Writ ten by Sherry Worel

Unpacking the Book #5 The United Kingdom

I. : the last of the judges (1 Samuel 1-7) 1 Sam 3:19-21 The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from to recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD. The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.” a. Eli and Samuel’s early years: 1 Sam. 1-3 b. Ark captured at Shiloh by Philistines 1 Sam. 4-5 c. Ark returned to Israel: 1 Sam. 6 (Abinidab’s house, cared for by his son Eleazar) d. Samuel the judge and prophet: 1 Sam. 7

II. The United Kingdom (, and ) A. Saul: The First king, all of I Samuel God wanted a theocracy—where He was King of His people. But the people wanted a human king. 1 Sam. 8:4-6, 19-20…”Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” As a king, Saul began strong, defeating the Ammonites and enjoys some early success in battling the Philistines. But Saul’s impatience and pride proved to be his downfall. He died at the hand of the Philistines near Mount Gilboa. He reigned about 40 years. 1. The transition of National Leadership: I Samuel 8:1-12:25 a. Samuel to Saul: 8:1-22 b. Two accounts of Saul’s ascent to the throne: 9:1-10:16 and 10:17-27 c. Samuel confirms Saul: 12:1-25 2. Saul’s reign: I Samuel 13:1-15:9. He is 30 years old when he becomes King. a. His early successes : 13:1-4. Defeats the Philistines. b. His early failures: 13:5-15:9 Too impatient to wait for Samuel to arrive for the burnt and fellowship offerings. 3. Saul is rejected as King: I Samuel 15:10-18:9 a. God rejects Saul: 15:10-35. At the beginning of Ch. 15 God instructs Saul to go and completely wipe out the Amalekites--in retribution for them attacking the Israelites when they left Egypt (Ex. 17) b. God chooses David as King: 16:1-13 and the Spirit comes upon him (16:13) c. God removes his Spirit from Saul: 16:14-23 4. Saul attempts to kill David: I Samuel 18:10-20:42 (goes into ch. 27) While the relationship between David and Saul falls apart, the relationship between David and Jonathon becomes stronger than ever! Edited and taught by Cathy Ulrich 2 5. The rise of David in exile: I Samuel 21-28 David pretends to be mad…builds an army in the wilderness…save’s Saul’s life (twice), marries Abigail, joins with the Philistines 6. Saul’s decline: I Samuel 28:3-31:13 Assaulted again by the Philistines, Saul visits the witch of Endor; he and Jonathon die during the battle on Mt. Gilboa. Their bodies are then taken to Beth-shan, where they were displayed on the walls of the city. 3

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B. David: ENTIRE books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles (also a little in 1 Kings) David’s ascension to the throne begins the “Golden Age” of Israel. Unlike Saul, David is a “man after God’s own heart.” (1 Sam. 13:14, 16:7) His entire life (from shepherd, to servant, to statesman, to sinner) is characterized by a relationship with God. He accomplishes a great deal both domestically and as a leader among the nations—a “man’s man.” Born in Bethlehem, he is a sensitive man, a notable musician and a true spiritual example for the people of Israel (Acts 13:22). He wrote over 70 Psalms. Like Saul, he is 30 years old when he begins to reign. His reign lasts a total of 40 years. The first 7 he rules only the tribe of Judah. 5 1. The Political Triumphs of David: 1:1-5:25 a. Anointed King over Judah: 1:1-2:1-7. About 15 years after Samuel first anointed him. Makes his headquarters in Hebron…this lasts for 7 ½ years!!! b. David and Ishbosheth: 2:8-4:9-12 Saul’s son reigns in north for 2 years c. David’s reign established in Jerusalem 5:1-25. He is anointed yet again (5:3)! 2 Sam 5:2 … the LORD said to you, 'You will SHEPHERD my people Israel… 2. The Spiritual Triumphs of David: 6:1-7:29 a. The Ark is brought to Jerusalem: 6:1-23 b. The Davidic Covenant: 7:1-29 (1 Chron 17:3-14) David’s name appears at least 59x in the NT (usually “Son of David”) Rev. 22:16 “I am the root and the offspring of David.” 3. The Military Triumphs of David: 8:1-10:19 David’s authority extended from the Gulf of Aqaba and the River of Egypt in the south, all the way to the Euphrates in the north a. Defeats Phiistia, Moab, and Syria : 8:1-8:12 b. The rule of righteousness: 8:13-9:13 c. Defeats Ammon and Syria: 10:1-19 4. The Troubles of David: Chps 11- 24: a. The sin of Adultery and Murder: 11:1-27 (see Psalms 32 & 51) b. Nathan’s Prophecy: 12:1-14 c. Baby dies:12:15-25 d. Amnon incest with his sister Tamar. Absalom kills Amnon: 12:26-13:26 e. The rebellion of David’s son Absalom: 13:37-18:33 5. David restored as King: 19:1- 20:26

6. Co mmentary on his reign: 21:1- 24:25 song (Psalm 18), last words, census Buried at the southern end of the City of David

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C. Solomon: I Kings 1-11 and 2 Chronicles 1-9 Samuel and Kings Chronicles Northern & southern kingdom until captivities Southern Kingdom and the Davidic line Political history Religious history Prophetic authorship: emphasizes the prophetic Priestly authorship: emphasizes the priestly ministry and moral concerns ministry and spiritual concerns Written by authors soon after the events (not Written by Ezra many years after the events Samuel, he died before the end of 1 Samuel) More positive—apostasy, but hope in spite of More negative—rebellion and tragedy tragedy Man’s failings God’s faithfulness Emphasizes kings and prophets Emphasizes the temple and the priests From “Talk Thru the Bible” Solomon’s reign had both great successes and great failures. A very prolific builder (instituted system of taxation in order to pay for all the buildings, including the Palace & the Temple). Began a system of forced labor with vassal subjects; maintained a standing army and assured a long period of national peace through a series of political marriages. Like his father, he reigned for 40 years! 1. Solom on is made King: 1:1-2:46 a. David’s charge to Solomon: 2:1-9 b. David dies: 2:10-11 c. The kingdom is purged : 2:13-46 2. The Lord appears to Solomon and grants him wisdom: 3:1-28 3. His administration of Israel: 4:1-34 4. The Temple and Palace are built: 5:1-8:66 5. Solom on’s Activities & Riches: 9:1-10:29 a. The Lord appears to Solomon a 2nd time: 9:1-9 b. Political & commercial activity, accumulation of riches 9:10-10:29 6. Solom on’s Decline: 11:1-11:43 a. His disobedience to the covenant: 11:1-40 b. His death: 11:41-43 Because of Solomon’s disobedience God is going to divide the Kingdom:  Jeroboam will rule the 10 tribes of the north.  Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, will rule the tribe of Judah

Acts 13: 22, 36 …'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'… "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep… 7