6.0 Israel Gains a King: Samuel and Saul

(For an explanation of the codes used in this document, click on Explanation of Terms.) (Last revised: 10/2/01) To display the Greek and/or Hebrew text contained in this page, download and install the free BSTGreek and Hebrew True Type fonts from Bible Study Tools. (Check this page periodically, since it is being continually expanded with new question options. This provides increased options for the 'take-home' exam.)

6.1 Samuel: The Judge Who Appointed Kings
1. Describe the origin of the English title of the books 1 and 2 Samuel.
6.2 The Sources for the History of the Israelite Kingdom
1. Describe the attitude toward the monarchy in the Early and Late Sources of the books of Samuel and Kings, providing illustrations of each from the scripture texts.
2. Identity the Court History of David.
3. Describe how the Court History of David idffered from usual accounts of the reigns of ancient kings.
6.2.1 Samuel: His Birth and Dedication (1 Sam. 1:1-2:10)

1. Compare the birth stories of Samuel (1 Sam 1:1-2:11) and of Isaac (Gen. 18:9-11; 21:1-8).
6.2.2 Samuel: His Training and Call to Service (1 Sam. 2:11-4:1)

1. Explain why Samuel was turned over to Eli at such an early age.
6.3 The Beginning of the Philistine Wars
6.3.1 The Battle for Ebenezer (1 Sam. 4:1-22)

6.3.2 That Troublesome Ark (1 Sam. 5:1-6:21)

1. Explain how the Ark of the Covenant became such a source of trouble to the Philistines.
6.4 The Roles Samuel Played
1. Summarize the various roles that Samuel played as a leader in Israel.
6.4.1 Samuel, the Judge (1 Sam. 7:3-17)

6.4.2 Samuel, the Prophet (1 Sam. 8:1-9:14)

1. Describe the series of events that caused Israel to unite and eventually choose a king.
2. Define the term 'seer.'
6.4.3 Samuel, the King-Maker (1 Sam. 9:15-10:27)

1. Describe how Samuel can be called a "King-Maker" and also a "King-Breaker."
2. Identify why Saul was chosen as king over Israel.
6.4.4 The Meaning of Annointing
1. Describe the significance of the ceremony of anointing.
2. Define the term 'meshiach.'
6.5 Saul: The Last Judge and the First King (1020-1000 B.C.E.)
1. Summarize Saul's strengths and weaknesses as the first king in Israel.
2. Describe how Saul gained Samuel's disfavor.
6.5.1 Saul Becomes a Hero (1 Sam. 11:1-15)

1. Summarize the event that catapulted Saul into the kingship over Israel.
6.5.2 Samuel Accounts for His Ministry (1 Sam. 12:1-25)

6.5.3 The Nature of Saul's Kingship
6.5.4 The Length of Saul's Reign (1 Sam. 13:1)

6.5.5 Saul's Early Successes Against the Philistines (1 Sam. 13:2-4)

6.5.6 Saul's Mistake at Gilgal (1 Sam. 13:5-15a)

6.5.7 Jonathan's Heroics at Michmash (1 Sam. 13:15b-14:15)

6.5.8 Saul Blunders Again (1 Sam. 14:16-46)

6.5.9 Saul Disobeys Samuel Again (1 Sam. 15:1-35)

6.6 Saul and David
1. Summarize the relationship of David and Saul from the time David first went into the royal palace until Saul's death.
6.6.1 The Anointing of David (1 Sam. 16:1-13)

6.6.2 Saul and David Meet (1 Sam. 16:14-23)

6.6.3 David and Goliath (1 Sam. 17:1-58)

1. Describe the two different versions as to how Saul and David met, giving the scripture texts for each source.
2. Assess how the two different versions reflect the uses of sources in writing the Deuteronomic history.
6.6.4 David in the Family of Saul (1 Sam. 18:1-30)

6.6.5 David Flees from Saul's Murderous Intentions (1 Sam. 19:1-21:15)

6.7 David, the Outlaw
1. Explain why David did not kill Saul and take over his kingdom.
6.7.1 Preparations for the Struggle with Saul (1 Sam. 22:1-5)

6.7.2 The Massacre at Nob (1 Sam. 22:6-23)

6.7.3 Running from Saul (1 Sam. 23:1-24:22)

6.7.4 David, the Outlaw (1 Sam. 25:1-28:2)

1. Describe what the story of David and Abigail tells us about his relations to the people during his outlaw period.
1. Describe why David joined forces with the Philistines.
6.7.4.1 Gaining Two Wives and Losing One (1 Sam. 25:1-44)

6.7.5 Another Version of Saul's Escape from David (1 Sam. 26:1-25)

6.7.5.1 David Joins the Philistines (1 Sam. 27:1-28:2)

6.8 The End of Saul's Reign
6.8.1 Saul and the Witch of Endor (1 Sam. 28:3-25)

6.8.2 Where Was David? (1 Sam. 29:1-11)

6.8.3 A Raid on David's Camp (1 Sam. 30:1-31)

6.8.4 The Death of Saul (1 Sam. 31:1-14)

6.9 Samuel and Saul: A Summary
1. Evaluate the kingship of Saul.