Theory question 102
Saul and the Monarchy(a) Explain the circumstances that led to the rejection of Saul as the king of Israel. (b) Mention two consequences of Saul's rejection as king.
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(a) Samuel told Saul to destroy Amalek completely, for opposing Israel on the way from Egypt (1 Samuel 15:2-3).
Saul defeated the Amalekites but spared Agag and the best of the sheep and oxen, destroying only the worthless (1 Samuel 15:7-9).
God told Samuel He regretted making Saul king because he had not obeyed (1 Samuel 15:10-11).
Saul claimed he had obeyed and blamed the people, saying the animals were for sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:13-21).
Samuel said, "To obey is better than sacrifice… Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king" (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
When Saul tore Samuel's robe, Samuel said God had torn the kingdom from him (1 Samuel 15:27-28).
Earlier at Gilgal he had offered sacrifice unlawfully (1 Samuel 13:8-14).
(b) Any two: David was anointed in his place (1 Samuel 16:13); the Spirit of the Lord left him and an evil spirit tormented him (16:14); he grew jealous and tried to kill David; he died with his sons on Mount Gilboa (31:1-6); his dynasty ended.
Narrate 1 Samuel 15, then two consequences.