BIBLE READING PLANNER

ISRAEL WANT ANOTHER KING

The Book of Samuel continues the history of Israel to the start of the kingdom. Samuel was the last of the 'judges' and Israel demanded that he should make way for a king, so that they could be like the nations around them.

But Israel had forgotten that God was their King. In rejecting Samuel they really rejected God. Saul was given to them as king but he did not obey God (1 Samuel 15) and God eventually rejected him and chose another, more faithful man to be King.

The story opens with the birth and ministry of Samuel. The Philistines were the main enemy of Israel at this time. The Ark of the Covenant was captured by them (1 Samuel 4) though it brought them trouble (1 Samuel 5).

They were defeated when Israel returned to the worship of God (1 Samuel 7) under Samuel.

DAILY NOTES

SUNDAY - 1 Samuel 1 - The 'temple' (verse 9) was the Tabernacle (tent) set-up in Shiloh. Israel had become decadent, and their priests had become self-centred and greedy.

MONDAY - 1 Samuel 2 - Compare verses 1 -10 with the words of Mary in Luke 1:46-65. Hannah's prayer of faith had been answered and she rejoiced. Samuel was given back to God as promised, to serve Him in the Temple.

TUESDAY - 1 Samuel 3 - Verse 4. Samuel was called by God, and the old man Eli told him how to answer. We should also listen as God speaks through His work.

WEDNESDAY - 1 Samuel 8 - God was the judge and King of Israel whom they had rejected (verse 7). Israel was the kingdom of God at that time but did not appreciate it.

THURSDAY- 1 -Samuel - Saul was a tall man (verse 2) and looked up to by the but not big enough spiritually for the Kingdom of God, as chapter 15 will show.

FRIDAY - 1 Samuel 10 - Note how God helped Saul at first (verses 6, 9, 26). God wanted Saul to trust Him and ensure success in his kingship.