1 Samuel 10:17-11:15

Background for entire book. This how does your passage fit?

1 and 2 Samuel should be considered one book. The division only come because of scroll length.

Before Samuel the book of Judges rehearse how Israel failed to remain faithful to YHWH and love according to the constitution [10 Commandments/Law] YHWH established with the after delivering them from slavery in Egypt.

It was a period of moral chaos and revealed that Israel needed wise and faithful leadership. Samuel is the answer to how God provides that leadership they need.

“everyone did what was right in their own eye” [find all the places this is used in Judges.]

200 years of extraordinary social upheaval in Israel. [The middle of the 11 century BC.]

These were the 200 years after the Israelites had come into the land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. The era is often referred to as the period of the judges.

Much of it is recounted in the book of Judges, which concludes with this summary: “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).2 In other words, there was no established and permanent political authority in the land. Anarchy reigned. There was a crisis of leadership in Israel. Or so it seemed.

The three main figures of the book is Samuel, Saul and David. [Serves as a helpful breakdown for the book as well. [ [1-7] [8-14] [15-31] ]

They three transition Israel from a groups of tribes to a unified kingdom ruled [by the books closures by king David] in Jerusalem.

Samuel is the prophet in the first part of the book and the transition from Judge in Israel to king.

Saul rise and fall then David rise and then falls as well.

Samuel links Israel’s era of uncertainty under the judges’s leadership, the rise of the monarchy under Saul and the flourishing reign under David. Samuel also rehearses Israel’s struggle to conquer and subdue her enemies that were left unconquered during the conquest.

Some of the things we see in the narrative of Samuel is

YHWH’s uniqueness as Israel’s God.

Israel’s status as God’s chosen people.

Humanity Failure and God’s faithfulness to himself through it.

God’s Divine sovereignty

God’s Divine Blessing

Samuel answers the question how would God cause His people to survive considering the two centuries of corruption, instability and even corruption in the nation’s leadership and people recorded in the book of judges. What is the solution for the special people that God made His own?

A secondary questions would be what can we learn about God and ourselves from His dealing with His people during this curial time in their history.

1 Corinthians 10:11 “11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.”

Romans 15:4 “4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Observations, Questions, and Word & Phrase Study

The Over All Text

10:17–27 Samuel recalls the people he dismissed in 1 Sam 8:22. The search for Israel’s king is over, and Samuel is ready to reveal God’s selection. Saul shows his true self by timidly hiding among the baggage rather than boldly seizing his throne. With the exception of the events in ch. 11, Saul will be characterized by fear, reluctance, incompetence, and impetuousness. [John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), 1 Sa 10:17–27.]

What God did in secret in the previous verses He will now make public.

Paste Text here and break it down

1 Samuel 10:17–11:15

10:17 Now Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah.

Mizpah - 7 miles north of Jerusalem.

18 And he said to the people of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.’ 19 But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and your distresses, and you have said to him, ‘Set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your thousands.”

Samuel gives them a history lesson of the Lord’s faithfulness. How he delivered them from Egypt and the nations that rise up against them in the journey to Canan.

Samuel was true to his prophetic calling to tell the people what the Lord said. He preached and reminded them of their redemption from Egypt by God’s grace and power as well as their obligation under the covenant to obey God. But they disobeyed in asking for a replacement for God kingly leadership.

Samuel’s words may seems a little harsh. They were certainly true, but couldn’t he have been a bit more gentle in his deliverance? But Samuel must be faithful rather than cordial.

Dale Ralph Davis: If Israel really has rejected the God who saves then (v.19) and has not seen that or repented of it, can we expect Samuel to smile blandly and croon with outstreched hand, “So good to see all of your here today for this happy occasion that brings us together”? Israel’s God may love us too much to be nice. His word my pursue us relentlessly until we hear it” [107]

King over us - The problem was not the king, but their motivation for wanting a king and wanting to replace YHWH as their king. The original promise to Abraham included the reality of kings coming from His lineage Genesis 17:1-7. The Blessing of Jacob at the end of His life indicated that Israel would have king reigning among them Genesis 49:10. The Sinai Covenant even made provision for “when” Israel set a king over them Deuteronomy 17:14-20.

Also see Balaam blessing when he should have neen cursing Israel. He spoke of a king to come. Numbers 24:5-7.

20 Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot.

Benjamin was taken - this is unexpected considering Jacobs blessing to his son in Genesis 49:10

Casting lot was a common practice. It has divination related to, but God’s peoplel would cast lots to determine what the will of the Lord was in particular situation. They seen it as a way for God to communicate His will when It wasn’t clear from His word.

Proverbs 16:33 “33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”

Joshua 14:2 “2 Their inheritance was by lot, just as the Lord had commanded by the hand of Moses for the nine and one-half tribes.”

Deuteronomy 17:15 “15 you may indeed set a king over you whom the Lord your God will choose. One from among your brothers you shall set as king over you. You may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother.”

Leviticus 1:8–10 “8 And Aaron’s sons the priests shall arrange the pieces, the head, and the fat, on the wood that is on the fire on the altar; 9 but its entrails and its legs he shall wash with water. And the priest shall burn all of it on the altar, as a burnt offering, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord. 10 “If his gift for a burnt offering is from the flock, from the sheep or goats, he shall bring a male without blemish,”

Numbers 26:53–56 “53 “Among these the land shall be divided for inheritance according to the number of names. 54 To a large tribe you shall give a large inheritance, and to a small tribe you shall give a small inheritance; every tribe shall be given its inheritance in proportion to its list. 55 But the land shall be divided by lot. According to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit. 56 Their inheritance shall be divided according to lot between the larger and the smaller.””

Joshua 7:18 “18 And he brought near his household man by man, and Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.”

Acts 1:26 “26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”

Application: Praise God that we no longer have to determine the Lord’s will for our lives by casting lots. Unlike God’s people of old, we have the complete revelation of God and in it we have all we need for life and godliness. We are beless to have the complete canon by which we can know and seek wisdom for every circumstance of our lives.

21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot; and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found.

Samuel takes the people through this process so they can be certain this is the Lord’s choice. And they could have not objection to it. [This is also the 3rd sign for Saul of this being God’s will. He should have responded in faith. ]

Matthew Henry: [Samuel] knew also the peevishness of what people, and that there were those among them who would not acquiesce in the choice if it depended upon a single testimony; and therefore, that every tribe and every family of the chosen tribe might please themselves with having a chance for it, he calls them to the lot. By this method it would appear to the people…that Saul was appointed of God to be king….It would also prevent all disputes and exceptions.[Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible, 6 vols (New York;Revell, n.d.) 2:334]

22 So they inquired again of the Lord, “Is there a man still to come?” and the Lord said, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” 23 Then they ran and took him from there. And when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward.

Hidden himself - this is not good or humble. He had already been anointed king and God gave signs of assurance. He should have been confident in what God was doing. Not in himself, but God.

Saul always fears the wrong things—his calling as king, the Philistine hordes (1 Sam 13:7; 28:5), his own army (15:24), Goliath (17:11, 24), David (18:12, 15, 29), a coup (22:7–8), and Samuel’s prophecy about his death and defeat (28:20, 21). In contrast, David is said to fear only two things: Achish, king of Gath, in a situation that stemmed from David’s own foolishness (21:12); and God (2 Sam 6:9). [John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016)]

Was It modesty or fear that cause Saul to hide himself? - likely fear. Humility accepts God’s will while at the same time depending on God’s strength and wisdom. If Saul was focusing on the glory of God, he would have been present in the assembly and humbly accepted God’s calling. The would have urged the people to pray for him to follow and seek the Lord’s will.

Illustration: Tiago asked me to teach in children’s church and told me that pride can disguise itself as humility.

Warren Wiesbie “Shunning national popularity is one thing, but shunning God-given responsibility is quite another”

Emotional baggage – “Saul had more emotional baggage than an airport carousel.”

Carry-ons of insecurity – “He was weighed down by carry-ons of insecurity.”

Suitcases of self-doubt – “His suitcases of self-doubt kept him from stepping into his calling.”

Trunks of timidity – “The king was hiding behind his trunks of timidity.”

Duffel bags of doubt – “He couldn’t lead because he was lost in duffel bags of doubt.”

Luggage of low confidence – “Even tall people can be buried under the luggage of low confidence.”

Backpack of fear – “Saul was carrying a heavy backpack of fear.”

Overhead compartment of excuses – “His excuses were all stored neatly in the overhead compartment.”

Rolling suitcase of reluctance – “He was rolling a suitcase of reluctance right into his kingship.”

Cargo of compromise – “He came with a cargo of compromise.”

Hidden in the luggage of limitations – “He hid among the luggage of his own limitations.”

24 And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”

Sad reality is God’s people trusted a man of clay and admired his physical appearance, yet they would not trust the Lord who throughtous the nation’s histroy had proven time and time again to be faithful, powerful and gracious on their behalf

Application: Yet how often does my own soul turn to clay pots?

Seeking the advice of friends instead of consulting God’s Word to guidance.

Trusting the saving account instead of the Lord’s generous provision.

Setting strict rules and boundaries to teach my kids morals instead of praying for the Lord to change their hearts. Cold discipline instead of loving, hopefill, dligently instruction toward their hearts.

Relying on a ministry plan, instead of begging the Spirit to save souls.

Trusting in the cleverness of communication instead of trusting the power of God’s Word in the hand of God’s Spirit to work change in His peoples lives.

As I search my own heart and consider my own thoughts. I would have been in the crowd admiring the tall, handsome, strong looking earthly king, thinking too myself who better to lead us ignoring and forgetting the perfect, faithful God who have cared for my soul with a tenderness unmatched.

For this I know repentance is needed, what about you friend.

What was have you trusted in flashy pot instead of the faithful potter?

25 Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the Lord. Then Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home.

rights and duties - Documents that prescribe how the kingship was to function in Israel. YWHW law would regulate how the king was to conduct himself.

Rober Vannoy: Samuel takes the first step in resolving the tension which exists between Israel’s improper desire for a king, as well as their misconceived notion of what the role and function of this king should be, on the one hand, and the stated fact that it was Yahweh’s intent to give them a king on the other. It is clear that the purpose of the “Rights and duties” Is to provide a definition of the function of the king in Israel, for the benefit of both the people and the king-designate. This constitutional-Legal description of the duties in prerogatives of the king in Israel would serve to clearly distinguish the Israel king ship from That known to the Israelites in surrounding nations. In Israel, the King’s role was to be strictly compatible with the continued sovereignty of Yahweh over the nation, and also with all the prescription and obligations annunciated in the covenant into law received at Sinai and renewed and updated by Moses in the Plains of Moab. In short, it was Samuel’s intent to see that hte “rights and duties” would be normative in Israel. [Dale Ralph Davis, 110]

Saul rulership under the Law of YHWH does not destroy his kingship but allows it to function properly. Just as God’s people being undre His law or commandments does not inhibit them from flourishing in the Christian life, but it bring order to it in order to protect it from bondage.

“Look at the material in Romans 12-15, Galatians 5-6, Ephesians 4-6, Colossians 3-4, or the Epistle of James. What is it largerly but application of the commandments to the Christian life? The intent of such teaching is to keep a people free in purity of life, holiness of desires, winsomeness of speech, absence of bitterness, to maintain balanced relationships, spiritual warfare, and concrete compassion. ”

rights and duties of kingship - what is this? Is this a warning or what the king suppose to do. It need to make sense that Samuel is the one telling it. It has to do something with what the king can and is suppose to do?

The rights and duties of the kingship is lit., “the rule [Hb. mishpat] of the kingship,” i.e., the relationship between the king and the people, about which both the newly enthroned king and the people must have legal agreement. Legal agreements were usually written down and confirmed by the seals of the witnesses. Here Samuel was the intermediary and witness. He also laid the document before the LORD, i.e., deposited it in a sanctuary (cf. putting the Book of the Law or the covenant into or beside the ark; Ex. 25:16; 40:20; Deut. 31:26). [Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 508.]

Rights and duties - Samuel reminded the people that even the king must submit to God and His will. The Lord is still in charge make no mistake.

Application: Samuel made it clear that Saul had authority as king, but that authority was subject to the authority of God. He did not have absolute authority.

Political Leaders:In the same way our political leaders are under God’s authority and we must never obey them if the call for disobedience to God Acts 5:29.

Husbands: Husbands, God has entrusted you with real authority within your marriage, not as a license to command, but as a sacred calling to lead with Christlike humility. Your authority is exercised not through harsh demands or selfish ambition, but through sacrificial love, patience, wise counsel, prayerful direction, and a commitment to your wife’s flourishing. Remember, the authority you carry is not self-given; it has been granted by God. Therefore, take heed how you use it, for you will one day give an account to the Lord for how you led the woman He entrusted to your care [rework]

Parents:Parents, God has entrusted you with authority in your home, not as a tool for control but as a calling to shepherd the hearts of your children. You lead not by intimidation or selfish rule, but by patient teaching, joyful discipline, consistent example, prayerful guidance, and love that reflects the heart of Christ. Remember, the authority you hold is not your own; it is given by God. Handle it with humility and reverence, for you will one day give an account to Him for how you cared for the souls He placed in your home. [rework]

Shepherds: Pastors, God has entrusted you with authority in the church, not to build your own kingdom or wield power for personal comfort, but to shepherd the flock with humility and care. You exercise this authority not through domineering control or impatience, but through faithful preaching, prayer, gentle correction, wise counsel, equipping the saints for ministry, and guarding sound doctrine with a tender heart for God's people. Remember, this authority is not self-appointed; it is granted by God. Therefore, exercise it with fear and trembling, for the Chief Shepherd will require an account for how you cared for His flock. [rework]

Samuel started off well in His leadership, but as the narrative progresses his downfall become apparent. This should cause use to tremble and be careful, lest we to become victims of stumbling over our own pride.

26 Saul also went to his home at Gibeah, and with him went men of valor whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace.

God’s appointment king always causes division. Not everyone was happy with Saul, just as everyone was not happy with Christ. They despised the fact that a backwoods, tall, good-looking fella could be the means that God use to bring salvation. Just as many looked at the Carpenter from Nazareth and thought He had no right to assume that He alone would accomplish salvation.

Jesus came to bring this very division. To draw the line in the sand and say “I am God’s appointed King and your only hope, what will you bow and worship or die in your sins.” Luke 12:51, John 6:42,

Think about the way some of your friends and family members respond to the Gospel. “What does some man who live 2000 years ago have to do with me. What right does He have to say I must believe in Him. What bearing does he have on how I will spend my eternity. What impact does He have on my marriage, on my future judgement.”

worthless men - sons of beilel - 1 Samuel 2:12

held his peace - literally “Saul was as one deaf” - He choose to pretend they didn’t object to his rule.

11:1 Then Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh-gilead, and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.” 2 But Nahash the Ammonite said to them, “On this condition I will make a treaty with you, that I gouge out all your right eyes, and thus bring disgrace on all Israel.”

Nahash - snake

Ammonite - related to Israel through Lot. Genesis 19:38.

Ammonite - was east of the Jordan River likely part of the reason the figured the rest of Israel [west of the Jordan] wouldn’t come to provide aid to Jabesh-Gilead

There is a good map in Atlas book 5-2 if you want to use is.

Jabesh-gilead

Saul had near kin in Jabesh-giled. Judges21:11-13

20 miles south of the Sea Galiee

make a treaty - literally “cut a covenant” with us

[This is important as background information. Take time to explain this] In the traditional version of the Hebrew Bible called the Masoretic Text—which many Bible translations follow—the narrative jumps from 10:27 to v. 1, which results in an awkward transition. For this reason, some translations follow the Dead Sea Scrolls’ version of 1 Samuel here. Between 10:27 and 11:1, the Dead Sea Scrolls’ version adds that Nahash, the Ammonite king, had been oppressing the Gadites and Reubenites and had previously gouged out all their right eyes (making them basically incapable of fighting). The addition also notes that 7,000 men had managed to escape the Ammonites and were in Jabesh-Gilead—the place of the conflict in v. 1. The Dead Sea Scrolls’ addition is likely original to 1 Samuel, because both the addition and v. 1 begin the same—a scribe’s eye could easily have unintentionally skipped lines. The addition also explains v. 2, which seems like an odd response otherwise. [John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016)]

When Moses apportioned the land to Israel, the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh settled east of the Jordan River. The Reubenites settled in the region of Moab to the south, east of the Dead Sea; the half-tribe of Manasseh settled in Ammon to the north (southeast of the Sea of Galilee); and the Gadites settled in the region between Reuben and Manasseh (Num 34:13–15). Nahash felt entitled to these territories, which formerly belonged to his ancestors (compare Judg 11:13). The Gadites and Reubenites had fled to Jabesh-gilead after Nahash’s most recent attack, and he was pursuing them. Because the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead harbored the fleeing Israelites, they were Nahash’s enemies as well. [John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016)]

Making Saul King. This episode shows how Saul becomes the de facto king and is accepted by all Israel because of his victory over the Ammonites. The Dead Sea Scroll of Samuel, 4QSama, has an otherwise unknown paragraph about the background of an oppression by “Nahash, king of the Ammonites.” It says that Nahash had been gouging out the eyes of the Transjordan Gadites and Reubenites and that 7,000 men had fled to Jabesh-gilead. But because 1 Sam. 11:1–2 says “Nahash the Ammonite,” not “Nahash, king of the Ammonites,” it seems unlikely that the paragraph in question was lost from the text in the course of transmission. More likely, it is a later addition. It is possible that the person who added this paragraph was following a true tradition, but one that was not part of 1 Samuel. The demand for a king in ch. 8 may have been made in the midst of such Ammonite oppression. Even if the biblical author knew about it, however, he may not have included it because he was more concerned with the deliverance of the Transjordan Israelites by Saul than with their oppression by Nahash [Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 508.]

Now Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, had been oppressing the Gadites and the Reubenites grievously, gouging out the right eye of each of them and allowing Israel no deliverer. No men of the Israelites who were across the Jordan remained whose right eye Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had not gouged out. But seven thousand men had escaped from the Ammonites and entered into Jabesh-gilead. [the translation is that of P. Kyle McCarter, Jr . 1 Samuel, The Anchor Bible [garden City N.Y.: Doubleday, 1980], 198. Josephus in his Antiquities (6.68-70) seems to presuppose such a Trans-jordanian rampage by Nahash.]

gouge out eye - The eye gouging threatened in 1 Samuel 11:1-2 would have severely compromised Israel's military capabilities by specifically targeting their archers and shield-bearing soldiers . Ancient soldiers traditionally held their shields over their left eyes, so gouging out the right eye would destroy the military capability of archers and render soldiers unable to fight effectively in battle . This mutilation was not merely intended for humiliation but was a strategic military tactic designed to incapacitate Israel's fighting force .

According to the biblical account in 1 Samuel 11:1, the Ammonite king Nahash had been systematically gouging out the right eyes of the Gadites and Reubenites as a form of oppression . This practice of eye gouging was specifically designed to incapacitate warriors from effective combat, as a foot soldier carried his shield in his left hand, which would block the vision of the remaining left eye . Additionally, the loss of the right eye would significantly hamper the use of a bow and arrow, a crucial military weapon. The mutilation was not only physically debilitating but also served as psychological warfare, as Nahash aimed to "bring disgrace on all Israel" and undermine the morale of those west of the Jordan . This systematic maiming would have severely compromised Israel's military capabilities by reducing the effectiveness of their infantry and archery units, while simultaneously serving Nahash's broader goal of Ammonite expansion into Israel's territory.

Dale Ralph Davis: With the right eye gone, You can’t fight what you can’t sight.

Application: This type of hatred toward God’s people is NOT abnormal and should not surprise us. We live in a world full of depraved sinners.

1 John 3:13; John 15:18.

At 3 The elders of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days’ respite that we may send messengers through all the territory of Israel. Then, if there is no one to save us, we will give ourselves up to you.”

Nahash likely thought he could beat the larger army if they came. This would mean more spoils of war for him. but most likely he thought because they were east of the Jordan they would not get any support. This could be based on historical precedent [Judges 11:4-11]. But from a military perspective it would cost Nahash less in effort, resources, and men if they surrender as oppose to possible months of war and siege efforts.

4 When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul, they reported the matter in the ears of the people, and all the people wept aloud. 5 Now, behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen. And Saul said, “What is wrong with the people, that they are weeping?” So they told him the news of the men of Jabesh.

The journey from Jabesh-gilead to Gibeach was 42 miles and likely taken two days.

6 And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled.

The Spirit makes a clear difference. Here He is equipping a super-judge like deliverer. It the same expression used of Samson Judges 14:6; 19; 15:14, A similar expression is used of other judges but the verb [ צלח] is only used in connection with Samson and three times at that.

7 He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hand of the messengers, saying, “Whoever does not come out after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen!” Then the dread of the Lord fell upon the people, and they came out as one man. 8 When he mustered them at Bezek, the people of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.

Judges 19:29.

Samuel said whoever doesn’t join me and Samuel will have consequences. He as the king was led by God’s word.

Bezek - 13 miles from Jabesh-gilead on the westside of the Jordan in Manaessh territory.

9 And they said to the messengers who had come, “Thus shall you say to the men of Jabesh-gilead: ‘Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you shall have salvation.’ ” When the messengers came and told the men of Jabesh, they were glad. 10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, “Tomorrow we will give ourselves up to you, and you may do to us whatever seems good to you.”

The people words would cause Nahash and his army to let their guard down.

11 And the next day Saul put the people in three companies. And they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day. And those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.

three companies - Judges 7:16; 2 Samuel 18:2; Job 1:17

the morning watch - 2-6 AM

Application: God is the One Who give victory in battle, but Saul used wise military strategy to conquer. Remember we are ever-dependent on God, but we also have a responsibility to strive for victory by employing wise strategies. This has implication for the individuals Christian life and the life of the church.

Provides come corporate examples of training up the next generation. Praying for more Shepherds and leader. Praying for God to make us effective in evangelism and then putting ourselves in encounters to share the Gospel. Utilizing our gifts to serve the church. Discipling each other to grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. This means daily reading our bibles and praying with God. This means memorizing scriptures and hiding them in our heart so we are ready to give a defense to the person who ask us for the reason of the hope within us.

This is what the Spirit of God does. he takes a hesitating farmer and makes him function as a super-judge and brings deliverance through him.

Maing point : Israel can’t miss the point. Slavation came not becasue Israel had a king but becasue the king had YHWH’s Spirit; it is not the institution of kingship but the power of the Spirit that brings delieverance. Nor can the church afford to miss the point. It is simply Christ’s Old Testament way of saying “without me you can do nothing John: 15:5.”

12 Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is it that said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.” 13 But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.”

Saul doesn't use his victory to get rid of his opponents.

Warren Wiesbe: Effective leaders use their authority to honr God and build up their people, but ineffective leaders use the people to build up their authority”

14 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.” 15 So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

The people were called to renew their allegiance to the rule of YHWH.

Renew - restore something previously distorted. Meaning the rulership of YHWH. So there would be a king, but YHWH is still in charge.

At Gilgal Samuel gathered Israel to renew their covenant with King YHWH, but with a human king leading. The prophetic office would continue toi remind the king that he served under God.

Word & Phrase Study

Paste Text Underline key words to study

Goal/Purpose

What are you trying to accomplish with this sermon. Should be linked to the inspired meaning of the text.

People to pray

Who are some people this sermon will benefit?

Who are some people that represent groups of people to keep in mind when thinking through Application.

Prayer

What should you be asking God for yourself and your people.

What are some hurdles or hindrances to understanding this text.

Opening Statement [HOOK]

Is there something that relates well to this topic that will draw your people into understanding why they need to open their bibles to this passages.

The first day of school with new clothes and fresh school supply. before the Pants get faded and the shoes get dirty. Before the pencil gets chewed. So much hope and expectation. Such a bright and promising future and outlook on the school year. Everything seems to get off to a good start.

⚙️ Technical Specifications of the RMS Titanic

Name: RMS Titanic

Type: Olympic-class ocean liner

Operator: White Star Line

Builder: Harland and Wolff Shipyard, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Launched: May 31, 1911

Maiden Voyage: April 10, 1912

Sank: April 15, 1912

🛠️ Dimensions and Design

Length: 882 feet 9 inches (269.1 meters)

Nearly three football fields long — one of the largest man-made moving structures in the world at the time.

Beam (width): 92 feet 6 inches (28.2 meters)

Height: From keel to top of funnels: 175 feet (53.3 meters)

Gross tonnage: 46,328 tons

Displacement: Approximately 52,310 tons

Draft: 34 feet 7 inches (10.5 meters)

Speed: 21 knots (cruising), maximum around 23–24 knots (about 26–28 mph)

⚓ Structure and Engineering

Decks: 9 decks (A–G Deck, plus Boat Deck and Orlop Deck)

Hull: Double-bottom hull with 16 watertight compartments

The “unsinkable” reputation came from the idea that the ship could stay afloat with up to four of these compartments flooded—but the iceberg breached five.

Propulsion:

Two reciprocating four-cylinder, triple-expansion steam engines (for the side propellers)

One low-pressure Parsons turbine (for the center propeller)

Combined horsepower: about 46,000 HP

Boilers: 29 coal-fired boilers with 159 furnaces

Burned roughly 600 tons of coal per day

Employed about 175 firemen and trimmers

Propellers: 3 (two 3-bladed wing propellers and one 4-bladed center propeller)

🧍‍♂️ Capacity and Crew

Total capacity: About 3,547 people

Passengers: 2,435 (in three classes)

Crew: 892

Actual on maiden voyage: 2,224 on board

710 survived; 1,514 perished

🛏️ Passenger Accommodations

First Class: Luxury unmatched by any ship of its time

Grand Staircase with ornate ironwork and a glass dome overhead

Turkish baths, gymnasium, squash court, swimming pool

Dining saloon could seat 500 people at once

Cabins included electric heaters, running water, and elaborate Edwardian furnishings

Tickets could cost up to £870 (equivalent to more than $120,000 today)

Second Class:

Comfortable cabins, library, and dining saloon—equal to first-class on many other ships.

Third Class (Steerage):

Basic but clean accommodations, shared rooms, and community dining spaces.

🧊 Tragic Voyage

Departure: Southampton, England → Cherbourg, France → Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland → New York City

Iceberg Collision: April 14, 1912, at 11:40 p.m.

Sinking Completed: April 15, 1912, at 2:20 a.m. — less than 3 hours later

Lifeboats: 20 total (enough for only 1,178 people — about one-third of total capacity)

💎 Symbolism of Grandeur

The Titanic wasn’t just a ship — it was a statement. It symbolized human progress, power, and pride. Its builders and passengers alike saw it as proof that mankind could master even the ocean. Every detail reflected confidence in human ingenuity, yet the very thing that inspired awe became the stage for one of history’s greatest tragedies.

The Titanic was strong, beautiful, and filled with promise — yet it was brought down by what seemed like a small, insignificant iceberg.

Near Context to Understand

This is occuring aroung 1050 BC

Remember chapter 9-10 is against the backdrop of Israel rejection of YHWH is chapter 8. 1 Samuel 8:7-20.

At the beginning of chapter 10 Samuel privately anointed Saul to be King of Israel, In this section there is the public declaration of him as King and later His coronation service as Israel’s king under the rule and ultimate kingship of YHWH.

Samuel is already aware this is YHWH’s work, but the people will come to know now. and this process assure they understand it from YHWH NOT only Samuel’s suggestion.

Somethings to consider when thinking about he spiritual condition of Saul especially prior to becoming king.

Benjamin’s territory was between Ephraim and Judah. He lived adjacent to the tribe that the king was suppose to come from

Gibeah [Saul’s home town] was about 5 miles from Ramah [Samuel’s home town] and Saul didn’t know what everyone else in Israel know 1 Samuel 3:20 and that the man of God lived there in Ramah. The servant had to tell him.

Application: This seems to be like people who are NOT against religion, but don’t are NOT overly concerned with spiritual matter. Knowing the Lord and His ways is not a vital part of their lives.

1 Samuel 9:6 - LSB translation captures the Hebrew better - He is wanting to ask Samuel why they have come on this journey, not so much where we should go next to find the donkeys.

1 Samuel 9:6 LSB

6 But he said to him, “Behold now, there is a man of God in this city, and the man is held in honor; all that he says surely comes true. Now let us go there, perhaps he can tell us about our journey on which we have gone.”

Back in 1 Samuel 9: 11-13 it would have been evening when they came into town and met the young women because that is when they would have been coming out to draw water.

Back in 1 Samuel 9:20 - Samuel speaking about all the desire for Israel being on Saul he was saying this because Israel desired a king and the Lord had chosen Saul. Saul didn’t understand what Samuel was saying but everything would be explained and exposed in due time.

The 3 signs that Samuel gave to Saul [1 Samuel 10:1-16] were ment to be confirmation to Saul of God being with him and God’s support to do what God was calling him to. Warren Wiersbe: The will of God will never lead us where the grace of God can’t keep us and use us.

This experience should have taught him God was with him and aided in trusting YHWH

Those 3 signs were suppose to show Saul that

God could solve his problems - because the donkeys were found.

God could supply His needs - He got bread from the men - He would need to lead in supplying for Israel going forward. God would do this for Israel through Him.

God could empower him for service - The Spirit of God rushing on him and empowering him to prophecy - What servant is sufficient for the task God calls to? 2 Corinthians 2:15-17, God is sufficient 2 Corinthians 3:4-6

1 Samuel 10:9 - Dont read the NT understanding of “regeneration” into this statement. It refers primarily to a different disposition [attitude and outlook]

Warren Wiersbe: This younger farmer would not think and act like a leader, the king of the nation, a warrior-statesmen whose responsibility it was to listen to God and obey His will.

Believers today, under the New Covenant have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them forever John 14:16-17, and are seal with the Spirit Ephesians 1:13-14, but this was not the case for the OT saints and this is not the case with Saul.

[Psalm 51:11] - This is a real prayer from David and he could have been thinking about what happened with Saul 1 Samuel 1:14; 28:15.

Proposition Statement

Exegetical Outline

Point 1 [vv1-7]

Present- What does the text say?

Explain – What does the text mean?

Illustrate – Relate it to your people [Examples]

Apply – What are the implication in life [Sometimes the illustration can do this]

Prove – Usually a cross reference

Summarize and Transition

Point 2 [vv1-7]

Present- What does the text say?

Explain – What does the text mean?

Illustrate – Relate it to your people [Examples]

Apply – What are the implication in life [Sometimes the illustration can do this]

Prove – Usually a cross reference

Summarize and Transition

Point 3 [vv1-7]

Present- What does the text say?

Explain – What does the text mean?

Illustrate – Relate it to your people [Examples]

Apply – What are the implication in life [Sometimes the illustration can do this]

Prove – Usually a cross reference

Summarize and Transition

Point 4 [vv1-7]

Present- What does the text say?

Explain – What does the text mean?

Illustrate – Relate it to your people [Examples]

Apply – What are the implication in life [Sometimes the illustration can do this]

Prove – Usually a cross reference

Summarize and Transition

Conclusions

Discussion Questions and Hand out Material

s

Maps, Chart , Tables to Present with