Memory Scripture:
If you fear the Lord and serve Him and obey His voice and do not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then both you and the king who reigns over you will continue following the Lord your God.
(1 Samuel 12:14)
Israel’s kingdom rose under God’s hand, with Samuel anointing David as king under God’s will.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 8: Deborah: The First Female Judge (Jdg. 4:4-7).
Tue. 9: Ehud: The Left-handed Man (Jdg. 3:15-30).
Wed. 10: Gideon Requested A Sign (Jdg. 6:36-40).
Thu. 11: Othniel; The First Judge of Israel (Jdg. 3:7-10).
Fri. 12: Prophecy Against Eli’s Household (1 Sam. 2:22-36).
Sat. 13: Samson: The Nazarite (Jdg. 13:1-5).
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
God is still in control of appointing and removing leaders. He is forever the King of kings and Lord of lords.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCES: 1 SAMUEL 9:1FF; 10:8; 13:8-14; 16:1FF; 2 SAMUEL 5:4-5; 1 KINGS 1:28FF
In the previous lesson, we explored how God led Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness, into the Promised Land, first under Moses and then, Joshua.
After a time of being governed by judges, the Israelites began to desire a King, just like the surrounding nations. This marked the beginning of Israel’s monarchy.
This week, we will delve into the reigns of the first three kings of Israel—Saul, David and Solomon—and examine how their leadership shaped the nation’s relationship with God’s Word.
These key moments in Israel’s history, moving from direct rule by God to human kings, played a major role in the development of the Old Testament scriptures.
As we reflect on their lives, may God speak to us and help us apply His Word in our daily lives. Amen.
LESSON OUTLINE
- THE EMERGENCE OF KING SAUL
- THE REIGN OF DAVID TO SOLOMON
LESSON EXPOSITION
THE EMERGENCE OF KING SAUL (1 Sam. 9:1ff; 10:8; 13:8-14)
That we also may be like all the nations and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.
(8:20)
a) 8:5: The Israelites had been led by judges and prophets, but they asked for a king like other nations—transition from theocracy to monarchy, though God only allowed it—”permissive will”.
b) This led to God’s guidance working through a human king, rather than direct divine rule. Samuel wrote these accounts down, so that later generations would know why Israel chose a king.
c) 9:1ff: Saul’s journey to kingship began simply while he searched for his father’s lost ass. God used this ordinary task to lead Saul to Samuel; everyday situations can be part of God’s plan for us.
d) 10:8: Though anointed Israel’s first king, Saul must wait for divine instructions. Even great leaders must submit to God’s Word. This emphasises humility, obedience and alignment with God’s will, a key lesson that shaped the development of the OT scriptures.
e) 13:8-14: However, Saul lost God’s favour when he grew impatient in his service. He finished himself with his disobedience to God’s instruction against the Amalekite (15:1ff). These stories were included in the OT to show the vital need for trusting and obeying God.
THE REIGN OF DAVID TO SOLOMON (1 Sam. 16:1ff; 2 Sam. 5:4-5; 1 Kgs. 1:28ff)
How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.
(1 Sam. 16:1)
a) 1 Sam. 16:1: God had rejected Saul (15:35) chosen David, a humble shepherd, instead, teaching that He values the heart. This foreshadows the Messiah, Who would come from a humble beginning. God works through unlikely people.
b) vv.1ff: Though David was chosen as king, he wasn’t crowned immediately. His journey shows the importance of patience, mentorship and growth in leadership—principles we continue to learn from the Scripture.
c) 2 Sam. 5:4-5: God promised David that his descendants would rule Israel forever (7:12-16), a promise ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. This covenant became the foundation of Israel’s Messianic hope, shaping their identity and expectation of the coming Christ.
d) 1 Kgs. 1:28ff: Solomon’s anointing fulfilled God’s promise to David (cf. Num. 23:19). Solomon asked for wisdom (1 Kgs. 3:5ff), God granted him wisdom, wealth and honour (cf. Jas 1:5; 3:17). His writings, like Proverbs, shaped Israel’s
understanding of godly living.
e) Jesus came from David’s lineage to fulfil God’s promise of a lasting kingdom (Isa. 11:1,10). This link between David and Jesus underscores God’s redemptive plan, making David’s lineage central to the Messiah’s story.
LESSONS DERIVED
- Saul’s story shows that obedience combined with humility brings God’s blessing.
- The covenant between God and David shows how God planned for Israel’s future while Christ fulfilled the divine purpose.
QUESTIONS
- Clearly discuss the emergence of Saul as the first King of Israel.
- How does David’s selection fulfil Messianic prophecies?
