1 Samuel Covenant Box Saul. “There was a man named Elkanah, from the tribe of Ephraim, who lived in the town of Ramah in the hill country of Ephraim…Elkanah

1 Samuel1 Samuel

Covenant Box Covenant Box

Saul Saul

““There was a man named Elkanah, from the There was a man named Elkanah, from the tribe of Ephraim, who lived in the town of tribe of Ephraim, who lived in the town of Ramah in the hill country of Ephraim…Ramah in the hill country of Ephraim…Elkanah had two wives…” (1 Samuel 1:1,2 – Elkanah had two wives…” (1 Samuel 1:1,2 – GN)GN)

““The sons of Eli were scoundrels. They paid no attention to The sons of Eli were scoundrels. They paid no attention to the LORD or to the regulations…”(1 Samuel 2:12 – GN)the LORD or to the regulations…”(1 Samuel 2:12 – GN)

““This sin of the sons of Eli was extremely serious in the This sin of the sons of Eli was extremely serious in the LORD’s sight, because they treated the offerings of the LORD’s sight, because they treated the offerings of the LORD with such disrespect” (1 Samuel 2:17 – GN)LORD with such disrespect” (1 Samuel 2:17 – GN)

““Eli was now very old. He kept hearing about everything his Eli was now very old. He kept hearing about everything his sons were doing to the Israelites and that they were even sons were doing to the Israelites and that they were even sleeping with the women who worked at the entrance to the sleeping with the women who worked at the entrance to the Tent of the LORD's presence. So he said to them, ‘Why are Tent of the LORD's presence. So he said to them, ‘Why are you doing these things? Everybody tells me about the evil you doing these things? Everybody tells me about the evil you are doing. Stop it, my sons! This is an awful thing the you are doing. Stop it, my sons! This is an awful thing the people of the LORD are talking about! If anyone sins against people of the LORD are talking about! If anyone sins against someone else, God can defend the one who is wrong; but someone else, God can defend the one who is wrong; but who can defend someone who sins against the LORD?’ But who can defend someone who sins against the LORD?’ But they would not listen to their father, they would not listen to their father, for the LORD had for the LORD had decided to kill themdecided to kill them. The boy Samuel continued to grow and . The boy Samuel continued to grow and to gain favor both with the LORD and with people.” (1 Samuel to gain favor both with the LORD and with people.” (1 Samuel 2:22-26 – GN)2:22-26 – GN)

““The LORD had decided to kill them…”The LORD had decided to kill them…”– ““Thus God slew Saul…” Thus God slew Saul…” – ““The LORD was angry at Israel again, and he The LORD was angry at Israel again, and he

made David think it would be a good idea to made David think it would be a good idea to count the people in Israel and Judah.” (2 Samuel count the people in Israel and Judah.” (2 Samuel 24:1 - CEV).24:1 - CEV). ““Satan wanted to bring trouble on the people Satan wanted to bring trouble on the people

of Israel, so he made David decide to take a of Israel, so he made David decide to take a census” (1 Chronicles 21:1 - GN). census” (1 Chronicles 21:1 - GN).

The message to Samuel about the sons of EliThe message to Samuel about the sons of Eli ““Samuel remained in bed until morning. Then he Samuel remained in bed until morning. Then he

opened the doors of the LORD’S house. But opened the doors of the LORD’S house. But Samuel was afraid to tell Eli about the vision. Then Samuel was afraid to tell Eli about the vision. Then Eli called Samuel. ‘Samuel, my son!’ he said. Eli called Samuel. ‘Samuel, my son!’ he said. ‘Here I am,’ he responded. ‘What did the LORD tell ‘Here I am,’ he responded. ‘What did the LORD tell you?’ he asked. ‘Please don’t hide anything from you?’ he asked. ‘Please don’t hide anything from me. May God strike you dead if you hide anything me. May God strike you dead if you hide anything he told you from me.’ So Samuel told Eli he told you from me.’ So Samuel told Eli everything. Eli replied, ‘everything. Eli replied, ‘He is the LORD. May he He is the LORD. May he do what he thinks is rightdo what he thinks is right.’” (1 Samuel 3:15-18 – .’” (1 Samuel 3:15-18 – GN)GN)

““So I will not rescue you anymoreSo I will not rescue you anymore. Go and cry out . Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen! Let them rescue to the gods you have chosen! Let them rescue you in your hour of distress!’ you in your hour of distress!’

But the Israelites pleaded with the Lord and said, But the Israelites pleaded with the Lord and said, ‘We have sinned. Punish us as you see fit, only ‘We have sinned. Punish us as you see fit, only rescue us today from our enemies.’ rescue us today from our enemies.’ Then the Then the Israelites put aside their foreign gods and Israelites put aside their foreign gods and served the Lordserved the Lord. And he was grieved by their . And he was grieved by their misery” (Judges 10:6-16 – NLT)misery” (Judges 10:6-16 – NLT)

JonahJonah– ““Perhaps God will change his mindPerhaps God will change his mind; perhaps he will stop ; perhaps he will stop

being angry, and we will not die!’ God saw what they did; being angry, and we will not die!’ God saw what they did; he saw that they had given up their wicked behavior. he saw that they had given up their wicked behavior. So So he changed his mindhe changed his mind and did not punish them as he had and did not punish them as he had said he would.” (Jonah 3:9-10 – GN)said he would.” (Jonah 3:9-10 – GN)

– ““Jonah was very unhappy about this and became angry. Jonah was very unhappy about this and became angry. So he prayed, ‘LORD, didn't I say before I left home that So he prayed, ‘LORD, didn't I say before I left home that this is just what you would do? That's why I did my best this is just what you would do? That's why I did my best to run away to Spain! I knew that you are a loving and to run away to Spain! I knew that you are a loving and merciful God, always patient, always kind, and merciful God, always patient, always kind, and always always ready to change your mindready to change your mind and not punish. Now then, and not punish. Now then, LORD, let me die. I am better off dead than alive.’” LORD, let me die. I am better off dead than alive.’” (Jonah 4:1-3 – GN)(Jonah 4:1-3 – GN)

– ““I am the LORD, and I do not change” (Malachi 3:6 – GN)I am the LORD, and I do not change” (Malachi 3:6 – GN)

The covenant boxThe covenant box

““At that time the Philistines gathered to go to war against At that time the Philistines gathered to go to war against Israel, so the Israelites set out to fight them...The Israel, so the Israelites set out to fight them...The Philistines attacked, and after fierce fighting they defeated Philistines attacked, and after fierce fighting they defeated the Israelites and killed about four thousand men on the the Israelites and killed about four thousand men on the battlefield. When the survivors came back to camp, the battlefield. When the survivors came back to camp, the leaders of Israel said, ‘Why did the LORD let the Philistines leaders of Israel said, ‘Why did the LORD let the Philistines defeat us today? Let’s go and bring the LORD’s Covenant defeat us today? Let’s go and bring the LORD’s Covenant Box from Shiloh, so that he will go with us and save us Box from Shiloh, so that he will go with us and save us from our enemies.’ So they sent messengers to Shiloh and from our enemies.’ So they sent messengers to Shiloh and got the Covenant Box of the LORD Almighty, who is got the Covenant Box of the LORD Almighty, who is enthroned above the winged creatures. And Eli's two sons, enthroned above the winged creatures. And Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, came along with the Covenant Box. Hophni and Phinehas, came along with the Covenant Box. When the Covenant Box arrived, the Israelites gave such a When the Covenant Box arrived, the Israelites gave such a loud shout of joy that the earth shook.” loud shout of joy that the earth shook.”


““The Philistines heard the shouting and said, ‘Listen to all The Philistines heard the shouting and said, ‘Listen to all that shouting in the Hebrew camp! What does it mean?’ that shouting in the Hebrew camp! What does it mean?’ When they found out that the LORD's Covenant Box had When they found out that the LORD's Covenant Box had arrived in the Hebrew camp, they were afraid, and said, ‘A arrived in the Hebrew camp, they were afraid, and said, ‘A god has come into their camp! We're lost! Nothing like this god has come into their camp! We're lost! Nothing like this has ever happened to us before! Who can save us from has ever happened to us before! Who can save us from those powerful gods? They are the gods who slaughtered those powerful gods? They are the gods who slaughtered the Egyptians in the desert! Be brave, Philistines! Fight like the Egyptians in the desert! Be brave, Philistines! Fight like men, or we will become slaves to the Hebrews, just as they men, or we will become slaves to the Hebrews, just as they were our slaves. So fight like men!’ The Philistines fought were our slaves. So fight like men!’ The Philistines fought hard and defeated the Israelites, who went running to their hard and defeated the Israelites, who went running to their homes. There was a great slaughter: thirty thousand homes. There was a great slaughter: thirty thousand Israelite soldiers were killed.” (1 Samuel 4:1-10 – GN)Israelite soldiers were killed.” (1 Samuel 4:1-10 – GN)


““The messenger answered, ‘Israel ran away from The messenger answered, ‘Israel ran away from the Philistines; it was a terrible defeat for us! the Philistines; it was a terrible defeat for us! Besides that, your sons Hophni and Phinehas Besides that, your sons Hophni and Phinehas were killed, and God’s Covenant Box was were killed, and God’s Covenant Box was captured!’ When the man mentioned the Covenant captured!’ When the man mentioned the Covenant Box, Eli fell backward from his seat beside the Box, Eli fell backward from his seat beside the gate. He was so old and fat that the fall broke his gate. He was so old and fat that the fall broke his neck, and he died. He had been a leader in Israel neck, and he died. He had been a leader in Israel for forty years.” (1 Samuel 4:17-18 – GN)for forty years.” (1 Samuel 4:17-18 – GN)


““After the Philistines captured the Covenant Box, they…After the Philistines captured the Covenant Box, they…took it into the temple of their god Dagon, and set it up took it into the temple of their god Dagon, and set it up beside his statue. Early the next morning the people of beside his statue. Early the next morning the people of Ashdod saw that the statue of Dagon had fallen face Ashdod saw that the statue of Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground in front of the LORD’s Covenant downward on the ground in front of the LORD’s Covenant Box. So they lifted it up and put it back in its place. Early Box. So they lifted it up and put it back in its place. Early the following morning they saw that the statue had again the following morning they saw that the statue had again fallen down in front of the Covenant Box. This time its head fallen down in front of the Covenant Box. This time its head and both its arms were broken off and were lying in the and both its arms were broken off and were lying in the doorway; only the body was left. (That is why even today doorway; only the body was left. (That is why even today the priests of Dagon and all his worshipers in Ashdod step the priests of Dagon and all his worshipers in Ashdod step over that place and do not walk on it.) (1 Samuel 5:1-5 – over that place and do not walk on it.) (1 Samuel 5:1-5 – GN)GN)

““The LORD punished the people of Ashdod severely and The LORD punished the people of Ashdod severely and terrified them. He punished them and the people in the terrified them. He punished them and the people in the surrounding territory by causing them to have tumors. When surrounding territory by causing them to have tumors. When they saw what was happening, they said, ‘The God of Israel is they saw what was happening, they said, ‘The God of Israel is punishing us and our god Dagon. We can’t let the Covenant punishing us and our god Dagon. We can’t let the Covenant Box stay here any longer.’ So they sent messengers and Box stay here any longer.’ So they sent messengers and called together all five of the Philistine kings and asked them, called together all five of the Philistine kings and asked them, ‘What shall we do with the Covenant Box of the God of Israel?’ ‘What shall we do with the Covenant Box of the God of Israel?’ ‘Take it over to Gath,’ they answered; so they took it to Gath, ‘Take it over to Gath,’ they answered; so they took it to Gath, another Philistine city. But after it arrived there, the LORD another Philistine city. But after it arrived there, the LORD punished that city too and caused a great panic. He punished punished that city too and caused a great panic. He punished them with tumors which developed in all the people of the city, them with tumors which developed in all the people of the city, young and old alike. So they sent the Covenant Box to Ekron, young and old alike. So they sent the Covenant Box to Ekron, another Philistine city; but when it arrived there, the people another Philistine city; but when it arrived there, the people cried out, ‘They have brought the Covenant Box of the God of cried out, ‘They have brought the Covenant Box of the God of Israel here, in order to kill us all!’ So again they sent for all the Israel here, in order to kill us all!’ So again they sent for all the Philistine kings and said, ‘Send the Covenant Box of Israel Philistine kings and said, ‘Send the Covenant Box of Israel back to its own place, so that it won't kill us and our families.’ back to its own place, so that it won't kill us and our families.’ There was panic throughout the city because God was There was panic throughout the city because God was punishing them so severely. Even those who did not die punishing them so severely. Even those who did not die developed tumors and the people cried out to their gods for developed tumors and the people cried out to their gods for help.” (1 Samuel 5:6-12 – GN)help.” (1 Samuel 5:6-12 – GN)


The advice of the priests and magicians:The advice of the priests and magicians: ““You must make these models of the tumors and You must make these models of the tumors and

of the mice that are ravaging your country, and of the mice that are ravaging your country, and you must give honor to the God of Israel. Perhaps you must give honor to the God of Israel. Perhaps he will stop punishing you, your gods, and your he will stop punishing you, your gods, and your land. Why should you be stubborn, as the king of land. Why should you be stubborn, as the king of Egypt and the Egyptians were? Don’t forget how Egypt and the Egyptians were? Don’t forget how God made fools of them until they let the Israelites God made fools of them until they let the Israelites leave Egypt. So prepare a new wagon and two leave Egypt. So prepare a new wagon and two cows that have never been yoked; hitch them to cows that have never been yoked; hitch them to the wagon and drive their calves back to the barn.” the wagon and drive their calves back to the barn.” (1 Samuel 6:5-7 – GN)(1 Samuel 6:5-7 – GN)

The covenant boxThe covenant box ““The people of Beth Shemesh were reaping wheat in the The people of Beth Shemesh were reaping wheat in the

valley, when suddenly they looked up and saw the valley, when suddenly they looked up and saw the Covenant Box. They were overjoyed at the sight.” (1 Covenant Box. They were overjoyed at the sight.” (1 Samuel 6:13 – GN)Samuel 6:13 – GN)

““The LORD killed seventy of the men of Beth Shemesh The LORD killed seventy of the men of Beth Shemesh because they looked inside the Covenant Box. And the because they looked inside the Covenant Box. And the people mourned because the LORD had caused such a people mourned because the LORD had caused such a great slaughter among them. So the men of Beth great slaughter among them. So the men of Beth Shemesh said, ‘Who can stand before the LORD, this holy Shemesh said, ‘Who can stand before the LORD, this holy God? Where can we send him to get him away from us?’ God? Where can we send him to get him away from us?’ They sent messengers to the people of Kiriath Jearim to They sent messengers to the people of Kiriath Jearim to say, ‘The Philistines have returned the LORD's Covenant say, ‘The Philistines have returned the LORD's Covenant Box. Come down and get it.’” (1 Samuel 6:19-21 – GN)Box. Come down and get it.’” (1 Samuel 6:19-21 – GN)

The covenant boxThe covenant box David becomes kingDavid becomes king ““Then we will go and get God’s Covenant Box, which was ignored while Then we will go and get God’s Covenant Box, which was ignored while

Saul was king.’ The people were pleased with the suggestion and Saul was king.’ The people were pleased with the suggestion and agreed to it. So David assembled the people of Israel from all over the agreed to it. So David assembled the people of Israel from all over the country, from the Egyptian border in the south to Hamath Pass in the country, from the Egyptian border in the south to Hamath Pass in the north, in order to bring the Covenant Box from Kiriath Jearim to north, in order to bring the Covenant Box from Kiriath Jearim to Jerusalem.” (1 Chronicles 13:3-5 – GN)Jerusalem.” (1 Chronicles 13:3-5 – GN)

““As they came to the threshing place of Chidon, the oxen stumbled, and As they came to the threshing place of Chidon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out and took hold of the Covenant Box. At once the Uzzah reached out and took hold of the Covenant Box. At once the LORD became angry with Uzzah and killed him for touching the Box. He LORD became angry with Uzzah and killed him for touching the Box. He died there in God’s presence, and so that place has been called Perez died there in God’s presence, and so that place has been called Perez Uzzah ever since. David was furious because the LORD had punished Uzzah ever since. David was furious because the LORD had punished Uzzah in anger. Then David was afraid of God and said, ‘How can I take Uzzah in anger. Then David was afraid of God and said, ‘How can I take the Covenant Box with me now?’” (1 Chronicles 13:9-12 – GN)the Covenant Box with me now?’” (1 Chronicles 13:9-12 – GN)

““Then he said, ‘Only Levites should carry the Covenant Box, because Then he said, ‘Only Levites should carry the Covenant Box, because they are the ones the LORD chose to carry it and to serve him they are the ones the LORD chose to carry it and to serve him forever’…Because you were not there to carry it the first time, the LORD forever’…Because you were not there to carry it the first time, the LORD our God punished us for not worshiping him as we should have done.’” our God punished us for not worshiping him as we should have done.’” (1 Chronicles 15:2,15 – GN)(1 Chronicles 15:2,15 – GN)


““Then King Solomon summoned all the leaders of the Then King Solomon summoned all the leaders of the tribes and clans of Israel to assemble in Jerusalem, in tribes and clans of Israel to assemble in Jerusalem, in order to take the LORD's Covenant Box from Zion, David's order to take the LORD's Covenant Box from Zion, David's City, to the Temple. They all assembled at the time of the City, to the Temple. They all assembled at the time of the Festival of Shelters. When all the leaders had gathered, Festival of Shelters. When all the leaders had gathered, then the Levites lifted the Covenant Box and carried it to then the Levites lifted the Covenant Box and carried it to the Temple. The priests and the Levites also moved the the Temple. The priests and the Levites also moved the Tent of the LORD’s presence and all its equipment to the Tent of the LORD’s presence and all its equipment to the Temple. King Solomon and all the people of Israel Temple. King Solomon and all the people of Israel assembled in front of the Covenant Box and sacrificed a assembled in front of the Covenant Box and sacrificed a large number of sheep and cattle---large number of sheep and cattle---too many to counttoo many to count. . Then the priests carried the Covenant Box of the LORD Then the priests carried the Covenant Box of the LORD into the Temple and put it in the Most Holy Place, beneath into the Temple and put it in the Most Holy Place, beneath the winged creatures. (2 Chronicles 5:2-7 – GN)the winged creatures. (2 Chronicles 5:2-7 – GN)


Solomon’s prayer:Solomon’s prayer:– ““Now, O my God, look on us and listen to the prayers Now, O my God, look on us and listen to the prayers

offered in this place. Rise up now, LORD God, and with offered in this place. Rise up now, LORD God, and with the Covenant Box, the Covenant Box, the symbol of your powerthe symbol of your power, enter the , enter the Temple and stay here forever. Bless your priests in all Temple and stay here forever. Bless your priests in all they do, and may all your people be happy because of they do, and may all your people be happy because of your goodness to them. LORD God, do not reject the your goodness to them. LORD God, do not reject the king you have chosen. Remember the love you had for king you have chosen. Remember the love you had for your servant David.’ When King Solomon finished his your servant David.’ When King Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and burned up the prayer, fire came down from heaven and burned up the sacrifices that had been offered, and the dazzling light sacrifices that had been offered, and the dazzling light of the LORD’s presence filled the Temple.” (2 of the LORD’s presence filled the Temple.” (2 Chronicles 6:40-42; 7:1 – GN)Chronicles 6:40-42; 7:1 – GN)

The covenant boxThe covenant box Why so much display of power associated Why so much display of power associated

with the covenant box?with the covenant box?– ““The The fearfear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”

(Proverbs 1:7 – GOD’S WORD)(Proverbs 1:7 – GOD’S WORD)– ““To have knowledge, you must first have To have knowledge, you must first have reverencereverence for for

the LORD.” (Proverbs 1:7 – GN)the LORD.” (Proverbs 1:7 – GN)– They were on the brink of disasterThey were on the brink of disaster


Jerusalem and the temple burned down by the Jerusalem and the temple burned down by the Babylonians – 586/587 BCBabylonians – 586/587 BC

After the captivity, the Jews returned to rebuild After the captivity, the Jews returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple:Jerusalem and the temple:– ““The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past

glory…” (Haggai 2:9, NLT). glory…” (Haggai 2:9, NLT). Did bright lights from God ever fill the temple again?Did bright lights from God ever fill the temple again? When the foundation of the new temple was laid:When the foundation of the new temple was laid:

– ““Many of the older priests, Levites, and heads of clans had seen Many of the older priests, Levites, and heads of clans had seen the first Temple, and as they watched the foundation of this the first Temple, and as they watched the foundation of this Temple being laid, they cried and wailed” (Ezra 3:12 – GN) Temple being laid, they cried and wailed” (Ezra 3:12 – GN)

– Destroyed in 70 AD by the RomansDestroyed in 70 AD by the Romans

God’s glory God’s glory

““And eternal life means to know you, the only true And eternal life means to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, whom you sent. God, and to know Jesus Christ, whom you sent. I I have shown your glory on earthhave shown your glory on earth; I have finished ; I have finished the work you gave me to do. Father! the work you gave me to do. Father! Give me gloryGive me glory in your presence now, the same in your presence now, the same gloryglory I had with I had with you before the world was made. I have made you you before the world was made. I have made you known to those you gave me out of the world.” known to those you gave me out of the world.” (John 17:3-6 – GN)(John 17:3-6 – GN)

God’s GloryGod’s Glory

Exodus 33:18,19 - GNExodus 33:18,19 - GN– ““Then Moses requested, ‘Please, let me see the Then Moses requested, ‘Please, let me see the

dazzling light of your presence.’ The Lord answered, ‘I dazzling light of your presence.’ The Lord answered, ‘I will make all my splendor pass before you and in your will make all my splendor pass before you and in your presence I will pronounce my sacred name.’” presence I will pronounce my sacred name.’”

Exodus 34:6,7 - GNExodus 34:6,7 - GN– ““The Lord then passed in front of him and called out, ‘I, The Lord then passed in front of him and called out, ‘I,

the Lord, am a God who is full of compassion and pity, the Lord, am a God who is full of compassion and pity, who is not easily angered and who shows great love who is not easily angered and who shows great love and faithfulness. I keep my promise for thousands of and faithfulness. I keep my promise for thousands of generations and forgive evil and sin…’” generations and forgive evil and sin…’”

God’s gloryGod’s glory

““In the past God spoke to our ancestors many In the past God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many ways through the prophets, but times and in many ways through the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us through his in these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. He is the one through whom God created the Son. He is the one through whom God created the universe, the one whom God has chosen to universe, the one whom God has chosen to possess all things at the end. possess all things at the end. He reflects the He reflects the brightness of God's glory and is the exact likeness brightness of God's glory and is the exact likeness of God's own beingof God's own being, sustaining the universe with , sustaining the universe with his powerful word.” (Hebrews 1:1-3 – GN)his powerful word.” (Hebrews 1:1-3 – GN)

““For I am not ashamed of the For I am not ashamed of the gospelgospel; ; it is the it is the powerpower of God for salvation to everyone who has of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For For in it the righteousness of God is revealedin it the righteousness of God is revealed…” …” (Romans 1:16,17 – NRSV) (Romans 1:16,17 – NRSV)

SAULSAUL

SaulSaul ““Samuel was displeased with their request for a Samuel was displeased with their request for a

king; so he prayed to the LORD, and the LORD said, king; so he prayed to the LORD, and the LORD said, ‘Listen to everything the people say to you. You are ‘Listen to everything the people say to you. You are not the one they have rejected; I am the one they not the one they have rejected; I am the one they have rejected as their king. Ever since I brought have rejected as their king. Ever since I brought them out of Egypt, they have turned away from me them out of Egypt, they have turned away from me and worshiped other gods; and now they are doing and worshiped other gods; and now they are doing to you what they have always done to me. So then, to you what they have always done to me. So then, listen to them, but give them strict warnings and listen to them, but give them strict warnings and explain how their kings will treat them.’explain how their kings will treat them.’

““Samuel told the people who were asking him for a king Samuel told the people who were asking him for a king everything that the LORD had said to him. ‘This is how your king everything that the LORD had said to him. ‘This is how your king will treat you,’ Samuel explained. ‘He will make soldiers of your will treat you,’ Samuel explained. ‘He will make soldiers of your sons; some of them will serve in his war chariots, others in his sons; some of them will serve in his war chariots, others in his cavalry, and others will run before his chariots. He will make cavalry, and others will run before his chariots. He will make some of them officers in charge of a thousand men, and others in some of them officers in charge of a thousand men, and others in charge of fifty men. Your sons will have to plow his fields, harvest charge of fifty men. Your sons will have to plow his fields, harvest his crops, and make his weapons and the equipment for his his crops, and make his weapons and the equipment for his chariots. Your daughters will have to make perfumes for him and chariots. Your daughters will have to make perfumes for him and work as his cooks and his bakers. He will take your best fields, work as his cooks and his bakers. He will take your best fields, vineyards, and olive groves, and give them to his officials. He will vineyards, and olive groves, and give them to his officials. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your grapes for his court officers take a tenth of your grain and of your grapes for his court officers and other officials. He will take your servants and your best cattle and other officials. He will take your servants and your best cattle and donkeys, and make them work for him. He will take a tenth of and donkeys, and make them work for him. He will take a tenth of your flocks. And you yourselves will become his slaves. When your flocks. And you yourselves will become his slaves. When that time comes, you will complain bitterly because of your king, that time comes, you will complain bitterly because of your king, whom you yourselves chose, but the LORD will not listen to your whom you yourselves chose, but the LORD will not listen to your complaints.’ The people paid no attention to Samuel, but said, complaints.’ The people paid no attention to Samuel, but said, ‘No! We want a king, so that we will be like other nations, with our ‘No! We want a king, so that we will be like other nations, with our own king to rule us and to lead us out to war and to fight our own king to rule us and to lead us out to war and to fight our battles.’battles.’

““Samuel listened to everything they said and Samuel listened to everything they said and then went and told it to the LORD. The then went and told it to the LORD. The LORD answered, LORD answered,

‘‘Do what they want and give them a king.’ Do what they want and give them a king.’ Then Samuel told all the men of Israel to go Then Samuel told all the men of Israel to go back home.” (1 Samuel 8:1-22 – GN)back home.” (1 Samuel 8:1-22 – GN)

SaulSaul– ““When Saul turned to leave Samuel, God gave Saul a new nature.” When Saul turned to leave Samuel, God gave Saul a new nature.”

(1 Samuel 10:9 – GN)(1 Samuel 10:9 – GN)– ““Samuel called the people together for a religious gathering at Samuel called the people together for a religious gathering at

Mizpah and said to them, "The LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘I Mizpah and said to them, "The LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘I brought you out of Egypt and rescued you from the Egyptians and brought you out of Egypt and rescued you from the Egyptians and all the other peoples who were oppressing you. I am your God, the all the other peoples who were oppressing you. I am your God, the one who rescues you from all your troubles and difficulties, but one who rescues you from all your troubles and difficulties, but today you have rejected me and have asked me to give you a king. today you have rejected me and have asked me to give you a king. Very well, then, gather yourselves before the LORD by tribes and Very well, then, gather yourselves before the LORD by tribes and by clans.’ Then Samuel had each tribe come forward, and the by clans.’ Then Samuel had each tribe come forward, and the LORD picked the tribe of Benjamin. Then Samuel had the families LORD picked the tribe of Benjamin. Then Samuel had the families of the tribe of Benjamin come forward, and the family of Matri was of the tribe of Benjamin come forward, and the family of Matri was picked out. Then the men of the family of Matri came forward, and picked out. Then the men of the family of Matri came forward, and Saul son of Kish was picked out. They looked for him, but when Saul son of Kish was picked out. They looked for him, but when they could not find him, they asked the LORD, ‘Is there still they could not find him, they asked the LORD, ‘Is there still someone else?’someone else?’

““The LORD answered, ‘Saul is over there, hiding The LORD answered, ‘Saul is over there, hiding behind the supplies.’ So they ran and brought Saul behind the supplies.’ So they ran and brought Saul out to the people, and they could see that he was out to the people, and they could see that he was a foot taller than anyone else. Samuel said to the a foot taller than anyone else. Samuel said to the people, ‘Here is the man the LORD has chosen! people, ‘Here is the man the LORD has chosen! There is no one else among us like himThere is no one else among us like him.’ All the .’ All the people shouted, ‘Long live the king!’ Samuel people shouted, ‘Long live the king!’ Samuel explained to the people the rights and duties of a explained to the people the rights and duties of a king, and then wrote them in a book, which he king, and then wrote them in a book, which he deposited in a holy place. Then he sent everyone deposited in a holy place. Then he sent everyone home. Saul also went back home to Gibeah. Some home. Saul also went back home to Gibeah. Some powerful men, whose hearts God had touched, powerful men, whose hearts God had touched, went with him.” (1 Samuel 10:17-26 – GN)went with him.” (1 Samuel 10:17-26 – GN)

Saul – what went wrong?Saul – what went wrong?

He did not trust God by waiting 7 days for SamuelHe did not trust God by waiting 7 days for Samuel Fighting the PhilistinesFighting the Philistines

– Saul: “There’s no time to consult the LORD!” (1 Samuel 14:20 – GN)Saul: “There’s no time to consult the LORD!” (1 Samuel 14:20 – GN)– Priest: “Let’s consult God first” (1 Samuel 14:36 – GN)Priest: “Let’s consult God first” (1 Samuel 14:36 – GN)– Saul: “The Israelites were weak with hunger that day, because Saul, Saul: “The Israelites were weak with hunger that day, because Saul,

with a solemn oath, had given the order: ‘A curse be on anyone who with a solemn oath, had given the order: ‘A curse be on anyone who eats any food today before I take revenge on my enemies.’ So eats any food today before I take revenge on my enemies.’ So nobody had eaten anything all day.” (1 Samuel 14:24 – GN) nobody had eaten anything all day.” (1 Samuel 14:24 – GN)

– Jonathan unknowingly breaks the oath: “May God strike me dead if Jonathan unknowingly breaks the oath: “May God strike me dead if you are not put to death!” (1 Samuel 14:44 – GN)you are not put to death!” (1 Samuel 14:44 – GN)

– ““But the people said to Saul, ‘Will Jonathan, who won this great But the people said to Saul, ‘Will Jonathan, who won this great victory for Israel, be put to death? No! We promise by the living victory for Israel, be put to death? No! We promise by the living LORD that he will not lose even a hair from his head. What he did LORD that he will not lose even a hair from his head. What he did today was done with God's help.’ So the people saved Jonathan today was done with God's help.’ So the people saved Jonathan from being put to death.” (1 Samuel 14:45 – GN) from being put to death.” (1 Samuel 14:45 – GN)


““Samuel heard that Saul had gone to the town of Carmel, Samuel heard that Saul had gone to the town of Carmel, where he had built a monument to himself…” (1 Samuel where he had built a monument to himself…” (1 Samuel 15:12 – GN)15:12 – GN)

Saul was told to destroy the Amalekites completely, instead Saul was told to destroy the Amalekites completely, instead he kept the loot he kept the loot

““Samuel came to Saul, who said, ‘The LORD bless you. I Samuel came to Saul, who said, ‘The LORD bless you. I carried out the LORD’S instructions.’ However, Samuel carried out the LORD’S instructions.’ However, Samuel asked, ‘But what is this sound of sheep in my ears and this asked, ‘But what is this sound of sheep in my ears and this sound of cows that I hear?’” (1Samuel 15:13-14 – God’s sound of cows that I hear?’” (1Samuel 15:13-14 – God’s Word)Word)

““Why, then did you not obey him? Why did you rush to grab Why, then did you not obey him? Why did you rush to grab the loot, and so do what displeases the LORD” (1 Samuel the loot, and so do what displeases the LORD” (1 Samuel 15:19 – GN)15:19 – GN)

““But Samuel replied, ‘What is more pleasing But Samuel replied, ‘What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? sacrifices or your obedience to his voice?

ObedienceObedience is far better than sacrifice. is far better than sacrifice. Listening to himListening to him is much better than offering is much better than offering the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22 – NLT)the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22 – NLT)

““Doing something for you, bringing Doing something for you, bringing something to you-- that's not what you're something to you-- that's not what you're after. Being religious, acting pious-- that's after. Being religious, acting pious-- that's not what you're asking for. You've opened not what you're asking for. You've opened my ears so I can listen.” (Psalm 40:6 – The my ears so I can listen.” (Psalm 40:6 – The Message)Message)

““The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God is near. of God is near. RepentRepent and believe the good and believe the good news!’” (Mark 1:15 - NIV)news!’” (Mark 1:15 - NIV)

Repentance:Repentance:– Meta-noiaMeta-noia

““The time has come, and the kingdom of God The time has come, and the kingdom of God is near. is near. Change the way you think Change the way you think and act, and act, and believe the Good News.” (Mark 1:15 – and believe the Good News.” (Mark 1:15 – God’s Word)God’s Word)


Saul’s jealousy of DavidSaul’s jealousy of David Saul persecutes DavidSaul persecutes David When the priest helped David:When the priest helped David:

– ““The king said, ‘Ahimelech, you and all your relatives The king said, ‘Ahimelech, you and all your relatives must die.’ Then he said to the guards standing near him, must die.’ Then he said to the guards standing near him, ‘Kill the LORD’s priests!’…Saul also had all the other ‘Kill the LORD’s priests!’…Saul also had all the other inhabitants of Nob, the city priests, put to death: men inhabitants of Nob, the city priests, put to death: men and women, children and babies, cattle, donkeys, and and women, children and babies, cattle, donkeys, and sheep – they were all killed.” (1 Samuel 22:17,19 – GN)sheep – they were all killed.” (1 Samuel 22:17,19 – GN)

The witch of EndorThe witch of Endor ““Now Samuel had died, and all the Israelites had mourned for him Now Samuel had died, and all the Israelites had mourned for him

and had buried him in his hometown of Ramah. Saul had forced all and had buried him in his hometown of Ramah. Saul had forced all the fortunetellers and mediums to leave Israel. The Philistine troops the fortunetellers and mediums to leave Israel. The Philistine troops assembled and camped near the town of Shunem; Saul gathered assembled and camped near the town of Shunem; Saul gathered the Israelites and camped at Mount Gilboa. When Saul saw the the Israelites and camped at Mount Gilboa. When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was terrified, and so he asked the LORD what to Philistine army, he was terrified, and so he asked the LORD what to do. But the LORD did not answer him at all, either by dreams or by do. But the LORD did not answer him at all, either by dreams or by the use of Urim and Thummim or by prophets. Then Saul ordered the use of Urim and Thummim or by prophets. Then Saul ordered his officials, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, and I will go and his officials, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, and I will go and consult her.’ ‘There is one in Endor,’ they answered. So Saul consult her.’ ‘There is one in Endor,’ they answered. So Saul disguised himself; he put on different clothes, and after dark he went disguised himself; he put on different clothes, and after dark he went with two of his men to see the woman. ‘Consult the spirits for me with two of his men to see the woman. ‘Consult the spirits for me and tell me what is going to happen,’ he said to her. ‘Call up the and tell me what is going to happen,’ he said to her. ‘Call up the spirit of the man I name.’ The woman answered, ‘Surely you know spirit of the man I name.’ The woman answered, ‘Surely you know what King Saul has done, how he forced the fortunetellers and what King Saul has done, how he forced the fortunetellers and mediums to leave Israel. Why, then, are you trying to trap me and mediums to leave Israel. Why, then, are you trying to trap me and get me killed?’get me killed?’

The witch of EndorThe witch of Endor

““Then Saul made a sacred vow. ‘By the living LORD I Then Saul made a sacred vow. ‘By the living LORD I promise that you will not be punished for doing this,’ he told promise that you will not be punished for doing this,’ he told her. ‘Whom shall I call up for you?’ the woman asked. her. ‘Whom shall I call up for you?’ the woman asked. ‘Samuel,’ he answered. When the woman saw Samuel, she ‘Samuel,’ he answered. When the woman saw Samuel, she screamed and said to Saul, ‘Why have you tricked me? You screamed and said to Saul, ‘Why have you tricked me? You are King Saul!’ ‘Don’t be afraid!’ the king said to her. ‘What are King Saul!’ ‘Don’t be afraid!’ the king said to her. ‘What do you see?’ ‘I see a spirit coming up from the earth,’ she do you see?’ ‘I see a spirit coming up from the earth,’ she answered. ‘What does it look like?’ he asked. ‘It’s an old answered. ‘What does it look like?’ he asked. ‘It’s an old man coming up,’ she answered. ‘He is wearing a cloak.’ man coming up,’ she answered. ‘He is wearing a cloak.’ Then Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed to the Then Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed to the ground in respect. Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you ground in respect. Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me? Why did you make me come back?’ Saul disturbed me? Why did you make me come back?’ Saul answered, ‘I am in great trouble! The Philistines are at war answered, ‘I am in great trouble! The Philistines are at war with me, and God has abandoned me. He doesn’t answer with me, and God has abandoned me. He doesn’t answer me any more, either by prophets or by dreams. And so I me any more, either by prophets or by dreams. And so I have called you, for you to tell me what I must do.’have called you, for you to tell me what I must do.’


““Samuel said, ‘Why do you call me when the LORD has Samuel said, ‘Why do you call me when the LORD has abandoned you and become your enemy? The LORD has abandoned you and become your enemy? The LORD has done to you what he told you through me: he has taken the done to you what he told you through me: he has taken the kingdom away from you and given it to David instead. You kingdom away from you and given it to David instead. You disobeyed the LORD’s command and did not completely disobeyed the LORD’s command and did not completely destroy the Amalekites and all they had. That is why the destroy the Amalekites and all they had. That is why the LORD is doing this to you now. He will give you and Israel LORD is doing this to you now. He will give you and Israel over to the Philistines. Tomorrow you and your sons will over to the Philistines. Tomorrow you and your sons will join me, and the LORD will also give the army of Israel join me, and the LORD will also give the army of Israel over to the Philistines.’ At once Saul fell down and lay over to the Philistines.’ At once Saul fell down and lay stretched out on the ground, terrified by what Samuel had stretched out on the ground, terrified by what Samuel had said. He was weak, because he had not eaten anything all said. He was weak, because he had not eaten anything all day and all night.” (1 Samuel 28:3-20 – GN)day and all night.” (1 Samuel 28:3-20 – GN)


Was that really Samuel?Was that really Samuel? Would God use a forbidden practice to communicate with Would God use a forbidden practice to communicate with

Saul?Saul?– ““If any of you go for advice to people who consult the spirits of the If any of you go for advice to people who consult the spirits of the

dead, I will turn against you and will no longer consider you one of dead, I will turn against you and will no longer consider you one of my people.” (Leviticus 20:6 – GN)my people.” (Leviticus 20:6 – GN)

– Saul had them bannedSaul had them banned– ““People will say to you, ‘Ask for help from the mediums and the People will say to you, ‘Ask for help from the mediums and the

fortunetellers, who whisper and mutter.’ Shouldn’t people ask their fortunetellers, who whisper and mutter.’ Shouldn’t people ask their God for help instead? Why should they ask the dead to help the God for help instead? Why should they ask the dead to help the living?” (Isaiah 8:19 – GOD’S WORD)living?” (Isaiah 8:19 – GOD’S WORD)

““So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord and did So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord and did not obey the Lord’s instructions; he even not obey the Lord’s instructions; he even triedtried to conjure up to conjure up underworld spiritsunderworld spirits.” (1 Chronicles 10:13 NET Bible).” (1 Chronicles 10:13 NET Bible)


““Why have you disturbed me? Why did you Why have you disturbed me? Why did you make me come back?”make me come back?”

““Tomorrow you and your sons will join me, Tomorrow you and your sons will join me, and the LORD will also give the army of and the LORD will also give the army of Israel over to the Philistines.”Israel over to the Philistines.”


Satan’s attempt to overwhelm and defeat SaulSatan’s attempt to overwhelm and defeat Saul Satan’s attempt to lead the people to follow after Satan’s attempt to lead the people to follow after

spirits and mediumsspirits and mediums ““Prophets or interpreters of dreams may promise a Prophets or interpreters of dreams may promise a

miracle or a wonder, in order to lead you to miracle or a wonder, in order to lead you to worship and serve gods that you have not worship and serve gods that you have not worshiped before. worshiped before. Even if what they promise Even if what they promise comes truecomes true, do not pay any attention to them.” , do not pay any attention to them.” (Deuteronomy 13:1-3 – GN)(Deuteronomy 13:1-3 – GN)

SummarySummary PowerPower

– God has reluctantly used power, but now we have seen his true powerGod has reluctantly used power, but now we have seen his true power Miracles, signs, and wondersMiracles, signs, and wonders

– ““The Wicked One will come with the power of Satan and perform all kinds of The Wicked One will come with the power of Satan and perform all kinds of false miracles and wonders, and use every kind of wicked deceit on those who false miracles and wonders, and use every kind of wicked deceit on those who will perish. will perish. They will perish because they did not welcome and love the truth They will perish because they did not welcome and love the truth so as to be savedso as to be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:9,10 – GN).” (2 Thessalonians 2:9,10 – GN).

What truth?What truth?– ““The dragon was furious with the woman and went off to fight against the rest The dragon was furious with the woman and went off to fight against the rest

of her descendants, all those who obey God’s commandments and are faithful of her descendants, all those who obey God’s commandments and are faithful to to the truth revealed by Jesusthe truth revealed by Jesus” (Revelation 12:17).” (Revelation 12:17).

– ““I am a servant together with you and with other believers, I am a servant together with you and with other believers, all those who hold all those who hold to the truth that Jesus revealedto the truth that Jesus revealed. Worship God! For . Worship God! For the truth that Jesus the truth that Jesus revealed is what inspires the prophetsrevealed is what inspires the prophets” (Revelation 19:10).” (Revelation 19:10).

– ““I also saw the souls of those who had been executed because they had I also saw the souls of those who had been executed because they had proclaimed proclaimed the truth that Jesus revealedthe truth that Jesus revealed and the word of God” (Revelation and the word of God” (Revelation 20:4).20:4).

Documents

1 Samuel Covenant Box Saul. “There was a man named Elkanah, from the tribe of Ephraim, who lived in the town of Ramah in the hill country of Ephraim…Elkanah