Chapter Summary

The self-will of Saul. He intrudes into the priests office. His divine rejection announced.

Discussion Questions for 1 Samuel, Chapter 13

1. Compare the amount of men with Saul and Jonathan and the amount of Philistines coming against them. What does the situation look like for Israel? Why does this information help explain the problem in vs. 6-7?
2. Consider the words of Samuel in 12:24 with the situation Saul faces in 13:6-7. Have the people heeded Samuel? Why not?
3. Why is the fear of men dangerous? What does it lead Saul to do? Why is this wrong?
4. What is the connection between impatience and fear? When have you allowed fear to make you impatient? What is the root cause of Saul's fear?
5. Consider Saul's response to Samuel's question. How does Saul justify himself? What does it mean to justify something? What does justifying ourselves reveal about our hearts?
6. Is Samuel's response to Saul's actions and excuses justified? Why is it a mercy that God will not Saul to have a lasting dynasty?
7. Compare Saul and Eli as leaders. Where are they similar? Where are they different? What does this reveal about God's views on leadership?
8. What is the Providence of God? In what ways do we think of God's power in terms of technological advantages? Where do you look at earthly resources as a source of strength instead of God?
9. Based on what you see in this chapter, how should we seek the favor of the Lord? What is commended? What, based on Saul's example, should we avoid doing?
10. Why does the author follow news of the Philistine raiding parties with the news of Israel's lack of weapons? How does this detail reveal Israel's dependence on their true ruler, God?
11. Where do your circumstances demoralise you from remaining faithful to God?

Key Words/Phrase

Disobedience, v. 13.

Characters

God, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan.

Strong Verse(s)

14