Setting the context
This Old Testament book ends with, “There was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
What is Judges
As a boy, Samuel was brought here and served the Lord.
What is Shiloh (the tabernacle)
At Gilgal, when Samuel was late, Saul wrongly did this priestly task.
What is offer the burnt offering himself
Reference where the “no king…everyone did what was right” summary appears
Judges 21:25
The King God’s people ultimately need—who obeys perfectly and reigns forever.
Jesus
She prayed for a son and promised to dedicate him to the Lord.
Who is Hannah
As judge, he led Israel to do this at Mizpah—turn from sin and renew loyalty to God.
What is covenant renewal/repentance?
That act showed this heart posture—trying to control the outcome instead of trusting God’s timing.
What is impatience
Chapter where Israel demands a king to be like the nations.
1 Samuel 8
God wanted Israel—and us—to be this: distinct from the world.
Set apart/ holy
God raised up this prophet to lead Israel during the transition from judges to kings.
Who is Samuel
He anointed this man as Israel’s first king.
Who is Saul
DAILY DOUBLE: In the battle against Amalek, Saul kept these instead of destroying everything as commanded.
What is the best animals and King Agag
Chapter where Saul’s impatience at Gilgal costs him the kingdom.
1 Samuel 13
This is what partial obedience really is.
Disobedience
Israel asked for this so they could be “like all the nations.”
What is a King
Later, he anointed this “man after God’s own heart.”
Who is David
Saul’s excuses revealed this craving—he feared people more than God.
What is fear of man/ seeking people’s approval
Chapter with Samuel’s line, “To obey is better than sacrifice.”
1 Samuel 15
Real repentance relieves you of this, not just consequences.
What is sin itself / offending God
Beneath their request was this heart issue—trading God’s rule for the world’s way.
What is rejecting God as their true King / refusing to be set apart
After Saul spared what God condemned, Samuel said this is “better than sacrifice.”
What is Obedience
God’s verdict after Saul’s disobedience.
What is God rejected him as king
DAILY DOUBLE: God would raise “a man after His own heart.” Say the book and chapter.
1 Samuel 13
The opposite of fearing people that frees us to obey
Fear of God