1-2 Samuel Study Guide

People to Know

1. Hannah - A woman who wanted children, so she prayed and dedicated her firstborn son to God’s service

2. Eli - A high priest who adopted a young boy, but failed to raise his own sons properly

3. Samuel - A boy dedicated to God who became the Lord’s main voice to the people of Israel, He annointed the kings

4. Saul - The first king of Israel who thought he was above God’s law

5. Jonathan - Saul’s son and David’s best friend

6. Michael - David’s first wife, the daughter of Saul

7. Goliath - A giant Philistine warrior, killed with a sling stone

8. David - The second king of Israel, an ancestor of Jesus

9. Abner - Saul’s general who eventually swtiched sides to help David

10. Ish-Bosheth - Saul’s son who tried to be king

11. Joab - David’s general. He had a habit of killing people, David told him not to

12. Mephibosheth - Saul’s disabled grandson

13. Nathan - A prophet of the Lord who told off king David

14. Uriah - A loyal soldier murdered by the king to hide his own guilt

15. Bathsheba - A woman that the king lusted over so much that it led to the death of her husband, her son, and many unnamed soldiers

16. Absalom - The song of the king who led a rebellion to try steal his father’s throne

Short/Long Answer Questions

1. God and Samuel warned Israel that a king would be bad for Israel. What reasons did they give? (1 Samuel 8)

   • The king would impose heavy taxes on the people, taking their money and resources to support his reign. The king would take their sons and daughters to serve in the army, making them servants for the king. The king would take their best land to benefit himself, leaving the people with less. The king may abuse his power leading to corruption.

2. David had multiple opportunities to kill Saul and end the trouble he was causing for himself and for Israel. Why did David refuse to kill Saul?

   • David considered Saul to be the Lord’s annointed king, he believed it was God’s decision to take Saul’s life. David feared killing Saul would be an act against God’s will and might bring God’s judgement upon himself. David wanted to maintain his own moral integrity and character, not like Saul driven by jealousy and fear. David knew killing Saul would created more conflict, he believed God would give him the throne in His own way. David cared for Saul and was loyal and understanding he was still his king and once a great leader of Israel.

3. God promised David that he would give him a descendant who would build up the Lord’s house, and God would establish his kingdom forever. Why do some say this promise is about Soloman, and who is this promise truly about? (2 Samuel 7)

   • Some say this promise is about Soloman because he built the temple. the promise is truly about Jesus Christ who is the true descendant of David. Jesus fulfills the prophecy through his role where he establishes a spiritual kingdom that lasts forever.

4. The story of the Old Testament is the story of God preparing the world and his people for Jesus’ work, but the stories in 1-2 Samuel seem to be driving Israel away from God and further into sin and chaos. How do we see God’s plan for Gospel salvation even in the chaotic sinfulness of the book of Samuel?

   • Even with all the sin, we still see God trying to work his plan. God choosing David to be king highlights his sovereignity and his choice of leaders. David, despite his flaws, is a man after God’s own heart and an ancestor of Jesus. The promises made to David show God’s intent to bring forth a savior. In 2 Samuel 7 he promises him that the throne will be established forever, ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ, who establishes an eternal kingdom.