Rise, Rebuke, and Rebellion: The Early Days of Israel’s First King

Welcome to Day 75 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are beginning the book of 1 Samuel. In 1 Samuel 11-13, we witness the highs and lows of King Saul’s early reign over Israel. Saul starts strong by leading a victorious campaign against the Ammonites, securing his position as king in the eyes of the people. However, Samuel soon delivers a powerful speech reminding Israel of their covenant with God and warning them against disobedience. Saul's downfall begins in chapter 13 when he acts presumptuously, offering a sacrifice in Samuel’s absence, which results in a severe rebuke from the prophet. This moment foreshadows Saul’s future struggles and ultimate rejection as king. These chapters highlight the importance of faithfulness to God, obedience over personal ambition, and the consequences of acting outside of God's will.

1 Samuel Chapter 11: Saul proves his leadership when Nahash, the Ammonite king, threatens the Israelite town of Jabesh-Gilead. The people of Jabesh seek terms of surrender, but Nahash cruelly demands that he gouge out their right eyes. In response, Saul, filled with the Spirit of God, rallies the Israelites, and they defeat the Ammonites in a decisive victory. This victory solidifies Saul’s position as king, and the people gather at Gilgal to reaffirm his kingship. The chapter highlights the power of God's Spirit in leadership, the unity of Israel in times of crisis, and how a leader’s success often depends on divine guidance.

1 Samuel Chapter 12: Samuel delivers a farewell speech, reminding Israel of God’s faithfulness and their history of deliverance. He confronts them about their demand for a king, making it clear that they have rejected God’s direct rule over them. To prove his point, he calls down thunder and rain during the wheat harvest, a sign of divine displeasure. The people recognize their sin and plead for forgiveness. Samuel assures them that God will not abandon them if they remain faithful. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that even when we make mistakes, God’s mercy remains available if we turn back to Him.

1 Samuel Chapter 13: Saul’s reign takes a disastrous turn as he makes a critical error in judgment. Facing a Philistine threat, he grows impatient waiting for Samuel and unlawfully offers a burnt sacrifice himself. When Samuel arrives, he rebukes Saul for his disobedience, declaring that his kingdom will not last. Meanwhile, Israel faces an overwhelming Philistine force, and the situation grows dire due to a lack of weapons among the Israelites. This chapter marks the beginning of Saul’s downfall, illustrating the dangers of impatience, pride, and failing to trust in God’s timing.

From Loss to Redemption: A Journey of Faith and Favor

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The book of 1 Samuel is named after Samuel, the prophet and judge who played a significant role in the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of Israel’s monarchy. The name Samuel comes from the Hebrew "Šəmuʾēl", which is often interpreted as "heard by God" or "name of God." This reflects how Samuel’s mother, Hannah, prayed for a son, and God answered her request (1 Samuel 1:20).

Purpose of the Book:

The primary purpose of 1 Samuel is to document the shift in Israel’s leadership from judges to kings. It highlights the establishment of monarchy, focusing on three key figures: Samuel (the last judge), Saul (Israel’s first king), and David (Israel’s greatest king-to-be). The book demonstrates God’s sovereignty in appointing leaders, the consequences of obedience and disobedience, and how God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The authorship of 1 Samuel is uncertain, but Jewish tradition (Talmud - Baba Bathra 14b-15a) attributes it to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad based on 1 Chronicles 29:29, which states:

"Now the acts of King David, first and last, indeed they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer."

This suggests that Samuel wrote the portions covering his life (1 Samuel 1-24), while Nathan and Gad may have contributed the rest after Samuel’s death. Other biblical references to Samuel’s writings include 1 Samuel 10:25, which states that Samuel recorded events in a book and laid it before the Lord.

Outside the Bible, Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian from the 1st century, supports the view that prophets recorded historical events, affirming Samuel’s role in writing and preserving Israel’s history (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 6, Chapter 13).

Key People:

Samuel – The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a priest who anoints both Saul and David as kings.
Saul – The first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience.
David – A shepherd who is anointed as Saul’s successor; he defeats Goliath and gains fame.
Hannah – Samuel’s mother, who prayed for a child and dedicated him to God.
Eli – The high priest who raises Samuel but fails to correct his wicked sons.
Jonathan – Saul’s son and David’s close friend, known for his loyalty and bravery.
Goliath – The Philistine giant defeated by David with a slingshot and faith in God.
Doeg the Edomite – A servant of Saul who betrays and kills the priests of Nob.
Abigail – A wise woman who prevents David from committing bloodshed and later becomes his wife.

Conclusion

The book of 1 Samuel marks a pivotal transition in Israel’s history, shifting from the era of judges to the establishment of monarchy under Saul and David. It highlights God's sovereignty in choosing and rejecting leaders, emphasizing that obedience and faithfulness matter more than outward appearances. Ultimately, 1 Samuel sets the stage for God's covenant with David, foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah through his lineage.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 1 Samuel 11, God reveals Himself as the Deliverer of His people. When the Israelites of Jabesh-Gilead are threatened by the Ammonites, God empowers Saul through His Spirit to lead Israel to victory. This moment highlights God's faithfulness in rescuing His people when they call upon Him. His character is one of strength, mercy, and provision, ensuring that those who trust Him are not abandoned in their time of need.

The Hebrew name of God found in this chapter is Ruach Elohim, meaning "Spirit of God" (1 Samuel 11:6). This name signifies God's empowering presence, as His Spirit comes upon Saul, giving him the courage and strength to lead Israel to victory. The lesson God teaches in this chapter is that true leadership comes from divine empowerment, not human ability alone. When God calls someone, He equips them with the strength and wisdom necessary to fulfill His purpose.

In 1 Samuel 12, God’s character in 1 Samuel 12 is seen as both just and merciful. Through Samuel’s speech, God reminds Israel of His faithfulness despite their repeated disobedience. He does not abandon His people, even when they reject His rule in favor of a human king. Instead, He continues to call them to repentance, showing that He is both a righteous Judge and a compassionate Father who desires a relationship with His people.

The Hebrew name of God found in this chapter is Yahweh, used in 1 Samuel 12:12, emphasizing His covenantal relationship with Israel. The lesson God teaches is that obedience leads to His continued blessings, while disobedience results in consequences. However, even when His people fail, He remains faithful and offers them the opportunity to turn back to Him.

In 1 Samuel 13, God reveals His nature as holy and sovereign. He expects obedience from those He appoints as leaders and does not tolerate actions that disregard His commands. Saul’s impatience in offering the sacrifice reveals his lack of trust in God’s timing, leading to a stern rebuke. This chapter underscores God's expectation of faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience.

There is no specific Hebrew name of God mentioned in this chapter. However, the lesson God teaches is that obedience is more important than sacrifice. Saul’s downfall begins because he prioritizes his own understanding over God’s instructions. This chapter serves as a reminder that trust in God’s timing and commands is essential for His favor and blessing.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character:

How does 1 Samuel 11 demonstrate God's role as a Deliverer in times of crisis?
What does 1 Samuel 12 teach us about God's justice and mercy when His people disobey?
In what ways do we see God’s sovereignty and expectations for obedience in 1 Samuel 13?
How does the presence of the Spirit of God in 1 Samuel 11 reveal His power to equip leaders?
What does Samuel’s warning in 1 Samuel 12 teach us about God’s faithfulness despite human failure?
How does Saul’s mistake in 1 Samuel 13 contrast with God’s expectation for trust and obedience?
What do these chapters reveal about God’s patience with His people, even when they make poor choices?

Questions About Themes:

How does 1 Samuel 11 illustrate the importance of unity and leadership in facing challenges?
What can we learn from 1 Samuel 12 about the consequences of rejecting God’s rule?
In what ways does 1 Samuel 13 highlight the dangers of impatience and acting outside of God's will?
How do these chapters emphasize the contrast between human weakness and God's strength?
Why is obedience prioritized over sacrifice in God’s eyes, as seen in 1 Samuel 13?
How does Samuel’s speech in 1 Samuel 12 reflect the theme of repentance and restoration?
What lessons do these chapters teach about trusting God’s timing rather than taking matters into our own hands?

Reflective Application Questions:

When have you experienced a time when God delivered you from a difficult situation, similar to 1 Samuel 11?
How can you apply Samuel’s reminder of God’s faithfulness in 1 Samuel 12 to your own life?
Are there any areas in your life where you struggle with impatience and taking control instead of trusting God?
How can you ensure that your obedience to God is not just outward actions but comes from a heart that trusts Him?
What leadership qualities from Saul’s early success in 1 Samuel 11 can you apply to your own life?
How can you grow in recognizing and responding to God’s Spirit leading you, as seen in Saul’s initial calling?
What steps can you take to ensure that you trust God’s timing rather than acting out of fear or impatience?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans