After Saul unified the people and successfully defended Jabesh-gilead, Samuel called the people to Gilgal to renew the kingdom. Gilgal is where they first crossed into the promise land and where they were circumcised in their flesh before conquering the …

In chapter 10 some rejected Saul as a newly appointed king. Then Nahash the Ammonite came against Jabesh-gilead attempting to make an outrageous agreement to totally demoralize them. “Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul mightily when he heard …

Samuel privately anointed Saul, but now calls all Israel together to Mizpah for his public selection and appointment. He then gives a clarification of their demand for a king: “…’I brought Israel up from Egypt, and I delivered you from …

When Samuel anointed Saul, he said, “…’Has not the LORD anointed you a ruler over His inheritance?’” (1b). God knew this word was difficult for Saul so He gave him three signs which occurred all in one day. The third …

Following Saul’s expression of insecurity, Samuel brings them to a worship service where he “…gave them a place at the head of those who were invited, who were about thirty men.” (22b). Also, Saul was given a preselected choice part …

Though displeased with Israel’s demand for a king, God still desired to see them free of their Philistine oppressors, so He promises deliverance: “…For I have regarded My people, because their cry came to Me.” (16d). He then reveals to …

Israel demanded a king like other nations. God gives them their choice. At first their choice appeared to be beneficial. Saul came from good stock. His father, Kish, was a man of wealth, influence and “a mighty man of valor.” …

God warned the people through Samuel of the impact of their desire for a king [like other nations]. He will take their children to serve his personal position, ambition and privilege. He will take their wealth to enrich those serving …

Samuel appointed his sons as judges over Israel. “His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice.” (3) The implication of this statement is Samuel’s sons did not …

“Now when the Philistines heard that the sons of Israel had gathered to Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the sons of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.” (7) Nothing stirs …

When the ark of the Lord arrived, they consecrated a priest to tend to it. It remained here 20 years, “…and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.” (2b). Then Samuel gave a prophetic exhortation: “…’If you return …

The ark was returned while they were reaping the wheat harvest. They received it with joy offering the cows [pulling the ark] as a burnt offerings to the Lord using the wood of the cart for the fire. As the …