Samuel
The last judge, a praying prophet, a disappointed mentor to Saul, and the anointer of David. Leadership that listens to God outlasts leadership that listens to…
Lesson 5 · Course 50
Saul and David
From failing judges to a king like the nations — then a shepherd after God’s heart.
At a glance
Summary
From failing judges to a king like the nations — then a shepherd after God’s heart. The line of the judges grows weaker while the oppressors grow stronger. When leadership thins, God’s people start asking for a king like everybody else.
Big ideas
What to teach and remember
- The line of the judges grows weaker while the oppressors grow stronger. When leadership thins, God’s people start asking for a king like everybody else.
- Samuel is prophet, priest, and judge — not king. Keep the offices straight when you preach 1 Samuel.
- Saul looks the part and lives by excuses. Appearance is not anointing. A congregation can want a tall king and still miss God’s man.
- David is anointed long before Saul dies. God’s choice often runs ahead of the public calendar.
- David ruled forty years — and he sinned. Greatness in Scripture includes repentance, not a clean press kit. The Davidic covenant still points to a forever King.
- The witch of Endor is not a curiosity for Halloween sermons. It is a man at the end of himself, and even the darkness shrieks.
Key terms
People, places, and words that matter
Was Saul saved or lost?
The text leaves room for debate. Use it to teach holy caution: fruit, obedience, and the danger of a heart that will not return — without pretending we sit in…
David’s greatness and the Davidic covenant
A shepherd, a singer, a sinner, a king. 2 Samuel 7 is sermon gold: God builds the house. The forever throne is not David’s achievement; it is God’s promise…
Appearance
Appearance is not anointing
David
David is anointed long before Saul dies
Endor
Endor is not a curiosity for Halloween sermons
Covenant
The Davidic covenant still points to a forever King.
Structure
Outline / timeline
- Samuel
- Was Saul saved or lost?
- David’s greatness and the Davidic covenant
Must remember
Facts to keep straight
| Quiz score | 100% (1 attempt) |
|---|---|
| Key claim | The line of the judges grows weaker while the oppressors grow stronger. When leadership thins, God’s people start asking for a king like… |
| Preach | Samuel is prophet, priest, and judge — not king. Keep the offices straight when you preach 1 Samuel. |
| Key claim | Saul looks the part and lives by excuses. Appearance is not anointing. A congregation can want a tall king and still miss God’s man. |
Compare
Side-by-side contrasts
Clarify
- Samuel is prophet, priest, and judge
- Not: king. Keep the offices straight when you preach 1 Samuel.
For the pulpit
Sermon hooks
- Keep the offices straight when you preach 1 Samuel.
- The witch of Endor is not a curiosity for Halloween sermons.
- 2 Samuel 7 is sermon gold: God builds the house.
Quiz drill
Quiz drill / review · open to practice · 10 items
Question wording reconstructed from session notes.
Quiz score: 100% · 1 attempt
1. Each judge became weaker, while the oppressors became stronger.
TrueThe book winds down; the need for a true king winds up.
2. Eli was a strong, disciplined leader.
FalseEli’s house is a study in indulgence, not discipline.
3. Samuel was prophet, priest, and king.
FalseProphet, priest, and judge — not king. The crown is not his.
4. Israel wanted a king so they could be like the other nations.
TrueThe motive is conformity, not covenant. That still preaches.
5. Saul had many excuses.
TrueBlame-shifting is the soundtrack of a rejected king.
6. Whether Saul was saved or lost is debated.
TrueHold the debate humbly; do not build a whole system on a silence.
7. David was anointed as soon as Saul died.
FalseDavid was anointed earlier, while Saul still sat on the throne.
8. The witch of Endor was delighted.
FalseShe shrieked. This is terror, not a séance souvenir.
9. David ruled for 40 years.
TrueForty years of real reign — triumph, sin, and covenant mercy.
10. David never sinned.
FalseBathsheba, Uriah, the census — and a psalm of repentance. Preach the whole man.
Essay themes
If you preach or review
Samuel
The last judge, a praying prophet, a disappointed mentor to Saul, and the anointer of David. Leadership that listens to God outlasts leadership that listens to the crowd.
Was Saul saved or lost?
The text leaves room for debate. Use it to teach holy caution: fruit, obedience, and the danger of a heart that will not return — without pretending we sit in the final chair of judgment.
David’s greatness and the Davidic covenant
A shepherd, a singer, a sinner, a king. 2 Samuel 7 is sermon gold: God builds the house. The forever throne is not David’s achievement; it is God’s promise, kept in Christ.