide Israel. Hindson and Yates say that a judge could only partially administer Torah, execute justice, and condemn lawbreakers, therefore a king was needed (Hindson &Yates, 2012). Israel needed someone who could so all of these principles. Samuel had two sons, Joel and Abijah, who ended up perverting justice and accepting bribes. Therefore Samuel could not make them kings, as he grew old. The people of Israel were not pleased and told Samuel to find a new king, because he was too old and his sons were no good (1 Samuel 8:1-6, New International Version). After Samuel was told that by the Israelites the Lord came to him and said that the people were actually rejecting him, not Samuel. Samuel took back everything the Lord said and repeated it to the Israelites, but they still demanded and king. With that Samuel went back to the Lord and the Lord said, “…give them a king” (1 Samuel 8:7, 19-22). With that, Samuel found Saul. Saul was from the town of Benjamin. According to 1 Samuel 9:2...
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... The Philistine oppression was great and had wrought a great slaughter among them. It was Samuel whom God used to ultimately usher the nation back to Him. “So the Israelites put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only. Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpah and I will pray to the Lord for you. So they gathered at Mizpah and drew water and poured it out before the Lord and fasted on that day and said there, we have sinned against the Lord. And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah.” (1 Sam 7:4-6 AMP). Now as Samuel began to age, he appointed his two sons as judges over Israel, but they did not possess the righteousness of Samuel. They were wicked in their dealings, were out for gain, took bribes and perverted justice. The elders of the Israel brought this to Samuels’s attention, and then asked for a king to rule over them, like all of the other nations. Although there was truth to the wickedness of the sons of Samuel, the real motive behind Israel’s request was driven by their own wickedness to be like the surrounding nations....
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...Life changes in an instant and it’s no respecter of common folk or nobility. In mere seconds, life can make a 360- degree shift, through no fault of our own. It is during dream shattering moments we need to be looking up because our King is not far off. He will be searching for His children. The second book of Samuel has a powerful account of a life ravaged with tragedy and restored by a King. Mephibosheth was the grandson of King Saul, and the son of Johnathan, the beloved friend of David, the giant slayer. When he was five-years-old his life changed drastically and in seconds, he became fatherless and in his servant’s haste to move him to safety, he was dropped. As a result, Mephibosheth became lame and walked with a limp for the rest of his days. The details of his situation aren’t exactly like mine, but one can’t help but empathize with this devastating situation. In the blink of an eye, my whole world changed too, as a result I’ve often described moving forward in this life as walking with a limp....
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...priest has picked. (Psalm 2) The connection of the term "Messiah" as applied to an anointed king appears especially strong, and was used in a prophetic sense of the coming of King David ruler. Both Second Samuel and the Psalms refer to King David as the "anointed one" (mashiach) whose descendants will rule forever (2 Samuel 22:50-51, Psalm. 18:50-51). In addition, the concept of a universal messiah is seen in texts that give to the King David house dominion over foreign nations (2 Samuel. 22:44-51, Psalm. 18:44-51; Psalm. 2:7-9). In the prophetic writings the messianic concept has a special reference to God’s promised David ruler who will restore Israel to the divine ideal (Isaiah 9:7; Jeremiah 23:5-6) depict a divinely appointed king messiah (or “anointed”) who will destroy God’s Gentile opponents and as his representative will reign over the nations. The pre-exilic prophet Isaiah likewise predicts a future King David Messiah who will smite Israel’s enemies and rule in justice over the nations (Isaiah 11:1-10). The post-exilic Chronicler also speaks of a King David ruler-restorer who will rebuild the Temple, to whom God would be Father without the need for correction, and who will serve as regent in God's kingdom. It appears that the return to Judah after the exile and the re-establishment of the David dynasty broken by the Babylonian captivity (cf. Zech. 4:7-10), were at first considered not only a...
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...201540 BIBL105 Oct 21, 2015 As Samuel, one of the last great judges, aged he made his sons, Joel and Abijah, judges. However, his sons did not follow in his steps, they were greedy, took bribes and perverted justice. Known as the “Sea Peoples,” the Philistines migrated across the Mediterranean in massive numbers during the time of the judges, taking the coastal plains during this time and pushing Israel into the hill country. Since the Philistines had a monopoly on the use of iron, they had a military advantage over Israel. The aggressive military behavior by the Philistines caused Israel to long for a king to fight their battles. The elders of Israel came to Samuel and insisted that he a select a king. The people wanted a king to govern them so that they may be like all the nations. Samuel warned them the ways of a king , he will take your sons to be his horsemen, to plow his ground, to reap his harvest and to make equipment. He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. He will take a tenth of your grain and your flocks and make you his slaves. “The day when you cry out because of the king whom you yourselves have chose; and the Lord will not answer you on that day” (I Samuel 9.16). But the people would not listen. There was a Benjamite, named Kish, a man of wealth and valor. He had a son Saul who was more handsome than most and a head taller than anyone. And Samuel said to all the people, Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen, that none like him is...
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...Professor Bible 105, Essay 2 (MLA) 19 September 2015 Saul, David, and Solomon Before discussing why the people of Israel desired a king, it is important to go back in time and get an understanding of the background and history. Samuel was, at birth, chosen by God. He was a prophet and served under Eli, the high priest. By the power of God and Samuel’s leadership, the Philistines (Israel’s enemy) were defeated. Eli’s sons had been killed, Eli had died and, Samuel became judge over Israel. When Samuel was an old man, he appointed his sons as judges to Israel. His sons, however, were corrupt (Swindoll 2). “Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice” (1 Sam. 8:3). So the people of Israel felt let down and they wanted something done…they wanted a king. However, this was not the only reason they wanted a king. Samuel was not only old and his sons were corrupt, the people wanted to be like other nations (Dale). They told Samuel they wanted him to appoint a king to judge them. “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Sam. 8:5). People have always wanted to be like everybody else. Israel was to be different and distinct from all other nations. Israel was to be a covenant people by whom God would reveal Himself and His plan of redemption. “But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And...
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...and women in the Bible used significantly by God, you shall find that at least at one time they were shepherds—Rachel, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and David. The first man whose sacrifice is recorded to have pleased God was a shepherd: Abel. Unlike Cain, Abel gave God a sacrifice of his first. As we have already seen, the sacrifice of the first of one’s fruits signified total dedication of all the fruits to God, from whom all good things come. Abel honored God. In response to God’s question after he had killed his brother, “Where is your brother Abel?” Cain mocked his brother’s profession by answering, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”, as if to say, “Am I my brother’s shepherd?” Shepherds were looked down upon. This could also have been another reason Cain’s jealousy burned against his brother. A mere herdsman, a shepherd, was looked on with favor by God, instead of him. 147 Brenda Siara Jesse, David’s father, when asked by Samuel the prophet to present to him the sons in his household, brought all except for David. When Samuel found not, amongst those presented, the king whom God had chosen, he asked Jesse if he had presented all his sons. Jesse then spoke of David, who was out tending the sheep. If Samuel had just come abruptly to Jesse’s house and asked them to follow him immediately, then we may argue that David was out in the fields and coincidentally unavailable at that moment. However, Samuel consecrated Jesse and his sons and asked them to join him for...
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...away and the new era of the kings is established. Israel had been governed by the tribal priest judges. Samuel, a tribal priest judge, was a Godly man however, “When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. His firstborn son’s name was Joel and his second was Abijah. They were judges in Beer-sheba. However, his sons did not walk in his ways — they turned toward dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.”(1 Sam.8: 1-3 HCSB). This story had been repeated many times through the era of the judges. The people wanted a king to be like the other nations and to escape the corruption of the judges. (1 Sam.8: 4-5 HCSB). Samuel saw this as a rejection of him but God told Samuel, “They have not rejected you; they have rejected Me as their king.” God allowed the people to have a king like the other nations but Samuel did convey God’s warning of the “rights of a king” (1 Sam. 8:11b HCSB) and their national “covenant of unfaithfulness.” (Hindson and Yates 2012, 165). These events subsequently lead to the coronation and reign of Saul, David, and Solomon, the first three kings, but each struggled with maintaining “covenant fidelity”. (Hindson and Yates 2012, 171) Saul was the first who was appointed to be the king. Saul was selected by the people of Israel because, “There was no one more impressive among the Israelites than he. He stood a head taller than anyone else.” (1 Sam. 9:2b HCSB). In the beginning, Saul follows God’s commandments. Saul delivered Jabash-gilead...
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...Kings of a Unified Israel Bible 105-B27 LUO: Old Testament Survey 201320 Spring 2013 Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx L33333333 Liberty University February 9, 2013 Kings of a Unified Israel Samuel was the last of the Judges. He was the bridge between the dark and chaotic period of the Judges to the glorious era of the Kings (Hester, 1962). He was called by God to be Judge, Priest, and Prophet for Israel. When Samuel had aged greatly, the people began to crave a new government. They want their own King. They did not understand that God was their King. They were spiritually dead. Fear was one reason for wanting a King. The leading men of Israel felt that their security demanded a strong military leader (Hester, 1962). Another reason was that of simple jealousy. Other nations had a King, so they wanted one as well. They desired the splendor of royalty to be observed in one man that would represent Israel. Samuel tried to warn them of what a King would do to their lives, and told them that God was their King, but it was ignored. Samuel took their request and repeated it to the Lord. God answered, “Listen to them, and give them a king.” (I Samuel 8:22, NIV). Instead of being set apart as a nation for God, they coveted what other nations had. They rejected God. Samuel was now searching for a man that God chose and would send to him. When Samuel caught sight of Saul the Lord said, “This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people” (I Samuel 9:17, NIV). Unaware...
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...Bible 105 November 16, 2014 Covenant Obedience The first three kings of Israel were Saul, David, and Solomon and each had their own strengths and weaknesses. Each king obeyed and disobeyed God, receiving blessings and punishments as a result. At the end of Solomon’s reign, due to his disobedience, Israel was a divided nation. The rise and fall of each king depended on their covenant obedience. During the early years of Israel, the nation was looked after by judges. The Israelites were very disobedient and would continually turn their backs on God until they needed him. God used several judges to bring the Israelites from underneath the oppression imposed on them by various groups such as the Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Philistines. Each judge had a specific quality that would have made them less than worthy for a great position in the eyes of the people. For instance, Ehud was left-handed, Gideon was a coward, and Samson was an adulterer but God deliberately choose the least likely candidates to prove that anything is possible when you trust in Him. According to Judges 21:25 (HCSB), “in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever he wanted. This cycle of disobedience to God, and God raising up a judge, eventually led the way to kingship. Because a judge could only partially and imperfectly administer Torah (legislative function), executive justice (executive function), and condemn lawbreakers (judicial function), a king was needed who could...
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...Contrast the moral and responsible behavior of the Israelites between Judges 16-19 and Ruth 1-4 Even though God’s people are unfaithful to him, he would still be faithful to them. In the book of Judges there are twelve individuals who are considered saviors. They save their own tribes or a number of tribes from these invaders or tribes that were not intended to be in control of Canaan. However, the Israelites allowed them to control those sections of Canaan. Those that delivered the Israelites were called Judges, meaning they delivered the Israelites from their oppressors. In Judges Chapter 16, Samson is an example of a person who was initially faithful and obeyed God and was a savior and deliverer of Israel. He became unfaithful to God in disobedience but then God is faithful to him. Samson’s strength was symbolized by his hair, however, a prostitute was sent to seduce him in order to find out what actually gave him strength. In disobedience to God, Samson conveys his secret to her which leads her to cut off his hair and causes him to be taken as a prisoner and blinded. This was a result of Samson’s punishment on the account of his obedience to God. Because Samson is weakened from the lost of his strength, his tribe is left without defense and they’re oppressed. After so many years of his repentance and confession of sin, he is now placed in a situation to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors. With God’s strength provided to him, Samson was able to destroy the leadership...
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