Lesson 67 – 1 Samuel 4–8

Power of God vs Power of Man

Here come the Philistines again

• 1 Samuel 4:2-5• The answer to their problems? The Ark!• Why did they come up with this idea? What

experience did they have with it in the past?– Joshua 3:7-8– Joshua 6:12-13

• Did it work?

1 Samuel 4:7-11

• What happened? Why did the Lord let the Philistines take the ark of the covenant?

• What was the difference between this use of the ark and the use before?– The Lord had commanded them before– The ark was used righteously, by the Priesthood

• What do people do today that is a similar disrespect to the Lord?– Classic example: pray for help on a test without studying– Baptism without repentance

• If there is no substance behind their symbols, they are on equal ground with the Philistines and other idolaters.

The Philistines now have the ark

• They treat it like one of their own gods, place it with Dagon (the fish god)

• 1 Sam 5:4• Head and hands cut off.

Symbolism?• v6 – What are

“emerods”?– Thought to perhaps have

been the Bubonic plague

The Philistines now have the ark

• The ark starts getting moved around, destroying Philistines in its path.

• Finally they give it back with an offering.

• 1 Sam 6:4

1 Samuel 7

• 1 Sam 7:3-6 – What is different about the Israelites?• And what is the result?• v7-10• The Israelites were strengthened, the Philistines confused

(discomfited), and “the Philistines were subdued”.• What is the difference between this and the first battle?

– Before the Israelites attacked first, this time they defended– They prepared themselves with the Spirit first, instead of

running to the church when they were in need• It’s about priorities, power of God vs the power of Man

A little time passes…

• …and they forget again• 1 Samuel 8:1-5• Did they really want a king because of Samuel’s

sons?– v7 – no, they were using it as an excuse because they

had rejected the Lord• Samuel warns them of the problems that happen

with King’s, but...– v19-20

• Governmental peer pressure?

Theocracy MonarchyIs

rael

ites

Mor

mon

ites

The Power of the Lord

When we recognize where power comes from and our role as children of the Lord, we will be able to conquer any foe.

Notebook Ideas

• How do you see the power of the Lord manifest in your own life?

• What part of your life is more like a Monarchy and what part is a Theocracy? How can you change that to be more dedicated to the Lord?