In this lesson, the people of Israel are granted their request for a king. This lesson tells of Saul’s call, anointing and presentation to the people.
After the record of the miraculous birth of Samuel in chapter one and the praiseful prayer of Hannah in chapter two (1 Samuel 2:1-10), we are introduced to the spiritual famine of this time – which is still the time of the judges.
Samson’s life is a riddle—much like the riddle that he tells to his companions. In the end, Samson’s strength is destroyed by his lust after the so-called sweet things of the flesh.
Though all men are doing what is right in their own eyes, God is still keeping account and judging the wicked.
Gideon wins the war against the Midianites, righteously refuses to be king and judges Israel for forty years. Yet in making the ephod, he sets Israel up for their next plunge into idolatry and rebellion.
