Saul Hears Terrible News

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 28

Saul's Thoughts

Yes. I told the soldiers to remove all mediums, people who talk to dead people. 


Yes. I tried to speak with the Lord and received no answer. The prophet Samuel told me this would happen because I didn't obey the Lord's commands. Still. I needed answers.


I had hoped a prophet would come to me and say he heard a message sent by God in a dream. Even that didn't work.


I needed to know what to do. A zillion Philistine soldiers camped in the valley over the hill. My spies confirm the Philistines planned to take out our army.


I chose to disguise myself and visit one of the mediums in hiding. She refused to help, because of my law. I rubbed my hands over her fire and said, "I promise, as the Lord lives, you won't be punished. I need your help...tonight."


She squinted her eyes as if looking close to see who I was. She didn't act like she recognized me. "All right, pay me my money and tell me who you want bought up."


I nodded to my guard to give her the money. "I want to see Samuel."


"Samuel?, the prophet Samuel? All right."  She said her mysterious words and moved her hands in a form of a dance. Her movements and sayings must not normally bring any real dead people, but this time it worked. She fell backwards when Samuel appeared. She sure looked angry. She pointed her finger and screamed, "Liar! You are Saul!"


I held my hands palm up to reassure her. "Don't be afraid. What did you see?"


She backed away from us again. Her hands trembled and her voice quivered. "I--I saw a spirit coming up out of the earth." 


"It's okay. What did the spirit look like?"


"It...looked like an old man and he is wearing a coat."


I knew the spirit must be Samuel. I lowered my face to the ground and bowed low.


A voice came from the spirit saying, "Why have you disturbed me by bring me up?"


"Samuel," I said, "I am deeply upset for the Philistines have come to war against me, and God left me. He doesn't answer me anymore. I haven't heard from any prophets or received any dreams. How else will I know what to do. I had to call you to find out what to do."


Samuel said, "Why do yo ask me? The Lord departed from you and became your enemy. He did this on His own as He told me He would. The Lord has torn the kingdom from your hands, Saul, and gave it to your neighbor, David. 


"Had you obeyed the Lord's commands with Amalek things might have been different. Instead you will be punished. You and the Israelite army with you will be given to the hands of the Philistines. Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me."


I fell flat on my face unable to move. Samuel's message repeated over and over in my mind. I had lost everything.


The woman offered me a piece of bread, and a meal to strengthen me before I left. I refused at first, but my servants and the woman convinced me I needed to eat something before traveling back to my army.


We left late that night. I thought about Samuel's words and shook. He said tomorrow I would be with him. No! What have I done?


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1.  Why did Saul go to a medium for help?
2.  Who did he want to talk to?
3.  Did that person come?
4.  Why was the medium afraid?
5.  What did Saul ask?
6.  What did the person answer?
7.  What will happen to Saul and his sons tomorrow?


picture courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Saul Looks for Help in all the Wrong Places

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 28

From Saul's Journal

I had never seen such a vast army. The Philistines must have called every available soldier alive and a few more. From on top the mountain they looked like an invasion of insects, numerous, endless, ready to conquer our land. We didn't stand a chance.


I ordered every Israelite soldier to prepare for battle. We gathered at Mt.Gilboa and looked down at our enemy. We may have had the height advantage, but they had unbelievable numbers and superior weapons. 


My hands shook and my heart beat hard enough to burst from my chest. I had no idea what to do. The prophet Samuel had recently died. I couldn't go to him. I forced all the spiritists out of the land a while ago. I couldn't go to any of them. Who could I ask for help?


I wore a rut pacing and still couldn't decide what to do.


I even tried asking the Lord. I went off by myself and asked God what to do. Did He have a battle plan or instructions to save us? But I received no answer from Him. Neither did anyone come forward to report receiving word from God in a dream. He didn't even send a prophet to speak to me. 


What could I do? We were as good as dead.


Then I had an idea. I called one of my servants, "Find me a woman who is a medium. One who is known for her work in speaking with dead people. There must be at least one hiding in the country. Find her. I want to ask her a few questions."


The servant said, "I happen to know of a woman who is a medium. She lives in En Dor."


"Good, good." 


I ordered two soldiers to go with me. We traveled along the base of Mt. Gilboa past the Philistine camp and turned towards the Hill of Moreh, careful to remain out of the sight of the Philistines. En Dor was on the other side of the hill.


I had changed my clothes and wore a disguise to prevent anyone from recognizing me as the king. That night we entered the city and found the woman's home.


"Come in weary travelers," she said. 


Her home looked like any other home. Nothing special like I'd expect to find in a medium's home. "Please conduct a seance for me. I will tell you which dead person I want to speak to."


"I can't do that, sir. You know what Saul did. All mediums and spiritist have been banned from the country. Are you trying to get me in trouble. Maybe you're laying a trap to get me killed. No way. I won't do it." She folded her arms and pointed to the door.


Now what should I do? Maybe I can get her to change her mind.


Come back next week to read what happened.


************************************
1. Why was Saul worried?
2. Who had the better position for a battle?
3.  Who had more men?
4. Saul was mad because who was dead and therefore couldn't help him?
5. Saul asked God for directions, why didn't God answer (email me if you get stuck with this question. The answer isn't in this story. mimary_vee@yahoo.com)
6. Saul risked his life to visit someone. Who did he want to see? 
7. What did he want her to do?


Author's note: Once again Saul tries to solve problems his own way. If only he chose to obey God he'd find the answers he needed.


picture courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

King Saul Finds Peace With David's Music

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 16

From Saul's Journal

I couldn't put my finger on the problem. 


No matter what I tried, I couldn't think of a strategy even when I stooding right in the middle of the battle. My head swirled with crazy thoughts, and none of them useful.


My appetite had left. My servants tried their best to please me, I know they worked hard, but every time they brought a platter of my favorite foods my stomach churned and I felt sick. 


I wasn't sick. I just couldn't pull myself together. Something was wrong.


I got angry about everything. Yesterday, in the throne room, citizens lined up to petition me with a problem. Their hands twirled in worry circles and their eyes were red from crying. Before each person said a word, fire flew in my veins from my toes to my head. I leaped toward the person and shout something mean. 


Sigh. This was not what I should be doing.


Why did Samuel leave me? It's his fault I was plagued with problems. If he stayed by my side I would hear his instructions. 


I know...I shouldn't have offered the sacrifice at the battle with the Philistines. I should have waited for Samuel to arrive no matter how late the hour. 


And...okay, he's probably upset about the monument I made for myself after the battle against Agog. Shouldn't I be proud of my victory? If Samuel visited me like he use to, I'd feel better.


One morning my trusted servants said, "My lord, there's got to be a distressing spirit troubling you. If you command us to search for a man who is a skillful player on the harp, we will go."


Why? Nothing would help. 


There was no way to stop the angry feelings inside. It was like a monster pulling on my muscles and breathing fire all over my body. I don't know why I agreed, but I said, "Yes, find me a man who can play a harp well and bring him here."


The angry monster grew stronger that night. I couldn't sleep. I didn't know what to do. The next morning my servants stood before me. "My lord, we found the son of Jesse, the Bethlehemite. He's skillful in playing the harp, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person...and the Lord is with him."


I shook my head and sighed. Could such a man ease the angry and confused feelings pounding in my head? I guess it wouldn't hurt to try. "Yes, bring him to me."


Later that day my servants returned with a young man. He brought gifts, a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat. The gifts didn't make me any better. What I needed was to think clearly, to be motivated to fight, to make strong decisions.


Still, the young man did seem to be everything my servants said. Maybe his music would help. "Play  your harp."


I didn't think the music would help. He plucked a few strings and stopped for a moment. The tone rang in the room, a soothing crystal sound. It sounded like a sweet song from the birds perched in fruit trees.


I felt...yes, I felt the monster inside cowering back away. "Play more." His fingers glided along the strings like a master. The sound echoed off the walls and resonated to the ceiling and back to the floor.


My muscles relaxed. So much so, I nearly fell asleep. 


Such peaceful sound. My heart felt...dare I say, happy? This was the same peace I had felt only when Samuel stood by my side. My head cleared, allowing me to me think. 


I must admit, David's music brought such peace, sweet peace.


I sent word to his father, "Please let young David stay in my service, for he has found favor in my sight."


******************************
photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1. Why did Saul feel troubled?
2. Could he figure out what to do?
3. What did his servants suggest?
4. Describe David
5. What did David bring King Saul?
6. What happened when Saul listened to the music?
7. The music David played was not any ordinary music. Why was it special?

The Youngest One is Chosen

By Mary Vee

I Samuel 16

From Samuel's Journal

Each day seemed endlessly long. 


Saul continued to make wrong choices. He causes the people to sin by not obeying the Lord's commands. And they followed him! Well, who wouldn't? He was king. 


I haven't spoken with him since he captured Agog. God told him to destroy the city. Yeah, well, once again Saul disobeyed. No surprise. 


Still, I wondered what would happen to our country. I wept for the people, and yes, I wept for Saul as well. I would have rathered he chose to obey the Lord.

One evening the Lord spoke to me, "How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse who lives in Bethlehem. I have provided Myself a king among his sons."


In truth, I didn't want to go because I knew Saul would kill me. He had spies everywhere. I asked God what to do.


The Lord told me bring a heifer to Bethlehem and offer a sacrifice. I did as He asked. When I entered the city gate, the elders eyes were wide as if afraid of me. One elder asked, "Do you come in peace?"


I nodded. "Yes, I come in peace to offer a sacrifice to the Lord. Make yourselves clean and ready then join me." I also invited Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice.


I watched for Jesse to arrive. 


After all the elders arrived we sat and talked until Jesse came. He had several sons with him. I took Jesse aside and spoke to him. "Jesse, present your sons to me please. I am looking for one of them and will only know which one when I see him."


He bowed and pushed Eliab, his oldest son toward me. "Surely, he is the one!" 


But the Lord said to me, "Don't look at his appearance or his physical stature. He is not the one.  You must remember, I do not see as man does. Man looks at the outward appearance, but I look a the heart."


I shrugged and said, "Okay, Lord." 


Jesse brought Abinadab, his next son. I waited for the Lord to respond. When He didn't say anything I asked for the third son. Jesse brought Shammah. Again no response. The same happened for the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh sons. 


I must admit, I was confused. The Lord said he'd chosen one of Jesse's sons, yet he did not pick any of the sons brought to me. I thought for a moment then said, "Are all your sons here?"


Jesse turned toward the hills and pointed. "No. The youngest is in the field, taking care of the sheep."


Ahhhhhh now I understood. The Lord chose the youngest one. "Jesse, send someone to get your youngest son. We won't sit down until I have seen him."


One of the older brothers ran to fetch his younger brother. He must have been far away since it took so long. 


I watched the hills in the direction the brother ran. After a while, two young men ran towards us. The younger had a ruddy appearance, bright eyes, and was a handsome young man. He walked toward me and bowed. "You asked for me?"


The Lord immediately spoke. "This is the one you should anoint."


I smiled at the young man and took out my horn filled with oil. With his brothers and father standing around him, I poured the oil on his head and prayed. "You, my son, David, have been chosen by God for a special task. You will be the next king of Israel. May the Lord lead you and bless you."


At that moment, the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.


With my job complete, I offered the sacrifice and prayers and returned to my home in Ramah.

**********************
1. Why did God tell Samuel to stop being sad about Saul?
2.  Why didn't Samuel want to go to Bethelehem?
3.  God had a plan for Samuel to get safely to Jesse's town. What was the plan?
4.  Were the elders of Bethlehem happy to see Samuel?
5.  What did Samuel ask Jesse to do?
6.  What did Samuel think of Eliab?
7.  Who was missing?
8.  What did Samuel want to see David?

That's It, Saul. You're Done

By Mary Vee

I Samuel 15

From Samuel's Journal

The word of the Lord came to me last night. He said, "I greatly regret that I have made Saul as king, for he has turned away from following me. He has not kept my commandments."

My heart ached as if someone had stabbed my own child. 

I cried to God all night, weeping and sobbing. Oh how my heart ached. I didn't sleep even for a moment. All I could think--all that flowed in my mind were the disappointed words from God. 

My eyes stung and my stomach had gnarled into a tight ball. Oh how the words grieved my soul.

The next morning I rose early from my bed and looked for Saul. He wasn't anywhere near. A villager told me Saul had gone to Mt. Carmel where he'd made a monument for himself before continuing on to Gilgal. 

Seriously? He made an monument for himself? I grabbed my staff and journeyed to Gilgal. Saul stood when he saw me walking close to him. He bowed and said, "Samuel, Blessed are you of the Lord! I have performed the commandment of the Lord."

How could he lie? Rage boiled deep in my soul. I turned to the side because I didn't really want to look at him. "Oh, really, Saul? What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?"

Saul laughed "Oh that? Well, the troops brought them from the Amalekites. The people spared the best of the sheep and the oxen to sacrifice to the Lord your God. But...the rest we completely destroyed." He folded his arms and nodded with a disgustingly smug look.

That's it. I couldn't take it any longer. "Be quiet! I'll tell you what the Lord said to me last night."

Saul rolled his eyes and smirked. "Okay. Tell me."

I had to take a breath before saying another word. "When you were little in your own eyes, weren't you the head of the tribes of Israel? Didn't the Lord anoint you king over Israel? Now the Lord sent you on a mission to completely destroy the Amalekites. Why didn't you obey the voice of the Lord. Why did you take the spoils and do evil in the sight of the Lord?"

Saul held his hands out toward me. "What. I obeyed the voice of the Lord. I brought back Agag and utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the soldiers took the plunder, sheep, oxen, and the best of the things that should have been destroyed to sacrifice them to the Lord your God."

I shook my head in disbelief. "Do you think the Lord prefers offerings and sacrifice over obedience? To obey is far better than to sacrifice. Rebellion is the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness is as sin and idolatry. 

"Because you've rejected the word of the Lord He has also rejected you from being king."

Saul's smugness finally fell away. He pressed his hands together. "Okay. You're right. I've sinned against the commandment of the Lord and your words. But, Samuel, I did it because I was afraid of the people and obeyed their voice. Please forgive me and return with me that I may worship the Lord."

I couldn't do it. This time he went too far. "No, Saul. I won't return with you. You have rejected the word of the Lord and now the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel. Bring me Agag."

King Agag was brought to me. He seemed way to confident. He knew Saul had spared his life.


Agag said, "Surely the bitterness of death is past."

Nope. Wrong answer. God said to destroy everything. If Saul wouldn't do the job, I would. I turned to Agog, "As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless." I took a sword and killed him...as Saul should have done.

I went home...


and wept for the king of Israel.

******************************

1.  What did the Lord tell Samuel in the night?

2.  How did Samuel respond?

3.  Where did Samuel go?

4.  What did he tell Saul?

5.  What was Saul's answer?

6.  Samuel told Saul __________ is better than sacrifice.

7.  What job did Samuel do since Saul had not finished the work?

8.  What was Saul's punishment?

King Agog

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 15

From Abner's Journal, Commander of King Saul's Army

King Saul appointed me the commander of his army. I am his uncle.  


Saul turned into a fighting animal after he became king, waging war against the Moabites, Ammon, Edom, Zobah, Philistines, and basically, any other people who lived near us. We never rested. 


All Israelite males who appeared strong or valiant were immediately enlisted in Saul's army. As a result, our troops had great strength and power. They trained daily and never let their bodies grow weak.


One day the Prophet Samuel visited Saul on the battlefield. He said, "You do remember the Lord is the one who sent me to anoint you king of His people?"


"Yes."


"He now has a task for you. The Lord says, 'I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed the Israelites on the road from Egypt. Go and attack  the rich and evil Amalekites and destroy all that they have and spare nothing."


Saul nodded. "Yes, Samuel."


After Samuel left, King Saul ordered me to count the soldiers in the area. I gathered the troops and counted two hundred thousand footmen and ten thousand addition soldiers from Judah. We marched to the first city of Amalek and lay in wait in the valley.


A tribe of Kenites had camped in the area. Saul went to their leader and said, "You need to leave. Please listen to my warning.  Get away from the Amalekites. I am about to attack and I don't want to harm any of your people. You showed kindness to all the people of Israel when they escaped Egypt."


We helped the Kenites pack their things and watched them sneak away. The next morning, as the sun rose, we attacked the Amalekites with a surge of power. We conquered them from the north in Havilah all the way to the south in Shur, which was east of Egypt.


In the battle we destroyed everything. Well, not everything. The Amalekites had animals and other riches like fine wines, foods, precious stones, clothes, and much more. Who could stop the soldiers from keeping the wealthy things? After all, we worked hard and we destroyed everything else as the Lord commanded.


King Saul eyes sparked with pride when King Agag was captured.. Agag would make a great slave. King Saul could throw scraps of food on the floor and watch him eat with his hands tied behind his back. What a great way to show Saul's great conquest.


Saul felt pretty good about the battle results. He went to Mt. Carmel and built a monument for himself. 


We marched onto Gilgal and took a break. That afternoon, the Prophet Samuel came. He didn't look happy. Actually his red face and his stomping toward the camp looked more like he was filled with rage. Why would he be mad? We did what the Lord said.


I mean, really...what did we do wrong?


*********************************
1.  The Prophet Samuel rarely visited King Saul because of Saul's disobedience to God. But the Lord gave Samuel directions for Saul.  What did Samuel tell him?
2.  Who is Abner?
3.  What did the Amalikites do wrong?
4.  Why did God spare the Kenites?
5.  What did the Israelite soldiers do? Why?
6.  What did king Saul do? 
7.  Why would God be unhappy with the Israelites after this battle?

Saul's Big, Big Mistake

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 13

From Saul's Journal

The Philistines had been a power threat to us for, well, ever since I can remember. 


The day Samuel held a ceremony to renew my title as official king of Israel, the Lord had led us to a tremendous victory over Nahash, the meanest, Philistine commander around.


Two years have since passed. Our armies had fought the Philistines more times than I care to count. Today we would fight again.


Thirty thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and a Philistine army as numerous as the sand on the seashore came to battle us at Michmash. The people of Israel hid in caves, thickets, rocks, holes, pits, anywhere they could find to escape the cruel Philistines. Some families crossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead to hide.


I stayed in Gilgal, my home. Those who stayed with me admitted to their fear. We didn't have the equipment, chariots, horsemen, or army to fight back. How can an army fight without weapons?


Samuel had given me the Lord's instructions before each battle. This time, Samuel said, "Wait seven days, I will come and offer a sacrifice and prayers to God for our soldiers. The Lord will bless.


On the seventh day, I wanted to get the battle started. I went for short walks and paced a lot, I didn't like waiting.


The next morning, I expected to see the prophet Samuel waiting outside my tent. Maybe he'd tap his foot and tell me I should have been ready at first light. But he wasn't there.


I paced again and barely ate any breakfast. The men asked, "Seven days have passed...when will we go to battle?" I didn't know. I had waited as I was instructed. Where was Samuel?


The noon hour had come. No sign of the prophet Samuel. Maybe he was sick. Maybe he was hurt. Maybe he wasn't coming.


I decided I had followed all of Samuel's instructions by waiting seven days. The Lord expected a sacrifice to dedicate the battle to Him and I wanted to get busy. I ordered two scouts to look for Samuel one last time. No sign of him.


I couldn't wait any longer. I ordered  a burnt offering and peace offering to be brought and an altar set up. I shaded my eyes from the morning sun and searched the hills and valleys. Still no Samuel. 


The time had come for me to offer the sacrifice myself. I did everything like I remembered seeing Samuel do. 


But when the last words of the sacrifice left my mouth, Samuel appeared over the hill. 


He looked at the sacrifice and over at me. His eyes grew wide. "What have you done, Saul?" 


"Samuel, I waited seven days like you said. Much of our army had given up and scattered far from here. If I waited any longer we wouldn't have had any soldiers left to fight. The Philistines had prepared for this battle and would have overtaken us. A sacrifice had to be offered and you weren't here."


Samuel's face grew angry. He was really mad. 


He said, "Saul, you have done foolishly. You've disobeyed the Lord's commands which he gave you. God would have made you and your family king over Israel forever. But not any longer. The Lord has found a man dedicated to serving Him and has commanded him to be the new king. The kingdom has been taken from you, Saul.


Samuel refused to stay for the battle. He shook his head and walked away.


********************************
1. Who came to fight the Israelites?
2. Why did Saul wait seven days?
3. Why do you think Samuel did not show when Saul expected him?
4. Why did Saul offer the sacrifice?
5. Why was this wrong?
6. What punishment was given.


photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Stay True to Your Faith in God

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 12

From Samuel's Journal

I was disappointed in the people of Israel for choosing to have a human king instead of God. But, the Lord told me to go ahead and anoint Saul as their king.


It seemed to me the Israelites have forgotten who God is, how powerful He is, and what He has done for them.


The season for harvest had come. Wheat kernels were ripe. I asked the Lord to send thunder and rain on the wheat fields.  


Did they really know God's power? Did they think He didn't see their sins? Perhaps the people of Israel needed to be reminded of their selfishness in wanting a human king instead of the Lord.


The Lord honored my request. He sent thunder and rain that day. It was a powerful storm packed with booming thunder and pelting rain. 


The Israelites cried and became afraid. "Please Samuel," they cried, "Pray for us to the Lord your God  that we won't die. We have added to all our sins. We confess our evil sin of asking for a king for ourselves."


"Peace." I said to them. "Yes you have done all this wickedness, but now you need to not turn away from following the Lord.  You must serve Him with all your heart. Don't give you attentions to other things for you will go after empty things.


God loves you. He will not forsake you.


And I will not cease to pray for you. However, I will teach you the good and the right way that God commands.


This is what God wants: fear Him and serve Him in truth, with all your heart, and remember the great things He has done for you.


I must also tell you this. If you turn away from God and go back to doing wicked things, you will be swept away, both you and your king.


And so the days of Saul's reign began...I think there will be sad days in our future.


************************
1. Why was Samuel disappointed in the Israelites?
2. What did Samuel ask God to do?  Why?
3. Did God answer Samuel's prayer?
4. What did the people do?
5. Who was to be the king of Israel?
6. Who became the king of Israel?
7. What is the difference between the answer for five and the answer for six?

Saul, Chosen King

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 10

From Saul's Journal

I had waited the seven days in Gilgal as Samuel instructed. 


When he arrived he sent messengers to all the people in the area to meet at Mizpah. Everyone left their work to do what he said. Of course we'd do whatever Samuel said, he was a prophet.


He stood before all the people, his eyebrows pointed down, his angry wrinkles showed, Samuel was mad. This would not be good.


He said, "The Lord God of Israel says, 'I brought you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all kingdoms and from those who hurt you and made you slaves.'" Samuel shook his head and sighed. "But today, you have rejected your God, the One who saved you from all your enemies and the terrible things that happen. You have said to Him, 'No, set a king over us!'


Samuel stood quiet for a minute. I figured we were in deep trouble. Yes, everyone asked for a king. All the countries around us had a king. Samuel's sons couldn't do his job. They disobeyed God's commands more than I did. Were we really suppose to live with his rotten sons as leaders over us?


Well, OK, I do remember Samuel had taken the place of Eli's sons as prophet and head priest. They were rotten and deserve the job as head priest. Which...means someone else could take the job for Samuel's sons, but--oh, I don't know--it sure would be fun to have a king like the other countries. And why not? We are a kingdom, too!
 
Samuel opened his eyes and said, "Gather together into your own tribal groups and come before me one by one."


It took a few minutes but all the tribes made groups. I belonged to the tribe of Benjamin. Usually when the tribes gather, we went in a certain order. My tribe would be last. 


As each tribal group passed by Samuel he shook his head and said, "No your tribe is not the chosen one." But when my group, the Benjamite tribe, passed by him, Samuel said, "Your tribe is the chose one."


All the other tribes sat down. Samuel then told us to go passed him according to our families. We gathered into groups, I belonged to the Matri family, the last group, again. We walked passed Samuel. He shook his head and said no to each group until my family passed by him. "Yes, the Matri family is the chosen one."


All the other families sat down. Next, Samuel had every Matri family member go before him. When he asked each family member to walk before him something happened to me. My hands shook and my stomach felt queasy. I didn't want to go before Samuel. So, I ran and hid in a place I could see...but not be seen. 


Samuel shook his head no to each person who walked by then said, "Saul, where is he? The one who is not here is the chosen one." He raised his eyes to the sky and said, "Lord, where is Saul?"


The Lord answered, "There he is, hidden among the equipment."


A few men ran toward me, took me by the arms and pulled me to where Samuel stood. I hadn't noticed before, but next to me, Samuel and the other men seemed short.


He said, "Look at the man whom the Lord has chosen. See, there is no one like him among all the people. See how tall he is above all of us."


All the people shouted and cheered at me, "Long live the king!"


Samuel held his hands out to hush everyone. "This is what your king will do: he will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horsemen, some will have to run before the chariots. He will make them serve in his army and others to work as his farmers, and others to fix his equipment. He will take your daughters to work as his cooks, perfumers, and bakers. He will take your land for his own fields and vineyards, and groves. He will take a tenth of your food and give it to his workers. He will take your servants, donkeys and a tenth of your animals to use for himself. 


"But this is what you have chosen over the Lord."


Then he walked away. His face--had such sadness.
*************************************
1. What tribe did Samuel say God had chosen?
2. What family did Samuel say God had chosen?
3. Who did God choose to be king?
4. Why do you think Saul hid?
5. Did God want the people to have a king? why or why not?
6. What did Samuel say the king would do to the people?

Saul's Challenge

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 9,10

From Saul's Journal

The prophet Samuel gave me a place to sleep for the evening. Thanks to his kindness I didn't have to return home until the next morning. He said our missing donkeys had been found and returned to my father. I guess I had nothing to worry about any more. I accepted his gift and had a good night's sleep.


Samuel woke me early, about dawn, and said, "Get up. It's time for you to go." My servant and I packed our few things and walked with Samuel through the city toward the gate. 


Samuel turned to me and said, "Tell your servant to go ahead, I have instructions for your ears only."


I had no idea what this prophet wanted to tell me. He'd never met me before. I felt confused but I also knew I needed to do what he said. I sent the servant ahead as he instructed. This man Samuel seemed quite a mystery. He acted as though he not only knew who I was but what I would do in the future. 


He guided me to a field where we stood alone. Samuel took a jar of oil and asked me to kneel. I did as he said and was surprised when he poured the oil on my head. He said, "The Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance."


Me? I had no idea why I had been chosen to lead Israel. I had no special training. 


I didn't want to interrupt Samuel, though. He took a breath and gave me instructions. He said, "Your first instruction is: go to Rachel's tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zelzah. Two men have a message for you."


I called my servant to walk with me. We traveled to Rachel's tomb and found two men. They said, "The donkeys you've been looking for have been found. You father is no longer concerned about the animals but worries about you." 


Samuel spoke the truth, they donkeys had been found! Then I remembered the next instruction: go forward to the terebinth tree of Tabor. Three men will meet you there.


My servant and I walked to the terebinth tree. At the tree we found three men going to Bethel. One had three young goats, another three loaves, and the last a skin of wine. The man with the bread gave us two of the loaves, just like Samuel said he would. Amazing, we didn't even ask!


My servant and I ate then followed Samuel's next instruction: go to the hill of God where the Philistines have a group of soldiers camped. We went in the city and met a several prophets who had returned from the high place. The men carried a stringed instrument, a tambourine, a flute, and a harp. I went with them to a meeting place where they prophesied.


During that meeting, the Spirit of the Lord came upon me as Samuel said. I joined the prophets in prophesying. In that meeting, in that place--for the first time-- I actually understood the feeling of hearing God speak. The fear, yet tingly sparkle in my veins feeling.


I wanted to stay with the prophets for a long, long time, but I had more instructions from Samuel. I didn't want to miss anything he said to do. Each instruction surprised me. His next instruction: go to Gilgal and wait for me seven days for the next instruction.


My servant and I went to Gilgal. Several of my relatives lived there. My uncle walked over to my camp and said, "Where did you go?"


I answered, "To look for father's donkeys but when I couldn't find them I found the prophet Samuel."


My uncle seemed pleased. "Well, what did Samuel say?"


I answered, "He told us plainly that the donkeys had been found." I didn't want to tell him anything about the anointing. It didn't seem to be the right time, and Samuel had more instructions for me. Everything Samuel had said to do turned out good, I didn't want anything bad to happen from my telling anyone news before the right time. I'm confident Samuel will tell me what to say and when.


Come back next week to read about the next instruction.
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1. What did Samuel give Saul?
2. What did Samuel pour on Saul's head. What did he say as he poured?
3. What was the first instruction Samuel gave Saul. What happened?
4. What was the second instruction Samuel gave Saul. What happened?
5. What was the third instruction Samuel gave Saul? What happened?
6. What was the fourth instruction Samuel gave Saul?

Son of Kish is Chosen

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 9

From Saul's Journal

We've had problems with our donkeys wandering away lately. This last week those naughty animals did it again. 


My father asked me to search the hillsides and bring the wayward animals home.


Not knowing where those silly donkeys went this time I had my servant pack enough provisions to last a few days. The servant and I left early in the morning and walked through the mountains of Ephraim then over to the land of Shalisha. No sign of the donkeys.


It's important to look where the best grazing would be. Let's see, we checked the land of Shaalim and Benjamim then headed over to Zuph. Where were the donkeys?


I didn't know. Several days had passed since I left home. We should have found them by that time. My servant and I stopped for a meal and rested a while on a hill. "I don't know where else to look. Let's go home," I said. "My father's probably wondering where we are."


"My lord, your father will be pleased if we bring the donkeys back. I have heard there is a man of God in the city over there. He is said to be an honorable man and everything he says comes to pass. Maybe he can tell us where the donkeys went."


"Good idea," I said. "But we have no gift to give. Our bread is gone. We can't visit him without a gift."


My servant took out a one-fourth shekel of silver. "We can give the man of God this."


Maybe he was right. And father would be pleased if we found the donkeys. "I like you idea.Let's go."


On our way toward the city we met some young women carrying water pitchers. I asked, "Do you know where the man of God is?"


One pointed. "Yes, he's up ahead. You need to hurry, though. The people from the city asked him to come today to bless the sacrifice for the Lord on the high place. You should find him near the city gate preparing to go to the high place to eat. The others are already there waiting for him to bless the sacrifice. Only those invited will be allowed to eat. If you hurry you might be able to speak with him before he goes."


We ran in the direction she pointed. I didn't want to miss him. Inside the city gate we found a man walking toward the gate. "Excuse me, please tell me where is the man of God?"


He smiled and said. "I am the man. Come with me to the high place. I want you to eat with me today and stay the night."


How strange. The woman said only those invited would eat at the high place yet this man, whom I did not know, invited me to the meal. He didn't even ask my name. Why would he ask a stranger to go to a special meal?


He must have figured out I didn't understand and said, "Don't worry about your donkeys, they've been found. You and your household has found favor above all in Israel."


Me? Why me? "Sir, I am a Benjaminite, from the smallest tribe of Israel. My family is the least important in our tribe. Why did you say that?"


He didn't answer right away. He led me to the high place and into the hall where thirty people sat waiting to eat. The man of God walked toward the seat of honor. "Saul, sit here." He had the cook bring me the best of the food which had been saved just for me.


I didn't understand. Why did he treat me special. Why had I been chosen in the high place?


Come back next time to learn why.
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1. What did Saul's family lose?
2. What did Saul's dad ask him to do?
3. When Saul couldn't find what he wanted what did his servant suggest?
4. What did the man of God say and do for Saul?
5. Why do you think the man of God did this?

We Want a King!

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 8

Samuel's Journal

Many years have passed since I became the head priest of Israel. God had granted us a blissful time of peace. I loved each day.

The time had come, though when I needed to appoint my replacement. I couldn't do the work any more...not all of it. I chose my two sons, Joel and Abijah to judge over the people in my place.

Sigh. Joel and Abijah didn't have the love for God that I had hoped. I had to speak to them on many occasions regarding the wrong things they did and said to the people. I tried to show them by example and teach them how to lead the people, but they didn't want to. They didn't see or know God the way I did.

The Israelites grew frustrated as well. Several came to me to report Joel and Abijah's wrongdoings. My sons stole from the people, took bribes, and judged for the side of the people they liked instead of the one who was innocent or just.

Ever since my sons had been appointed judge the people grumbled. They looked at the other countries near us and how their governments were run. All of the countries in our area had kings...except ours. 

I knew we needed a solution but not what the people asked of me. Perhaps God would appoint a new priest. When Eli's sons did not follow God's ways he sent me to the Temple to take his son's place. Maybe God will either change my son's hearts or appoint a new priest. He knows best.

The elders called a meeting here in Ramah to discuss Joel and Abijah's behavior. Their decision involved me. 

After they met, a messenger arrived at my door. "Samuel, the elders would like to meet with you."

I invited the men to come to my home, sit down, and share their concerns. "Samuel, you have judged our kingdom--well...for a long time. Now, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. We, all of us, think it is time our country appoints a king as judge over our people, like the countries around us. We would like a king."

I looked at the eyes of the all the elders seated before me. They nodded in agreement to each other and at me. My muscles tightened with anger. I closed my eyes because I didn't want to look at them--how could they want a king instead of God?

I stood and pointed to the door. "If you will be so kind to leave. I will pray about your request and let you know what God has said."

The men filed out of my house, not saying a word. I wanted to slam the door, but chose not too. I went out to the field...to the open sky and breathed in His air. I needed God to calm my spirit...I couldn't speak with all the anger raging in my heart. 

Soon I felt God's peace, His love softened the tension. My eyes looked toward heaven and I prayed. "Oh Father, great God Almighty. You have heard the words of the elders. They've asked for a king." A tear drip down my cheek and I fell to the ground. How my heart ached.My head flopped against the earth. "I don't know what to say, God. I am empty of words--my heart is ripped in two." 

I laid there silently and wept...letting my tears fall to the ground. My body sobbed until there was nothing left to cry. Then the Lord said, "Samuel--."

I sniffed and took a deep breath.

I wiped the tears and answered as I had when God called to me as a child in Eli's care. "Speak, for your servant hears."

The Lord said, "Follow the voice of the people in all that they say to you. The Israelites have not rejected you... they have rejected Me and have decided I should not reign over them. Samuel, they have rejected me from the day I brought them out of Egypt...choosing to worship other gods rather than Me. It is time. Follow the voice of the people. However, you must solemnly forewarn them, and show them what a king will do to this country."

I lay on the ground a while longer, weeping for the people and the decision they made. Life will not be peaceful without God as their king.

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1. Who did Samuel choose to help him with his duties?

2. What did his helpers do wrong?

3. What did the elders say to Samuel?

4. What did Samuel do?

5. What did God say?