1 Samuel | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsSample

1 SAMUEL 8

THE ISRAELITES REJECT GOD AS KING OF ISRAEL

Samuel has two sons, Joel and Abijah, whom he appoints as judges. Unfortunately, his sons do not follow in Samuel’s footsteps, but instead pervert justice and accept bribes.

Because Samuel’s sons are unfit to be judges, the people of Israel ask Samuel to appoint a king. When Samuel asks God for guidance, God instructs Samuel to obey the voice of the people. God tells Samuel that they have not rejected Samuel’s leadership, but have rejected God as their ultimate ruler.

Samuel warns the Israelites, telling them that if a king is appointed, he will steal from them and force them into hard labor. Despite this warning, Samuel follows God's instructions to give the Israelites a king.

Samuel prophecies that the Israelites will cry out to God, but He will not answer them because of their rejection of his kingship. Later on, Saul cries out to God, but God does not answer him because of his decisions. (1 Samuel 28)

STUDY QUESTIONS

Read 1 Samuel 8:1-9. Why did the Israelites want a king? How did God feel rejected by this request?

Previously, Israel was led by judges. What are the key differences between a judge and a king?