I Samuel 8-20

The narrative account here is the story of the change from prophet or judge (Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel) to a king. It actually seems natural as the nation grows and becomes established that they would want a style of govenment that would be recognized by the coutnries and city-states around them. For Samuel the issue is personal. But God says that they are rejecting God himself. How is that the case?

God choose Saul as the first king. The story of how Samuel and Saul get together and the surprise in it for Saul is intimate and powerful. When approached by Samuel, Saul like all those who have been called before him is reluctant. After all, he is from the tribe of Benjamin (considered the least of the tribes). Are you seeing the biblica pattern in these narratives (God's initiative, the reluctance of the one chosen to receive the call, and God choosing from the unexpected places)? The Holy Spirit came upon Saul and that is what will enable him to become king. He will be king for 42 years, but his power as king eventually corrupts him and he is disobedient to God.

God rejects Saul and calls Samuel to anoint a new king. The anointing of David in I Samuel 16 is classic. The first king looked like a king - a head taller than those around him and physically impressive. Samuel is looking for another Saul only more obedient. But of all of Jesse's boys, David looks the least like a king. His complexion is "ruddy," the appearance of being a mama's boy. The Spirit of the Lord departs from Saul and instead Saul is possessed of an evil spirit. His only comfort is for a harpist to play. And who is that harpist? Saul's replacement! The setup of the rivalry between David and Saul is now in place. A fight with a giant and a deep friendship with the king's son, Jonathan, would only make it worse.

As you teach this kind of passage, some of the students will know the story of David's call and nearly everyone will have a version in their head of David and Goliath. Help them to confront the details of these narratives, for as you do the biblical story will become more their story (egs. struggling with God's call, political and sibling rivalries, the corruptive character of power, the inability to let go, and the power of the Spirit in true leadership). My hope is that you are becoming aware of just how powerful the Old Testament can be in shaping our lives. I always cringe when a pastor or parishioner says, "We belong to a New Testament church," as if the Old Testament no longer has anything important to say.