Week 7 and 8 Study

What does the name Samuel mean?

It means 'the name of God,' 'His name is God,' or 'asked of God.'

Who are the primary authors believed to have contributed to 1 and 2 Samuel?

Samuel, Nathan, and Gad are traditionally thought to have contributed to the writings.

What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?

The transition from judges to kings, the anointing of kings, the role of prophets, and the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.

What major event marks the transition from the judges' era to the monarchy in Israel?

The anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel.

What was the primary reason the Israelites demanded a king?

To be like other nations and have someone to lead them into battle.

Who were Eli's sons and what was their reputation?

Hophni and Phinehas; they were scoundrels and had no regard for the Lord.

What significant offering did Hannah make when dedicating her son Samuel?

She vowed to dedicate him to the Lord for all his life.

What were the circumstances surrounding Samuel's anointing of Saul?

Saul was chosen by God but marked by an outward appearance rather than a heart for God.

What major sin did Saul commit that led to his rejection by God?

His disobedience in not completely destroying the Amalekites as commanded by God.

How did David first become popular in Israel?

By defeating Goliath, the Philistine champion.

What was the covenant that God established with David?

God promised David that his descendants would rule forever.

What was David's response when confronted by Nathan the prophet about his sin with Bathsheba?

David repented and acknowledged his sin before the Lord.

What distinguishes David from other kings in terms of his relationship with God?

David is portrayed as a man after God’s own heart.

What actions did Solomon take that led to his eventual downfall?

He married foreign women and allowed their idol worship, leading him away from true worship of Yahweh.

Who succeeded Solomon as the king of Israel?

Rehoboam, his son.

What were the consequences of Rehoboam’s harsh response to the Israelites’ request?

The division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah.

What was Jeroboam's significant action upon becoming king of the northern kingdom?

He established two golden calves for worship to prevent Israel from going to Jerusalem.

What Prophet opposed the worship of idols in Israel during Jeroboam’s reign?

Elijah the prophet.

What was one sign of God's presence and favor seen in Elijah's ministry?

Miracles performed, such as raising a boy from the dead and calling down fire from heaven.

What lesson does the book of Kings teach about the responsibility of leaders?

Leaders are held accountable for their covenant faithfulness, impacting the nation spiritually and morally.

What was the nature of the promise made to Judah regarding the Davidic covenant?

Despite their unfaithfulness, God vows to preserve a remnant and keep the covenant with David.

What significant event occurred during the reign of King Hezekiah?

The deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian invasion.

What was Josiah’s major reform in Judah?

He reestablished the covenant by rediscovering the Book of the Law.

What was the outcome for Israel due to their continuous disobedience?

The kingdom fell into captivity, first by the Assyrians for the northern kingdom and then by the Babylonians for Judah.

What does the phrase 'to this day' signify in the book of Kings?

It indicates the lasting impact of certain events and practices that remained relevant at the time of the writing.

What notable aspects were covered by the annals of the kings of Israel and Judah?

Including the reigns and actions of kings and their adherence to God's commands.

What was the role of the prophets according to the books of Samuel and Kings?

They acted as God’s spokesmen, calling kings to account and guiding the nation.

What is offered as evidence of the declining state of Israel during the kings’ reigns?

The increasing idol worship and disobedience among the kings punctuated by prophetic warnings.

According to narrative, what did a faithful king bring to Israel?

Prosperity and security through covenant faithfulness.

How was the kingdom affected by the character of its kings?

The moral and spiritual state of the nation reflected the fidelity or infidelity of its leaders to God's covenant.

What was one of Solomon’s main achievements during his reign?

The building of the temple in Jerusalem.

What was the primary sin attributed to Manasseh's reign?

Engaging in idol worship and leading Judah into more evil than previous kings.

What did the Israelites do following the end of King Solomon's reign?

They rebelled against Rehoboam, leading to the division of the kingdom.

What warning does the text give about the consequences of turning from God?

It illustrates that persistent disobedience leads to judgment and separation from God.

What further assurance was provided regarding the eventual restoration of Judah?

The promise of a remnant and a future king from the line of David.

What was one purpose of counting the fighting men as mentioned in the text?

To assess military strength and as a sign of disobedience to God, reflecting a lack of faith.

How did God affirm his covenant with David despite David’s sin?

By allowing a remnant of David’s line to inherit the throne.

What does the narrative of Elijah demonstrate about God’s relationship with Israel?

That God remains faithful even when the people stray, providing opportunities for repentance.

What ultimately happened to Jerusalem in 586 BC?

It was destroyed by the Babylonians, leading to the exile of the people.

What does the reign of Josiah highlight within the context of Israel's history?

A brief return to covenant faithfulness before the final fall and exile.

Why is the story of the man of God from Judah significant?

It illustrates the danger of ignoring God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.

What was King Ahab's relationship with Jezebel and its consequences?

His marriage led to the promotion of Baal worship, furthering Israel's apostasy.

What does the phrase 'the eyes of the Lord' indicate throughout the narratives?

God's watchful presence looking for faithfulness among His people.

How does the narrative of Israel's kings illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty?

God uses both the faithfulness and rebellion of kings to fulfill His overall plans.

What was a key outcome of the Israelites' sins as outlined in King’s narrative?

The eventual downfall and exile of both the northern and southern kingdoms.

How does the author characterize the kings of Israel in relation to the covenant?

As representatives whose success or failure hinges on their fidelity to God’s covenant.

What does the conclusion of 2 Kings suggest about captured Israel and their future?

That through judgment, preservation, and eventual return to the Promised Land, there remains hope.

What was one significant event that led to the end of the northern kingdom?

The Assyrian conquest and the subsequent exile of the Israelites.

What does the prayer of Hezekiah reflect about his reign?

A genuine appeal for divine intervention and recognition of God as Israel's true defense.

What important truth does the Kings narrative emphasize concerning the nature of true worship?

True worship requires exclusive dedication to God and rejection of idolatry.

What is the significance of the promise made to Jeroboam through Ahijah?

It emphasizes God's control over the future of the kingdom and the possibility for reform.

What does the book of Kings ultimately reveal about the consequence of national sin?

It leads to division, exile, and covenant punishment.

How is the character of King Josiah portrayed in contrast to his predecessors?

As a reformer who earnestly sought to return Judah to covenant faithfulness.

What does the book of Acts 13:21 say about Saul?

That he reigned for forty years over Israel.

What covenanted promise is fulfilled through the lineage of David despite Israel's failures?

The enduring promise that a king from David's line will always sit on the throne.

What does the term 'anointed one' signify in the biblical context?

It refers to the Messiah, God's promise of a rightful and righteous king.

How is the interplay between Israel's geography and covenant faithfulness illustrated?

God promises blessing for faithfulness and judgment for rebellion in the land He gave them.

What do the actions of Hezekiah reveal about his faithfulness as a king?

His reforms and trust in God contrasted with those who led Israel astray.

What year did the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem occur?

586 BC.

How long did King Saul reign over Israel?

Forty years.

What significant event marked the beginning of the monarchy in Israel?

The anointing of Saul, which occurred around 1050 BC.

What year did the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom take place?

722 BC.

When was the reign of King Hezekiah?

Approximately 715–686 BC.

What year did Josiah discover the Book of the Law?

Approximately 622 BC.

What was the duration of the southern kingdom of Judah before its fall?

From 930 BC to 586 BC.

When was the Davidic covenant established?

Around 1000 BC.

What year did the Israelites demand a king?

Around 1040 BC.

What year did Jeroboam become king of the northern kingdom?

Approximately 930 BC.

When did King Solomon reign?

Approximately 970–931 BC.

What year did the northern kingdom of Israel fall to Assyria?

722 BC.

When was the first temple built by Solomon?

Completed in approximately 957 BC.

What year marks the beginning of the divided monarchies of Israel and Judah?

Approximately 930 BC.

What year did the Israelites rebel against Rehoboam?

Approximately 930 BC.

When did the exile of Judah occur?

586 BC.

What year did King Ahab reign over Israel?

Approximately 874–853 BC.

When did Elijah confront Ahab about Baal worship?

Approximately 850 BC.

What year did Babylon conquer Jerusalem for the first time?

597 BC.

When did King Manasseh reign?

Approximately 697–642 BC.

What year was the first deportation of Israelites to Babylon?

597 BC.